York, Durham and Headwaters
Close enough to access all the attractions and entertainment of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this charming stretch of Ontario offers laid-back, small towns, Lake Simcoe beach and fishing escapes and family-friendly farms experiences.
From the slides and thrills of Splashworld, Canada’s Wonderland water park, tee time on a world-class Durham Region golf course to the surreal landscape of Cheltenham Badlands, you’ll find it all here.
Albion Hills | Ontario Central Counties
Where is York, Durham and Headwaters?
Also known as the Golden Horseshoe Region, York, Durham and Headwaters extends from the western fringe of the GTA, across the top of Toronto to the shores of Lake Simcoe and down along the coast of eastern Lake Ontario. It is home to much of Ontario’s “Greenbelt” with over 80 thousand hectares of protected wetlands and forests.
The region is most easily explored by car, although GO train and bus services are available.
Things to do in York, Durham and Headwaters
There’s so much York, Durham and Headwaters has to offer. To learn more, scroll down or visit this region's tourism website.
Visit an escape room
Get a group together and try your luck at Newmarket’s Crypto Escape Room—perfect for a family excursion. Located roughly an hour’s drive north of Toronto, online booking is available.
Pick your own apples
Go apple picking in Durham Region at one of the area’s numerous orchards. Some, like Archibald’s Orchards & Estate Winery, even offer cider tastings and fruit wines for sale on-site.
A day at an amusement park
Buckle up and spend the day at Canada's Wonderland, Canada’s largest amusement park. Canada’s Wonderland offers day and season passes for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Discover a new craft brew
Prep your tastebuds. From Second Wedge in Uxbridge to Brock Street Brewing in Whitby and All or Nothing Brewhouse in Oshawa, this region is a hotbed of Ontario craft breweries.
Go horseback riding
Located in the Headwaters region, Teen Ranch offers trail rides and horseback riding in Caledon. Offered on Sundays, rides are one hour in length and are open to anyone aged 10 and up.
Visit Schitt’s Creek locations
Where was Schitt’s Creek filmed? At various locations throughout the region, such as Café Tropical or Bob’s Garage in the rural town of Goodwood—great spots for the perfect selfie.
Cities and towns in York, Durham and Headwaters
Discover cities, towns and other destinations within this region.
Points of interest in York, Durham and Headwaters
Add these highlights to your next visit to the region.
Last updated: August 23, 2023