Cumberland Heritage Museum

Cumberland

Located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Ottawa is Cumberland — a charming rural community that combines rich heritage, scenic landscapes and a vibrant local culture, providing a welcoming blend of history, outdoor activities and seasonal festivities.

Food + Drinks

Cumberland offers a delightful mix of food and drink options that showcase the area’s rural charm and community spirit! Cumberland a great spot to explore fun flavours and artisanal treats.

The Black Walnut Bakery is a local favourite, known for its handmade pastries, fresh bread and cozy atmosphere — perfect for breakfast or a midday treat. Maker Feed Co. and Crunchy Creations & Sweet Eats are must-visits in Cumberland.

Arts + Culture

A highlight in the neighbourhood is the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, which will transport you to the 1920s and 30s through interactive exhibits, historical reenactments and seasonal events that celebrate traditional crafts and rural life. This museum not only preserves local history but also hosts art workshops, live performances and community festivals.

Cumberland is also home to talented local artists and artisans, with many showcasing their work in local galleries or at the Cumberland Farmers' Market, where handmade crafts and artworks are often featured.

Outdoor activities

Proulx Farm is a popular spot, especially for families, with activities throughout the year, including berry picking in the summer, a pumpkin patch in the fall, and a maple syrup festival in early spring.

For nature enthusiasts, Cumberland Forest is perfect for hiking, birdwatching and mountain biking, while in winter, these trails are great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Nearby, the Ottawa River offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, making it a relaxing spot for water-based recreation. Camelot Golf & Country Club also offers an exceptional golfing experience with stunning views of the countryside.

With its mix of seasonal activities, water sports, and scenic trails, Cumberland invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a diverse range of year-round recreational options in a picturesque setting.

Shopping

The Cumberland Farmers' Market is a hub of local culture, offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to handcrafted items and baked goods, all sourced from local farms and artisans. Each weekend, people enjoy live music, seasonal events and the chance to shop locally while meeting neighbours and makers.

After a morning at the market, Cumberland’s scenic landscape invites you to enjoy various outdoor activities. Head to Proulx Farm for berry picking, a pumpkin patch or seasonal maple syrup tastings, or explore the Cumberland Forest on trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking or snowshoeing in winter.

Water enthusiasts can also kayak or fish along the Ottawa River, while golfers can relax on the greens at Camelot Golf & Country Club. Cumberland blends outdoor recreation with local shopping in a charming setting that reflects the best of small-town Ontario.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Cumberland provides a cozy, relaxed atmosphere for you to unwind and enjoy a taste of the region. The community’s charm comes through in its casual pubs and eateries. Craft beer lovers can stop by Stray Dog Brewing Company in nearby Orleans, where you’ll find a laid-back taproom with a rotating selection of locally brewed favourites, often accompanied by live music and food trucks on weekends.

For those looking for a quieter night, Cumberland’s scenic landscape and access to the Ottawa River provide beautiful spots for evening strolls or sunset views. While nightlife here is more subdued than in downtown Ottawa, Cumberland’s community vibe and welcoming venues create a warm, inviting setting for a relaxed evening out.

Major annual events + sports

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a key venue, especially during its annual Maple Fest, where you can enjoy maple syrup tastings, live demonstrations and family-friendly activities that highlight traditional syrup-making practices.

In the winter, the museum transforms for the Vintage Village of Lights, a festive holiday event that lights up the village with twinkling displays, horse-drawn wagon rides and seasonal treats. The Cumberland Farmers' Market also hosts seasonal events, such as summer harvest festivals and holiday markets, where you can shop from local vendors, enjoy live music and participate in activities for all ages.

These events, along with the annual pumpkin patch and maple season at Proulx Farm, make Cumberland a vibrant spot for year-round festivities that bring the community together and attract visitors looking to experience local traditions.

Explore the Cumberland neighbourhood

Cumberland Heritage Museum
Discover summer in Cumberland
Jump in the car heading east and don’t stop until you’re in the charming, historic streets of Cumberland, just 20 minutes from Ottawa.
Mer Bleue Bog
Explore Cumberland
Hike, ski or snowshoe through the natural beauty of Mer Bleue Bog and explore a century old village in Ottawa’s rural east.
Watson's Mill, Photo(s): Phil Renaud, City of Ottawa/Ville d'Ottawa
Explore these 11 Ottawa museums
Fun fact: Ottawa has seven of Canada’s nine national museums! But did you know, the capital city also has 11 other local museums as well?

How to get to Cumberland

Discover businesses in Cumberland

Little Ray's Nature Centre
Little Ray’s Nature Centre
Visit this exotic animal rescue in rural Ottawa to learn about reptiles, birds, spiders and mammals, from pythons and porcupines to the ever-popular sloths.
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm
Spring, summer and fall, Ferme Proulx offers farm fun for one and all.

Upcoming events in Cumberland

Discovery Sundays
Discovery Sundays
The Ottawa Valley Live Steamers and Model Engineers are back at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for the summer season! Join on the last Sunday of…
Halloween Hijinks
Halloween Hijinks
Celebrate all things silly, fun and a little bit spooky at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Collect treats along the way. Costumes are encouraged…
fall
Harvest Market
More than 100 vendors will be set-up at the picturesque Cumberland Heritage Village Museum as part of the national Culture Days event. Free admission…
maple
Maple Fest
Enjoy farm and sugarbush activities as well as outdoor fun and a farm store.
Memories of Childhood
Memories of Childhood
Revisit your favourite childhood memories and pastimes with a special celebration of heritage, arts and culture at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum…
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm
Pumpkin Fest
Pack a lunch and bring the whole family down to the Annual Pumpkin Festival featuring a petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkin…

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Places to stay in Cumberland

camping
Rolling Hills Campground
Stay, play, and make lasting memories at this adult-only (18+) RV park located less than 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

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