Amelie CameronNestled in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area, Scarborough has numerous destinations for tourists to explore. From the natural beauty of Scarborough Bluffs to the modern and vibrant Scarborough Town Centre, there’s so much to do when in town.
In this guide, we’ll go through the most fun things to do to ensure your trip to Scarborough is packed with memorable experiences!
- Interact with animals from around the world at the Toronto Zoo
- Roam around Rouge National Urban Park
- Explore the scenic Bluffer's Park and Beach
- Discover Scarborough's history at Scarborough Historical Museum
- Check out sculptures at Guild Park & Gardens
- Savour the sweet fragrance of flowers at Rosetta McClain Gardens
- Shop and dine at the Scarborough Town Centre
- Have a competitive round of combat archery at Archery Circuit
- Splash and play at Kidstown Water Park
- Solve some challenging puzzles at Omventure Scarborough
- Devour good seafood at Fishman Lobster Clubhouse
- Go birdwatching at East Point Park
- Swim to your heart’s content at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
- Climb some walls at Boulder Parc
- Smash some bottles at Go Smash Canada
Interact with animals from around the world at the Toronto Zoo
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Website: https://www.torontozoo.com/
Contact details: 416-392-5900, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
With 287 hectares and over 3,000 animals, Toronto Zoo is Canada’s largest zoo. The zoo is divided into seven areas with themes: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and Canadian wildlife.
The zoo is the perfect destination for families, especially those with young kids who love animals. The kids can enjoy interacting with animals and playing at the Kids Zoo, Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, Splash Island, Conservation Carousel, and more.
| Pro Tip: Bring a stroller for your kids because the zoo is enormous, and there will be a lot of walking. The stroller can also help you carry your food, so you don’t have to go back to the parking lot. |
Roam around Rouge National Urban Park
– From @alex.hartleyy
Address: 25 Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge
Contact details: 416-264-2020, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Always open
For those who are sick of the hustle and bustle of the city, Rouge National Park is a heaven you have to visit when you’re in Scarborough. It’s an expansive park with massive trees, creeks, and trails that will help you relax and forget about work.
The highlight of visiting the park? It presents an awesome opportunity to camp, hike, fish, enjoy water sports, and watch birds fly without driving too far away from the city.
| Pro Tip: Remember to put insect repellent before going to the park. Make sure to also check your body for any ticks before entering your car. |
Explore the scenic Bluffer’s Park and Beach
– From @_canadiantraveller
Address: 1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/2/index.html
Contact details: 416 392 2489
Operating Hours: Always open
One thing both tourists and locals always look forward to when in Scarborough is the Scarborough Bluffs escarpment, and one of the best ways to enjoy the scenic bluffs is by spending a day in Bluffer’s Park and Beach.
Aside from the postcard-worthy Scarborough Bluffs views, this is the only park along the bluffs that has a swimming beach. The beach is your sandy playground, perfect for soaking up some rays or taking a dip in the cool lake.
| Pro Tip: Bring some long sleeves because it’s pretty close to Lake Ontario and can get quite cold when the wind blows. |
Discover Scarborough’s history at Scarborough Historical Museum
– From @tohistorymuseums
Address: 1007 Brimley Rd, Toronto, ON M1P 3E8, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/scarborough-museum/
Contact details: 416-338-8807, [email protected]
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Any trip will only be complete if you visit a museum from the area and learn something about their culture. In Scarborough, the Scarborough Historical Museum, nestled in Thomson Memorial Park, is the best place to complete your Scarborough adventure.
The museum offers a glimpse at the history and stories shaping the Scarborough community. Visiting it will be an experience unique to your Scarborough trip only and can never be replicated elsewhere.
| Pro Tip: There’s no cafe or restaurant in the museum, so bring your own snacks if you plan on exploring its surrounding park too. |
Check out sculptures at Guild Park & Gardens
– From @stephaniegalt
Address: 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough, ON M1E, Canada, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/406/index.html
Contact details: 416-396-7378
Operating Hours: Always open
Guild Park and Gardens isn’t just your typical park or garden that’s filled with beautiful flowers and benches. It’s a triple-threat masterpiece that combines art, history, and nature.
