Top 15 Fun Things to do in Newmarket – Activities and Attractions

Are you looking forward to visiting Newmarket, Ontario? There are so many things to do in Newmarket and the surrounding area, with lots of attractions to see, a day is not long enough! Whether you are traveling alone or with loved ones, there is something to interest everyone, from the avid racing fan to the lover of new experiences.

Newmarket is abundant with open spaces and venues steeped in history and hidden gems waiting to be explored. See what makes Newmarket unique and discover the spiritual Home of Horseracing.

If you are looking for more active, indulgent, and experiential activities, then read through our bucket list of Fun Things to do in Newmarket.

Where is Newmarket Located?

Newmarket is a town and regional seat of the Regional Municipality of York in the Canadian province of Ontario. Again, it is part of Greater Toronto in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The name stems from the settlement being a “New Market,” in contrast to York as the Old Market.

The population of Newmarket Ontario

As a member of the Greater Toronto Area, Newmarket is part of Canada’s largest multicultural urban area. With close to 90,000 residents, Newmarket’s population is skilled, educated, and experienced.

Neighboring cities near Newmarket Ontario

You can also decide to get more fun from neighboring cities near Newmarket. Most of these nearby cities have fascinating activities and attractions. The closest major cities include Aurora, Bradford, and Richmond Hill.

Aurora

The straight distance between Newmarket (Ontario) and Aurora (Ontario) is 3.68 mi, but the driving distance is 5.12 mi. Therefore, it takes 13 mins to go from Newmarket to Aurora. Aurora is noted for preserving its historical built form in the older parts of town and, in 2008, was awarded The Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership.

Bradford

The distance between Newmarket and Bradford is 14 kilometers (9 miles). Bradford is the primary urban area of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ontario, in Canada. It overlooks a farming community known as The Holland Marsh, located on the Holland River that flows into Lake Simcoe.

Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is a city in the south-central York Region, Ontario, Canada. Part of the Greater Toronto Area is the York Region’s third most populous municipality and the 27th most populous municipality in Canada. Richmond Hill and Newmarket distance are 20 kilometers (12 miles).

Fun Things to do in Newmarket Ontario

#1. check out the beautiful Ojibwe-inspired trail markers

Walk or cycle Newmarket’s extensive trail system and check out the beautiful Ojibwe-inspired trail markers while you’re there. Crafted by artists Donald Chrétien and Jim Menken, each carved wood and metal totem represents an animal or aspect of nature and features a plaque that describes its symbolic significance.

#2. Visit my indie coffee roastery

Love coffee? Treat yourself to some freshly-roasted java at My Indie Coffee Roastery on Leslie St. It’s ethically sourced and artisan roasted in small batches.

#3. Explore Elman W. Campbell Museum

Explore Newmarket’s history at the Elman W. Campbell Museum. Located on Main St., the museum helps tell Newmarket’s rich history. Look for special exhibits and events such as Rebel Heartland, a re-enactment of the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.

There’s also the Victorian Mother’s Day Tea, Spooktacular Hallowe’en Party, and more. Cool fact: The Museum is housed in the last 19th-century registry office in York Region. Built in 1884, its features include a cut stone foundation, a three-bay façade with a center door, and a slate roof.

#4. Visit the Pioneer Burying Ground

Visit the Pioneer Burying Ground just off Eagle Street. The cemetery is one of the first in the area and was established by St. Paul’s Church in the early 1800s. At least 120 of Newmarket’s earliest settlers, including William Roe and Dr. Christopher Beswick, are buried there.

#5. Go for a music lesson

Make some music. Whatever your instrument of choice, you’ll find several options for music lessons in town, including The Arts Music Store, Heart-Strings, and The Piano Studio.

#6. Volunteer

Whether it is a one-time event or an ongoing contribution, there are loads of ways to give back in this incredible town of ours. Find one that works for you through Neighbourhood Network, which helps pair people with volunteering opportunities.

#7. Go horseback riding

From lessons to summer camp programs, there are several places to go riding in the Newmarket area, including the Royal Canadian riding academy and Whitchurch riding academy & summer riding camp. Prefer to enjoy horses from the ground?! Check out the experiential workshops run by Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Center.

