Top 15 Attractions in Vaughan, Ontario

Vaughan, one of the rapidly expanding cities in Canada, is located just north of Toronto. While it serves as a suburb of this major metropolis, Vaughan is a city with its own identity. The history of Vaughan traces back to 1792, but considerable growth since 1991 has significantly enhanced its prominence.

Moreover, Vaughan is a diverse cultural hub replete with numerous activities and attractions. It boasts Canada’s largest amusement park, one of the country’s largest shopping centers, and an open-air heritage museum. Thus, this city is indeed a worthwhile destination for visitors.

Here are the top attractions in Vaughan:

1. Ride rollercoasters

Canada’s Wonderland stands out as the most frequented attraction in the city. This expansive 133-hectare amusement park is divided into six distinct areas, including an eight-hectare waterpark. Families visiting will appreciate the designated area for children, offering rides appropriate for a variety of age groups.

For thrill seekers, Canada’s Wonderland is a dream come true, featuring 15 exhilarating rollercoasters. Notably, the Leviathan is the fastest and tallest coaster in Canada, boasting a maximum drop of 93 meters!

Overall, the amusement park offers over 200 attractions, including games, shows, and, naturally, rides. It operates daily from May through September, with weekend openings in April and October.

2. Go shopping

Adjacent to Canada’s Wonderland is Vaughan Mills, one of Canada’s largest shopping malls, attracting over 13 million visitors annually.

The mall features over 200 retail stores, including 16 anchor stores, alongside more than 35 dining options within its 120,000 square meters of retail space.

If Vaughan Mills feels overwhelming, there are also smaller shopping venues in the area, such as Promenade Mall, Seven/400 Power Centre, and Colossus Centre.

3. Step into a land of Lego

Though it bears the name Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto, this globally renowned franchise is situated in Vaughan, specifically within Vaughan Mills.

Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto features 14 attractions, including a 3D cinema, a Lego retail store, and a play zone. Children can tour a Lego factory and learn various skills, such as ninja training or becoming an apprentice to Merlin.

For a break from the excitement, a café is available on-site, along with Miniland, a miniaturized representation of Toronto constructed from over one million Lego bricks. Miniland showcases the city’s primary landmarks, complete with lights and moving elements.

4. Visit an art gallery

For enthusiasts of the esteemed Group of Seven, a visit to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is essential. This intimate gallery showcases an extensive array of paintings by Tom Thomson along with other works from this acclaimed group.

Set amidst 40 hectares of forest, this small gallery includes a sculpture garden, the historic Tom Thomson Shack, and a cemetery where six members of the Group of Seven are interred.

After navigating the gallery and appreciating the art, visitors can explore the grounds and take a leisurely walk along its picturesque trails, which meander through beautiful pine, maple, and oak trees.

5. Interact with reptiles

At Reptilia, visitors can engage with reptiles from around the globe. This indoor reptile zoo spans 1,400 square meters, making it the largest in Canada, and is home to over 250 reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians.

Among the highlights is Induna, the largest crocodile in Canada, measuring 3.4 meters in length and weighing over 1,000 pounds. Other attractions include a king cobra measuring 4.3 meters and a python that is 6.1 meters long.

Do not miss the feeding times, which occur four times daily and feature various foods such as birds, eggs, insects, and rodents.

6. Explore a conservation area

Centrally located in Vaughan is the Kortright Centre for Conservation, encompassing 325 hectares of lush greenery situated within a pine and maple forest between Rutherford Road and Major Mackenzie Drive.

The Kortright Centre is notable for its horseback riding opportunities in the northern section, while also providing over 30 environmental programs to the public.

Attracting over 100,000 visitors annually, the centre offers activities such as bird watching and hiking through its scenic wooded trails, alongside family-oriented events and sustainability tours. It also provides facilities for private functions, raising awareness about conservation practices.

7. Go back in time

Delve into the past by exploring Black Creek Pioneer Village, an open-air heritage museum that provides insight into life in Ontario during pioneer times.

This village offers a meticulously recreated 19th-century environment, replete with historical buildings, furnishings, and period costumes. Staff members are attired in traditional clothing and engage in demonstrations of daily life.

