Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Whitby, Ontario

Whitby is positioned in the heart of Ontario’s Durham region, approximately 48 kilometers east of Toronto. Established in 1855, the town has evolved into a suburb of the Greater Toronto Area.

Being centrally located, Whitby offers a wide array of attractions not only within its borders but also in the surrounding areas. Nonetheless, it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, despite its considerable appeal.

The town features historic streets, natural landscapes, public parks, and cultural landmarks eagerly awaiting exploration.

Let us examine the top attractions in Whitby:

1. Engage in espionage at Camp X

Whitby houses Camp X, a training facility for secret agents operational from 1941 to 1945, designed to prepare operatives for deployment into Nazi-occupied territories.

While little remains of Camp X today, guided walking tours are available, providing insight into the camp’s history and specific training regimens.

The site, now referred to as Intrepid Park, features a prominent monument marking its location. The park is an excellent venue for strolling and examining artifacts while learning about life at this notable espionage training ground.

2. Discover the waterfront

Port Whitby Marina features a 420-slip, year-round facility situated on a natural harbor on Lake Ontario. The marina provides various activities, including sailing excursions, and boasts a serene clubhouse.

Visitors can enjoy the waterfront by strolling along the Waterfront Trail or savoring ice cream from a local shop. Alternatively, Kiwanis Heydenshore Park offers an inviting setting for picnics and relaxation.

The marina caters to sailing, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding, with opportunities for boating or sailing lessons available.

3. Uncover the city centre

The downtown area of Whitby, though compact, offers a wealth of attractions. Its village-like ambiance is enriched by several significant architectural landmarks.

Characterized by an eclectic array of businesses, it ranks among the premier locations in the city for procuring unique items.

In Downtown Whitby, visitors will find charming boutiques, distinctive restaurants, and historic structures organically intertwined in the city’s fabric. A leisurely walk through this neighborhood is highly recommended.

4. Visit a historical museum

The Lynde House Museum, a historic mansion, now serves as a captivating museum. It was among the earliest residences established in Whitby and is recognized as a major local attraction.

Guests can explore the various rooms to gain insights into life during the 1800s.

With knowledgeable tour guides available to share the home’s history, visitors also have the option to explore independently. The museum hosts various special events and exhibits throughout the year.

5. Experience the farmer’s market

The Whitby Farmer’s Market operates every Wednesday from May to October at the Old Fire Hall, offering an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and discover unique local goods.

Visitors can sample fresh produce and artisanal products, while craftsmen’s booths present an opportunity to purchase truly unique handcrafted items.

The market also features prepared foods, such as fresh baked goods, juices, and salads. Engaging with local farmers can provide valuable insights and tips about their produce.

6. Explore a heritage district

Within Whitby lies the heritage village of Downtown Brooklin, a designated conservation area showcasing remarkable architecture.

This quaint district is demarcated by Highway 12, Carnwith Drive East, Thickson Road, and Highway 3. An exploratory walk around this locale proves to be a gratifying experience.

Downtown Brooklin features boutiques, eateries, and local enterprises, many situated in charming older buildings. For those visiting during the holiday season, it is an enchanting place to celebrate Christmas.

7. Encounter ghosts

It is claimed that the Whitby Centennial Building harbors paranormal activity, with its initial ghost sightings reported in 1873.

Constructed between 1852 and 1854 by renowned architects Frederick Cumberland and Wallace Storm, this former courthouse functioned as a trial court until its closure in 1964.

This heritage structure now serves as a theater, banquet hall, and repository for local archives, representing one of the town’s significant historical and architectural sites.

8. Appreciate art

For over 45 years, the Station Gallery has functioned as a community visual arts center. As a non-profit establishment, it not only showcases beautiful artwork but also provides educational classes.

The gallery’s permanent collection boasts over 300 artworks, most of which were generously donated by artists and art organizations. It encompasses prints, paintings, lithographs, and sculptures.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, Station Gallery hosts various temporary exhibitions along with engaging events like live music and discussions.

9. Refresh yourself at splash pads

Whitby features 15 splash pads throughout the town, providing refreshing relief during hot summer days. All splash pads operate daily from 9 AM to 9 PM from June to September.

Each splash pad is situated within a park, offering a picturesque location for a family afternoon. Enjoy engaging with water, having picnics under shady trees, and indulging in leisure activities such as kite flying.

Notably, the splash pad at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park is particularly favored due to its waterfront location and the presence of a playground.

10. Stroll through nature

The town encompasses a network of trails designed for leisurely walks, totaling over 60 kilometers that showcase Whitby’s natural landscapes.

These well-maintained trails are marked for ease of navigation, with the Waterfront Trail being particularly popular, albeit all trails offer delightful experiences.

In total, there are 11 trails, all of which are kept accessible throughout the winter months, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a beautiful walk year-round.

11. Embrace nature

The Lynde Shores Conservation Area is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.

The best means of exploring the Lynde Shores Conservation Area is through its easy-to-navigate trails, which accommodate hikers of all ages.

Moreover, there are designated picnic areas with several tables near the main parking lot, providing an ideal setting for outdoor meals.

12. Ski at nearby resorts

For winter visitors who enjoy skiing, nearby ski resorts provide ample opportunities. Renting a car allows you to easily reach the slopes for a full day of skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing.

Ski Dagmar features 12 runs catering to varying skill levels and is equipped with four lifts, alongside a cozy chalet and two magic carpet lifts.

Ski Lakeridge is located just north of Ski Dagmar in the picturesque Oak Ridge Moraine, offering winter skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, as well as summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.

13. Play golf

Whitby is home to seven golf courses, ensuring that golfers of all skill levels have a satisfying experience while visiting the area.

The Pickering Golf Club, the oldest in the region, is not the most exclusive, as that honor belongs to the Whitevale Golf Club, a world-class member-owned establishment.

Other excellent golfing destinations include Deer Creek, which features two distinct courses—north and south—as well as the Howard Watson-designed Cherry Downs Golf Club and the public Watson’s Glen Golf Club.

14. Visit the Parkwood Estate Gardens

The magnificent Parkwood Estate Gardens are located at the Parkwood Estate in neighboring Oshawa. The gardens are designed in the style of a traditional English garden, making them an ideal spot to enjoy beautiful blooms.

Constructed by the McLaughlin family, the estate was once maintained by a staff of 24 gardeners. Each garden has its theme, including the Sundial Garden, Italian Garden, and Sunken Garden.

The estate is home to several pavilions and three greenhouses, which house tropical plants and flowers, including a Japanese Garden.

15. Shop for contemporary fashion

Whitby offers numerous shopping options for the latest fashion trends, particularly in the quaint boutiques of Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin, as well as several local plazas.

For an exceptional shopping experience, venture to the Oshawa Centre located in the nearby suburb of Oshawa. As the largest mall east of Toronto, it boasts over 230 stores and various services.

The mall features ten anchor tenants, including Old Navy and H&M, alongside a multitude of other stores such as Adidas, Zara, RW & CO, and the Gap. The food court hosts a variety of fast-food chains, providing convenient dining options.