Did you know that the city of Markham is the most diverse one in Canada with almost 78% of the people coming from 65 different cultures? As you navigate through Markham’s lively streets, you’ll find that this diversity extends beyond demographics.
From a lively art scene to diverse culinary delights, Markham is the perfect example of how diversity makes for a more meaningful and rich city. It’s filled with cultural hotspots, natural spaces, and historic sites that make Markham worth a visit.
Join us as we take you through all the must visit spots and activities to try while in Markham.
- Kick Off with Markham's Theatrical Performances Scene
- Enjoy an Asian Tasting Menu Inspired by Canada’s 4 Seasons at Frilu
- Pedal Your Bike Around the City’s Huge Indoor Bike Park at Joyride 150
- Check Out the Produce and Goods for Sale at the Markham Farmers’ Market
- Be Part of a Century Old Tradition by Dropping by the Markham Fair
- Learn All about the City’s History at the Markham Museum
- Take a Quaint Stroll Through Markham Village
- Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Milne Dam Conservation Park
- Tickle Your Sweet Tooth and Satisfy Your Cravings at the Old Firehall Confectionery
- Explore a Cultural Shopper’s Paradise at the Pacific Mall
- Pick Your Own Berries at Reesor’s Farm
- Spend a Day Hiking at the Rouge National Urban Park
- Swim in a Sea of Blooms at the Sunflower Fields of Markham
- Go on a Trip Down Memory Lane at Unionville
- Experience a Brush with the Local Art Scene at the Varley Art Gallery
Kick Off with Markham’s Theatrical Performances Scene
Address: 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 8G5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 305 7469
Hours: Open from Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 4 pm
If you’re craving a cultural start to your adventures in Markham, you’ll be glad to know that the city has a vibrant theater scene with options for all tastes. The FLATO Markham Theatre, nestled in the Civic Centre, is the most popular destination.
This venue comes with classic red seats that can accommodate 500 people at a time. The stage sees over 100 annual performances that includes musical concerts that range from orchestra performances to live rock bands.
Pro Tip: Other notable theaters to visit here are the Markham Little Theatre if you prefer more intimate settings. Meanwhile, the Unionville Theatre Company focuses on nurturing young talent, with classic musicals like Wizard of OZ and Beauty and the Beast. |
Enjoy an Asian Tasting Menu Inspired by Canada’s 4 Seasons at Frilu
Address: 7713 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 289 597 8867
Hours: Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm
With a huge Asian population, it’s now wonder that one of Markham’s most popular restaurants has influences from the region. You can treat your taste buds to a taste of Asia at Frilu without leaving Markham, Ontario.
This restaurant is only open for dinner service 4 days a week. The other days of the week are dedicated to sourcing the freshest ingredients and preparing for the 12 to 14 dinner courses they offer on the nights they’re open.
Although the courses are primarily Asian dishes from Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Indian cuisine, each has elements inspired by Canada’s seasons.
Pro Tip: The team behind Frilu open 60 slots open for reservation at a time, with announcements teasing the release on their social media pages a few days in advance. They get booked quickly, so make sure you stay tuned and stay updated. |
Pedal Your Bike Around the City’s Huge Indoor Bike Park at Joyride 150
Address: 150 Bullock Dr #1, Markham, ON L3P 1W2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 294 1313
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm
- Open from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm
For the days when the weather in Markham does not cooperate with your outdoor adventure plans, we suggest heading over to Joyride 500. Thiis indoor bike park spans over 100,000 sq ft of space with loads of installations to increase the fun factor.
This is perfect for biking enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush. Perfect for all skill levels, Joyride 150 is the biggest of its kind in Canada’s largest indoor bike park. Bike tracks, jump lines, a vert park, and a cross country flow trail.
Joyride 150 also has outdoor dirt jumps and a street plaza for more exhilarating and challenging bike courses.
Pro Tip: Most avid bikers can also perform at their best with their personal bikes, so it’s best to bring your own. But, if you don’t have yours with you or are just starting to explore the world of biking, Joyride 150 has a lot of bikes on site you can rent for the day. |
Check Out the Produce and Goods for Sale at the Markham Farmers’ Market
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Address: 132 Robinson St, Markham, ON L3P 1N3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 472 2462
Hours: Open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm
Every Saturday from the months of May to October, the Markham Farmers’ Market features a treasure trove of local fruits, vegetables, meats, and other produce items. There are also stalls that sell handmade trinkets like jewelry and decorative items.
