Tucked into the landscape of the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine, just north of Toronto, York Region is just the place to explore the countryside. Where else can you lose yourself in a forest, yet be only minutes from the city?
Located in the heart of Ontario's Greenbelt protected area, the region is a treasure trove of woodlands, waterways, and nature trails. An extensive trail network crosses through historic towns and valleys as part of the Trans Canada Trail and includes the scenic Oak Ridges Moraine - a glacial ridge with over 200 kms of natural trails that is the headwaters to more than 30 rivers.
The largest and most intact forest on the Moraine is found at the Happy Valley Forest. Protected by The Nature Conservancy of Canada, this 1,560 acre mature forest is home to over 110 bird species and significant wetlands.
The Region is also home to many Rail Trails, the remains of the popular Grand Trunk Railway that once connected the city of Toronto to York's vacation communities along Lake Simcoe. For something less strenuous, visit the Kortright Centre for Conservation and walk the trails or take the McMichael Canadian Art Collection's trail map and explore the beautiful the Humber Valley in Kleinburg.
When you're ready to make tracks, it's best to do it on foot to fully enjoy the scenery and abundant plant life and wildlife. Guided hikes are offered by the Oak Ridges Trail Association www.oakridgestrail.org and trail maps can be downloaded from the Take A Hike Guide.
The Moraine Train - York-Durham Heritage Railway
Experience a piece of Canada's history. Catch a ride on the Heritage Train and enjoy a nostalgic ride through some of the most beautiful countryside in the province. Board the train at the Stouffville Train Station or the Uxbridge Train Station on Sundays.
Two-Wheeled Touring
York Region is a perennial favourite for both trail biking and road cycling. Avid cyclists and families out for the afternoon are equally guaranteed spectacular scenery and a fun countryside tour on routes through the Moraine's hills and bike paths through quaint small towns. One of the most scenic rides is along Lake Drive from Keswick to Jackson's Point along the shores of Lake Simcoe. As Ontario's original "cottage country", this area is home to historic sites and quaint villages that make great rest stops. Rail Trails and designated forest tracts provide a challenging workout for those looking for an off-road experience.
Great Summer Drives
Take a drive along the Region's gently rolling back roads - discover talented artisans, celebrate at summer festivals, explore charming towns and villages, and find that perfect scenic lookout. Enjoy the flexibility of your own agenda, stopping where you want, discovering the charming hospitality of the small towns and villages along the way.
Our Great Summer Drive route is the perfect way to spend a few hours or an entire day exploring. Follow the York Region route or simply choose a destination on the map. You can't take a wrong turn in York Region.
The Wine Route
York Region is also Ontario's newest wine region, designated by the Wine Council of Ontario. Home to the VQA wineries of Willow Springs Winery, Cilento Wines, Vinoteca Inc. Premium Winery, and Magnotta Winery, the region also features two micro breweries and several award-winning fruit wineries. Guided winery tours and tastings are offered at Willow Springs Winery in Stouffville and at the Magnotta Winery in Vaughan.
Farmers' Market
Kids big and small flock to York Region for taste of the country life. Beyond the bustling city streets, the region's landscape is dotted with farmer's fields, fair grounds, horse paddocks and orchards.
Discover our land of plenty. Take a guided tour of "Canada's vegetable garden" - the Holland Marsh or savour the exceptional local produce - the pride of York Region's rolling farmland - with a stop at the local farmers' market on a Saturday morning. Drive slowly so you can pull off at one of our roadside stands for a homemade pie or freshly-picked fruits and vegetables.
Bring the kids to the country! Local farms offer up fall fun with corn mazes, enchanted forests, and petting zoos. Visitors are invited to see how a working farm operates, where food really comes from and just how glorious a picnic lunch can be with food fresh from the orchard and field.
York Region is definitely a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with a little culture thrown in on the side!
