Summary
While Pickering may often be seen as a commuter city for Toronto, it actually presents a multitude of attractions worthy of exploration. With a rich historical background and a thriving artistic community, it tends to be passed over by tourists, despite its numerous offerings.
Situated along the shores of Lake Ontario, immediately to the east of Toronto, Pickering is easily accessible via train and highway. For those fortunate enough to explore the area, here are the 15 top attractions to experience in Pickering.
1. Wander around a park
Not just any park, Rouge National Urban Park spans 62.9 square kilometers. This historic site, dating back approximately 10,000 years, has hosted Palaeolithic nomadic hunters, Iroquoian farmers, and early European explorers.
Established in 1995 by Pickering, Toronto, and Markham, the park features wetlands, farmlands, and conservation areas.
Visitors can take advantage of three hiking trails throughout the park in spring, summer, and fall, as well as opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter. Keep an eye out for rare avian species, white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers, red foxes, and minks among other wildlife.
2. Spend a day on the waterfront
Pickering’s Nautical Village is a distinctive community located along the edge of Lake Ontario. It provides an ideal getaway from the hustle of the city center, allowing visitors to leisurely explore its attractions.
This community is home to charming shops, ice cream parlors, bakeries, and cafés. Additionally, there is a beach featuring volleyball nets and swimming areas.
Boaters can enjoy the facilities at the Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club, Tenkey Marina, or Wharf Street Marina. Options include renting a boat, canoe, or wind sail, or simply admiring the beautiful yachts and sailboats on Frenchman’s Bay.
3. Hike through a forest
Covering 53 hectares, Altona Forest represents a critical ecological area in addition to being an excellent location for scenic hikes. The forest is home to a variety of common and less common plant and animal species.
Visitors can explore the forest individually or participate in a complimentary guided hike available every Saturday morning. Take in the wildflowers, ponds, trees, and diverse flora while attempting to spot the various bird species residing in the forest.
With seven access points to the Altona Forest trail system, those arriving by vehicle should utilize the entrance on Altona Road. The forest is accessible for exploration year-round.
4. Walk along the water
The Waterfront Trail comprises a series of interconnected pathways along the shores of Lake Ontario. This trail spans from Niagara-on-the-Lake in the west to Cornwall in the east, with Pickering located centrally along the route.
The Pickering section begins at Rouge Beach Park and extends eastwards to Frenchman’s Bay, meandering around the bay and past the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, concluding at Simcoe Point before continuing into Ajax.
Be sure to pause at Beachfront Park, Alex Robinson Park, and Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park along the way. Walking along the Beachpoint Promenade at the southern end of Frenchman’s Bay is also highly recommended.
5. Enjoy street food
If visiting Pickering in August, do not miss the Pickering Food Truck Festival. This three-day event is a paradise for food enthusiasts, featuring food trucks showcasing their finest offerings.
Esplanade Park near Pickering City Hall transforms into a food lover’s haven, hosting over 40 food trucks. The festival includes eating challenges, live music, and a dedicated children’s area.
Entrance to the festival is free, along with parking. However, visitors should plan to bring sufficient funds to sample various food options and craft beers available.
6. Go to the zoo
Located just west of Pickering, adjacent to Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, covering an area of 287 hectares and regarded as one of the largest globally.
Housing over 5,000 animals from around the world, the zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions, each presenting fascinating species.
Explore the zoo to observe white rhinos, Sumatran orangutans, spotted hyenas, red pandas, Komodo dragons, and snow leopards. An area specifically designated as a kid’s zoo provides interactive experiences for children.
7. Step back in time
Discover the history of the city at the Pickering Museum Village, which is set within a collection of historic buildings that illustrate life in Pickering from 1830 onwards.
Notable historical sites include the Puterbaugh Schoolhouse, Duffin’s Creek General Store, Oddfellows’ Hall, Combination Barn, and Bible Christian Chapel, alongside log houses, residences, and gardens such as the Collins House Medicinal Garden.
