Vaughan: Trails, Art and Recreation

Vaughan offers several ways to plan your trip: an extensive trail network, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and recreational destinations with very different focuses. If you want to tailor your stay to your travel group’s interests, the specific differences between nature, art and attractions can help you choose.

Trails in Vaughan and along the West Don River

Vaughan residents have access to a trail network of more than 60 kilometres for walking, cycling and using mobility aids. The trails are designed for different ways of getting around. If you want to include physical activity in your trip planning, you can consider this network as one aspect of choosing where to go.

The Bartley Smith Greenway is also a 15-kilometre trail system along the West Don River. As a multi-use recreational trail, it connects users with nature, cultural heritage, communities and unique destinations in Vaughan. Its length and the connections it provides give the trail its own character: it may appeal to travellers who want to explore nature and cultural heritage alongside recreational activities.

Canadian and Indigenous Art

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is Canada’s only publicly funded art gallery dedicated exclusively to Canadian and Indigenous art, both historic and contemporary. Its permanent collection includes more than 7,500 works of art. Those looking for a cultural focus will find a collection whose scope is clearly centred on this art.

The size of the permanent collection and its focus offer two different points of reference: the number gives an impression of its scale, while its dedication to Canadian and Indigenous art describes the content of the collection. You can take these aspects into account when deciding whether the gallery suits your travel group’s cultural interests.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection also includes wooded land in the Humber River Valley that visitors can explore. The area covers 100 acres. This means a visit to the collection can also include time in a wooded landscape, without equating this natural setting with the content of the artworks.

Gardens, Reptiles and Attractions

The garden at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is located on the traditional Carrying Place Trail beside the Humber River. It supports the return of native flora, promotes biodiversity and provides environmental education. If you are interested in these topics, you can consider them as a distinct part of the garden when planning your visit.

Reptilia Vaughan, Canada’s leading reptile zoo, offers another nature-focused experience. Its immersive indoor reptile exhibits cover 25,000 square feet; Reptilia Vaughan also offers live shows and animal feedings. This makes it quite different from an art or garden visit: reptiles and these activities are the main focus here.

Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan has more than 200 attractions and 17 roller coasters. These figures describe another distinct recreational option. When weighing culture, trails, reptiles and attractions, you can sort them according to your travel group’s interests rather than treating them as one combined itinerary.

Explore Vaughan according to your interests

Organize the places mentioned according to your travel group’s interests and take this selection into account when planning your trip.

More destination pages: Richmond Hill, Markham.

For the regional travel overview: Regional Municipality Of York.