If you prefer high-quality and artisanal goods, then you’ll have a blast strolling through the rows of vendors there. You can expect to find candles, soaps, and other beauty products here too!
The market has been known to continue with operations regardless of weather conditions. Just make sure to bring an umbrella with you!
Pro Tip: After finishing your shopping spree, stick around for the live music that you can usually find on stage towards the end of the rows of stalls. There are also regular activities and giveaways throughout the morning, so stay alert for announcements! |
Be Part of a Century Old Tradition by Dropping by the Markham Fair
Address: 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON L3P 3J3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 642 3247
Hours: Open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm
The Markham Fair is a beloved event with roots dating back to 1844, making it one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. Taking place over 4 days during the Thanksgiving weekend, the fair offers a whole lot of family-friendly activities.
The fair takes place at the Markham Fairgrounds which is a former farmland measuring over 100 acres. The huge space contains a kids’ zone, areas for cooking shows, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a track for freestyle motocross.
The most popular events that have become synonymous with the fair itself are the demolition derby, tractor pull, and livestock shows.
Pro Tip: Since the Markham Fair is held at a farm, we recommend dressing in long pants and closed shoes. It’s all fun and games until some of the friendly ( but still creepy) insects crawl up your pant leg, especially near the animal pens and farm. |
Learn All about the City’s History at the Markham Museum
Address: 9350 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L3P 3J3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 305 5970
Hours:
- Open from Wednesday to Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm
- Open from Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
You can learn about the tales of Markham’s past at the expansive Markham Museum, sprawled across 25 acres. This is no ordinary museum which is why we enjoy visiting it so much. There’s also something new to discover.
The museum itself is housed in a huge building with permanent exhibitions that feature actual artifacts that were dug up or discovered on the museum grounds. The exhibits all show a chronological retelling of Markham’s history.
Behind the museum are 30 historical structures that were built in the 1820s. There are residential homes, a train station, a church, and a blacksmith shop.
Pro Tip: You can tour the grounds of the museum by yourself, but we recommend booking one of their guided tours so you can learn more directly from the staff there. Plus, the tour grants you access to the inside of some of the restricted historical buildings. |
Take a Quaint Stroll Through Markham Village
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Address: 6041 Hwy 7, Markham, ON L3P 3A7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 294 7309
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If you want to immerse yourself further into Markham’s past, then we suggest you plan a visit to the Markham Village. This area has been around for 2000 years ever since the original settlers came and established Reesorville (its old name).
All along the streets of Markham Village, you’ll find buildings that look nothing like the modern skyscrapers. Aside from the visuals, the buildings house cute shops and stores that sell a wide array of items from used historical books to local boutiques.
Keep your eye out for informative signs scattered around the village that tell stories of what the buildings used to house.
Pro Tip: While you’re at the Markham Village, drop by The Duchess of Markham for lunch or dinner. This pub has been in business since 1980 and serves a diverse menu. Our favorite dish is The Duchess pepperoni pizza with maple syrup and sriracha sauce. |
Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Milne Dam Conservation Park
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Address: 8251 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON L3P 3J3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 477 5530
Hours:
- Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 am to 8 pm
- Open on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 am to 8 pm
- Open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm
You can escape the city bustle even for a while with a visit to the Milne Dam Conservation Park. Spread across 300 acres, the park has a wired network of trails that you can use for walking, jogging, or biking.
You’ll get views of trees, small swamplands, and even a beach. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Rouge River and a large pond nearby. There are 2 unique bridges, one hanging over Milne Creek and the Milne Dam Suspension Bridge over the Rouge River.
Pro Tip: Because of the dense forests and wetlands, the Milne Dam Conservation Park has become the home of lots of wildlife. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, we suggest bringing a pair of binoculars with you for the chance to spot some birds in the area. |
Tickle Your Sweet Tooth and Satisfy Your Cravings at the Old Firehall Confectionery
Address: 170 Main St Unionville, Unionville, ON L3R 2G9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 415 9192
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm
We always have room for dessert and there are more than plenty to choose from at the Old Firehall Confectionery. Ever Since they opened in 2009, the confectionery has been serving the locals and avid visitors sweets with a special focus on chocolates.
