Posted : December 9, 2013
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
If you’re looking for another unique Santa experience in Central Counties in addition to riding a heritage train with him, consider visiting Mr. Claus and his helpers at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre just north of downtown Toronto in Vaughan.
Unlike other shopping malls, Vaughan Mills does not have a castle or a gingerbread house.
Santa fans can stop by his Wilderness Cabin located outside of Bass Pro Shops and spend a few minutes ice fishing with him.
Did you know fishing is his favourite pastime?
Shoppers young and old can fish with Santa on a first come first served basis Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm and on Sunday 11am to 7pm until December 23, 2013.
My family visited midweek around 11 in the morning and the line up was less than 10 families long.
Free Photos and Videos with Santa
Families are welcome to bring pets and have the fishing with Santa experience documented on camera too. Handheld and leashed pets are welcome to fish with Santa the first hour of each day.
For parents with babies, you’ll be happy to know that there is a nursing area, change pad and bottle warming station just behind the cabin.
Over 1200 families have gone fishing with Santa this year and there is still 2.5 weeks to go before the big night.
There’s still time to catch him at Vaughan Mills!
Forgot to Send Your Letter to Santa?
There is a mailbox (appropriately designed in the shape of a fish!) near Santa’s ice fishing boat where mall goers can drop off their letters to him via Canada Post (no stamp required).
Just make sure to put a return address on the envelope so he can send you his reply!
Know Before You Go
Vaughan Mills is a large mall with 6 main parking lots. The Vaughan-cierge Mobile App can recommend where to park based on the stores you plan on visiting.
If you’re interested in the Fishing With Santa experience only, lots 1 or 6 would be your best bet.
Vaughan mills is accessible by public transit (York Regional Transit) and a transit terminal is located in the northeast corner of the property.
Vaughan Mills is a very kid friendly shopping centre with many activities and stores geared towards families with young ones.
Build-a-Bear Workshop, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, and Johnny Rockets – a diner-style restaurant where team members sing and dance during the day are some kid friendly experiences families can enjoy together at Vaughan Mills.
The food court also has an area with kid sized tables and chairs.
Parents needing to warm up bottles or food can head to the Guest Services kiosk – near Entry 5.
Surprise the kids with a free colouring activity kit and Santa’s Helper paper hat – both of which are available at Guest Services.
Want to Win a Shop & Save Package?
Win an overnight stay at ALOFT Hotel and $1000 gift certificate at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre by subscribing to the Central Counties email newsletter.
Cheryl is founder of Kids On A Plane – a blog dedicated to family travel in North America and the Caribbean. When she’s not on a plane, you can find her exploring York Region and the GTA with her two young children and husband.
