Enjoy laid-back life in Whitby
Nestled on the north shore of shimmering Lake Ontario, just 40 minutes by car from the heart of Toronto, Whitby is a thriving town with a beguiling, old-world charm. There’s an eclectic range of Whitby vacation rentals on offer, from cozy apartments to sprawling family houses set in beautifully manicured gardens. Take some time to settle into your new temporary home, before heading out to explore Whitby at your leisure. Chances are you’ll be drawn towards the scenic waterfront, with its bustling marina and clubhouse. Then you can continue your stroll into the heart of Downtown, with its eclectic historic architecture, elegant boutiques, and welcoming, family-run restaurants.
A trip back in time in Whitby
You’ll find plenty of arresting attractions practically on the doorstep of your Whitby vacation rental. Lynde House is a well-preserved, early 19th-century, Georgian style home, which today plays host to a mesmerizing museum packed with antiques and artifacts, as well as regular interactive costumed presentations, which bring history to life in compelling fashion. Culture vultures will also be enchanted by the Station Gallery, a state-of-the-art space for contemporary Canadian art. If you’re looking for a spot of evening entertainment, you may be able to catch a dazzling musical or powerful drama at the intimate Whitby Courthouse Theatre.
Waterfront walks and delectable dining in Whitby
Whitby’s pristine, paved waterfront trail stretches out over 8 miles, and is ideal for a long, leisurely walk or bracing bike ride – you’ll pass verdant meadows and fragrant pine forests. If you’ve still got energy to burn, head to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre, a colossal recreation complex where you can enjoy a refreshing swim, a game of tennis, a spot of ice skating, and all manner of other active pursuits. Or, you might prefer the more self-indulgent activities on offer in downtown Whitby. Treat yourself to a full-body massage or beauty treatment in a luxurious spa, buy fresh local produce from the colorful farmers’ markets, or feast on fresh seafood in a chic bistro.
Enjoy 4 vibrant seasons in Whitby
By far the most popular time to visit Whitby is the peak summer season of June to August. Days are long and sunny, and temperatures are generally warm. The shoulder months of May and September are also great times to visit. The weather is still likely to be pleasant, and fewer visitors means that you may be able to secure a better deal on a Whitby vacation rental. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to wrap up warm, as the temperature is likely to be hovering around freezing. On the plus side, there’s a good chance of some scenic snow.
Pristine parks and unspoiled beaches
Within easy reach of downtown Whitby, you’ll find an abundance of tranquil, natural spectacle. The unspoiled Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a haven for birdwatchers, with all manner of waterfowl and shorebirds enjoying life in their natural habitat. If you feel like getting a little more active, Lynde Marsh is the ideal spot for some early morning kayaking. Along Whitby’s waterfront, you’ll also stumble across tranquil lake beaches. Iroquois Beach Park boasts an expansive stretch of golden sand, fringed by lush foliage. Here, you can peacefully soak up some rays in summer, or enjoy a bracing winter walk.
How to get to and around Whitby
Fly into Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ), the closest airport, located 36.1 mi (58.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which is 28.4 mi (45.7 km) away.
If you prefer train travel, the main station is Whitby Station.