Top 5 Nature Spots for Photographers in Durham, Ontario

After being a small town girl all my life, moving to Durham and discovering all the beautiful locations it has to offer has been the best thing about living here.

As a lifestyle, wedding and elopement photographer that lives for all the boho and scenic veiws, I’ve got some locations for you to try out on your next photo session.

Firstly, by far the most popular and touristy place in Durham; McGowan Falls, Ontario.

Coordinates: 44.178950, -80.809696

This place is the scenic heart of Durham. In the early spring, you can catch the low water and walk down onto the rocks fairly close to the far end of the falls. There is a bridge that walk across it to a beautiful cedar wood trail to the left and just past the playground on the right as well. Which will walk you through the conservation area and by some of the camping grounds near by. This is great spot to walk dogs on leash, take your kids for a swim or even for a quick lunch break to water to falls. This is my top go to place in Durham for a photoshoot location.

View Neuman Family Gallery here.

View Marlow Family Gallery here.

View Natalie and Alex Gallery here.

2. The Wooden Bridge

I honestly am not sure what else to call this place but I’ve given it the name “Wooden Bridge” for obvious reasons LOL.

Coordinates: 44.178085, -80.818240

This location is just a short 5 min walk from McGowan Falls in Durham. So this is a popular spot to pair with a McGowan Falls Photo Session if you want to switch up the scenery. There is 2 great photo ops to this place; below the bridge, and on the bridge. Once dusk hits, the beautiful hanging lighting over top of the bridge walkway light up and really make the wooden bridge stand out. Now going below theres a nice little current, an open area under a very leafy tree in the summer next to the tallest willow I’ve ever seen. This place has super cool ‘burnt brown-ish’ grass in the fall season and I freaking love it.

View Full Gallery here.

3. Durham Trail

You guessed it, made that name up too! But once you see the location it makes sense.

Coordinates: Start Access – 44.174616, -80.819559, Middle Access – 44.171725, -80.820316, End Access – 44.168093, -80.821091

Ok there is legit so much variety here, if you’re down for a 10 min walk and lots of sick locations during your photo session in Durham, this might be the spot. You have open waters at the beginning where the parking lot is and it conveniently has Wilton Sanitation Portable Restrooms available. In the middle of the trail you can find tree coverings, open grasses areas and small access paths down to the water. Near the end of the trail is a beautiful tree tunnel that thrives with green in the spring and summer months. As a photographer, take the 10 minute walk to scout this place out next time you’re in Durham and thank me later. Stay hydrated after your walk or session at The Foundry 1872 Restaurant for a patio drink less than a block away while you’re there!

View Matt & Paige Gallery here.

View Kamryn & Blake Gallery here.

4. Out Back of the Subdivision

Ok I know these titles sound ridiculous but this is truly a hidden gem and no one knows about it. The only reason I found it is because I’ve been around since they started building these places and I always walk back there!

The SUNSETS HERE!!!! This is my favorite place to walk and watch the sunset. You can see the sky so clearly and watch the beating summer sun dip down past all the topsoil hills! I used to always take my pups back here off leash for a nice run and enjoy a walk around. This year is finally grew more than dirt and grew beautiful daisies in April and now blossomed into queen Anne’s lace all over! It occasionally gets a big water hole that seems to look like a little pond but I wouldn’t recommend going after a rain storm unless you brought you rubber boots, because after all it is literally just a dirt plain. One day this place will be new homes and housing but for the past 2 years we’ve got to enjoy this little piece of nature in our backyard.

View Knoller Family Gallery here.

View Johnathan and Courtney Gallery here.

View Cassidy and Lilah Gallery here.

View Marissa and Nick Gallery here.

5. Behind the Arena and Ball Diamonds

Just take a little 10-15min walk around the Durham Arena and see what you can find. There’s a few through trails and a dead end trail with an opening to the water.

Coordinates: 44.171754, -80.826367

This places is great all year round providing easy access, beautiful fall brown tones, nice walking trails and water access. Keep in mind it can get busy in the summer with people walking their dogs, playing ball or just at the park but usually you can park and walk to a secluded area where no one will bother you during your photo session. Next winter you’re in Durham, come watch a Thundercats Hockey Game in Durham and take a look around!

View Kenzie and Nate Gallery here.

View Desiree and Connor Gallery here.

View Kelsey and Curtis Gallery here.

Durham hopes to see you soon and appreciates you! Feel free to browse the town and see what we have to offer. It’s truly the cutest town with tons of little shops and places to stop next time you come through! Whether it’s breakfast at Country Corner, an Iced Coffee at Eowyn’s Ice Cream shop, Golf at The Homestead, or Dinner at the Foundry 1872.

With all that being said, which location are you running to for your next photoshoot in Durham? Planning your shoot can be a breeze with my Location Guide for Photographers. This guide not only highlights the best spots but also saves you time by streamlining client communications. Tailor it to your brand and impress your clients with a professional, polished presentation.

Get your copy here.