The town has become known for its picturesque rural setting and quaint village atmosphere. The downtown area features several boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

Kleinburg is the ideal destination for a day trip from Toronto, as it’s only an hour away from Ontario’s capital city, and there’s just enough to see and do in under 24 hours. Let’s look at all you can do here and how best to spend your day.

Whether for a trip with family or friends, or a special evening out, Kleinburg is a great day trip option.

Where is Kleinburg Village?

Kleinburg, Ontario, is a small village in the Greater Toronto Area northwest of Vaughan, Ontario. It sits along the banks of the Humber River and is home to one of Canada’s most extensive collections of early Victorian-era homes.

This village is also only 30 minutes from Unionville, ON. 

What is Kleinburg Known For?

Kleinburg is known for being a quaint village. It is home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, which houses the world’s most extensive Canadian art collection. The historic main street of Kleinburg is lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Kleinburg provides the perfect destination for anyone looking for a delightful day out. Before you arrive, take a look at the village’s very own website, Downtown Kleinburg. 

Things to Do in Kleinburg, Ontario

Kleinburg, Ontario, is an excellent destination for those looking to escape city life’s hustle and bustle. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying longer, there are a variety of activities to enjoy in this charming town. 

Explore the Arts Scene

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is devoted to exhibiting the art of Canada. Its permanent collection includes over 7,000 artworks created by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and Indigenous, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have helped shape the country’s art history.

Located on 100 acres of lush forested land along the Humber River, which flows through the original lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe and Huron-Wendat People, the grounds were once an integral part of the Carrying Place Trail, connecting the Lakeshore region with Lake Simcoe-Georgian Bay.

Take a Stroll Down Kleinburg Main Street

Kleinburg Village is an enchanting enclave for those looking for a unique shopping experience, a relaxing day away from the city, or a romantic evening out, with various sweet treats, luxury spas, one-of-a-kind boutiques (Modella Ladieswear, Boulevard Fashion Boutique, SugarPlum Children’s Boutique), and cozy cafés (Local Café, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters), that line the main street.

The village takes on a romantic atmosphere by night, and visitors can enjoy hopping from one restaurant to the next for dinner and dessert.

Check Out The Kleinburg Railway Station

Built-in 1870, Kleinburg Station was initially constructed while the Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway extended north from Toronto on a narrow-gauge track. This original station building was a small wooden frame building with a lean-to roof. It did not open officially to passengers until September 18th, 1871, after the railway completed its line to Orangeville.

Canadian Pacific acquired the railway instead in 1883 and soon established a rail connection from Bolton to its existing transcontinental line in Sudbury. At this time, the original station was closed and replaced with a new, larger structure. Two floors of the new station house contained a waiting room, baggage room, the station agent’s office, and his living quarters upstairs.

At its peak, Kleinburg Station saw 13 passenger trains come through daily, but by 1961, this number was reduced to 8, and the station ceased passenger service in 1964.

Pierre Berton Heritage Centre

Located in the former Kleinburg United Church, erected in 1926, the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre was inaugurated in 2018.

A permanent small exhibit honours the life and works of Pierre Berton, who was born and raised in the Yukon and served four years in the army, reaching the rank of Captain/Instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston before continuing his newspaper career in Vancouver.

Throughout his life, Pierre Berton received over 30 literary awards, two Nellies, and two National Newspaper awards, among other distinctions. His immense contribution to Canadian literature and history led to his awarding over a dozen honorary degrees, membership in the Newsman’s Hall of Fame, and becoming a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Old Firehall Confectionery

If you’re looking for incredibly delicious sweets, then the Old Firehall Confectionery is the place. Kimberly and Natasha, also known as Sugar Queen and Sugar Diva, offer a wide selection of homemade chocolates, hard candies, and other goodies. Buy treats for yourself or gifts for your friends and family – there are boxes, bags, and tins of delectable sweetness to choose from.

Ambiance Boutique

Ambiance Boutique offers an array of carefully curated items for you and your home by sourcing fashion, home décor, accessories, furniture, stationery, giftware, and much more from places such as Italy, New York, Turkey, Spain, and local designers.

Kleinburg Cookie Crumble Cafe

Kleinburg’s Cookie Crumble Café provides an array of delicious homemade dishes, from pies to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an excellent spot for a hot coffee or tea, a specialty latte or cappuccino, or cool off with a scoop of homemade ice cream.

They only use fresh, natural ingredients to ensure their food is healthy and free from preservatives.

Maison Femme Boutique

In the heart of Kleinburg Village, owner and young entrepreneur Katya Moser, grew up captivated by the beauty of the performing arts and the power of fashion to help one discover beauty and self-confidence, offering her clients the latest couture styles with a unique shopping experience.