The park got bits and pieces from classic buildings in Toronto, like the Greek Theatre, built from the remnants of the Bank of Toronto. You’d also find sculptures, like the Ravenna by Sorel Etrog and Solstice by Kosso Eloul.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you’ll need to walk a lot if you want to explore the area. The benches are pretty limited too, so you won’t have as much opportunity to rest and sit when your feet feel tired. The park is also connected to the Scarborough Bluffs, so you might get tempted to walk more and explore the other nearby parks. |
Savour the sweet fragrance of flowers at Rosetta McClain Gardens
– From @ontarioroadtripping
Address: 5 Glen Everest Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1J2, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/19/index.html
Contact details: 416 392 8188
Operating Hours: Always open
With a stunning panoramic view of Lake Ontario and hundreds of flowers filling the garden with their sweet smell, Rosetta McClain Garden is a must-visit place for anyone dropping by Scarborough.
There are circular garden beds in the middle of the garden, surrounding a boulder that’s used as a fountain. This is where you’ll get some of the most Insta-worthy pictures you can get in Scarborough.
| Pro Tip: Try to visit during weekdays since there are relatively fewer visitors during these days. If you’re only available on the weekend, get there early because there’s limited parking space near the garden. |
Shop and dine at the Scarborough Town Centre
Address: 300 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON M1P 4P5, Canada
Website: https://scarboroughtowncentre.com/
Contact details: 416-296-0296, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
While Scarborough’s best tourist destinations commonly involve nature, it also boasts some urban spaces that can compete with those in major cities, like its Scarborough Town Centre.
The centre houses 250 stores, from the trendiest fashion brands to the tastiest restaurant franchises. It also has a cinema inside that screens the latest mainstream and independent films.
This is the place that those who love shopping or just splurging money have to visit before leaving Scarbs.
| Pro Tip: Crowds here can be quite overwhelming, especially on weekends and evenings. Keep your eyes on your kids and belongings at all times because they can easily get lost. |
Have a competitive round of combat archery at Archery Circuit
Address: 3791 Victoria Park Ave #8, Scarborough, ON M1W 3K6, Canada
Website: https://archerycircuit.com/
Contact details: 416-662-8828, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: By appointment only
For a one-of-a-kind combat archery experience, there’s no better place to go than the Archery Circuit. Their combat archery game happens in a black-lit room, and players use glow-in-the-dark equipment, adding to the challenging nature of the sport.
Aside from combat archery, they also offer Nerf bottles, dodgeball, and blaster battles, all happening in their special black-lit room! It’s the perfect venue for a simple hangout with friends or a birthday party!
| Pro Tip: Wear shirts made of breathing material and running shoes. Minutes of running around can leave you sweaty, and the place can also get warm. It’s best to bring extra clothes so you can change in their washroom. |
Splash and play at Kidstown Water Park
– From @letsplaydurham
Address: L’Amoreaux Sports Complex, 3159 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON M1V 1S4, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/352/index.html
Contact details: 416-396-8326
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
If the beaches aren’t cutting it for your kids, head over to Kidstown Water Park! It’s the only water park operated by the City of Toronto, and it offers great water-based activities for families, especially kids who are still too afraid to explore the beaches.
It has an outdoor pool, wading pool, spray rings, tipping bucket, splash pad, squirting aquatic animals, and much more. Plus, there are usually lots of kids playing around, so your kids can also socialize with their peers!
Have we ever mentioned that it’s all free, too?
| Pro Tip: Bring some meat and a cooler for your drinks for a fun family day at the park! There are BBQ areas around where you can cook and bond with your family. |
Solve some challenging puzzles at Omventure Scarborough
Address: 1187 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L2, Canada
Website: https://www.omventure.ca/
Contact details: (905) 695 9556, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Omventure is the ultimate playground for those who love heart-pounding escape rooms and thrilling “Running Man”-style chase tag games. This place will surely give you a blast and is one of our favourite places in all of Scarborough!
