Ways to spend a staycation in York Region

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 1, 2017

If you plan on sticking close to home for your summer vacation, here are some fun things you can do in York Region.

1. Plan an art tour

Visit one or more of the region's art galleries such as the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, the Latcham Gallery in Stouffville, the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville or the Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery in Sutton.

2. Have a picnic in a conservation area

York Region boasts more than two dozen conservation areas including Kortright Centre in Vaughan, Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area in East Gwillimbury, Bruce's Mill Conservation Area in Whitchurch-Stouffville and Thornton Bales Conservation Area in King offer an array of activities, events, programs and trails to enjoy.

3. Spend a day ... or more at the beach

York Region has a slew of public beaches clustered along the shore of Lake Simcoe in Georgina from Claredon Beach in Keswick to De La Salle Park in Jackson's Point to Holmes Point Conservation Area in Pefferlaw. Do a bit of research and choose the one that seems best to you, or better yet check out two or three beaches.

4. Take a splash pad tour

If it's hot outside and you have kids, visiting a selection of the myriad splash pads - such as the ROC in Georgina, Mackenzie Glen District Park in Vaughan and Byer's Pond Way Park - around the region can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend a few hours each day.

5. Visit local historical sites

A staycation can be a great time to learn about your community's past through visiting historic buildings and other sites of which there are many in York Region - from Hillary House in Aurora to the Sharon Temple in East Gwillimbury and from the Heintzman House in Thornhill to the King City Cemetery Dead House. Your municipality's website is a good place to discover a list of sites you might want to check out.