Downtown Destinations
Clarington is rapidly emerging as a top destination for leisure, tourism, and business investment, thanks to its unique blend of small-town charm, major attractions, and thriving downtown areas.
Clarington’s downtown areas of Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono are poised for steady economic growth, driven by population expansion, strategic planning, and a strong local business environment.
Beyond its downtowns, Clarington offers vibrant tourism assets like Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) for adrenaline seekers and Darlington Provincial Park for year-round outdoor recreation, enriching the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and explore.
Clarington's downtowns
Downtown charm
The downtowns of Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, and Orono each reflect Clarington’s evolving landscape through strategic planning and community growth. Historic Downtown Bowmanville blends heritage and modern vibrancy through the Bowmanville East Urban Centre Secondary Plan, while Courtice is poised for long-term economic expansion with major infrastructure investments like a future GO Train station and waterfront redevelopment. Newcastle is preserving its rural charm amid growing residential demand and streetscape improvements, and Orono continues to thrive with a strong local identity, focusing on heritage, tourism, agriculture, and resilient small businesses.
Community Improvement Plans
Clarington’s CIP grants offer up to $10,000 to support building improvements, accessibility upgrades, signage, and heritage restoration in historic downtowns, helping boost local investment and community vibrancy.
Seasonal Sidewalk Patio Program
Clarington’s Seasonal Patio Program helps local restaurants and cafés expand outdoor dining from May to October by offering permits for sidewalk and private-property patios. The program boosts business visibility and customer experience while ensuring accessibility and compliance with municipal standards.
Destinations
Brews and bites
Clarington’s tourism economy thrives on a diverse culinary scene that enhances its appeal to visitors and entrepreneurs. Local breweries like Lightcaster Brewery, with its handcrafted beers and lively taphouse in Bowmanville, contribute to Clarington’s vibrant craft beverage scene. Farm-to-table restaurants such as Pound and Pestle Culinary Co. in Orono and The Yardbird in Bowmanville showcase Clarington’s agricultural roots with menus built around locally sourced ingredients.
These culinary gems complement the municipality’s tourism assets and reinforce its growing reputation as a dynamic destination for food lovers and business investment.
Agri-Tourism
From apple orchards to pumpkin patches, the farm experience is a key driver in the local agri-tourism sector. Popular destinations include family-run Pingle’s Farm Market, a 138-acre experiential farm offering pick-your-own produce, seasonal festivals, and a year-round market. The Country Path self-guided tour connects visitors to a network of local farms, artisans, and heritage sites, promoting rural charm and authentic farm experiences. The sector continues to see added experiences and expansion throughout Clarington’s rural areas.
Festivals and Attractions
Clarington’s vibrant festival scene, including the beloved Apple Festival in Bowmanville and the long-standing Orono Fair, welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors annually, energizing local downtowns and boosting the economy. Major attractions like Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), Canada’s top motorsport facility, host international racing events, while Brimacombe offers year-round outdoor adventure across the Oak Ridges Moraine as one of Ontario’s largest ski areas. Darlington Provincial Park is nestled along Lake Ontario with its sandy beach, nature trails, and camping.
Together, these destinations attract over 500,000 visitors annually, reinforcing Clarington’s role as a tourism hub and a prime location for business investment.