Maison Femme offers a wide range of fashion, from classic jeans and t-shirts to high-end evening wear.

The Doctor’s House

Some consider Kleinburg to be the unofficial wedding capital of Toronto, a destination that offers couples a wide range of beautiful settings for their special day. From the historic charm of the Doctor’s House to the vintage, picturesque Kleinburg train station, the village offers a blissful backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.

The Doctor’s House is a one-of-a-kind event venue located in the heart of Kleinburg, providing couples with the perfect combination of small-town charm and urban convenience. Featuring exquisite cuisine, elegant ambiance, and attentive service, the Doctor’s House is the perfect place for couples to host their wedding, celebration, or corporate event.

Enjoy The Outdoors

Kortright Centre for Conservation

We have fond memories of visiting Kortright on school trips!

Since 1982, the Kortright Centre has been an exemplary institution in sustainable technology. Spanning 1.6 kilometres, the Innovation Trail offers an opportunity to view Canada’s most prominent educational installations of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

The Centre is dedicated to the life’s work of Francis H. Kortright, an esteemed outdoorsman, author and conservationist. Kortright was a pioneer in environmental awareness and dedicated his life to protecting the flora and fauna of Canada.

Humber River Trails (Humber River Recreation Trail)

The Toronto Carrying-Place Trail, also known as the Humber Portage, was a portage route that connected Lake Ontario with Lake Simcoe and the northern Great Lakes.

The trail’s Toronto end runs up the Humber River’s eastern bank and then splits between Woodbridge. One path crosses the east branch of the Humber and goes up the west side of the river to the vicinity of Kleinburg. The other path stays on the east side of the river and is angled cross-country to King Creek, joining the first path near Nobelton.

From there, it runs north over the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Holland River, northeast into Lake Simcoe, through straights on the north end of Lake Couchiching, and along the Severn River into Georgian Bay. A second arm of the trail runs from the Holland River to the southeast, eventually into the Rouge River Valley, then Lake Ontario from there.

Many First Nations tribes lived around and north of Lake Simcoe, easily reachable via the many rivers leading to the lake.

Boyd Conservation Area 

Nestled within the headwaters of the Don and Humber Rivers, Boyd Conservation Park is an excellent spot for families and big groups to picnic during the summertime. The steep-sided Humber River Valley and towering trees make it a quiet spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Stop and Admire St. Padre Pio Church

Just outside of Kleinburg is the beautiful St. Padre Pio Church.

The church is beautiful, with intricate stonework and elegant stained glass windows, while the church’s exterior is adorned with numerous statues and sculptures.

Take Part in Festivals & Events

Binder Twine Mill Park + Festival

Kleinburg is the site of the Binder Twine Festival, held annually in September.

It was inspired by Charles Shaw Jr.’s efforts to supply local farmers with the binder twine needed to bundle sheaves of wheat back in the 1890s. It is said that the Shaws offered dinner to their customers as a thank-you for their orders.

This humble act quickly became a much larger celebration with various activities, refreshments and entertainment.

Best Places to Eat in Kleinburg

From cozy family-run diners and cafes to elegant upscale eateries, Kleinburg has something to please every palate, but if Italian is your preferred choice, you are in luck. (Villaggio Ristorante, Sughetto’s la pizza shoppe, Fiore Restaurante, and La Baracca, to name a few) This village is also home to a row of locally-loved coffee shops and gelato spots, which add to the area’s charm. 

Belsito Trattoria

Gino Guercio, an experienced chef, created Belsito Trattoria in honour of his Italian roots. The restaurant, named after his parents’ hometown of Belsito in Cosenza, Italy, can accommodate up to 76 guests in the main dining area, with an additional 34 people seated in the seasonal al-fresco patio.

The menu is inspired by family recipes from generations past, with unique seasonal dishes and a wide selection of Italian wines to accompany them.

Avenue Cibi e Vin

Avenue Cibi e Vini is a unique Italian-style restaurant experience for an afternoon lunch or dinner.

It’s a contemporary eatery with inviting decor, eclectic lighting, and an open-concept kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs prepare your meal. In addition to Italian classics like hand-made pasta dishes and fresh pizza, you can sample the restaurant’s creative dishes like Fettucine Alla Carbonara or Sea Bass with Crispy Potatoes.

Where to Stay in Kleinburg, Canada + Map

If you decide to spend the night before heading home or continuing on your Ontario road trip, here are a few places to choose. 

Unionville is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of downtown Toronto, making it the perfect spot to get away for a few hours of the day. With its quaint and picturesque character, there are plenty of things to do in Unionville. I lived in Markham for a bit before moving to downtown Toronto, and when I lived here, I often visited Unionville, though not as a travel creator. It’s always nice to explore a place more deeply. This weekend was my mom’s birthday, so she joined Gordana and me for a day trip to Unionville, where we planned to have lunch/dinner.

