Things To Do
in Markham
Markham is a suburban city in the Regional Municipality of York, immediately north of Toronto, known for its diverse population, high-tech business parks, and blend of new development and historical Main Street communities. It combines modern shopping centers, Asian-influenced dining districts, and preserved heritage sites such as the Markham Museum and Unionville Main Street. Green spaces, trails, and proximity to Rouge National Urban Park give easy access to nature within an urbanizing landscape.
The city is family-friendly, transit-connected to the Greater Toronto Area, and offers a mix of multicultural festivals and community events year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Markham Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the area through engaging exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Main Street, admiring the charming architecture and small-town vibe. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and trails at the nearby Toogood Pond Park. Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the pond, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. As you walk around, keep an eye out for the various bird species that inhabit the area.
As the sun sets, head to Markham's vibrant downtown area for a delightful dinner at one of its diverse restaurants. You can choose from a variety of cuisines, including Asian, Italian, and classic Canadian fare. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the streets, taking in the ambiance and perhaps visiting a local ice cream shop for dessert.
Begin your day with a visit to the Varley Art Gallery, where you can explore Canadian art and exhibits that highlight local artists. The gallery is not only visually stimulating but also offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region. Spend some time in the serene garden outside the gallery, perfect for reflection and inspiration.
After lunch at a nearby café, embark on a guided tour of the historic Unionville area, known for its quaint shops and picturesque streets. As you wander through the charming village, take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community. Be sure to visit the famous Old Church, a stunning example of early Canadian architecture.
For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of Unionville's renowned restaurants that offer farm-to-table dining experiences. After dinner, enjoy some live music or a theater performance at a local venue, immersing yourself in the arts scene of Markham. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets, soaking in the local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-120 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extremely diverse and vibrant food scene, especially East and South Asian cuisines
- Good access to natural spaces (Rouge Park, trails) while close to Toronto
- Safe, family-friendly communities with modern amenities and shopping
- Strong transit links to Toronto via GO Transit and regional transit
- Can feel suburban and spread out — limited late-night entertainment compared to downtown Toronto
- Traffic congestion during rush hours on major highways (401, 404, 407)
- Winters can be cold and snowy with occasional travel disruptions
- Some attractions are car-dependent if you're not using local transit
Places to Visit in Markham
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming heritage buildings, seasonal flowers and the Rouge River backdrop make this ideal for street and architectural photography.
Rivers, wetlands and meadows provide natural landscapes, wildlife and long vistas — excellent for nature and sunrise/sunset shots.
A scenic pond with walking trails, boardwalks and reflections in fall and spring; popular with families and photographers.
Modern civic architecture, sculptures and well-maintained plazas are great for urban photography and capturing community life.
River, dam and forested trails that are photogenic year-round and offer good opportunities for wildlife and landscape shots.
Food in Markham
Markham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A weekend brunch staple — small plates of dumplings, buns and steamed dishes. Try popular dim sum houses along Highway 7 and in Pacific Mall's surrounding corridor.
Must-Try!
Group-friendly, customizable broth and tabletop cooking. Plenty of hot pot restaurants in Markham’s Chinese business districts offer authentic spicy and numbing flavours.
Classic Canadian pastry often found at bakeries and cafes — a sweet, buttery tart that pairs well with coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of North America’s largest Asian shopping malls — expect Taiwanese, Cantonese, Hong Kong-style street snacks, bubble tea, and Hong Kong-style cafés in attached food courts.
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisanal foods and occasional food trucks — great in summer and fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians value politeness and queuing — say 'please' and 'thank you', respect personal space, and wait your turn in lines.
Markham is highly diverse; show respect for cultural and religious differences, remove shoes when invited into homes, and be mindful of dietary preferences.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and obey local traffic laws; using turn signals and courteous driving is expected.
Safety
Tipping in Markham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: about 15–20% in restaurants before tax for average service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for taxis. Hotel porters, housekeeping and personal service providers typically receive small tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Interac); contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors but most places accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures by late April and May with budding trees and blooming flowers; some rain — bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Warm to hot with humidity in July and August; long daylight hours and many outdoor festivals. Ideal for parks and patio dining, but carry sun protection and water.
Crisp, comfortable weather and brilliant fall colours, especially along trails and the Oak Ridges Moraine. Great for hiking and photography; layers recommended.
Cold with snow and freezing temperatures from December through February; dress warmly, expect icy sidewalks and slower transit — winter boots and insulated layers are essential.
Markham at Night
Hiking in Markham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails through river valleys, wetlands and meadows with varied terrain and wildlife viewing; close to eastern Markham.
Easy riverside trails, a dam and woodland areas suitable for family walks and photography, located within Markham limits.
Hiking and scenic trails on the moraine offering elevation, lookouts and diverse habitats — great for fall foliage and nature hikes.
Short, accessible trails around a scenic pond ideal for casual walks, birdwatching and seasonal photography.
Airports
How to reach Markham by plane.
Canada’s largest airport, about 25–35 km west of Markham depending on your starting point; accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, and GO Transit. Offers domestic and international flights and rental car services.
Downtown Toronto island airport focused on regional flights and some U.S. services; accessible via ferry and public transit from Toronto, then a transit connection to Markham.
Smaller regional airport east of Markham (primarily general aviation and some charter services); commercial flights are limited — better for private aviation or regionally focused travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and diverse Chinese population (including Cantonese, Mandarin and recent immigrants from different regions) contributing to the city's cultural and culinary identity.
Significant Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan communities with cultural festivals, restaurants and places of worship.
Residents of British, Eastern European and other backgrounds contribute to Markham's multicultural mix along with a growing population of professionals in tech and service sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is widely played and followed at the youth and recreational levels with many community rinks and leagues.
Popular among all ages; outdoor fields see heavy use in spring–fall and local clubs compete regionally.
Golf is popular with courses like Angus Glen offering facilities for players and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Markham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Markham; many Chinese and South Asian restaurants offer vegetable-forward dishes and tofu options, and there are dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the GTA within easy reach.
Gluten-free choices are becoming more common; bakeries and larger restaurants usually indicate gluten-free options, but cross-contamination can be an issue — ask staff and check menus.
Halal-certified restaurants and options are available, especially for South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines; confirm certification with the restaurant if necessary.