Attractions and Places To See around Pickering - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pickering, Ontario, offer a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the city features extensive waterfront areas and is home to parts of Rouge National Urban Park. Numerous creeks and conservation areas contribute to its diverse ecological functions. Pickering provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences within its varied terrain.
Best attractions and places to see around Pickering
- The most popular attractions is Milne Dam, an other man-made structure that spans the Rouge River. It was originally built in the 1800s and now serves as a flood control structure.
- Another must-see spot is Highland Creek Trail, a lush and green trail running along the Highland Creek. Visitors can expect a paved path suitable for cycling and hiking, with opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Visitors also love Durham Regional Forest Trails, a maze of trails in a mature forest. These trails are well-maintained, offering easy to intermediate routes with plenty of shade.
- Pickering is known for its extensive trail networks, natural parks, and conservation areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from urban parks to historical sites.
- The attractions around Pickering are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 upvotes and 11 photos shared.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Mast Trail, Rouge National Urban Park
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parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/culture/histoire-history/autre-other
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Toronto Zoo
Highlight • Structure
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Zoo
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Highland Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Spot many wild life along the way (2 deers).
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Milne Dam
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Port Union Waterfront Trail
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Tips from the Community
Milne Dam spans the Rouge River near the southern edge of Markham, originally built in the 1800s to power a gristmill operated by the Milne family. The current concrete-and-steel arc dam, one of the first of its kind in Canada, was constructed by Archie Milne and now serves as a flood control structure managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. A fishway added in 2005 allows salmon and trout to bypass the dam and reach upstream spawning grounds, restoring access to over 45 kilometres of river habitat.
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I love to ride along Scarborough. It's always a nice place for riding
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The mast trail not only offers its visitors a scenic hike but also provides them with an opportunity to test their endurance through its demanding terrain. It winds through picturesque valleys offering hikers remarkable vistas with constant adjustment to the steep ascents, all the while being surrounded by the serene beauty. On this epic journey, however, hikers may encounter unwanted company, which will constantly remind them who the real dwellers of this land are. So, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants is recommended to protect oneself from these feisty little forest dwellers
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The 'Mast Trail' is reminiscent of a forest path that was used in the 19th century to transport large trees. Large pines were felled for ship masts and carried along this forest trail to Little Rouge Creek where the logs were washed downriver to Lake Ontario and eventually shipped to shipyards in Europe. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/culture/histoire-history/autre-other
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The Toronto Zoo is located in the Scarborough district in the east of the city, in close proximity to Rouge National Urban Park. Large parts of the zoo are wooded and offer the numerous animals species-appropriate accommodation. The extensive area in the valley of the Rouge River makes the zoo one of the largest in the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Zoo
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The nice bridges and the long gravel trails are relaxing and fun to ride!
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We cycled The Highland Creek Trail in July 2020, and the sections of cracked pavement Ivan mentions are currently being fixed or rerouted. This meant we cycled on a couple very short sections of gravel. Overall, the trail was very smooth, even on our small-wheeled Bromptons. Note that there are not many facilities (water fountains or bathrooms) accessible from the trail. Bring lots of water!
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Visited the Toronto Zoo in summer 2019 and not disappointed. The area is huge and the enclosures are very spacious, so that the animals have a lot of walking space. In some enclosures, this means that you cannot always see animals directly - I find this to be quite positive for the animals. Entry and the price of parking are reasonable by North American standards. A tip: secure the Toronto Pass and secure several sights in the city (CN Tower + Aquarium + Zoo). Further information at: http://www.torontozoo.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions in Pickering?
Pickering offers several family-friendly options. You can explore the Milne Dam area, which is great for walks and cycling, or enjoy the paved paths of the Highland Creek Trail where you might spot wildlife. The Mast Trailhead in Rouge National Urban Park provides easy forest trails. For a full day out, the Toronto Zoo, located near Rouge National Urban Park, is a popular choice with spacious animal enclosures. Additionally, the Pickering Museum Village offers a living history experience with restored 19th-century buildings and hands-on activities.
