Vaughan

Travel Guide

Vaughan Mills Mall showing signage and a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Vaughan featuring a park
Vaughan showing a park
Vaughan featuring a park
Vaughan which includes a river or creek

Known by the locals as “the city above Toronto,” this modern city has attractions, culture and nightlife to rival its larger neighbor. 

Shop for the latest clothes, sports equipment and computer gadgets, admire the work of Canada’s greatest and most influential artists or get the thrill of your life on gravity-defying rides and rushing roller coasters during a visit to Vaughan.

Set in the heart of town, Vaughan Mills Mall has over 250 stores to satisfy every kind of shopper. Find labels such as Calvin Klein and Gucci or stock up on equipment for your next sports match or fishing adventure. The food court here is also appealing, offering Asian, European and traditional American dining.

Enjoy a relaxing yet riveting afternoon at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, a short drive west of the mall. Proudly displaying only pieces from artists of native descent, the 13 exhibition spaces pay homage to the individuals and movements that have pushed the country’s art to become some of the world’s finest. Marvel at displays of Inuit and First Nations paintings along with works by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Step outside into a majestic 100-acre (40-hectare) forest and wander through a sculpture garden of exquisite carvings and mesmerizing figures.

Finally, no trip to Vaughan is complete without a stop at Canada’s Wonderland on the northwestern side of town. Discover a great variety of heart-pounding roller coasters, including Behemoth and Leviathan. Slide and dive in the splash park. If you prefer something a little slower, check out a show at the Playhouse Theater and see the amazing life-size dinosaurs that move and roar with incredible realism.

Vaughan is a 40-minute drive north of central Toronto. Find many of the town’s best food outlets in the mall and along nearby Rutherford Road. You’ll find plenty of hotels available with luxurious rooms as well as simpler options for budget-minded travelers.

Where to stay in Vaughan

Kleinburg featuring a festival, music and flowers

Woodbridge

Suburban Woodbridge boasts natural preserves like Boyd Conservation Area and Kortright Centre, with Market Lane as its commercial hub. Explore Memorial Hill, Pierre Berton Library, and stroll along Woodbridge Avenue.

Woodbridge
Thornhill which includes a pond and a garden as well as an individual femail

Thornhill

4/5(461 area reviews)

Boasting numerous parks and three golf courses, Thornhill offers ample green spaces for relaxation. The York Farmers Market on Yonge Street provides a local shopping experience, while the Thornhill Community Centre features various recreational facilities.

Thornhill
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Concord

While Concord isn't home to many top sights, Canlan Ice Sports and Canada's Wonderland are some notable places to visit nearby.

Concord
Kleinburg featuring a bridge and forests as well as children

Kleinburg

Home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Kortright Centre for Conservation, this village boasts heritage buildings, local shops, and restaurants along Islington Avenue. Explore attractions like Humber River Trails and Bindertwine Park.

Kleinburg
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Beverley Glen

While there might not be top attractions in Beverley Glen, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canada's Wonderland and Vaughan Mills Mall.

Beverley Glen
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Pine Grove

Restaurants and parks are just a few things travelers like about Pine Grove. A stop by Boyd Conservation Area is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Pine Grove
avid hotel Toronto - Vaughan Southwest by IHG
avid hotel Toronto - Vaughan Southwest by IHG
2.5 out of 5
6800 Highway 7, Vaughan, ON
The price is CA $143 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $143
CA $168 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vaughan. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,555 reviews)
"Very friendly staff Very comfortable beds, room were very clean."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

avid hotel Toronto - Vaughan Southwest by IHG
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
The price is CA $229 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $229
CA $280 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11,607 reviews)
"The parking was a bit challenging (difficult to enter and maneuver in the underground garage. We saw no valet anywhere. Very convenient location, helpful & friendly staff, very clean facilities!"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites
Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
175 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON
The price is CA $169 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $169
CA $207 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
7.2/10 Good! (5,761 reviews)
"Normally love this hotel and visit often, only problem we had was that the toilet ran ALLLL night long"

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
One King West Hotel & Residence
One King West Hotel & Residence
4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (10,511 reviews)
"This property is centrally located for the things we wantes to do in the Downtown Toronto area"

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

One King West Hotel & Residence
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
2.5 out of 5
1760 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, ON
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Property was nice. Lots of parking space. Only prob was ac was down during our trip, they did provide us with fans though and we were notified beforehand. Overall, it was a great place to stay, close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
RivetStays - The York
RivetStays - The York
3 out of 5
12 York St, Toronto, ON
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Scotiabank Arena and Ripley's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (403 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

RivetStays - The York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Vaughan

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
314
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
438
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
119
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Quiet and safe place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very big city..dreadful to drive around lights take forever but wonderful stay

5/5 - Excellent

Lisa

I like Vaughan very much. I have family in Thornhill, so it’s very convenient to stay in Vaughan. It’s also fairly easy to get into downtown Toronto.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice place to stay close to the highway 400

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Alot of places to visit with kids for a good price.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The location and accommodation suited our needs very well. We were close to our destination to visit family and close to major highways forbour journey home.

Cities near Vaughan