Discover the Regional Municipality of York

Get to know the Regional Municipality of York through its trails, conservation areas and historic cultural sites. York Region’s trail network extends through all nine cities and towns in the region; the Nokiidaa Trail system runs through Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury. This gives you both a regional trail network to explore and a trail system that passes through three named municipalities. You can organize nature and cultural destinations around the priorities of your trip.

Trails, rivers and conservation areas

The York Regional Forest covers more than 2,600 hectares and comprises 22 public properties. Nashville Conservation Reserve is a property of more than 900 hectares owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in York Region. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and includes significant deer wintering areas; it is also an important migration corridor. The character of this conservation area is shaped not only by its size, but also by its role as a habitat and migration route.

The Nokiidaa Trail runs along the Holland River through the 84-hectare Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area. Another river landscape can be found at the Aurora Community Arboretum: it includes more than 100 acres of parkland owned by the Town of Aurora in the East Holland River valley. At Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point Provincial Park has a large sandy beach. Together, these places offer different nature experiences—from rivers and conservation areas to a lakeside beach.

History, architecture and art

Unionville Main Street has a history spanning more than 200 years, with historic homes, churches and shops lining the street. Sharon Temple adds a religious dimension to the region’s historic sites: it was built between 1825 and 1831 by the Children of Peace, a Quaker sect in Upper Canada. Its construction dates and builders give the site a clear historical context.

Hillary House is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada and houses the Koffler Museum of Medicine. Architectural history and a museum of medicine come together in this house. On the grounds of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, paths and hiking trails lead to Minokamik Garden. The garden is located on the traditional Carrying Place Trail, beside the Humber River, and provides space for environmental education. The cemetery at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the final resting place of six members of the Group of Seven, their spouses, and the founders, Robert and Signe McMichael.

The Latcham Art Centre also focuses on art and education. Its exhibitions feature traditional and contemporary works by local and provincial artists. Educational offerings include courses, workshops, artist talks and tours. The region thus brings together historic architecture and religious history with contemporary art and educational opportunities.

Events and leisure activities

Riverwalk Commons hosts a farmers’ market, concerts and events. If you’re planning a visit for a concert or a specific event, check the latest dates in advance. Farmers’ markets in York Region typically offer agricultural produce, baked goods and preserved foods.

Another leisure destination is Canada’s Wonderland. It features more than 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters, two children’s areas and the 20-hectare Splash Works water park. These destinations have distinctly different focuses: you can plan your trip around landscapes, history and art, or events and leisure activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: King City, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket, Georgina, Nobleton, Schomberg, Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Go to the broader travel overview: Ontario.