The museum village also houses various artifacts from Pickering’s past, including clothing, china, furniture, and photographs, as well as special exhibitions held in the Robert A. Miller Building.
8. Window shop
Experience the bustling Pickering Town Centre, a substantial shopping mall that features over 200 stores. Opened in 1972, it stands as the busiest shopping destination in the area.
The mall showcases both international and local brands including H&M, Roots, American Eagle Outfitters, Lush, and The Body Shop, alongside a Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.
Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the mall, as it also accommodates restaurants, fast food outlets, and a movie theater. A virtual reality arcade is available as well.
9. Head for the hills
For visitors in Pickering during the winter months, taking advantage of skiing, snowboarding, or tobogganing is a must. Lakeridge Ski Resort and Dagmar Ski Resort are located just north of Pickering, less than 30 minutes from the city center.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment, as both ski resorts offer rentals.
Lakeridge Ski Resort is the larger option, featuring 23 runs and three terrain parks, while Dagmar Ski Resort includes 18 runs along with two jump lines equipped with various features.
10. Admire the trees
Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is home to approximately 69 species of trees as well as a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can traverse the trails while admiring the stunning trees, which include oak, birch, willow, and pine.
The Waterfront Trail runs through this conservation area, providing breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. Mountain biking is also an option, provided visitors bring their own bicycles.
This conservation area presents numerous picnic spots, with six locations available. Furthermore, there is a 1,600-square-meter swimming pool, a 1,000-square-meter splash pad, and a beach for relaxation.
11. Cycle around
Numerous on- and off-road trails in Pickering cater to cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through the city or a more challenging journey in the hills, suitable trails are readily available.
Cycling along the shoreline of the lake, through verdant green spaces, within conservation areas, or along city streets is possible. Pickering features six multi-purpose trails, two off-road trails, and bike lanes on various streets.
No matter your destination in Pickering, cycling offers a convenient means of transportation. Ensure safety by wearing a helmet and adhering to traffic regulations.
12. Go to the market
Explore the vibrant Pickering Markets, a vast indoor marketplace that engages all the senses. As you wander through, you’ll encounter a multitude of sights, sounds, and aromas.
Take home unique items such as cashmere scarves, exquisite bedding, handcrafted jewelry, salt lamps, or even a medieval sword. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the variety of delectable foods from the numerous vendors within the market.
After perusing the stalls, unwind with a coffee, enjoy a palm reading, or treat yourself to a brief massage. A magician may also be found showcasing their talents in the center of the market.
13. Get fit
For those wishing to maintain fitness during their visit to Pickering, the Pickering Recreation Complex offers an extensive array of facilities. This expansive complex includes ice rinks, two swimming pools, racquetball courts, tennis courts, and squash courts.
Engage in a workout at the health club, which features cardio equipment, a weight room, an indoor track, and stretching studios. Personal trainers are available on-site for guidance.
Access to the Pickering Recreation Complex does not require a membership, as drop-in rates are offered. Child supervision services are also available, allowing parents to exercise without concern for their children.
14. Release stress
A unique way to relieve stress is through axe throwing. At BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League), you can spend hours hurling axes at targets.
Founded in 2006 by Matt Wilson, who started an axe throwing league in his backyard, BATL now has locations across Canada and the USA, with Pickering housing the largest venue.
During public drop-in hours on weekends, guests can receive instruction from on-site coaches. The venue also boasts a fully licensed bar and restaurant.
15. Try your luck
Whether you are a novice or seasoned gambler, exploring the Ajax Casino is an excellent option. Although not located within Pickering, the casino is just a 15-minute drive from the city center in Ajax.
The Ajax Casino operates as an all-electronic venue with 900 of the latest slot machines available. Additionally, electronic versions of roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and sic-bo tables are featured.
Guests can take a break from gaming in the on-site restaurant, which operates 24 hours a day and offers a variety of nightly promotions, including all-you-can-eat ribs, fish fry, and prime rib dinners.
