Historic Sites in Markham

"If the Distillery District is a time capsule to 19th-century industrial Toronto, this open-air heritage museum is a snapshot of rural life in that same era. About 19mi (30km) north of the city center and an even longer trip back in time, Black Creek Pioneer Village recreates life in 1867 with restored homes, stores, farms, churches and schools, plus a dedicated crew of costumed villagers. At 15 Canadian dollars ($11.44) for adults and 11 dollars ($8.39) for children, it’s the cheapest ticket to a time machine."

"Time machines might not yet be part of our world, but you can experience a bygone era of Canada when you come to Black Creek Pioneer Village. This is a museum that puts you in the shoes of someone living in the 19th century. You can really get a sense of what people did to get by during these rougher times."

"Spadina Museum is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto offering family events and kids programs throughout the year."

"It might not look like much from the outside and it gets sorely overlooked by its neighbour Nathan Phillips Square. But in the spring it’s a perfect place to find cherry blossoms and in the fall it’s a blaze with fall colours. But it’s the inside that holds the secret photo spots and unless you’re a law student there are few chances that you’ll wander its halls."

"Osgoode Hall is located right next to Nathan Phillips Square, and it’s always a neat spot for taking Instagram photos in Toronto. When the flowers bloom in the spring, Osgoode Hall is absolutely gorgeous!. Of course it’s pretty here all year round, but the vibrant spring flowers definitely make it even more special."

"Take a guided tour around Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres – Toronto’s best-kept secret. This double-decker theatre is the last operating one in the world, making it even more impressive!. Go behind-the-scenes at Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres to take a closer look and learn about its fascinating history. You will be surprised how different the old-fashioned Elgin Theatre is from the forest-like Winter Garden Theatre on the upper level."

"This restored masterpiece is the world's last operating Edwardian double-decker theater. Celebrating its centennial in 2013, the Winter Garden was built as the flagship for a vaudeville chain that never really took off, while the downstairs Elgin was converted into a movie house in the 1920s. Fascinating tours run Mondays at 5pm and Saturdays at 10am. "

"Taking your kids to the historic home of one of Toronto's first architects may seem laughable. Have we met your children?. Gazing at watercolours is hardly a hobby of theirs."

"No alleyway has ever been more charming than the one at Lapinou, with its string lights, lanterns, and wrought iron, padded seating. The French neobistro — a term for trendy, modern Parisian wine bars — has reached Toronto here, where the menu pulls in global influences in dishes such as beef tartare with green peppercorn, foie gras, and fennel cracker, or squash fritters with spinach, coconut, and curry leaf."

"On Sundays, this new restaurant hosts brunch with a menu that’s always changing, and a half-price wine and champagne offering. Shared plates range from Brioche and Mulberries to house-made Ham and Truffle Celery Remoulade, and indulgent mains include Smoked Eel, Duck Confit, and Mushroom Chittara."

"A visit to Toronto Islands Park is not unlike a pleasant trip to cottage country several hours outside of the city. The islands are a shady, pleasant place, with large lawns, beautiful gardens, and some of the best beaches in Toronto. Easily accessible from downtown via a short ride on regularly scheduled ferries, the islands are the perfect destination for a family outing."

"A beautiful yet desolate beach that has long been a recreation point for Torontonians, in fact its where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home-run. This is also Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach. Where: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario on Toronto Islands, Toronto"

"Probably best known for its “clothing optional” section, don’t let that scare you away from this beach. Hanlan’s Point Beach is perfect for your next getaway. Located on Toronto Island, you’ll have to take a short ferry ride to get there."

"There are beaches on the island but know in advance that Hanlan’s Beach is a nude beach. You can catch a ferry to and from the island."

"St. Patrick’s Church began as a mission from St. Michael’s, but it was given its own parish boundaries in 1861. The church was built in 1867 and was also designed by architect Arthur W. Holmes in the Romanesque Revival style. It is located in Toronto’s Chinatown and is known as the city’s fifth oldest Roman Catholic parish."

"St. Patrick’s Catholic Church started as a mission of St. Michael’s, but in 1861 it was granted its own parish boundaries. Since preaching a mission at St. Michael’s in 1880, the Redemptorists were asked to take over St. Patrick’s. This was done in 1881."

"This spot has all the fresh-baked deliciousness and carb fan would love. From croissants to sourdough to chocolate filled beignets. There’s no going wrong with an order from here."

"We pass through Leslieville every single day heading to and from work. One day, in particular, we were walking through and made the stop."