North York is one of the most exciting (not to mention sought-after!) districts in the GTA, offering nature, culture, and city life. Nestled between Etobicoke and Scarborough, it’s known for its beautiful parks, hip neighborhoods, and endless entertainment options.
But don’t worry about trying to see it all—we’ve curated a list of the top activities you can’t miss while exploring North York!
- Check out pretty plant life at Edwards Gardens
- Travel back in time at The Village at Black Creek
- Marvel at Islamic art at the Aga Khan Museum
- Shop at Yorkdale Shopping Centre
- Have a picnic at Toronto Botanical Garden
- Gibson House Museum
- Hit the bull’s eye at the Archers Arena
- Take a leisurely stroll at Sunnybrook Park
- Play games at Glow Zone 360
- Be fast and furious at K1 Speed
Check out pretty plant life at Edwards Gardens
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/473/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwards-gardens/
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (416) 392-8188
Edwards Gardens is a beautiful escape located at the corner of Leslie St and Lawrence Ave East. It’s divided into two: the uplands, where you’ll find gorgeous perennials and rose gardens, and the valley, where wildflowers and rhododendrons flourish.
For families, it’s an especially fun place to explore. The upper level of the valley features an arboretum with various tree species and is home to the Children’s Teaching Garden, where kids can learn about gardening and the environment.
Its commitment to sustainability was recognized with an Award of Excellence in 2013. The garden’s parking lot was redesigned with eco-friendly principles—a lovely example of how green spaces can harmonize with modern design.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a wedding or intimate gathering, Edwards Gardens could be the perfect venue. With its serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery, your special day will feel like something out of a storybook.
Travel back in time at The Village at Black Creek
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Website: https://blackcreek.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black-creek-pioneer-village/
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 736-1733
The Village at Black Creek, formerly known as Black Creek Pioneer Village, is a living history museum. It takes you back in time to the mid-19th century, where you can experience what life was like in rural Ontario.
With its collection of period-accurate houses, shops, and farms, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. You can watch a blacksmith forge metal or see a weaver at work!
Plus, as you wander through the village, you’ll encounter historical interpreters dressed in authentic period clothing. The staff really brings history to life, sharing engaging tales of how people lived, worked, and played over 150 years ago.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to book ahead for the Village’s escape game, Dark Things Dwell! In this game, you take on the role of a traveler who must save the village from an evil spell cast by a cult leader.
Marvel at Islamic art at the Aga Khan Museum
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Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agakhanmuseum/
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (416) 646-4677
The Aga Khan Museum is a stunning destination for anyone interested in Islamic art and culture. It’s an architectural marvel and even served as a filming location for Star Trek: Discovery, where it stood in for scenes set on the planet Vulcan!
Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of rare objects. One of the museum’s highlights is the earliest known copy of ‘The Canon of Medicine.’
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts exhibitions throughout the year, focusing on new artistic developments and emerging themes in Islamic art.
Pro Tip:
Plan ahead by booking your Aga Khan Museum tour online to ensure you get the most out of your visit! If you’re short on time or just want a quick stop, remember that tickets aren’t required to explore the atrium and courtyard, or to enjoy a meal at Diwan.
Shop at Yorkdale Shopping Centre
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Website: https://yorkdale.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YorkdaleStyle
Address: 3401 Dufferin St
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (416) 789-3261
Yorkdale Shopping Centre has been a premier shopping destination in Toronto for nearly 60 years and is still going strong. As the third-largest mall in Canada—with 270 stores—it’s a paradise for shoppers.
Iconic department stores like RH, Hudson’s Bay, and Holt Renfrew are the mall’s anchor stores, while trendy spots like Uniqlo, Muji, and Indigo add to its diverse offerings.
In addition to shopping, Yorkdale is a hub for food lovers. With everything from upscale sit-down restaurants to quick bites in the massive food court, you can take a break from shopping and recharge before diving back into the array of stores.
Pro Tip:
If you’re shopping for luxury brands, Yorkdale has a fantastic selection, including Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Chanel, and Jimmy Choo. Make sure to plan extra time to explore these stores—you might just find your next statement piece!
Have a picnic at Toronto Botanical Garden
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Website: https://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbg_canada/
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 397-1341
The Toronto Botanical Garden, affectionately known as “The Little Garden with Big Ideas,” is a green space of nearly four acres. The TBG offers a captivating experience with 17 beautifully designed, themed “city-sized” gardens.
After exploring the gardens, you can visit the Garden Shop, where you’ll find horticultural books, tools, gifts, and even plants to take home.
