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Whether it’s the end of a hot summer or the beginning of a crisp autumn, there’s always time to enjoy the Ontario outdoors. Some of the best memories are made on the playground, or the camp site and beyond. So we’re taking a trip outside and featuring some of the parks, trails, beaches and off leash dog parks in Durham region you can visit at any time of year!
Parks
Highmark’s very own Vanier Park is right at Rossland and Brock, near our Triumph community, and is one of the most fun parks in Whitby. Complete with swings, a donut spinner, a rock-climbing wall and a zipline, Vanier Park has a lot of amazing features great for kids of all ages. Did we mention there’s a splash pad for those scorching summer days?
Baycliffe Park is among the best parks in Whitby and even one of the coolest parks in Canada! Enjoy the wall and numerous slides (there are FIVE different ones!) or bring a ball and challenge your friends to a soccer or basketball game on their fields—no matter how you spend your time at Baycliffe, you’re sure to create some fantastic memories.
Find Kiwanis Heydenshore Park on the Whitby waterfront and enjoy the splash pad, picnic area, the playground or, of course, the beach in Whitby! Pack some lunch and enjoy the spectacular views.
Complete with a splash pad, stone climbing structures, soccer and baseball fields, and more, you’re guaranteed a great time at Darren Park. Check out the signature Darren Park canoe or the sandboxes while you’re there!
Trails
Lynde Shores Conservation Area*
Established in 1972, the 272-hectare Lynde Shores Conservation Area, together with the adjacent Cranberry West Tract (40 hectares) is well known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including both Lynde Creek Marsh and Cranberry Marsh.
Lynde Shores Conservation Area has a number of looping trails (5 km including the 1 km looping trail within the Cranberry West Tract). These trails are just the right length for little ones and are generally stroller and wheelchair friendly.
*Currently washrooms and picnic sites remain closed, and parking fees are in place and enforced.
The Heber Down Conservation Area offers a variety of activities. Group camping, fishing, nature walks, and picnicking are all popular activities that can be carried out just a short distance from home. The natural valley of the Lynde Creek bisects a portion of this Conservation Area and provides many scenic vistas for those enjoying some of the 5 km of trail that runs through this property. Springs and seeps within the provincially significant Heber Down Wetland Complex provide important groundwater recharge to this branch of the Lynde Creek Watershed. Heber Down Conservation Area is host to the annual Kids Fishing Day held in early May for the public to enjoy.
Via Ontario Conservation Areas
*Currently washrooms and picnic sites remain closed, and parking fees are in place and enforced.
With the exception of a short distance on Victoria Street, Whitby’s Waterfront Trail is off-road and paved. There are a number of beautiful natural areas to enjoy, for example Lynde Shore Conservation Area and Thickson’s Woods, the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
The Rowe House, the first mayor’s house, is open for you to explore Whitby’s history. New in 2005 is Port Whitby Marina’s Clubhouse. This facility is open to the public and is an excellent short stop for food and refreshments.
Beaches
Iroquois Beach is perfect for a relaxing beach day. This small, secluded beach is just as perfect for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming as it is for a picnic! A little off the beaten path but still relatively stroller and wheelchair friendly, Iroquois Park is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon overlooking Lake Ontario.
Lion’s Promenade at Whitby Harbour
Lion’s Promenade is a popular destination among Whitby residents. Known for its great views of Lake Ontario and serene atmosphere, this is a great spot for a morning coffee or bite by the water. You can even spot some of Whitby’s local waterfowl in the water if you’re lucky!
Just 18 minutes from our townhomes at Triumph is Paradise Park in Ajax. This hidden gem is ironically easy to get to and provides great views of the shoreline. Picnic tables, a beach, and a gorgeous trail make Paradise Park a full-day family adventure!
One of the many reasons Whitby is such a great place to live is because it offers so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, especially the water! We hope that this list encourages you to safely explore this wonderful city. If you have visited any of these places before, let us know! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to connect with us and stay up to date on all things Highmark Homes!