Full of fun, live music, beachy vibes and unique experiences, Pickering is a hidden gem for summer in Ontario! You’ve likely driven through it and not realized the sheer volume of diverse things to do in Pickering. From soaking up the sun on the beach to driving luxury sports cars, visitors will find a wide range of activities. And the best part is that summer is the ultimate time to visit.
So, whether you’re looking for an exciting getaway or an easy day trip from Toronto packed with fun, here’s how you can spend the perfect day in Pickering this summer.
Pickering Museum Village
One of the many hidden gems you’ll want to visit in the summer is Pickering Museum Village. This charming pioneer village is a unique place to learn about the area’s history through a variety of exhibits and experiences.
Throughout the summer, the museum hosts a range of hands-on experiences, like blacksmithing and puppet making. The museum also boasts a fun lineup of events for families. These range from enjoying outdoor movies in the village to attending a teddy bear tea party.
The museum is an exceptional place to visit in the summer, whether you’re with young kids or looking for unusual places to visit with friends.
Pickering Playing Fields
An exciting spot for the whole family to let off some summer steam and have fun is Pickering Playing Fields.
It’s best known for being home to one of the coolest mini golf courses in Durham Region, complete with a huge yellow plane and other unique features. But the facility offers plenty of other activities, including batting cages, volleyball, and a driving range.
Plus, there’s a snack bar to fuel up between rounds of play. Grab a bite to eat, enjoy an ice cream, and adults can even indulge in a cold beer or cider.
Frenchman’s Bay & Nautical Village
Summer means time well spent along the waterfront, and Pickering has one that’s not to miss! Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Pickering’s waterfront has everything you could need.
Soak up the sun on the beach or hit the open water with a jet ski rental. For a more relaxed paddle, you can rent a kayak or paddle board and enjoy Frenchman’s Bay. Or opt to stay on land and stroll the Waterfront Trail or grab fries at a local chip truck.
Then, wander Nautical Village, Pickering’s waterfront community with beachy vibes. Enjoy a latte from OpenStudio Art Cafe, where you can browse the art while you wait.
You’ll also find a fantastic mix of restaurants in the village and nearby. Head to PORT or Watr Taverna for elevated cuisine with waterfront views. If it’s Mexican fare you’re craving, Chúuk is the spot. And for the proverbial cherry on top, stop at Big M Drive In for one of the best milkshakes around.
Summer Events & Concerts
Add some live music and festival fun to your summer in Pickering!
Take advantage of the Summer Concert Series, which takes place Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the city. Grab your lawn chair, put on your dancing shoes, and enjoy everything from rock to pop.
Foodies, you do not want to miss the Pickering Food Truck Festival in August. This three-day event at The Esplanade Park features tons of food trucks serving up everything from tacos to churros and ice cream to BeaverTails. Plus, you’ll find free games for kids and live entertainment too.
Hy-Hope Farm
You’ve likely driven past it countless times, but this is your reminder to plan a stop at Hy-Hope Farm. Perched on a hill along Lake Ridge Road, Hy-Hope Farm is a gem for foodies, golfers and road trippers.
Pop into their farm market and stock up on local, farm-fresh produce and baked goods. Order a coffee and one (or more) of their sweet treats, including some of the best butter tarts in Pickering!
The farm is also home to an incredible 18-hole golf course. Covering over 3,000 yards, this course has a challenging layout but is worth the drive.
Tranquility Trails Farm
Blooming fields of lavender await you at Tranquility Trails Farm. This gem of a farm is a dreamy spot to visit in the summer with your girlfriends or family.
Stroll through the fields, enjoy a refreshing lavender lemonade and ice cream on the café’s balcony overlooking the sea of blooms. Stretch and unwind by booking one of their exclusive yoga or Pilates classes amid the lavender.
Visiting on a Saturday? Don’t miss their local market held throughout peak blooming season in July.
Porsche Driving Experience
Did you know you can get behind the wheel of a Porsche? If you’re looking for one of the coolest things to do in Pickering, this is it!
One of only three in North America, the Porsche Experience Centre in Pickering offers this unique experience for car enthusiasts and bucket-list travellers alike. Learn from expert driving instructors and test your skills on their 2-kilometre circuit.
Seaton Hiking Trail
If outdoor adventures are more your style add the Seaton Hiking Trail to your list of things to do. This 12.7-kilometre trail offers various access points and routes to explore.
Descend into the valley along a set of stairs that take you from the upper canopy down to West Duffins Creek. Pack a picnic to make an afternoon of it, or pair the hike with one of the other fun activities in the city.
Indoor Adventures
Escape the summer rains or beat the heat at one of the many places in Pickering where indoor adventures are taken to the next level.
Need to blow off some steam or want to test your aim? Head to BATL Grounds for an arsenal of experiences. Try your hand at axe throwing or archery, or smash things in a rage room. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat and a drink at the bar.
Channel your inner video game nerd at Activate Pickering. Here, you can bring games to life in a larger-than-life setting. Test your problem-solving skills, dodge lasers, climb walls, and release your inner child.
Another indoor hotspot bursting with action is Archers Battlefield. With everything from Nerf battles and combat archery to ping pong and table tennis, there’s something for every energy level and age group.
How to Get There
Visitors will find a variety of ways to get to Pickering, whether you have a car or prefer public transit.
Located in the GTA, you can drive from Toronto to Pickering in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, it’s on the GO Train’s Lakeshore East Line, making it an easy and scenic 45-minute train ride. Or you can hop on the TTC to Scarborough Town Centre and take an Uber from there.
Make it a Weekend Getaway
Pickering is close and makes a great day trip, but you can easily turn this gem of a destination into a weekend getaway.
Book your stay at the Pickering Resort Casino and Hotel. This stylish hotel has everything you need for an exciting escape. Enjoy relaxing in their spacious rooms and take in one of the many shows, from live music to comedy. You don’t need to leave the resort to find a fabulous meal either. Choose from an upscale steakhouse, casual dining options, or grab-and-go fare.
If you need an easy escape close to the city, Pickering is a gem destination that has everything you need. From waterfront adventures and lavender fields to live music and bucket-list experiences, Pickering proves that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy an unforgettable summer getaway.
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