Unionville is a quaint village near Toronto which appears in many movies and TV shows
Unionville is a tiny quaint neighbourhood within the larger city of Markham, and you just might recognize it as the backdrop from some of your favourite films and TV shows.
Established in the 1790s, Unionville's historic downtown has picturesque buildings that look just how they did 200 years ago. Its charm attracts visitors from all over and is known for its whimsical lantern-lit streets, award-winning restaurants, shops, and parks.
Whether you want to visit to recreate your favourite on-screen scene or are craving a small-town experience just a short drive from downtown Toronto, Unionville is the perfect destination for an afternoon of exploring.
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Unionville:
Recreate your favourite film scenes
Wildly popular shows such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, along with blockbuster hits like Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's 'A Simple Favor' all have one thing in common: filming in Unionville.
Unionville also transformed into the fictional town of Stars Hollow, which is where the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls took place in the year 2000. You can even embark on a self-guided Gilmore Girls tour, which points out all the iconic spots seen in the series.
Stroll around Toogood Pond Park
Steps away from Unionville's Main Street, you'll find a beautiful escape into nature in Toogood Pond Park. This landscaped park contains many mature trees, a trail, as well as a large pond which many waterfowl, fish, and plants call home.
The pond originally powered a grist mill in the 1840s and was named after the Toogood family. Today, you can walk along the pond's perimeter and enjoy the peaceful retreat.
Shop on Main Street
With a variety of cute retail boutiques to shop at, you'll find everything from vintage clothing to home décor on Main Street. Pretty Thingz is an adorable one-stop-shop for fashion accessories, home goods and gifts, plus carrying unique items like cocktail bombs and locally made scented soaps.
Every Sunday, check out Main Street Unionville Market for their weekly farmers' market carrying local produce and goods. This June, the town will be hosting their annual Unionville Festival, a two-day event on the first weekend of the month with live music, vendors, events, and more.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Old Firehall Confectionary is a Unionville staple, offering artisanal chocolates, custom ice cream sandwiches, and other goodies housed in an old firehouse. Pick up some of their handcrafted chocolate truffles to share with friends and family (or keep for yourself).
Lovers of baked goods will also adore Sweetie Pie, which specializes in pies, cakes in a jar, cookies, ice cream, and more.
Caffeinate with a mid-day pick me up
Get a boost of energy in the form of your favourite espresso-based beverage at pod coffee shop on Main Street. The adorable cafe serves coffee, tea, and matcha drinks, as well as a small selection of cookies and baked goods.
Peruse an art gallery
Admire breathtaking works of art at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, named after Frederick Varley of the famous Group of Seven. The gallery is a cultural hub for artists which features rotating exhibitions, offers art courses and workshops, and hosts public programs and events throughout the year.
Grab a bite at a local restaurant
Despite its small size, Unionville has a number of incredible restaurants to choose from and a wide range of cuisines to appease all taste buds.
For brunch, try one of NextDoor's outrageous French toast creations or their epic brunch tower loaded with Canadian classics, or head to Smash Kitchen for a serving of truffle tater tots with your choice of gourmet eggs benedict.
Later in the day, consider Il Postino Ristorante, which serves upscale Italian cuisine in a beautiful house-turned-restaurant, or pop into Chat Bar for izakaya eats.
City of Markham
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