Things to Do in Richmond Hill
North of Toronto, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Richmond Hill, and all just a short drive from the big city. As a bustling residential area, Richmond Hill also offers activities for any visitor. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many parks, lakes and conservation areas. Several trail networks provide walking, hiking and cycling opportunities, while lakes offer fishing, windsurfing and paddling outlets. History and culture buffs can visit the Heritage Centre and observatory, and art lovers can peruse the many galleries, studios and shops.
Shopping malls and restaurants are abound in Richmond Hill. Then venture to the historic Yonge Street to find a quiet vibe, where heritage homes line leafy streets. Make a day trip or an extended visit to discover the city’s beloved green spaces and agricultural heritage.
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Discover Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is full of fun things to do. Keep scrolling to discover all that the city has to offer, or to learn more about particular activities.
Food and drink
Richmond Hill has numerous neighbourhoods that offer unique scenes, including multicultural restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros of all scales and styles. And as one of the largest cities in York Region, you’ll discover an array of eateries worth a bite.
The go-to spot for a large assortment of restaurants is the city’s main drag, Yonge Street, which runs North-South through Richmond Hill. Discover hidden gems like delicious Italian food, a microbrewery, a wine bar and great spots for cocktails.
Aside from upscale eateries and popular after-work hangouts, Richmond Hill has a lot of cultural influence in its food scene. Whether you have a hankering for pork buns or panzerotto, steamed dumpling or chicken shawarma, you’ll find the perfect place to satisfy your craving. If sushi is on your mind, be sure to sample the signature Richmond Hill Roll at Tomo Sushi.
Outdoors
There are many fun things to do in Richmond Hill, but a go-to for locals and visitors alike is one (or more) of the city’s numerous green spaces. Richmond Hill offers fishing, paddling and swimming opportunities throughout the city.
The city’s largest outdoor space is Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park. Here you’ll find sport complexes, swimming pools, barbeque facilities, event spaces and water features, including a waterfall. Another favourite is Wilcox Lake in the city’s most northerly neighbourhood. Enjoy a leisurely picnic or get active by fishing, canoeing, windsurfing or kayaking on the lake. Other popular green spaces include Saigeon Trail with its walkways above wetlands and Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve.
With trail networks connecting the city, you can also opt for a day of cycling. Quaint neighbourhoods with heritage homes open up to historic thoroughfares and quiet tracts of agricultural land. Some of the most popular trails for cycling, walking or jogging include Beaufort Trail, East Humber Trail, Thomas Broadhurst Trail and Rouge River Headwaters Walk. These paths take you through forests and open space, near ponds and wetlands and by historic homes and buildings.
Practice your putt in the indoor simulator booth before you hit the links at Richmond Hill Golf Club, an 18-hole championship public course.
Arts and culture
The most famous attraction that tops the list of things to do in Richmond Hill is the David Dunlap Observatory. Opened in 1935, this observatory holds Canada’s largest telescope. Enjoy stargazing and discover the intricacies, beauty and mysteries of space at one of the regular programs, lectures and events. There are several kid-friendly events throughout the year, so the observatory is an excellent choice for family trips.
Another city highlight is the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, which features a small park and a fully restored 1840s Regency-style home. As an excellent example of regional architecture from the 19th century, many visitors come simply to enjoy the building. But inside, you’ll find a large display depicting the city’s antiquity and information about its surrounding regions. History lovers can discover the city’s mill past, including lumber, iron and grist. The area is also known for its agricultural heritage and distilleries.
If you’re a culture lover, there are plenty of fun things to do in Richmond Hill, including the self-guided Richmond Hill Studio Tour. The city is brimming with local artists that fill galleries, studios and shops with unique creations. Catch a show or a concert at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
Last updated: August 4, 2022