Brianna HarrisonDid you know that Markham is the most diverse city in Canada? That’s right, it’s not Ottawa—it’s Markham! I discovered this during my first visit, and it took me by surprise.
As I explored all the tourist traps and the hidden gems, it was delightful to see the rich cultural tapestry in Markham weaved into the local cuisines, art, and community activities. This diversity makes this city so fun, dynamic, and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip here, you’re in for a lot of adventure. I’ve listed down the best things to do in Markham so you can make the most out of your trip.
1. Wander around Main Street Unionville
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Website: http://unionville.ca/
Location: 166 Main St Unionville
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Phone: +19054770117
Main Street Unionville is a popular tourist attraction in Markham known for its historic buildings. As you wander around, you’ll see the original structures that lined this street when it was founded in 1794.
If you want to learn more about its history, you can sign up for a guided walking tour, which starts at the bandstand. The tour is free so all you have to do is sign up for it here.
After exploring and taking photos, you can grab a bite and refreshments nearby. Thanks to the diverse community in Markham, you have a wide range of cuisines to choose from, including Indian, Korean, and classic Canadian comfort foods.
Pro Tip:
If you’re traveling in the summer, visit this street after dark to avoid the heat and soak up the vibes. Book a table at a restaurant, ideally on the patio, so you can people-watch and enjoy the cool breeze.
2. Tour the Varley Art Gallery of Markham
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Website: http://www.varleyartgallery.ca/
Location: 216 Main St Unionville
Operating hours:
- Tue-Fri, 12 PM to 4 PM
- Sat-Sun, 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +19054777000
Another must-visit in Markham is the Varley Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary art that spans a wide range of mediums—from paintings and sculptures to immersive multimedia pieces.
The gallery is home to over 20 works by the iconic Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian painters who left a lasting legacy in the 1920s and 30s. That includes works by Frederick Varley, the gallery’s namesake.
What makes this art space truly special is its rotating exhibitions, keeping things fresh and exciting for locals and repeat visitors. Plus, they offer art classes and workshops for budding artists of all ages, making it a creative hub for the entire community.
Pro Tip:
Admission is free thanks to the generous donations of its members and other patrons. You can also donate to keep admission free for future guests.
3. Explore the Markham Museum
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Website: http://www.markhammuseum.ca/
Location: 9350 Markham Rd
Operating hours:
- Wed-Fri, 12 PM to 5 PM
- Sat, 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sun, 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +19053055970
Admission fee:
- Adults, $7
- Seniors/Students, $6
- Kids (ages 2-12), $5
Instead of paintings and sculptures, Markham Museum showcases historic buildings on their 25-acre property. You can step into a general store, a blacksmith’s workshop, a church, and a house built in 1824.
Aside from their little village, you can see different cultural exhibits on display. Often, they will have interactive elements, which allow you to tap into your creative energy and make your own art.
What I look forward to is their seasonal events like fall-themed pottery-making workshops and haunted mini golf. It’s the perfect time to visit with family, especially with little ones eager for a fun, educational adventure.
Pro Tip:
Although the museum closes at 5 PM, the last entry will be at 4 PM so schedule your trip accordingly. Also, they are a cash-free establishment, and they will only accept credit/debit cards for your admission fees.
4. Go fishing at Toogood Pond Park
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Website: https://www.enjoyontario.ca/toogood-pond/
Location: 280 Main Street, Unionville
Operating hours:
Phone: +19054775530
Admission fee: FREE
Located right next door to the Varley Art Gallery, Toogood Pond Park is a large pond surrounded by lush greenery and walking trails, creating a peaceful atmosphere for anglers.
It’s a popular place to fish for species like carp and sunfish with simple bait options like worms and corn working well. You should arrive early to secure a spot right by the water’s edge, but avoid the fishway because fishing is prohibited in that specific area.
Besides the pond, you’ll find well-kept hiking paths and picnic benches in this park, making it a great place for a full day of outdoor fun.
Pro Tip:
The pond is home to ducks. You should avoid feeding the birds and other wildlife to prevent habituation and potentially harmful effects on their health.
5. Hike around Pomona Mills Park
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Website: http://www.thornhillwardone.com/pomona.shtml
Location: 244 Henderson Ave
Operating hours:
- Mon-Fri, Open 24 hours
- Sat-Sun, 8 AM to 9 PM
Admission fee: FREE
Just 13 minutes from Downtown Markham lies Pomona Mills Park, a hidden gem where you can escape into nature for a peaceful hike.
This cozy green space offers two scenic trails that wind through a charming creek and a serene forest. They’re short and easy enough to do with little children and fur babies.
While the paths are well-maintained and mostly paved, you’ll encounter a few rocky patches. Nonetheless, they’re wheelchair and stroller-friendly, so everyone can enjoy the adventure.
Pro Tip:
Visit in the early morning for a quieter experience and a better chance of spotting local wildlife!
6. Take a class on miniature art at Petite Workshop
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Website: http://www.petiteworkshop.com/
Location: 4418 Hwy 7 Unit 202
Operating hours:
- Fri, 4 PM to 6 PM
- Sat 11 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +13658886668
Fee: $210 for half-day sessions; $420 for full-day sessions
One of the most unique things you can do in Markham is take a miniature art class at Petite Workshop. Here, you can craft tiny creations like bubble tea keychains, terrariums, and dim sum sets—some of the studio’s most popular projects.
Classes are tailored to skill levels, with four tiers: beginner for first-timers, intermediate for returning students, advanced for older students, and expert for the pros.
These fun, hands-on art projects are great for group activities such as kids’ birthday parties, bridal showers, and team-building events. Their cozy studio can accommodate up to 25 students in a single session.
Pro Tip:
A half-day class costs $210, which includes all the materials and tools for the art project—all you have to do is show up. If you’re going to take a full-day session, it will cost $420, but you need to pack your own lunch.
7. Go apple picking at Organics Farm
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Website: www.organicsfarm.ca
Location: 7550 19th Avenue
Operating hours:
- Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sat-Sun, 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +19056405206
Price: $16 (ages 3 and up) per person;
Apple picking at Organics Farm is a quintessential fall family activity, offering a fun and interactive way to enjoy the season’s bounty. The u-pick experience lets you stroll through picturesque orchards, selecting fresh apples straight from the tree.
Just for $16 per person, you can pick about 5 lbs worth of apples. You can pay for additional bags, which will cost an extra $12 for another 5 lbs and $48 for 20 lbs.
Typically, apple-picking season runs from mid-September through October with different varieties available throughout. You can check their website or give them a call to confirm the dates.
Pro Tip:
Since fall weather can be unpredictable, check the weather forecast before planning an apple-picking trip.
8. Tour the Rouge River Brewery
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Website: https://rougeriverbrewingcompany.com/
Location: 50 Bullock Dr #8
Operating hours:
- Wed-Thu, 3 PM to 8 PM
- Fri-Sat, 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sun, 12 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +19052091236
Fee: $45 per person
Specializing in hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, and barrel-aged beers, Rouge River is a craft beer lover’s paradise. Instead of ordering a pint, you can go behind the scenes on a fun and informative brewery tour.
On this 45-hour tour, they will take you behind the scenes and show you how they turn grains and pods into great-tasting beer. It gives you a deeper appreciation for expertly crafted liquor.
At the end of the tour, you can sample about four of their beers on tap—sours, pilsners, pale ales, and more. If you’re lucky, they might even give you a sample of their up-and-coming brews.
Pro Tip:
They host a variety of events at the brewery, ranging from paint nights and line dancing to live entertainment. Just check their socials to find out the scheduled events.