Each puzzle is original, making their escape room games more challenging and exciting. If you’re into a more competitive game, their Epic Runner game has various modes that range from simple tag teams to full-on team battles!
They even have a board game lounge with an expansive collection of board games, perfect if you want a more chill night.
| Pro Tip: You can get a 20% discount if you visit within 7 days before or after your birthday, so it can be a great place to celebrate! Just make sure to bring an ID. |
Devour good seafood at Fishman Lobster Clubhouse
Address: 4020 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1S 3T6, Canada
Website: https://torontoflc.com/
Contact details: (416) 321-0250
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Being close to the lake, it’s no wonder Scarborough has some really good seafood restaurants. Among our favourites is the Fishman Lobster Clubhouse down Finch Avenue, which might also become your favourite after a visit!
Their menu includes lobsters, king crabs, Vancouver crabs, golden turbot, and more! They’re cooked in various traditional Chinese ways, elevating their flavour and making the dish more special.
| Pro Tip: They only accept cash (Canadian and US dollars) and Canadian debit cards, so make sure to bring cash if you’re travelling. |
Go birdwatching at East Point Park
Address: 101 Copperfield Rd, Scarborough, ON M1E 3T9, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1079/index.html
Contact details: 311, 416-338-0889
Operating hours: Always open
East Point Park is another park that belongs to the Scarborough Bluffs. However, East Point Park’s main charm is not the beautiful view of the Scarborough Bluffs but the over 170 species of birds flying around its migratory staging area.
The park has a designated Toronto Bird Sanctuary, so it’s the best place in Scarborough for bird watching. It has several pavilions where you can relax and wait for birds to fly around.
The park also has some well-maintained walking and biking trails that you can follow.
| Pro Tip: There are usually a lot of birds in the park from mid-April to mid-May, so that’s usually the best time to visit. |
Swim to your heart’s content at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
Address: 875 Morningside Ave, Toronto, ON M1C 0C7, Canada
Website: https://www.tpasc.ca/
Contact details: 416 283 5222
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
If you’re looking for a place to stay active, the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre might be what you’re looking for. The public can enjoy a leisurely swim in its 50-meter training pool free of cost!
Aside from its training pool, it also has another 25m dive pool and one 50m competition pool where swimming teams typically practise.
The centre also hosts various classes, including swimming lessons, so check them out if you’re planning to maintain an active lifestyle!
| Pro Tip: Members of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre get to enjoy its other facilities, like its climbing wall, running track, and fitness centre. If you live near the area or frequently visit, try applying for membership to enjoy the centre’s full capacity. |
Climb some walls at Boulder Parc
Address: 1415 Morningside Ave, Scarborough, ON M1B 3J1, Canada
Website: https://www.boulderparc.com/
Contact details: (416) 672-0239, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Spend a day working out in a fun way at Boulder Parc. It’s a climbing gym in Morningside Avenue that offers climbing enthusiasts or those who want to try the sport a safe way to get started.
They have climbing walls that vary in difficulty to accommodate all skill levels. If you haven’t climbed before, don’t worry because they have some knowledgeable staff to help you!
When you get tired, grab some drinks at the cafe and maybe a pastry to help boost your energy.
| Pro Tip: They hold climbing and yoga classes in the gym, so check that out if you’re looking for a place for your regular workout! |
Smash some bottles at Go Smash Canada
Address: 1354 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L7, Canada
Website: https://go-smash.square.site/
Contact details: 437-967-6274, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Friday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Got some anger or frustration that you need to release? Head over to Go Smash in Kennedy Road and release all that pent-up anger and stress you’ve been keeping inside you!
You can go smash electronics, bottles, household devices, glassware, and more until you’re content. It’s a safe place for you to just turn into the Hulk and rage until you want, without worrying about who will clean the mess.
| Pro Tip: Wear close-toed shoes and long pants that cover your ankles. This is a requirement for Go Smash to allow you to participate in smashing. |