It’s also an ideal place to relax and enjoy a picnic—bring your own basket and find a cozy spot within the garden or grab a bite from the on-site café. With designated picnic areas available, it’s easy to unwind and take in the serene atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on the TBG’s event calendar, as the garden hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. From flower shows and plant sales to art displays and garden festivals, plan your visit around these events for an extra-special experience!
Gibson House Museum
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/gibson-house-museum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gibsonhousemuseum/
Address: 5172 Yonge St
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 395-7432
Visiting the Gibson House Museum in North York is like stepping back into history. This charming red-brick Georgian Revival farmhouse, nestled amidst modern high rises, dates back to 1829 and was home to the Gibson family.
Walking through its doors, you’re transported to the 1850s, where the kitchen smells of wood smoke and beeswax make you feel welcome. The exhibits and guided tours bring his world to life, making it an engaging visit for history buffs and casual visitors.
One of the best parts is that general admission is free! However, if you’re coming with a larger group (15 or more), a fee applies to cover a reserved tour guide who will give your group a more personalized experience.
Pro Tip:
There’s limited free parking accessible via Gibson House Lane, but it can only be accessed from the southbound side of Yonge Street. If that fills up, don’t worry—there are also paid parking options nearby!
Hit the bull’s eye at the Archers Arena
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Website: https://archersarena.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archersarena/
Address: 1140 Sheppard Ave W Unit 4, North York
Hours:
- Monday: 3:30 PM – 10 PM
- Tue – Wed: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Fri: 1:45 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (647) 992-7362
If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure in North York, Archers Arena is the place to be! This massive 10,000-square-foot combat archery arena lets you experience the thrill of real-life archery battles.
Their coaches will also guide you through the basics of archery. With two distinct playing fields, you’ll get to dodge and strategize around obstacles like oil drums, inflatable bunkers, sandbag bunkers, and even sniper towers.
Of course, you’ll be equipped with everything you need, including a recurve or longbow, a protective Airsoft mesh frame mask, and an arm guard to avoid bruising. Plus, their gear is cleaned and disinfected after every use.
Pro Tip:
Archers Arena is perfect for larger groups, and they can accommodate anywhere from 8 to 50 players at once! We recommend gathering your friends, co-workers, or family for an epic battle!
Take a leisurely stroll at Sunnybrook Park
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/28/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakim79/
Address: 1132 Leslie St
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (416) 396-7378
Once the sprawling country estate of Joseph Kilgour in the late 1800s, Sunnybrook Park is now a beloved green space for locals. After Kilgour’s passing, his wife Alice generously donated the land to the city.
Today, visitors can explore the preserved Kilgour barns, which now serve as a public riding school—a charming nod to the park’s historical roots. The park is also home to a network of bike trails, as well as sports fields for soccer, frisbee, and other activities.
As a bonus, wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the wetland area, where snapping turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Red-winged Blackbirds make their home.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your dog, Sunnybrook Park’s off-leash area is spacious and safe. In fact, it’s divided for large and small dogs, making it a perfect spot for dogs of all sizes to socialize!
Play games at Glow Zone 360
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Website: http://www.glowzone360.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowzone360/
Address: 14800 Dixie Rd
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (905) 629-4966
GlowZone 360 offers a fun, active, and memorable experience with friends or family. Since opening in 2015, this spot has been known as the go-to place for laser tag, mini-golf, and arcade games.
Their glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course is quite unique. It also has incredible murals by an artist from western Canada, making the whole experience visually stunning.
For just $15.99, you can take advantage of the 360 Combo, which gives you one game each of laser tag and mini-golf, plus a $5 arcade card. If you’re more of a laser tag fan or prefer mini-golf, you can customize your combo.
Pro Tip:
You can book a party at GlowZone 360 online 24/7! After booking, their team will give you a call a few days before to confirm all the details.
Be fast and furious at K1 Speed
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Website: https://www.k1speed.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k1speedcanada/
Address: 75 Carl Hall Rd Unit #9
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 638-5278
For a thrilling day of fun and adrenaline, go to K1 Speed, a massive indoor racing facility that offers high-speed electric go-karting for all skill levels. The electric karts are not only fast but environmentally friendly to boot!
They offer top-notch equipment, including helmets, head socks, and European-style electric go-karts. You can book your visit up to seven days in advance online or drop via their first-come, first-served option.
As a cherry on top, after ten races, you’ll earn a free race to use on your next visit!
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of K1 Speed’s 3 for $62 weekday special if you’re planning to visit during the week. It’s perfect for squeezing in extra races while avoiding weekend crowds, and you’ll save some cash too!