Local Information and Services

Location

Cobourg is located halfway between Toronto and Kingston alongside the 401.

Highway 401 Exits

• Exit 472 
• Exit 474 

Or you can take the scenic route by following Highway 2 from both the east and west. 

For more information, visit our Getting Here page.

Population

On the 2021 Census, the population of the Town of Cobourg was estimated at 20,519 people.

Languages

English is commonly spoken in Cobourg. About 7% of the population speaks English and French.

Time Zone

Cobourg is located in the Eastern Standard Time (GMT – 5 hours) time zone. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March as clocks are switched forward one hour. It ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, when clocks are switched back to Standard Time.

Banking

Banking hours differ by bank and branch but are generally the same as common working hours (9am to 5pm). Some banks are open later or on Saturdays. Most businesses accept debit cards as a form of payment. Most major credit cards are accepted in Cobourg. 

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located in banks and in various other locations throughout the town. They are usually available during and outside of regular banking hours, although often with an additional service fee.

Currency

Currency can be exchanged at banks or at currency exchange stations. It is recommended that visitors exchange currency before they arrive.

Tipping

For good service at a restaurant, a tip of 15% of the pre-tax bill is customary. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, especially in large groups, in which case further tipping is not expected. Tipping is also customary in bars, salons/spas, and taxis.

Taxes

For up-to-date tax information, visit the Town of Cobourg's Taxes page.

Liquor Laws

Wine, liquor and beer are available at Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) outlets which are sales agents for wines and spirits in Ontario. Beer may be purchased in Ontario at The Beer Store.

In addition, some retail outlets, including select grocery stores, carry beer, wine and cider.

Drinking hours in bars and restaurants are from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. The legal drinking age is 19 years.

Smoking

In Ontario smoking is prohibited in: all enclosed public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars; all outdoor areas on municipal properties including parks, playgrounds, beaches, sports fields, and outdoor areas around Town facilities; Beach and Farmers Market stands; and outdoor restaurant, bar, and food premise patios.

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, and razors can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.

Measurements

Canada adheres to the metric system. Units such as the litre, metre, and kilogram are used for measurement. However, Imperial units are sometimes also used. Celsius is used to measure temperature.

Telephone

The area codes for Cobourg and the surrounding areas are 289, 365, 742, and 905. 

Emergency services

In case of emergency, use the following telephone numbers:

• Emergency: 911
• Poison Information Centre (Toronto): (844) 764-7669
• Cobourg Fire Services: (905) 372-9789
• Ontario Provincial Police: (888) 310-1122
• Cobourg Police: (905) 372-6821