By Wayne Doyle
After almost two full years of uncertainty, York Region attractions and events are finally beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels. Restaurants and shops are fully open. Sporting events can accept full houses and social gatherings have had their limits removed.
To ensure folks know what’s on and what’s coming up in York Region, experienceyorkregion.com – York Region’s official tourism website – is proud to announce today the launch of The Experience Trail – https://www.experienceyorkregion.com/experience-trail/ – a project that highlights the region’s attractions and events.
“The Experience Trail is all about re-connecting our residents and our visitors with the region’s many tourism experiences,” said Monica del Rio Pain, trail organizer and program curator at the York Region Arts Council, which presents experienceyorkregion.com. “York Region has a wide variety of activities that appeal to people of all ages and all backgrounds. The cultural diversity of the region means people living in or visiting York Region can experience virtually everything the world has to offer without leaving home.”That includes restaurants that offer cuisine from every corner of the globe; shops that specialize in local handmade items; golf courses with world-class conditions; and events that bring us all together.
“As York Region re-opens, the first release of events focuses on community collaboration through arts and culture,” explained del Rio Pain. “For The Experience Trail, we visited the Varley Art Gallery in Markham to see their diverse offerings and we visited The Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture to discover their new direction and their new mandate. We’ve taken our cameras to the Kortright Centre for Conservation to learn about maple syrup and we’re thrilled to be able to share more information on the Newmarket Community Craft Beer Festival and the Wintersong Music Festival in Stouffville.”
While The Experience Trail is focused on the major community-driven attractions in York Region, planned by the folks in their own backyard, trail organizers have also included an ‘In the Neighbourhood’ feature so folks can find other local gems in the area to help plan their outings in advance, knowing there’s more to see and do, no matter what attraction they’re visiting.
“We want to make it easy for folks to plan their day and get out and enjoy everything York Region has to offer while supporting local organizers,” explained del Rio Pain. “It’s been a long time since people have had the chance to get out and explore the region.
“We hope the attractions and events we’ve highlighted on The Experience Trail motivate and inspire people to re-connect with all there is to do and see in York Region.”
Main photo: With spring in the air, now is the perfect time to get out on The Experience Trail and discover York Region.
Photos top row, from left: Instagram influencer Jessica Lam is the host of The Experience Trail and TikTok artist Matthew Morales will be showcasing his creativity as inspired by the locations he visits. Jessica and Matthew hard at work.
Photos bottom row, from left: The people behind the locations on The Experience Trail.
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Wayne Doyle is the manager of marketing and communications for the York Region Arts Council. Wayne is always looking for great stories to share with readers of experienceyorkregion.com. If you’ve got a York Region story to tell, contact Wayne: wayne@yorkregionartscouncil.com
