Unionville is a historic village and beautiful neighbourhood in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Since it is located 33 km from Toronto, Unionville makes for an excellent getaway for a couple of hours. Established in 1794, this village boasts an old-world charm, and Main Street, with its artisanal shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and beautiful homes, will impress you. Farmers market, musical performances at the Bandstand, and holiday festivities are other highlights of this village. Just strolling down Main Street and admiring the architecture of the buildings, Victorian-style homes, and the floral decorations on the streets will make you smile. It is no wonder that picturesque Unionville has been seen in several movies and TV shows. Read on to know the things to do in Unionville, Ontario.
A thirty-minute drive from Downtown Toronto, we find ourselves near Unionville. We turn left at the Unionville signage on Main Street. The road is lined with a canopy of trees, and we soon pass aesthetically decorated Victorian homes.
Central United Church
Soon, we see the Central United Church, built in 1879 and made of red sandstone.
Unionville Train Station
We drive further, crossing the railway tracks near the Unionville Train Station. It is one of the oldest railway stations in Canada, dating back to 1871. We saw the ‘Go Train’ zipping past the railway crossing several times as we strolled through Main Street.
Stiver Mill Community Centre
In the 1900s, grain elevators were constructed near the railway station to store grain. The Stiver Mill is next to the Unionville Train Station. Initially, it was a grain elevator, but a feed mill was later added to the facility. Later, it was converted into a community centre. The Farmers Market is held here on Sundays in summer.
Old Firehall Confectionery
We park our car and stroll along Main Street. The Old Firehall Confectionery store is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth or a connoisseur of chocolates and sweets. One look at the myriad variety of sweets, chocolates and treats, and you will find it hard to decide what to pick and what to skip. It was built in 1930 and served as a repair shop for farming tools. Later, it housed a fire hall or fire station.
Sweets and Treats at Old Firehall Confectionery
Artisanal Shops
Several tastefully decorated stores selling jewellery, bags, clothes and other knick-knacks are close by. The prices are competitive and are value for money.
Artisanal Shops
Mckay Art Centre
Soon, we spot the Mckay Art Centre and decide to step in. The paintings of a Ukrainian artist are on display. We love the vibrant colours and floral theme of the paintings. The Mckay Art Centre was originally the home of Fredrick Varley, an artist himself.
Paintings by Ukrainian Artist
Old Country Inn
We pass a restaurant called Old Country Inn, which is housed in a 140-year-old home that was earlier known as ‘Doctor’s House. ‘ If you are looking for Austrian and German food and drink, then this is the place to be. We notice that several Victorian homes have been refurbished into restaurants, shops and cafes.
Old Country Inn Restaurant
Jake’s Main Pub and Grille
The Charles Stiver House, built in 1907, is now used as a restaurant and pub. The place is vibrant and is buzzing with tourists.
Charles Stiver House and Jake’s Main Pub and Grille
Varley Art Gallery of Markham
As we walk further, we see the Varley Art Gallery. Several local, national and international artists’ works can be viewed here. Unfortunately, by the time we reach the art gallery, it is closed for the day. St. Philip’s on-the-hill Anglican Church is north of the Valley Art Gallery.
We turn around, walk back, pass the familiar shops, and now explore the area between the railway station and Old Firehall Confectionery.
Old Unionville Congregational Church/ Veterans’ Memorial Building
It was constructed as a church in 1879, and later, it changed several hands and even became a memorial for veterans of World War II. Today, it houses the Unionville Home Society, which helps the local senior citizens.
Unionville Millennium Bandstand
We walk further and see the Unionville Millennium Bandstand, built in 2001. Every Thursday night, you can enjoy free musical concerts.
Unionville Planning Mill
Opposite the Bandstand is the structure that housed the Unionville Planing Mill, which was built in 1873. The mill supplied doors, frames, and lumber for construction purposes. Today, it houses the Next Door Restaurant and Smash Kitchen, as well as flower shops, a salon, and other retail stores. A gazebo near the planning mill is artistically decorated, and we see scores of tourists clicking selfies.
Flower Shop at Planning Mill
Unionville by Night
It’s almost 6:30 in the evening, and we decide to eat an early dinner at a restaurant opposite the Veterans Memorial Building. By the time we finish dinner, it gets dark, and the lights come on, transforming the entire Main Street. The shops with beautiful window displays are illuminated with lights which seem like jewels. The aura and vibe are surreal and ethereal. The red floral decoration on the street almost creates a Christmasy feel. We are reminded of the small town of Interlaken in Switzerland, which we visited some years ago.
Crock-A-Doodle
We pass a shop, Crock-A-Doodle, where visitors are busy painting their ceramic and pottery art pieces. Strangely, we hadn’t noticed the shop during the daytime. Had I known earlier, I would have indeed stepped in and put my artistic abilities to the test. But there is always a next time.
Crock-A-Doodle
Other Attractions in Unionville
It’s almost three hours since we began exploring Unionville. We haven’t managed to visit Toogood Pond Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. But now it’s too dark, and we make a note to explore it another time. Unionville is also home to several doctors and dentists who have their clinics here. We also saw several vintage cars, driven by their proud owners.
Final Word on Unionville
The heritage village of Unionville has charmed its way into our hearts. The community deserves praise for its efforts in maintaining Main Street and its attractions. Unionville is a village that has retained its heritage while embracing modernity. Its allure of colourful storefronts, picturesque homes, and all the events and attractions is hard to resist. Unionville is a must-see if you’re in Toronto or the GTA.
GETTING THERE
Nearest Airport to Unionville:
Pearson Airport in Toronto is the nearest airport with connectivity to major cities in Canada, the US, and other international destinations. From Toronto, you can drive to Unionville. Distances: Toronto to Unionville: 35km or 35 minutes
Where to Stay in Unionville:
You can do a net search for hotels depending on your budget and comfort level. We did not stay in Unionville, but we made a day trip from Toronto.
Unionville Travel Tip:
The best time to visit Unionville in the evening so that you can see it both during the day and at night, when the town is beautifully lit up.