Visitors can explore various structures, including a blacksmith’s shop, schoolhouse, mill, general store, and church, while enjoying historical reenactments that enrich the experience.

8. Learn about Canadian football

In Canada, the sport known as soccer can be fully appreciated at the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, established in 1997 to acknowledge the accomplishments of the nation’s elite athletes.

The Hall of Fame honors both male and female players, adding new inductees annually. Teams are also recognized, signifying their significant contributions to the sport.

Induction into the Hall is not limited to players; noteworthy figures such as managers, coaches, and journalists who have impacted the sport in Canada are also honored.

9. Enjoy bird watching

While birdwatching is a highlight at the Boyd Conservation Area, it is far from the only activity available. Embark on a nature hike in pursuit of unique avian species.

The scenic trails cater to all visitors, offering breathtaking views and an immersive experience of Vaughan’s natural beauty.

The Boyd Conservation Area also features serene picnic spots, a playground, and recreational facilities including a football field and basketball courts.

10. Visit a nearby town

Several charming towns envelop Vaughan, with King being a notable highlight, especially for history enthusiasts. King is conveniently located just north of Vaughan and features the historic King City settlement.

This scenic community is rich in heritage, showcasing designated sites such as King City Cemetery, King Emmanuel Baptist Church, and King Station, established in 1852.

Other historic towns within a short distance from Vaughan that offer great day trip options include Markham Village, Unionville, and Old Thornhill.

11. See Canada’s largest reflector telescope

A short drive to Richmond Hill will lead you to the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO), which houses Canada’s largest reflector telescope with an aperture of 188 centimeters.

Situated on a 76-hectare estate, the observatory features not only this remarkable telescope but also several smaller ones. One of the observatory’s key attractions includes night viewings of stars through this extensive telescope.

The David Dunlap Observatory also organizes talk nights covering topics such as science fiction, space science, and astronomy. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the observatory’s historical significance and contributions to the field of astronomy.

12. Cool off at a water park

The largest water attraction is the Splash Works at Canada’s Wonderland; however, for those seeking a quieter experience, Wet’n’Wild Toronto in Brampton merits a visit.

Wet’n’Wild Toronto functions as both a water park and entertainment complex, featuring 15 water slides, a wave pool, a waterfall, and a lazy river. Additionally, a designated children’s area ensures younger guests can have fun safely, alongside an adventure zone for older visitors.

If you’re not inclined to swim, the complex also offers mini golf, relaxing by the pool in a cabana, or zip-lining. Dining options are available on-site, eliminating the need to prepare meals.

13. Go for a swim

No matter when you visit Vaughan, swimming is readily available thanks to numerous indoor pools across the city, several of which include whirlpools or waterslides.

For families with young children, ideal options like the Garnet A. Williams Pool or the North Thornhill Pool feature designated children’s sections. Those looking to swim laps can utilize facilities such as Vellore Village Pool, Al Palladini Pool, or Woodbridge Pool.

Varied amenities, including diving boards and fountains, enhance the swimming experience. All pools are equipped with changing rooms, many providing family-friendly facilities.

14. Play a round of golf

Avid golfers will be pleased to find that Vaughan offers an abundance of golf courses to enjoy, accommodating both private and public preferences.

Among the city’s distinguished golf venues, Eagles Nest Golf Club is recognized as the best public golf course in the Greater Toronto Area. If you know a member of the Thornhill Golf & Country Club, a round on its Stanley Thompson-designed course is certainly worthwhile.

Additionally, Vaughan features numerous other options, including the private Maple Downs Golf Course, the public Copper Creek Golf Club, and The National Golf Club of Canada, known for its exclusivity.

15. Walk around campus

Situated on the southern boundary of Vaughan is York University, home to Canada’s largest university campus, encompassing approximately 185 hectares.

Originally agricultural land, the campus contains heritage-designated original buildings. Strolling through the campus allows one to admire the architecture and surrounding greenery.

Noteworthy sites include the Scott Library, the TEL building, and the Petrie Science Building. After exploring the grounds, visitors can shop at the campus’ two-level shopping mall or enjoy a quick bite at one of the various fast-food outlets.