Just in time for Canada Day, on June 30, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario will enter Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopening. It’s an exciting new stage for many reasons, and we’re here to help you plan what safe and exciting experiences you can do in Vaughan with these new guidelines.
But first: have you heard of the Safe Travels Stamp? This stamp lets you know the places in Vaughan that have adopted a global standard of health and hygiene protocols to reduce the 
spread of COVID-19. That means you can feel confident in your choice – to visit, explore, or order from in Vaughan! Businesses who have received the stamp will have the stamp on their visitvaughan.ca profile, so keep an eye out!
GET READY TO RIDE
We know you’re excited (we are, too!) for the changes under Step Two of the Roadmap. What’s available now? Outdoor waterparks and amusement parks can open with 25% capacity with other restrictions, including on rides.
Currently slated to open on July 5 for Season Passholders and July 7 for all guests, Canada’s Wonderland is making a return. Woo! Before you go grab your sunscreen and keys, be sure to check out their Reopening Protocols, which includes very important details – reservations are required, even for Passholders. Safety is key, so be sure to fully inform yourself before planning a visit.- There’s now even more available at the Kortright Centre for Conservation! With Step Two, they have newly available outdoor family experiences for you to discover. Of course, you can always schedule for a regular visit – be sure to do so in advance as availability is limited – or do curbside pick-up on some delicious maple syrup (we know you want to!)
And don’t forget what’s still available, thanks to Step One!
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, @aneliyakaramiteva
- Explore the beautiful outdoor grounds at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection – a recipient of the Safe Travels Stamp! Indoor visits are not available until Step Three.
- Be sure to check out the beautiful Kleinburg Village! There are so many amazing boutiques and restaurants to discover (but be sure to follow public health and safety guidelines – stay safe!).
EMBRACING SUMMER, ONE PATIO AT A TIME
With Step Two here, outdoor dining is now available for up to 6 people per table, with other restrictions. Karaoke – while outdoors – is also permitted with restrictions, so start warming up those pipes and get ready to shine. Nothing says summer likes serenading a crowd of strangers!
Not into patios? Don’t sweat it! Takeout orders for curbside pick-up, drive-through and delivery are still available. So give your favourite local restaurant a *chef’s kiss* and discover new foods, old comforts, and the best Vaughan has to offer. Need a starting point?
- Have you checked out Vaughan residents #1 Fav Spot for Food & Beverage? Giro D’Italia Ristorante has a beautiful patio you should certainly check out – make sure to call ahead! Giro D’Italia also has the Safe Travels Stamp, so you can feel secure in your dining experience.
- There are many other restaurants that have received the Safe Travels Stamp that need your local support. Not all of them have patios, but that doesn’t mean you can’t order takeout or support them with a gift card. Check out:
SHOP, DON’T STOP
The biggest change to shopping in Step Two is that stores in shopping malls are now open (yes, we’re looking at you, Vaughan Mills!) Essential retail capacity has increased to 50 per cent, and non-essential retail is now at 25 per cent. Be sure to check out retail websites ahead of time for details, or give them a call, to make sure you can visit before you make the trip.
- It’s back! Vaughan Mills is tentatively scheduled to open on June 30, along with the beginning of Step Two. Be sure to check out their website for the most up-to-date details, and to ensure you’re in the know for all health and safety protocols.
- Have you checked out the Woodbridge Village Farmers Market? Open until October 9, this volunteer-run market believes in the value of community and is a great place to spend a quiet Saturday morning to meet friends and neighbours. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., show your support for local agriculture and your community.
And don’t forget from Step One to check-out:
- This is Made, a local one-of-a-kind retailer that supports local artisan, makers and small businesses, received the Safe Travels Stamp and is re-opening as of June 11. Please support local in Vaughan and do your part to help the community recover.
- We’ve already mentioned visiting Kleinburg Village, but it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re here to recommend it yet again. There are tons of beautiful and unique shops for you to check out
OH, THE OUTDOORS!
A host of outdoor recreational activities are available, including golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, BMX and skate parks, shooting ranges and archery ranges, and others, with restrictions. While this doesn’t include team sports or recreational classes, there is still a lot in Vaughan to do:
Boyd Conservation Park, @posvibess
- Check out the trails of the Great Walks of Vaughan! There are 12 different ones to explore and you can even download trail maps, get information and see photos beforehand to plan your excursion. Most notable place to check out? Why not North Maple Regional Park! It was voted the #1 Fav Spot by Vaughan residents for the Gardens, Parks and Trail category.
- Get your golf on. Eagles Nest Golf Club and Copper Creek Golf Club are open, with restricted offerings. Hit the driving range or book a tee time! Eagles Nest has opened its patio as well for reservations, so you can do more than just get on the green.
SO WE CAN MEET AGAIN
With Step Two in play, meeting and event spaces have new guidelines. Outdoor spaces can be open at 25 per cent capacity with other restrictions. While indoor meeting and event spaces are still closed (until Step Three), exceptions for certain purposes, like viewing for a potential booking of a future event, are possible.
Looking for the best meeting and event spaces in Vaughan? Look no further than hostinvaughan.ca. From unique venues to fantastic accommodations, we’ve got you covered.
SAFE STAYS ARE STILL HERE
Make it a staycation and get a change of scenery! Accommodations are currently open, however indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities closed (for now!). Many of Vaughan’s accommodations have received the Safe Travels Stamp and we’ve provided a helpful list of open locations below for you to find them:
- Novotel Vaughan – Tied for #1 Fav Spot in Vaughan for Accommodations
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Vaughan – Tied for #1 Fav Spot in Vaughan for Accommodations
- Aloft Vaughan
- Courtyard by Marriott Vaughan
- Element by Westin Vaughan Southwest
- Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Vaughan
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Toronto Vaughan
- Monte Carlo Inns Vaughan
- Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Vaughan
- Staybridge Suites Toronto Vaughan South
- Vaughan Inn
STEP 3, WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!
There are so many attractions and dining experiences that won’t open until Step 3, so keep an eye on our Instagram account for more things to come. We’ll keep you in the loop, so give us a follow and we’ll make sure you’re in the know for all the best that Vaughan has to offer (when it comes available!)
At the end of the day: Stay Safe, Vaughan!
Please remember, when visiting any of these locations to do your research in advance. Locations may have limited availability, entry and timing, so be sure to call or email ahead to secure your spot and receive all the details you need to safely discover your local businesses. At all times, be sure to follow safety protocols, including physically distancing yourself from others and wearing a mask or face covering when a distance of two metres cannot be maintained. Learn more at Vaughan.ca/Covid19.