#8. Visit parks

Have you got kids? Check out (and check off) the more than 45 parks in Newmarket. You will find splash pads, picnic areas and parkettes, playgrounds, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and soccer pitches. There’s even an off-leash park for your four-legged friends.

#9. Go for shopping

Shop the Newmarket Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday morning from early May to late October, the market takes over Riverwalk Commons. Along with farm-fresh produce, meats, bread, and the like, there are food vendors, musicians on stage, and, when the weather turns warm, a wading area where you can dip your feet in and cool off.

#10. Listen to live music

Hear some live music, or make your own! You’ll find live bands and karaoke nights at several Newmarket restaurants and bars, including big daddy’s rock & roll emporium and col.

#11. Visit the Primed and Polished Nail Bar

Sip while you soak!” Enjoy a glass of wine while getting your nails done at the newly-opened Primed and Polished Nail Bar.

#12. Town’s tile mosaic

See the Town’s Tile Mosaic (right) at the Municipal Offices. Created in honor of Canada’s 150th, the mosaic features 576 tiles. Look closely for the farmers’ market, Old Town Hall, and other Newmarket places of interest.

#13. Go for workout

Want a challenging workout surrounded by the best nature has to offer? Then, you may want to try “99 Steps” in the Thornton Bales Conservation Area. You can access it via Mulock Drive (which turns into Sideroad 19) just west of Bathurst. The steps are steep, and there are many of them, so be sure to pack water and wear appropriate footwear.

#14. Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Boler Mountain

Set on the site of the former London Ski Club to the west of the city, Boler Mountain is a great place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities. In winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding. Although relatively small compared to the larger ski destinations easily accessible from Toronto, the hills and slopes can get busy.

#15. Learn about Canada’s Military History

As popular among military history enthusiasts and historians as it is vacationers, the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in Wolseley Barracks is a must-visit. Established in 2013, highlights include displays of uniforms and exhibits relating to the conflicts in which the regiment served, as well as historic vehicles and weaponry.

Another notable military attraction in Newmarket is the 1st Hussars Museum. Dedicated to the history of one of Canada’s first cavalry regiments, displays cover the conflicts and the people who served in the regiment.

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Special things to do in Newmarket

Activities most enjoyed in the community and surrounding areas include golfing, walking, sightseeing, birding, biking, jogging, rollerblading, swimming, farm tours, and shopping.

Sightseeing destinations include Fairy Lake, Riverwalk Commons, Paul Semple Park, George Richardson Park, Mabel Davis Conservation Area, and the Nokiidaa Trail. There is hardly a time in this historic city without an event. So if you come in the summer, there are a lot of outdoor activities for you.

Where to eat and drink in Newmarket?

There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to finding places to eat and drink in Newmarket. The town has several established restaurants serving all types of cuisine, so you are guaranteed a great choice of top-quality places to dine.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit and however long you stay, this is a worthy stop and haven for tourists and home-seekers. It may have built its reputation around one sporting arena, but it has an exceptional and much-admired personality.

Where to stay in Newmarket?

Whether you are planning to stay for a night, a weekend, or longer, Newmarket has an array of fantastic accommodations. From luxury hotels to fine B&Bs, some superb self-catering houses are ideal for larger groups.

Free things to do in Newmarket Ontario

You don’t have to spend money to have fun. There are plenty of free things to do in Newmarket, Ontario. There’s something for everyone, from parks to museums to concerts. Some of these are admission by donation. However, you may wish to bring some cash along to help support the venue.

• Experience a guided tour
• Tour the Canadian medical hall of fame
• Hike on one of the natural spaces in the city.
• Drop in any Sunday to get creative in the studio or explore the galleries with a tour guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people live in Newmarket?

Approximately, Newmarket has a population of 90,000 residents.

Is Newmarket a beautiful city?

Newmarket is an ideal town for young families and professionals. Its best features include its low crime rate, exceptional healthcare facilities, culture, and community.

Where is Newmarket, Ontario, located?

Newmarket is a town and regional seat of the Regional Municipality of York in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Conclusion

We hope this guide about fun things to do in Newmarket will help you when you plan to visit the beautiful city. We’ll be writing more about Things to do in Newmarket in the future, so get in touch if there’s something we should check out!