Historic Sites in York

"Immerse yourself in the 1860s and explore an authentically re-created country village of the Toronto region. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, visitors discover 40 historic buildings, 70 rare and heritage breed animals, 10 gardens growing flowers and plants from heirloom seeds, and exciting programs that engage people of all ages. They meet costumed educators who demonstrate and involve visitors with trades and crafts common in 1860s’ Ontario, tap their toes to music of the era, laugh at the hysterical antics of the History Actors, and have fun engaging in hands-on activities throughout the village!"

"As you stroll around the village, each of the restored buildings offers a different slice of life. Follow in the footsteps of the Stong family as they build their modest first home, set up a piggery, smokehouse and butchery, build a grain barn, and eventually move into a bigger second home, showing signs of prosperity after years of homesteading. Actors bring these characters of the past back to life through reenactments and discovery stations where your kids can get some hands-on experiences."

"This living-history village recreates the 1860s with more than 30 restored buildings and such craftsmen as tinsmiths, blacksmiths, millers, clock-makers, and weavers selling their wares. Visitors will also find demonstrations of spinning, hearth cooking, and quilting. The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker prove how modern life may feel busier than ever, but in may ways, we have it easy."

"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."

"If you’re looking for a taste of Europe in Toronto, the Osgoode Hall courtyard is a pretty and Instagrammable spot for all your summer OOTD photos. It’s also usually pretty empty (especially in the mornings), so you won’t need to worry too much about bothering people!. Osgoode Hall is also a heritage building in Toronto, so it’s a cool spot to visit."

"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."

"The Toronto Post Office was built sometime in the 1800s, and it served as a post office (duh) back in the day. It’s now a designated National Historic Site of Canada, and it’s a pretty building you won’t hear much about. You’ll find a few other beautiful Victorian-style buildings located on Toronto Street as well!"

"Simple is key at Punto Gelato, so much so that it’s in the name!. Focusing on traditional flavours and all-natural ingredients, the gelato is a winner at this Yorkville shop, offered up in cups or cones. More from Jennifer D'Agostino"

"Choose from a half container (500 grams) and a full bin (1 kg) of classic or specialty flavours, including Hazelnut, Tiramisù, and Stracciatella delivered right to your door."

"In the summer of 2019, Arthur Pezzelli, one of the co-creators of Bang Bang on Ossington opened his own concept near the booming Geary Avenue foodie strip. Skip inside Knockout Ice Cream on Westmoreland Avenue North (located a short stroll from Toronto brunch favourite Parallel) and you’ll find a massive glowing board featuring hand scrawled flavour descriptions. Sample your way through creative flavours pairings such as Matcha Oreo, London Fog, Mango Sticky Rice, Caramelized Banana and Cinnamon Toast Crunch."

"Located right at the corner of Queen West and Kingston Road, Brett’s has become a staple of east-end dwellers since 2017. Now, we honestly haven’t been but Eric’s sister goes semi-frequently and loves Brett’s. They have 16 flavours on at any given time but boast over 30 in total – and they do handcrafted ice cream that also comes in vegan, dairy, or gluten-free versions!"

"Brett’s Ice Cream is a popular Toronto parlour in the summer as it’s located a stones throw from Woodbine Beach. Located in The Beaches neighbourhood, Brett’s Ice Cream offers 30 flavours, 16 at a time, with a new feature flavour every week. Skip inside the East End parlour and you’ll find a feminine aesthetic featuring white washed brick walls and a bright pink menu."

"Fun, colourful waffle cones from The Konery and handcrafted Belly ice cream await at Brett’s. Basically a match made in heaven…. The ice cream at Brett’s is velvety smooth and incredibly fresh; the chocolate dipped strawberry flavour literally tastes like the strawberries were just picked from a field."