It’s official: starting June 11, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario will enter Step One of the Roadmap to Reopening. So, what can you now safely do outside of your home? We’re here to help you plan safe and exciting experiences in Vaughan within Step One.
As you explore, be sure to keep an eye out for the Safe Travels Stamp. Haven’t heard of it yet? The Safe Travels 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!
YOUR TICKET TO FUN
Oh attractions, how we have missed you! In Step One, outdoor zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar attractions can open with capacity limited to 15% for ticketed areas, with other restrictions. Here are some in Vaughan that you should absolutely check out!
- Explore the grounds at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection – a recipient of the Safe Travels Stamp! You can even listen to their audio guided tour to learn about significant facts, insights and details about key landmarks while walking the grounds. You’ll learn about the McMichael in a whole new way! You can discover their amazing Sculpture Garden, the Tom Thomson Shack and more.
- While you’re at McMichael Canadian Art Collection, why not extend your day and tour 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!).
- If you haven’t explored it yet, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Book your timed tickets in advance (availability is limited!) to see the beautiful hiking trails and landscape. You can even do some bird watching! They’ll soon be running outdoor family experiences, so keep an eye out for registration dates to become available.
SAFE STAYS
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. 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 [*all businesses to be hyperlinked]:
- 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
PATIO SEASON IS HERE
Takeout orders for curbside pick-up, drive-through and delivery are still available, but Step One also means the option for outdoor dining! Outdoor dining is restricted to four people per table, but there will be exceptions made for larger households. Bon appetite!
- Have you checked out #1 Fav Spot, as voted by Vaughan residents, 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 TIL YOU DROP
Essential and select retail are open at 25% capacity and can sell all goods (including discount and big box stores). Non-essential retail can open at 15% capacity. Lastly, but just as important, retail stores in malls are still closed – unless the stores have a street facing entrance. 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.
- 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
DAY CAMPS
As of Step One, day camps are allowed to open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. There are many to choose from and they are filling up fast, so be sure to register now.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has limited availability for their 2021 summer camps. Be sure to check them out before they’re sold out – currently, there is some space still for children aged 13-15 years old.
Overnight camps are currently closed until Step Two.
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:
- 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.
Looking forward to Step 2 and 3!
Vaughan has so much to do that hasn’t opened in Step 1 (can you say Canada’s Wonderland?), so keep an eye on our Instagram account for more things to come in Step 2 and 3.
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.
