Enjoy the great outdoors in Vaughan this summer!

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Splashpads, trails, cycle paths and much more


It’s summer – time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! The City of Vaughan is providing you with a comprehensive guide to the wide variety of parks, park amenities and trails available to explore. Learn more below:

Park amenities

The City’s parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, including:

  • baseball fields
  • basketball courts
  • bocce courts
  • off-leash dog parks
  • outdoor exercise equipment
  • playgrounds 
  • skateboard parks
  • soccer fields
  • splashpads
  • tennis and pickleball courts
  • trails
  • Uplands Golf and Ski Club
  • volleyball court

All washroom facilities in parks are open. Visit vaughan.ca/parks for more information. For splashpad locations and hours of operations, visit vaughan.ca/splashpads.

Thornhill outdoor pool

Make a splash this summer at the Thornhill outdoor pool! Throughout June, the pool will run recreational swimming on weekends only from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The pool will open daily starting Canada Day on Friday, July 1 and operate on a holiday schedule. The full schedule takes effect Saturday, July 2 through to Monday, Sept. 5, and includes designated times for recreational, length, and parent and tot swims as well as aquafitness classes.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Registration opens one week in advance of the scheduled swim. Walk-ins will not be permitted. If you require assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit your local community centre. For schedules and fees, visit vaughan.ca/swim.  

Trails and neighbourhood walks

Spend time in nature at any of Vaughan’s trails and neighbourhood walks. Choose from 12 different trails throughout the city: Jersey Creek Neighbourhood Walk, Mackenzie Glen Neighbourhood Walk, Maple Nature Reserve Nature Walk, Marita Payne Neighbourhood Walk, North Maple Regional Park Nature Walk, Peter Rupert Neighbourhood Walk, Rainbow Creek Neighbourhood Walk, Riverwalk Neighbourhood Walk, Sonoma Heights Neighbourhood Walk, Sugarbush Nature Walk, Vellore Neighbourhood Walk and William Granger Greenway Nature Walk. There’s one for all ages, abilities and comfort levels. Visit vaughan.ca/GreatWalks for more information and maps of top trails. You can also browse the Parks and Trails webpage for an interactive view of all trails and parks throughout the city, the Great Walks of Vaughan walking trail guide (PDF) and the City’s Great Walks of Vaughan map legend (PDF).

In addition to the Great Walks of Vaughan, Vaughan has many other local trails to explore:

  • The Bartley Smith Greenway: This 15-kilometre trail is a key component of the Vaughan Super Trail. It connects the intersection of Teston Road and Cranston Park Avenue to the intersection of Steeles Avenue West and Dufferin Street along the West Don River.
  • William Granger Greenway (Humber Trail): This 5.7-kilometre trail begins at Bindertwine Park in the north and ends in Boyd Conservation Park to the south connecting to major destinations along the way such as the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg.

Learn more at vaughan.ca/trails.

Cycling

Looking for a trail to ride your bike on? The current cycling and multi-use recreational trails network in Vaughan is growing and consists of the following:

  • In-boulevard cycle tracks: designated spaces for cyclists separate from pedestrians and motorists.
  • On-road bike lanes: designated spaces for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians but are located on the road, same as motorists.
  • In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
  • Multi-use recreational trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.

Here are a few tips to ensure your rides are fun and safe:

  • Before heading out, inspect your bike and ensure all equipment (including tires, helmet, lights and more) are in tip-top shape.
  • Wear layers of clothing and dress according to changing weather conditions, including sunlight, rain showers, wind, etc.
  • Avoid riding through puddles as hidden road conditions, such as potholes, gravel or sand, may not be visible under water.
  • Use proper hand signals, obey traffic lights and stop signs, be aware of your surroundings at all times and be courteous to all other users.

For more information, including safety requirements and rider etiquette, visit vaughan.ca/cycling. You can also explore Vaughan’s cycling facilities in the York Region Cycling Map.

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