What Is Unionville Known For?

• The borders of Unionville and Markham, the larger area around Unionville, are rich with history. For over two centuries, Unionville has maintained its alluring, quaint atmosphere.
• This is why it has been chosen as the setting for Hollywood films such as A Simple Favor starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, Love You Like Christmas and Will You Merry Me? Furthermore, Unionville’s timeless appeal can also be seen in television shows like Suits, Schitt’s Creek, and Gilmore Girls.
• Today, Unionville is known for its quaint Victorian-style homes and buildings, which give it an old-world charm. Many shops and restaurants along Main Street are lined with old-fashioned streetlights and beautiful gardens.

What to Do in Unionville, Ontario

Unionville features many unique attractions, including several heritage sites scattered throughout the town. The town is also well known for its nearby recreational activities, such as hiking trails, bird-watching sites, and biking paths.
Overall, Unionville combines old-fashioned charm with modern convenience, making it ideal for living or visiting.

Toogood Pond Park

Our favourite place to start every visit to Unionville is Toogood Pond. This 145-acre regional park offers various recreational activities, including walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The park also features a 7-acre pond that is popular with local anglers. It also has an off-leash dog park, an outdoor amphitheatre and an art pavilion.

It’s approximately a 4 km walk, with no significant inclines or declines, so regular walking shoes are fine. My mom, who loves to get her steps in every day, had no problem with this short hike. While hiking, we spotted a Red-winged Blackbird posing nearby.

Due to its combination of open water, marshland, and surrounding trails, you might also glimpse Canada Geese, ducks, Great Egrets, herons, American Robins, and maybe even some Baltimore and Orchard Orioles.

Top Things to Do in Unionville Village

Unionville enjoys a vibrant cultural life and offers local recreational activities. This makes it an ideal destination for everyone looking to enjoy or relax away from the city centre’s hustle and bustle.

Varley Art Gallery of Markham

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is a vibrant center of creativity serving artists and local communities. The gallery offers a range of exciting programs, including rotating art shows, guided tours, and workshops. Exhibitions and public and educational programs promote critical discussion of Canadian art, culture, and society.

In addition to celebrating the legacy of F.H. Varley, one of the Group of Seven, they have invested in bringing more access to the arts.

McKay Art Centre

The McKay Art Centre was formerly the residence of Frederick Horsman Varley, a renowned member of the Group of Seven. McKay lived in the house for the last 12 years of his life. During this time, Varley worked in his studio on the lower level, producing a range of portraits and landscapes based on the scenic environment around him.

Today, the Victorian-era home provides the perfect backdrop for art exhibitions.

Old Firehall Confectionery

Unfortunately, on a recent visit back to Unionville, we discovered that the Old Fire Hall Confectionery is closed. The owners, Kimberly and Natasha, aka Sugar Queen and Sugar Diva, respectively, were the dynamic duo behind all the homemade chocolates, hard candies, and other fine sweets. They were ‘sweet enough’ to give my mom a chocolate birthday treat.

Old Unionville Congregational Church

Originally constructed in 1879 on land donated by the Braithwaite Family, the Old Unionville Congregational Church was designed by the famed architect E.J. Lennox, the man behind iconic structures such as Toronto’s Old City Hall (1889), the King Edward Hotel (1902), and Casa Loma (1914).

Following the dissolution of the Congregational Church in 1894, the building was sold to the Presbyterians, who used it until 1925, then gave it to the non-concurrent Presbyterians, who later sold it to the Township of Markham.

Unionville Planing Mill

The Planing Mill was constructed by William Eakin in 1840 and was leased out and sold to Robert Harrington in 1881. Throughout its operation, it manufactured wood products such as doors, lumber, window frames, and flooring for many local buildings, including churches, schools and barns, till it was destroyed by fire in 1983.

In 1987, Unionville Village Holdings partnered with the town and the historical society to redevelop the site. Now it’s home to Next Door Restaurant and Smash Kitchen, which offers a unique gastronomic experience. Plus, the building kept its functioning mill water wheel.

Unionville Train Station

Back when I lived in Markham, I would take the train into Toronto every day for work, and every time we stopped at this station, I was impressed by how old the station and town were. The Unionville Railway Station is a historic landmark as one of the oldest train stations in Canada, constructed in 1871. It was built by the Toronto and Nipissing Railway Company and later acquired by the Town of Markham in 1989.

After the station was restored to its original condition and converted into a community centre, it provides heritage train rides offered to the public every summer.

