There’s nothing like a staycation to help spice up the long winter months! We’ve put together a three-day getaway for you in Vaughan, hitting all the fun places and notable stops to create a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Day One: Shop, Play and Dine
Take your pick of one of the conveniently located accommodations in Vaughan, and arrive at your hotel to check-in.
After getting comfortable it’s time to take advantage of the amazing shopping available in the city. You’ll want to head to Vaughan Mills, one of the largest indoor shopping malls in Canada with over 250 stores to choose from, and fun destinations like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and a Build-a-Bear workshop. For more shopping options, including boutiques and local shops, check out this great roundup of shopping options in Vaughan.
Carrying all those shopping bags is hard work! Have a much-needed coffee or tea break at one of the many cafes in Vaughan like Aroma, Big Cannoli Lane, or Bubble Tea and Me.
Now that you’re re-energized, it’s time to head on over for some indoor fun at Dave and Buster’s, where you can play the afternoon away at this massive indoor amusement centre and arcade.
If video games aren’t your thing, you may prefer a tasting at Last Straw Distillery, where you can sample whiskey, gin and more. For more fun ideas in Vaughan, check out Indoor Fun Across Vaughan.
After a busy first day in Vaughan, it’s time to enjoy a delicious meal! Depending on what you’re in the mood for, Vaughan has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Try Buca for modern Italian in a chic setting, Yokai Izakaya which was voted one of TorontoLife’s Best Restaurants for 2023, or Earl’s for more casual and family-friendly fare. For other dining options in Vaughan, visit https://visitvaughan.ca/dine/.
Day Two: Explore the outdoors
Start day two off with a well-balanced breakfast! You can’t go wrong with Symposium Cafe, open seven days a week and offering tasty options like waffles and french toast. If you’re just picking up a quick breakfast on the go, try St. Phillip’s Bakery in Maple, known for their authentic espresso and delicious bagels.
Now it’s time to enjoy the many outdoor adventures that Vaughan has to offer! Take a walk through the picturesque Kortright Centre for Conservation which has 16 km of ungroomed trails. Or book some time at Uplands Golf and Ski Club where you can ski or snowboard. For a pretty scene, check out the outdoor skating trail at Sports Village where you can skate beneath twinkling lights. For more outdoor winter options, check Outdoor winter adventures in Vaughan.
Time for a refreshment break! Vaughan has so many warm drink options, check out the Cuddle in a Cup blog for more ideas. Or maybe you need to rehydrate? Try Freshouse Juice Bar for delicious smoothies and cold-press juices.
Tonight’s dinner should be a hearty one after all that exercise! For a perfectly-cooked steak you’ll want to dine at XXI Chophouse. Maybe you want more spice in your life? Try authentic Thai food from Siamese Thai Cuisine. For delicious and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, head to Sofra Istanbul for Turkish entrees and spectacular kebabs.
Day Three: A charming day in the village
You’re on day three of your Vaughan staycation and today it’s time to take it easy and slow down. We recommend a day in the charming village of Kleinburg to cap off your stay in the city.
Meander down the pretty main street and have breakfast at Local Cafe (try the pistachio croissant!).
Then you’ll want to spend some time at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection – a unique and truly Canadian experience. The McMichael is the best place to immerse yourself in Canada’s art, with a collection of over 6,000 pieces of art created by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding landscape and Sculpture Garden.
Don’t rush your experience at The McMichael – pause for lunch at the in-house restaurant, CABIN, where the truffle grilled cheese is to die for!
Shopping locally is a cinch in Kleinburg, where you’ll find sweet treats at the Old Firehall Confectionary and boutique clothing at Ambiance and Maison Femme. For more, read our Things to do in Kleinburg Village article.
Finally, Balzac’s is a must-visit stop for coffee before you hit the road. You’ll feel rested and relaxed after a fun staycation as you sip your delicious latte and head back, dreaming of your next visit to Vaughan!
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