This lovable town in Ontario has an old mill, waterfront shops & hidden hamlets

Start the car, it’s time to head east of the city to Clarington, a vibrant municipality made up of several charming small towns.

Located conveniently in Durham Region, Clarington is where you’ll find four adorable communities — Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, and Courtice.

There’s no shortage of fun attractions to discover here, whether you’re into historical sights, delicious food, waterfront shopping, or motorsports.

As you drive along the country roads, you’ll spot plenty of places to stop and experience something unique.

That includes historic downtowns, waterfront shopping areas, conservation areas, trails, and cute hamlets.

Tyrone Mills is a top destination, according to Explore Ontario.

It’s one of the oldest mills in Ontario, dating way back to the 1840s, and it has workshops and delicious treats like apple cider donuts.

If you’re in the mood for a treasure hunt, you have to check out the Courtice Flea Market and the Orono Antique Market.

You can also drive through the region’s tucked-away hamlets for some unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

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Art enthusiasts will love the incredible displays of the Public Art Project, which are public outdoor art pieces to uncover throughout Clarington.

There’s also the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington in Bowmanville, which is a historic mill converted into a public art gallery.

When you’re ready for a break, you can reserve a spot at Tea Grannys and Friends, a beloved gem that serves up authentic Victorian tea in a beautiful setting.

There’s also the fun little pit stop of Enniskillen, which was the childhood home of John J. McLaughlin, the founder of Canada Dry Ginger Ale, according to Explore Ontario.

Today you can head to Enniskillen to shop for fresh produce, apple cider, and local honey, as well as ice cream at the General Store.

History buffs, don’t forget to pop by the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre for a trip back in time to the 1800s or to Bowmanville’s Prison of War camp for a deep-dive into Canada’s past.

If you’re looking to fill an afternoon or a weekend with fun activities, you’ll find this gem just a short drive east of Toronto!