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Home » Recent posts » 10 Best Things to Do in North York, Toronto Recommended by Locals Who Were Born There

10 Best Things to Do in North York, Toronto Recommended by Locals Who Were Born There

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!