Coburg – A Perfect Victorian Beach Town in the Heart of Southern Ontario
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, an integral part of the Great Lake System, this small Victorian hamlet fills to its brim with summer tourists. Not only is the city Coburg charming (especially Victoria Hall!), but it is easy to access and pleasant to walk around. Its sandy beach is but a compliment to its prim city center.
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Geography and Transportation
Located off the Highway 401 corridor between Montreal and Toronto, residing closer to the latter, the city is well positioned vis a vis Canada’s transportation network. To access the city one can take Via Rail or their personal vehicle. Although it was once an important port on the great lakes, there is no ferry to the city.
A Brief History
Formerly part of lands occupied by the Mississauga people, it was settled by United Empire Loyalists feeling the American Revolution some time around 1798. It originally went by the name Hamilton but switched to Coburg by 1819. This name was in honor of the marriage between Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, the latter being the future Leopold I of Belgium.
By the 1830’s the harbour was well established and the settlement became a hotbed of trade. In 1837 it was officially designated as a town. Raw supplies came from the heart of Central Ontario, just north of the town. At first the town relied on river steamships and a plank road to the town of Peterborough to bring timber and later Iron ore from Marmora. With this increase in commercial activity came a railway to Peterborough in 1854. The 1850’s were the towns heyday with name of the city’s grand buildings constructed during this time. Furthermore several educational institutions called the town home but many moved to Toronto. An example of this is Victoria College that merged to become the University of Toronto.
The city eventually fell into decline until urban renewal efforts at the tail end of the 20th century helped revitalize it as a tourist destination.
Exploring Coburg
Downtown Coburg
Known for its fine Victorian architecture and tidy row homes, the downtown core is a joy to walk through.
One of my favorite stops in the downtown core is one of the many famed “businessman” statues by William McElcheran. Installed in the 80’s he kind of looks like Humpy Dumpty.
The main attraction however is Victoria hall and its distinctive tower and cupola. Built during the boom of the 1850’s the town hall opened to the public in 1960. At the time it had such aspirations of grandeur that some wished for it to be the capital of Canada, an award that went to the then backwater of Ottawa (it is no longer a backwater!).
There are some pretty near alleys behind the building that lead down to the waterfront! Before you go stop off at the old Cobourg Jail. At the time of its construction in 1906. it was one of the biggest prisons of its time. Now it is the King George Inn.
Coburg Waterfront
By the water you will find the public beach and its many swimmers. The area has been redeveloped with a boardwalk and is very pleasant to walk along.
You can find a small marina here as well as the harbour breakwater and lighthouse.
It is no longer an important port but is popular with pleasure crafters.
Conclusion
Beer, sunsets and beaches in a model town. What more can I say and what more could you even want?
