It’s easy to mistake North York for Toronto. After all, North York lies within the larger city. However, there are plenty of things to do in North York without having to go into Toronto. From shopping centers to historic sites, museums, and even dog parks, it is easy to find entertainment within this small city.
North York deals can be found at one of the town’s many malls and shopping centers. The Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Dufferin Street is the fifth-largest shopping mall in Canada. Zara, Holt Renfrew, Old Navy, H&M, Sears, and Topshop all have stores within its walls. Fairview Mall consists of 80,000 square meters and is anchored by Sephora, H&M, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Sears, Laura, and The Bay.
A North York guide to museums and historical sites needs to include Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Ontario Science Centre. Those looking for North York things to do should spend the day at either of these family-friendly locations. Black Creek Pioneer Village is located on the banks of the Black Creek. The village consists of restored 19th-century buildings that have been moved there from their original sites. It has a period general store, water-powered grist mill, blacksmith’s shop, hotel, one-room schoolhouse, and church. For those who would rather look to the future, the Ontario Science Centre at 770 Don Mills Road has over 800 science-oriented exhibits, including those on astronomy, technology, geology, anatomy, and music.
No guide to North York is complete without mentioning the dog parks. North York is one of the most canine-friendly cities in Canada. The Beltline Trail, a fenced-in area between the Allen Expressway and Mount Pleasant Road, is one of the best places to take your pup. Complete with trails for walking or bicycling, plenty of dog bowls, water fountains, and benches, the Beltline Trail will make any pooch very happy.