They have chocolate bark, chocolate covered nuts, truffles, brittle, and good old regular chocolate bars. There is also a selection of snacks like hand made candy, gourmet popcorn, candied apples, and ice cream.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the baked goods they make like an array of cakes and cupcakes. Some of the best flavors they have include the Ferrero Rocher and the oreo cheesecake. |
Explore a Cultural Shopper’s Paradise at the Pacific Mall
Address: 4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R 0Y5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 470 8785
Hours: Open everyday from 11 am to 8 pm
If you’re always on the lookout for exotic new goods to try, then a trip to the Pacific Mall should be included in your things to do in Markham. This is the biggest Asian shopping mall in North America, and has over 400 diverse stalls from different cultures.
The mall itself looks like it belongs in Chinatown, but the goods sold are even more authentic. There are shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese treats, Korean skincare, and Indian spices.
Pro Tip: Drop by HaoJiangNan for lunch or dinner to get authentic Chinese dishes rooted in the city of Shanghai. Their noodles, dumplings, and rice balls are the real deal and prepared by Chinese chefs. |
Pick Your Own Berries at Reesor’s Farm
Address: 10825 Ninth Line, Markham, ON L6B 1A8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 640 4568
Hours: Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6:30 pm
Markham has a lot of areas dedicated to nature, but some are more interactive than others. Reesor’s Farm is our usual go to place when we get a little restless from the routine of the everyday. It’s an especially great place for kids.
In early May, you can pick your own strawberries at the farm. After spending some time out in the fields, they invite you in and watch the berries get turned into some fresh jam that you can take home with you or enjoy right on the farm grounds.
Pro Tip: In the fall, they open up their pumpkin fields for picking and then for carving. The corn maze is also made available to guests during this period and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors. |
Spend a Day Hiking at the Rouge National Urban Park
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Address: 25 Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 264 2020
Hours: Open everyday from 7:30 am to 9 pm
The Rouge National Urban Park is located across many cities and municipalities including Markham. The access point from the city is the Bob Hunter Memorial Park. Here, you can hike around the Rouge River Valley.
There are 3 trails you can take, the longest being the Monarch Trail measuring 7.6 km and the most popular one being the Tallgrass Trek.
Since the urban park reaches the shores of Lake Ontario, you get wide views of the water, alongside plenty of opportunities to meet wildlife in the area.
Pro Tip: If you choose to hike the Tallgrass Trail, make sure you wear a hat or sunglasses because it does not have many shaded areas. Wear some sunscreen too or opt for a light jacket. |
Swim in a Sea of Blooms at the Sunflower Fields of Markham
Address: 10378 ON-48, Markham, ON L3P 3J3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 859 6159
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
The Sunflower Fields of Markham might just be open seasonally from December to March, but a visit here sure is worth the scheduling. In these months, over 400,000 individual and fully grown sunflowers cover their expansive fields.
The fields look nothing short of amazing in photographs but they become more special when you take them home with you. The grounds of the entire farm spans over 20 acres for a vibrant and visually stunning experience.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wear shoes with a good sole grip and ones that you don’t mind getting dirty. The sunflower fields can be a bit muddy and slippery especially if it rained the night before. |
Go on a Trip Down Memory Lane at Unionville
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Address: Unionville, Markham, ON, Canada
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Unionville is a heritage conservation district founded in 1794. This is one of, if not our favorite area in the entire city of Markham. It gives off the charming fairytale village vibe and delivers with buildings still in their original decor and architecture.
You’ll find rows of restored houses, as well as other buildings which were important in towns during that time like 2 historic mills and a church. Most of the structures here were designed by the same person who made the Casa Loma.
Pro Tip: If you can alter your visiting schedule, try your best to drop by during the holiday season. When they put up and light up all the Christmas lights, it changes the quaint village into a winter wonderland. |
Experience a Brush with the Local Art Scene at the Varley Art Gallery
Address: 216 Main St Unionville, Unionville, ON L3R 2H1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 477 7000 with ext. number 3261
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 4 pm
- Open from Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
The Varley Art Gallery was named after Frederick Varley who was one of the iconic Group of Seven artists. This gallery showcases about 600 pieces by the man including watercolor and oil paintings, as well as his old sketchbooks and doodles.
Nearby, the McKay Art Centre is also open for visitors. This was where the artists lived out the last years of his life and created some of his most well known art works. There are also rotating exhibits on display that showcase local art from up and coming artists.
Pro Tip: The entrance to the gallery is free, but you can sign up for some workshops they sometimes hold for a small fee. These are great for both kids and adults who have an interest in learning art. |