Cobourg is a small town on the north shore of Lake Ontario, about 95 km east of Toronto. Its compact Victorian downtown and sandy waterfront beach make it a popular warm-weather escape from the city. The restored Victoria Hall — an 1860 neoclassical courthouse and concert hall that punches well above its weight for a town of 20,000 — anchors the main street.
The beach and its adjoining park are the main draw in summer, when the town fills with day-trippers. Cobourg is also known for its annual events: the Sandcastle Festival, the Highland Games, and a waterfront festival round out the summer calendar. Outside of summer it is quiet, with a year-round population that tilts toward retirees and commuters.