Things to Do In Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Richmond Hill is a city in York Region in Ontario, Canada. It is the York Region’s third most populous municipality. The city has many scenic locations and notably significant attractions to visit. There are so many things to do in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, that you won’t know from where to start.

A List of Things to Do In Richmond Hill

Lake Wilcox

Lake Wilcox is a kettle lake located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The lake covers an area of 0.55 square km while it measure 1.5 km across. This makes it the largest kettle lake in the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill. The Lake gets its name from William Willcocks, a merchant in York, who later became mayor of Cork, Ireland. Lake Wilcox and its surroundings provide stunning views. However, the lake is not meant for swimming, which tourists must keep in mind at all times.

David Dunlap Observatory

David Dunlap Observatory is an observatory located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Since 2019, it is a National Historic Site of Canada. It houses the largest telescope in Canada. For some time, it was also the second largest telescope in the world. The observatory contributed much towards establishing academic astronomy in Canada. The observatory was once an important place for astronomers at the University of Toronto.

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts is a 4000 square m multi-cultural center in Richmond Hill, Ontario. It consists of the Main Auditorium, which can seat 631 guests and the Rehearsal Hall, which can seat 150 guests. Apart from this, the center also has lobby galleries, an outdoor piazza, and a restored heritage building. The theatre is the largest one in York Region with a full hydraulic orchestra pit. The theatre features various workshops for young and budding performers.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest, or Hillcrest Mall, is a 54,419 square m shopping center located in Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The mall features more than 100 stores, a food court with gaslight lamps and picnic seating, a 250-seat auditorium, and a five auditorium movie theatre. Hillcrest Mall was once the location of the York Regional Police Community Resource Centre.

The Burr House Craft Gallery and Tea Room

The Burr House Craft Gallery is a gallery that features and sells hand-made crafts from local artisans. The gallery does this as a means of supporting local artisans. It is home to two groups of artisans, Burr House Spinners and Weavers and Hill Potters’ Guild. At present, this location is not open to the public except for special events.

Bond Lake

Bond Lake is a kettle lake in the Oak Ridges Moraine, in Richmond Hill, Ontario. This lake is 55 acres large. Today it is part of a 175 acres Oakridges Corridor Conservation Reserves, which is under the Conservation Authority of the Toronto Region.

Mill Pond Park

Mill Pond Park is a beautiful outdoor park in Richmond Hill. This popular park offers people a boardwalk and trail, gazebo, and playground around a beautiful pond that has swans in it. In winter, this location provides facilities for ice skating. The park is home to several events such as concerts, the Mill Pond Splash Event, the annual Winter Carnival, and the Millennium Garden.

Mill Pond Gallery

Mill Pond Gallery is a charming art gallery located in Richmond Hill. It features original two dimensional art works of locals. These wall hung arts feature different medium and styles in art. The gallery offers rotating shows, artist demo evenings and workshops, and art classes to those who are interested. Mill Pond Gallery is open daily in the summer, from September to June.

The Wave Pool

The Wave Pool is an indoor aquatic center in Richmond Hill. It has a wave pool, 100 feet water slide, a sauna and changing rooms. It is the only wave pool in the York Region where people get to play with the waves. After playing with the waves in the pool, you can relax in the hot sauna. Along with the wave pool, there is also a 100 feet water slide that has a rainbow effect and semi-transparent sections.

Phyllis Rawlinson Park

Phyllis Rawlinson Park is a large park with lots of green space, located in the far northeast corner of Richmond Hill, Ontario. The park gets its name due to Phyllis Rawlinson donating his 90-acre farm to Richmond Hill, in her last will. As a mark of respect for her, the park has a 1.9 km loop trail named Phyllis Rawlinson Loop. The park has ample space to relax and even walk your dog.

Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park

Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park is the largest park in Richmond Hill, Ontario. It is a large 440 meter green space for people to relax and enjoy. The park also has an inline skating trail that turns into an outdoor ice skating surface in the winter. People can enjoy a peaceful walk in this serene environment along the Richmond Green Heritage Walk.

Richmond Green Skate Trail

Richmond Green Skate Trail is a 250 m loop trail located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The trail operates in the winter season from 10 am to 10 pm. You need to bring your own skates and related equipment as there are no rental services available at the trail location.

Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Trail

Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Trail is an ecological trail system located in Richmond Hill. The reserve spreads across more than 175 acres and has a notable network of recreational trails. Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Trail consists of forests, meadows, wetlands, and kettle lakes.

Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

Richmond Hill Heritage Centre is a Regency-style structure located in this region of Ontario. Built in 1840, The Town of Richmond Hill designated this center as a Cultural Heritage Resource. The center is located adjacent to the Wright Park, which has the rose a sits significant flower. Roses form part of the town’s emblem because rose-growing was once an important industry in the town.

The Curtain Club Theatre

The Curtain Club Theatre is a long-running community theatre located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. It produces 5 plays every season. These plays range from musicals to dramas and more. This non-profit community theatre keeps entertaining the community for over 70 years.

Final Thoughts

Richmond Hill is a city with rich cultural heritage and practices. It is also a beautiful city to visit as a foreigner. There are so many things that you can do in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, that will never leave you feeling bored.