Attractions and Places To See around Newmarket - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Newmarket include a mix of natural features and historical sites. The region features picturesque lakes and extensive trail systems along rivers and through forests. Newmarket also preserves its heritage through notable landmarks and cultural venues. These diverse points of interest offer opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Newmarket
- The most popular attractions is Wilcox Lake Promenade, a lake that features a family retreat center with splash works, a skateboard park, and canoe rentals. It offers a boardwalk, picnic tables, and parking, making it a central spot for recreation.
- Another must-see spot is Jefferson Forest Trails, a trail system through a mature forest. This protected land offers a maze of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to more challenging.
- Visitors also love Tom Taylor Trail, a multi-use path that follows the Holland River. This trail connects Newmarket and East Gwillimbury, providing a mostly flat route suitable for walking, cycling, and family outings.
- Newmarket is known for its natural trails, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from scenic lakes to heritage conservation districts.
- The attractions around Newmarket are appreciated by the komoot community, with 23 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Wilcox Lake Promenade
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Near by community centre offers indoor pool and recreation facilities.
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Kettleby General Store
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Bond Lake
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Willow Farm Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area
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Tips from the Community
Willow Farm Trail winds through the forested hills of St. Andrews in northwest Aurora, connecting neighbourhoods, parks, and open green spaces along its 3.5-kilometre length. The path is mostly compact gravel, following rolling terrain that climbs to one of Aurora’s highest points, with pockets of evergreen forest set within the surrounding deciduous woods. It’s an easy, family-friendly route, popular with hikers and cyclists, and named for Willow Farm, a property once owned by the Cosford family until 1903, whose land eventually gave way to the neighbourhood that surrounds the trail today.
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Set on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Bond Lake is a peaceful kettle lake with a treelined shore. It sits within the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve and features mature forests, wetlands and meadows surrounding its clear waters. A network of trails circling the lake makes it a perfect spot for a half-day walk in nature just north of the city.
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Tucked into 65 acres of forest and meadow in Aurora, Sheppard’s Bush offers more than three kilometers of hiking trails through mixed woodland, ravines, and an old sugar-bush maple grove. Alongside the natural landscape, you’ll find historical features, including a maple-syrup evaporator hut and the Sheppard family house, plus open fields lined with soccer fields and picnic pavilions. Ideal for a relaxed walk or family outing, this green space combines heritage, nature, and it also connects to the Nokiidaa Trail which can take you to a number of other city parks and green spaces.
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East side of the Wilcox Lake, along the Bayview Avenue, is transformed in to the family retreat centre. Splash works, skateboard park, canoe and kayak rental, board walk, picnic tables and plenty of parking. Washrooms are available. Near by community centre offers indoor pool and recreation facilities. Enjoy and respect.
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Got caught in torrential rain and was glad to hunker under cover on the porch of this store. Good spot for a mid ride snack too. Cycling friendly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions in Newmarket?
Newmarket offers several family-friendly spots. The Wilcox Lake Promenade is a great choice, featuring a family retreat center with splash works, a skateboard park, canoe rentals, a boardwalk, and picnic areas. Tom Taylor Trail is also excellent for family outings, offering a mostly flat, multi-use path suitable for walking and cycling. Additionally, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area provides hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and open fields for family enjoyment.
Where can I find historical landmarks in Newmarket?
Newmarket's rich history is evident in its Historic Downtown Main Street, a Provincial Heritage Conservation District. Here you'll find beautifully restored 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including the Old Town Hall (1883), which now serves as a cultural hub. Other notable historical sites include the Elman W. Campbell Museum and the Historic Quaker Meeting House, both offering insights into the town's past.
Are there good hiking trails around Newmarket?
Yes, Newmarket boasts several excellent hiking trails. The Jefferson Forest Trails offer a maze of paths through a mature forest, ranging from easy to more challenging. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area provides over three kilometers of trails through mixed woodland and ravines. For easier walks, the Tom Taylor Trail, part of the Nokiidaa Trail System, is a multi-use path along the Holland River, perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Newmarket guide.
What natural features can I explore in Newmarket?
Newmarket is home to several picturesque natural features. Wilcox Lake Promenade offers a beautiful lake setting with a boardwalk and marshland. Fairy Lake, located downtown, is another scenic spot with a paved trail and a small waterfall. The Nokiidaa Trail System, including the Tom Taylor Trail, runs along the East Holland River, providing opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife in wetlands. Bailey Ecological Park is a 10-hectare bird and animal sanctuary with oxbow ponds and forested areas.
Are there cycling routes available near Newmarket attractions?
Absolutely. The Tom Taylor Trail is a multi-use path ideal for cycling, connecting Newmarket with East Gwillimbury along the Holland River. For more extensive rides, the Nokiidaa Trail System offers connections to other areas. You can discover various cycling options, including road and gravel biking routes, in the Road Cycling Routes around Newmarket and Gravel biking around Newmarket guides.
Where can I find cultural sites or events in Newmarket?
The Old Town Hall, a historic landmark, now functions as a primary cultural venue, hosting art exhibits, live performances, and workshops. The Newmarket Theatre is another important site for performing arts. The town also features gallery spaces by the Newmarket Group of Artists and outdoor murals. Riverwalk Commons frequently hosts community events, and the Main Street Heritage Conservation District itself is a vibrant area with ongoing celebrations.
What is the best time of year to visit Newmarket attractions?
Newmarket attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring trails like the Jefferson Forest Trails and Tom Taylor Trail. Summer is ideal for activities at Wilcox Lake Promenade and enjoying the water spray feature at Riverwalk Commons. In winter, Riverwalk Commons transforms into an ice skating rink, and many trails are suitable for winter walks.
Are there any cafes or places to get a snack near the trails?
Yes, if you're out cycling or walking, the Kettleby General Store is a great spot for a mid-ride snack or a coffee break. It's known for being cycling-friendly. Additionally, Historic Downtown Main Street, near Fairy Lake and the Tom Taylor Trail, offers various cafes and restaurants.
What are some unique shopping and entertainment options in Newmarket?
For extensive shopping and entertainment, the Upper Canada Mall is a premier destination. However, for a more unique experience, explore Historic Downtown Main Street, which features charming independent shops, cafes, and restaurants in beautifully restored buildings. Newmarket also hosts a popular Farmers' Market every Saturday and various seasonal festivities throughout the year.
Can I spot wildlife in Newmarket's natural areas?
Yes, Newmarket's natural spaces offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Tom Taylor Trail and the broader Nokiidaa Trail System, which follow the East Holland River, are excellent for birdwatching and observing wildlife in the river and adjacent wetlands. Bailey Ecological Park, a 10-hectare bird and animal sanctuary, is specifically designed for observing local fauna in its oxbow ponds, wetlands, and forested areas.
Are there any accessible trails or facilities in Newmarket?
The Tom Taylor Trail is a multi-use path that is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for a variety of users, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. Fairy Lake also features a paved trail. For facilities, Wilcox Lake Promenade offers washrooms and accessible picnic tables.
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