Cobourg

Cobourg stretches along Lake Ontario's shoreline east of Toronto, with a sandy beach and maintained walking trails. The town has a clear focal point in the Victorian Victoria Hall, which overlooks the waterfront.

The town was founded in 1798 by United Empire Loyalists and received its name in 1819 to commemorate Princess Charlotte Augusta's marriage to Prince Leopold. This early British settlement shaped its character and later growth.

Victoria Hall serves as the town hall and houses the Art Gallery of Northumberland with works by regional artists. The place maintains a living connection to its artistic heritage through ongoing exhibitions and community gatherings.

The town is accessible via Highway 401 and local bus transit, with VIA Rail services connecting to other Ontario cities. Summer months offer the best conditions for enjoying the beach and trails, while the waterfront remains accessible year-round.

The former Cobourg Jail, built in 1906, now operates as the King George Inn while retaining its original solid stone walls and prison layout. This unusual transformation allows visitors to experience accommodation within a building that still reads as a fortress-like structure.

Location: Northumberland County

Inception: 1798

Elevation above the sea: 173 m

Shares border with: Hamilton

Website: http://cobourg.ca

GPS coordinates: 43.96667,-78.16667

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:43