Canada's Quaint Lake Ontario Escape Offers Historic Streets, Harbor Walks, And Local Shops

As the second-largest province in Canada, Ontario has plenty to offer –- from the wilderness and unspoiled nature of the North, to the multicultural Canadian capital of Ottawa. The Toronto suburb of Whitby, perched on Lake Ontario, encapsulates the best the province has to offer, with its mix of history, shops, and harborside charms. The town, home to approximately 160,000 people, is close enough to Toronto to share some of its modern amenities and history, yet far enough to function as a peaceful enclave, with its walking trails along the harbor, and local shopping. 

The latter is especially bolstered by Whitby's thriving business sector, counting hundreds of shops within one of its downtown areas alone. In fact, Whitby has two historic downtowns. One is focused around the Four Corners, Whitby's industrial heart. The other, in the northern district of Brooklin, is filled with historic homes, local businesses, boutiques, and pubs with patios. 

Close to the town's central areas are off-road, paved paths running parallel to Whitby harbor, where visitors can enjoy lakeside strolls, a charming lighthouse on the pier, and even step into an active conservation area with precious white pine woodlands. In short, Whitby is a good option for those seeking variety contained within a relatively small suburban area. Plus, thanks to its position only a 40-minute drive (35 miles) away from Toronto, Whitby makes for an easy day trip for those seeking a respite from the big city's stress.

Whitby's name is reminiscent of an important piece of Ontario history, in which English colonists were establishing themselves in what would remain a staunchly British enclave. In fact, the town name is directly taken from a port town on England's Yorkshire coast. The surveyor that christened it in 1972 came from Yorkshire, and left his mark on several other neighboring townships: Scarborough, York, and Pickering. The history of Whitby, Ontario, however, is best understood after the height of its colonial days, when the area that is known as Four Corners today was first created, in part thanks to wealthy townsman and merchant Peter Perry.

The Four Corners is a must-visit destination in Whitby for its history. Walk along the intersection of Dundas and Brock streets, and you can still see Perry's influence in the architecturally varied, mid-1800s buildings. One such place is the Dominion Bank, which was the only surviving building of a catastrophic 1877 fire that destroyed the majority of buildings on the east side of the commerce district. Visitors can follow a dedicated Four Corners self-guided itinerary (downloadable here) highlighting the most important sites, as well as historic gems hidden in plain sight. The Whitby Historical Society / Lynde House Museum also provides good resources to learn more about the area, and it is within walking distance from Pearson Lanes, a trendy spot known for its verandas, boutique shops, and small town quaintness.

Whitby's historic streets and charming harborside give it an old-timey quality reminiscent of Canadian towns further East, such as Trinity, Newfoundland, with its stunning walkable coast and historic charm –- all quintessential charms of the Maritime provinces. 

Whitby has 11 trails, covering more than 35 miles of natural areas, waterfront, and historic quarters. Whitby's waterfront is within walking distance from the Four Corners downtown, and it takes about 35 minutes to reach the historic James Rowe House, located by Whitby Port. This frame house belonged to the town's first mayor and was built in 1856. The house was relocated to its current address and transformed into a museum in 1999. For visitors who want to embark on a serene stroll along Lake Ontario, the Whitby Lions Promenade trail starts near Whitby Hospital and covers about 2.2 miles, ending in Rotary Sunrise Park. The trail passes Whitby's docks, harbor, and marina. The park is equipped with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a beach. Visitors can also walk or take a bike ride down the 8-mile Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, open from June to September during daylight hours. The trail passes the marina clubhouse, a stop for food and facilities, and there are beaches and birding opportunities along the way. 

When it comes to shopping local, travelers can find the majority of opportunities between downtown Whitby and downtown Brooklin. The former has more than 470 businesses, including both shops and restaurants. For upmarket women's clothing, visit Inspired By You boutique. Then stop by Unique Town Boutique for home decor, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. Downtown Brooklin is home to Banter & Co. Brewing for ale and beer aficionados, and for small-batch health beverages, visit Vitality Juice & Co.

International visitors to Whitby can fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and take the train or bus to Whitby. Before flying out, be sure to stop by Toronto's trendy, bohemian neighborhoods brimming with boutiques and diverse eats. If you'd like to extend your trip, head east to Gananoque, known as the "gateway to the 1,000 islands" and another charming, waterfront town.