Central United Church

The Primitive Methodist Church, built in 1879 by Josiah Hall, was the initial structure of today’s Central United Church. In 1891, women belonging to the congregation had storage buildings for coal and wood constructed at the back of the building.

The limestone used to construct the church was transported from Kingston to the present spot by horse-drawn wagon. Later, in 1925, the Presbyterian and Methodist churches combined and held their first United Church service in the building.

Activities in Downtown Unionville

Downtown Unionville, Ontario, offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore a charming small town with plenty of activities and attractions.

Unionville Millennium Bandstand

I’ve heard the band play here, and it is very lively! The Millennium Bandstand, located on the corner of Fred Varley Drive and Main Street, has become a popular spot to enjoy live music concerts such as Thursday Nights at the Bandstand, Concert Sunday, the TD Markham Jazz Festival, and outdoor movie nights. It was built in 2000 and is a prominent feature on Main Street.

Unionville Main Street Events

Main Street Unionville has been designated a National Historic Site due to its many 19th-century buildings and colourful storefronts. There are also many great restaurants, cafés, and boutiques to explore, making this an excellent place for shopping and sightseeing.

Unionville Festival

The Unionville Festival is an annual event that celebrates Unionville’s cultural and artistic diversity. It is usually held during the summer and includes various activities such as live music, food trucks, carnivals, and art shows.

The festival also typically features family-friendly activities such as face painting, paint-by-number contests, and a parade with local businesses and community groups participating.

Unionville Ontario Upcoming Events

Unionville offers a variety of exciting events throughout the year. From local festivals to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Crock-A-Doodle

If you’re looking for something to do in Unionville, ON with the kiddos?

Crock-A-Doodle offers an amazing range of ceramic painting experiences for visitors of any age. From hand-painted pottery to glass fusion, there’s a project for anyone! Staff members are on site to offer helpful advice and provide guidance throughout the creative process.

Places to Eat in Unionville

Foodies should visit one of the many delicious restaurants in Downtown Unionville. Jake’s On Main and Union Arms Pub & Grill have what you need if you’re looking for a simple pint. If you’re looking for something sweet, then Old Firehall Confectionery (mentioned above), Sweetie Pie (Unionville)(mentioned below), and Flavours of Unionville will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re in the mood for Indian food, the Ambiyan Indian Restaurant is excellent!

At this point, my brother Andrew joined us for a late lunch/early dinner at Amiyan. As my mom mentioned, she had never had Indian food before. Gordana and my mom ordered Butter Chicken, the rich and creamy famous chicken curry. Andrew ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, green and red peppers, and red onions. I had, of course, Saag Lamb cubes in slow-simmered seasoned spinach. No Indian dish goes without tasty and fluffy Naan bread!

Unfortunately, my mom was not a big fan of Indian food, but we loved it.

Old Country Inn

The Old Country Inn is a restaurant located in a 140-year-old house. Built in 1872 by the grandson of the original settlers of Unionville, Dr. R.P. Eckardt, the house was known as “The Doctor’s house”, with its history of medical practitioners living and working out of it. Outside the Old Country Inn is an original wine press, which was constructed in 1871 and shipped to the inn from Raiding in the Burgenland region of Austria, where classical composer Franz Liszt was born.

Sweetie Pie (Unionville)

Located in the heart of Unionville, or any Ontario town, is pie, bread, or cookies. We digress: Sweetie Pie is a local cafe and bakery that serves freshly baked pies, coffee, and specialty sandwiches and salads. On their menu, you’ll find classic favourites like apple pie and oatmeal raisin cookies, as well as unique and inventive takes on classic dishes such as the blueberry focaccia sandwich and strawberry shortcake turnover.

The Alley

The Alley offers bubble tea and unique coffee blends. Its exclusive menu boasts a variety of handcrafted drinks and grab-and-go cafe food, from pastries to salads to fried snacks, all made with our unique house-blended coffees.

La Grotta on Main

La Grotta on Main is a popular Italian restaurant here in Unionville. With its rustic-chic, exposed brick walls, large windows, and contemporary lighting fixtures, it is mixed with traditional Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers.

It’s worth noting that it has quite an extensive selection of wines.

Where to Stay in Unionville, ON + Accommodation Map

Final Thoughts on Visiting Unionville

Visiting Unionville, Ontario, is an exciting experience! Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Unionville offers a charming atmosphere that will surely please any visitor. Here, you can explore the historic Main Street and take in its Victorian-era architecture or wander around Toogood Park, which offers beautiful views of the lake and many walking trails. For a more sophisticated experience, visit the nearby Markham Museum.
It may seem small, but spending a day in Unionville and exploring Markham and even Toronto makes for a splendid weekend away with the family.

Unionville F.A.Q.’s