Where can I experience nature and wildlife in Pickering?
Pickering is rich in natural areas. The Rouge National Urban Park, accessible via the Mast Trailhead, features diverse landscapes of forests, meadows, and wetlands, making it excellent for hiking and birdwatching. Petticoat Creek Conservation Park offers views of Lake Ontario, picnic areas, and is part of the Waterfront Trail, known for its unique natural corridor for wildlife. You can also find numerous creeks like Petticoat, Amberlea, and Duffins, with wooded valley lands, and conservation areas such as Altona Forest and Greenwood Conservation Area.
Are there good hiking trails around Pickering?
Yes, Pickering boasts an extensive network of hiking trails. The Highland Creek Trail offers a lush, green, paved path suitable for hiking. The Durham Regional Forest Trails provide a maze of well-maintained, easy to intermediate routes through a mature forest. The Seaton Hiking Trail along West Duffins Creek is a 12.7 km trail with varying difficulty levels. For more options, you can explore various routes listed in the Hiking around Pickering guide, including easy hikes like the Mast Trail.
What historical sites can I visit in Pickering?
The Pickering Museum Village is a prominent historical attraction, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with its restored buildings and guided tours. The Milne Dam itself has historical significance, originally built in the 1800s to power a gristmill and now serving as a flood control structure with a fishway.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near Pickering attractions?
Beyond hiking, Pickering's natural areas offer a variety of outdoor activities. The Waterfront Trail and beaches along Lake Ontario are ideal for biking, birdwatching, swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and kiteboarding. The Durham Regional Forest Trails are popular for mountain biking. You can find specific routes for running in the Running Trails around Pickering guide.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with wheelchairs in Pickering?
While specific accessibility details for all attractions are not always available, paved trails like the Highland Creek Trail generally offer smoother surfaces that may be more accessible. Millennium Square and the Nautical Village at Frenchman's Bay are also designed for easy strolling. It's always recommended to check directly with specific venues like the Pickering Museum Village or the Toronto Zoo for their latest accessibility information.
What is the best time of year to visit Pickering?
Pickering offers attractions year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Summer months are ideal for enjoying the Waterfront Trail, beaches, and outdoor events at Nautical Village. Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather for hiking and exploring conservation areas, with vibrant fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing on trails like the Seaton Hiking Trail, though some outdoor facilities may have reduced hours.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Pickering?
Visitors frequently appreciate the lush, green environments of trails like the Highland Creek Trail, often spotting wildlife. The extensive, well-maintained trails in areas like the Durham Regional Forest are praised for their shade and beautiful riding. The historical significance and natural beauty around Milne Dam, including its fishway, are also highlights. The spacious and wooded enclosures at the Toronto Zoo are also highly rated.
Are there any urban or cultural attractions in Pickering?
Beyond its natural beauty, Pickering has urban and cultural spots. Millennium Square serves as a central hub for lakeside strolls and shops. The Nautical Village at Frenchman's Bay is a vibrant area with boutique shops, local eateries, and live music during summer. For art enthusiasts, the Latcham Art Centre showcases contemporary art by local and regional artists.
Where can I find trails for running in Pickering?
Pickering has several options for runners. You can find a variety of routes, including moderate and difficult options, in the Running Trails around Pickering guide. Popular choices include loops around Rouge River, Pickering Beach, and Paradise Beach, offering diverse distances and terrains.
What is the Rouge National Urban Park and what can I do there?
The Rouge National Urban Park is Canada's first national urban park, extending into Pickering. It encompasses diverse landscapes of forests, meadows, and wetlands, known for its rich biodiversity. You can access it via the Mast Trailhead and enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Carolinian Forest, which is a significant habitat zone.
Are there any places for cycling near Pickering attractions?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Highland Creek Trail offers a paved path suitable for cycling, though some sections may have cracked pavement. The Durham Regional Forest Trails are also popular for mountain biking, with well-maintained singletrack routes. The Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario provides scenic routes for biking.
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