Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill feels like an extension of Canada’s largest city. As a residential hub just north of Toronto, you’ll find unique neighbourhoods, beloved parks, art galleries, festivals, theatres and plenty of shopping and eating. Nestled between the cities of Vaughan and Markham, Richmond Hill offers the best of both worlds: treasured green spaces and cultural heritage. 

The city’s southern portion features leafy streets lined with 19th century homes. You can enjoy attractions such as the Heritage Centre and Canada’s largest telescope at the David Dunlap Observatory. To the north, you’ll discover Richmond Hill’s expanse of nature, with plenty of lakes, parks, golf courses and conservation areas. These favoured spaces include Lake Wilcox Park, Saigeon Trail Eco Park and the water features (including a waterfall) at the Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park.

To learn more about all there is to see and do in Richmond Hill, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website. 

Where is Richmond Hill?

Richmond Hill is a residential city just north of Toronto. It’s a part of the Greater Toronto Area and the province’s York Region. It’s about a 30 minute drive to Richmond Hill Centre from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Things to Do in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is best known as the home of Canada’s largest telescope, housed in the city’s famed David Dunlap Observatory, opened in 1935. Aside from an evening under the stars, you can take in regular programs, lectures and events. Learn all about astrology and the mysteries of space with your entire family, the observatory features family-friendly programming several times throughout the year.

Before observing the celestial, you can step back in time and visit the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre. The museum features a fully restored Regency-style home from the 1840s. Aside from its superb example of regional architecture, the centre also offers a comprehensive display of the area’s history. Learn about industries such as lumber, iron, agriculture and distilleries. Enjoy the centre’s historic home and surrounding park with a cultural afternoon tea.

Richmond Hill also features an abundance of outdoor opportunities. You’ll find popular green spaces like Lake Wilcox — home to three recreational parks — in the northern part of the city. You can fish, paddle, swim, windsurf or have a leisurely picnic on the shore. Other attractive green spaces include Crosby Park, Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve and Heron Pond.

Saigeon Trail Park offers paths through forests or along boardwalks above wetlands. Other popular trail networks in the city include Beaufort Trail, East Humber Trail, Thomas Broadhurst Trail and Rouge River Headwaters Valley & Trail. The city’s largest green space is Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, where you can compete in sports, savour a picnic, play at the waterpark, brave the skate park or appreciate the water features.

Lastly, if you’re looking for other cultural activities to experience, consider the self-guided Richmond Hill Studio Tour. You’ll explore different art galleries, studios and shops while mingling with local artists. The city is well known for its art and cultural achievements. Afterward, enjoy a show at one of many theatres.

Things to Do in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Neighbourhoods & Districts

Richmond Hill consists of over 20 different communities and neighbourhoods, many originating as individual townships in the 19th Century. Some districts remain mostly residential, while others include the city’s famed cultural and recreational attractions or act as business hubs. The main throughway is historic Yonge Street, which runs North to South and cuts through numerous districts.

Here are some of Richmond Hill’s most dynamic neighbourhoods and districts:

Crosby

As one of the more historic neighbourhoods, Crosby features most of the city’s heritage homes. Some date back more than 100 years when Richmond Hill was just a village. It includes the historic downtown, the Heritage Centre and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Langstaff

As the business hub and official downtown urban centre of Richmond Hill, the Langstaff neighbourhood is one of the city’s shopping districts. Spend time amongst the bustle of malls and eateries. You’ll also find the central train station here, which connects residents and visitors to Toronto.

Mill Pond

This neighbourhood is perfect for architecture, history and art lovers. It gets its name from its industrial past — sawmills, lumber mills and a distillery, to name a few. Mill Pond is a quiet neighbourhood featuring historic heritage homes and peaceful parks. It’s also an artsy community with the Richmond Hill Group Of Artists art gallery just across from the pond.

Oak Ridges-Lake Wilcox

In the northernmost part of Richmond Hills, Oak Ridges remains small but is growing in popularity thanks to its rural nature and proximity to the city’s largest water body, Lake Wilcox. Here is where you can relax with plenty of outdoor recreation and savour a more peaceful vibe.

Observatory

Aptly named, you’ll find the famous David Dunlap Observatory here in this district, which sits just north of Langstaff. It also serves as a commercial hub of Richmond Hill.

Rural Richmond Hill

You’ll find the city’s other lakes, trails and agricultural areas here in this rural district. Although it’s mostly undeveloped, the homes here house some of the wealthiest in the city. You can enjoy private golf courses and the popular Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park.

Things to Know About Visiting Richmond Hill

Make the most of your trip to Richmond Hill with these insider tips.

Where to take an Instagram photo

A stunning waterfall, blooming of perennial and annual flower beds, a bustling boardwalk makes Richmond Green the place to step up your Instagram game. 

Where to watch the sunrise and sunset

The largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Wilcox is home to a variety of wildlife and fish and some of the prettiest views around.

Where to see local art

Burr House Artisans Gallery and Tea room. Art lovers will appreciate the wide selection of handcrafted work in a historical setting. 

Where to get a great cup of coffee

Covernotes Coffee House. Enjoy locally roasted organic coffee & a premium selection of nearly 100 loose leaf teas for your sipping delight.

Last updated: December 30, 2022

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