With a population of more than 350,000, Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse cities. Experience food from around the world, check out the city’s many parks and green spaces, visit the Varley Gallery, take in a play at the Flato Theatre or wander the historic streets of Unionville and Markham Village. Here are our Top 10 Things to do in Markham:
1. Shop the Farmer’s Markets
During the growing season treat yourself to Markham’s farm fresh fruits, veggies, honey, eggs and more. On Sundays, visit the Stiver Mill Farmers’ Market in Unionville. Proceeds go to restoring the 111 year old mill to create a Community Centre. Or stop by Appletree Market at Adventure Valley Day Camp). Each Saturday morning the Main Street Markham Farmers’ Market captures the traditions of the past with a charming venue, old fashioned signs and canopies.
2. Take a stroll along Markham’s more than 22 km of scenic pathways
Markham’s pathways includes scenic 12 bridges, providing access for walkers, joggers and cyclists to enjoy some of the most beautiful areas in Markham. By maintaining the parks and public green spaces Markham promotes an active and healthy quality of life.
3. Perfect your golf swing during winter at Markham Golf Dome
Recently voted in the top 10 driving ranges in North America, Markham Golf Dome is a 53,000 square foot, six storey high indoor driving range. With 45 driving stalls on 2 tee decks there is plenty of room to practice even your longest drives during those cold winter months.
4. Visit the Markham Museum
Markham Museum connects the history of Markham to today’s new ‘settlers’ by examining our environment and the tools we use to adapt to our changing world. The 25-acre Museum site offers exhibits, school programs, public programs, events and research facilities.
5. Visit the Varley Art Gallery
The Varley Art Gallery is a focal point of the historic village of Unionville. In addition to the Gallery, Main Street Unionville offers visitors a unique combination of trendy retail shops, architecturally significant historic homes, and inviting urban parks. The village of Unionville and the Varley Art Gallery represent the second most popular tourist attraction in York Region.
6. See a play at the Flato Markham Theatre
Flato Markham Theatre is one of Canada’s premier theatre houses serving the GTA and Markham residents. With over 300 live performances each year, the Theatre features live performances, concerts, comedy shows and family entertainment throughout the annual professional entertainment season held September through May.
7. Experience the Pacific Mall
Open since 1997, Pacific Mall is the largest indoor Chinese Mall in North America with over 500 stores. Located on the second floor in Pacific Mall you will find Pacific Heritage Town, a shopping attraction built in a traditional pacific market style. It has approximately 100 merchandise counters selling a large variety of retail goods and prepared food.
8. Stroll the Unionville & Markham Village Main Streets
Both Unionville and Markham’s Main Streets welcome you with all their charm and over 200 year history. Beautiful heritage homes, churches and shops line the streets. Unionville hosts festivals throughout the year that draw several thousand visitors. On Main Street, Markham you’ll find many of the town’s winning, “Best of” stores – the best bake shop, the best pub, best men’s wear store, best jeweller, best . . . well, you get the idea!
9. Go Skating at Markham Civic Centre
The Markham Civic Centre is the city hall of Markham. The building is next to an 11.5 hectare park and has a large pond on the south side. Here, the Town created the largest outdoor skating rink in the GTA. When the weather is chilly, get your skates and join the fun!
10. Enjoy live bands at the Millennium Bandstand on Main Street Unionville
During the summer months, “Thursday Night at the Bandstand”, performances are a community favourite. Built in the year 2000, the Bandstand is a pretty, heritage style gazebo. It is a focal point where people meet to enjoy a variety of musical concerts or to just meet friends.To learn more about the City of Markham, please visit: www.markham.ca
