Things To Do In Kleinburg, Ontario, In A Day

Looking for things to do in Kleinburg? Kleinburg, Ontario, is a small community in the northwestern part of the Greater Toronto Area. 

The town has become known for its picturesque rural setting and quaint village atmosphere. The downtown area features several boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

Kleinburg is the ideal destination for a day trip from Toronto, as it’s only an hour away from Ontario’s capital city, and there’s just enough to see and do in under 24 hours. Let’s look at all you can do here and how best to spend your day.

Whether for a trip with family or friends, or a special evening out, Kleinburg is a great day trip option.

Where is Kleinburg Village?

Kleinburg, Ontario, is a small village in the Greater Toronto Area northwest of Vaughan, Ontario. It sits along the banks of the Humber River and is home to one of Canada’s most extensive collections of early Victorian-era homes.

This village is also only 30 minutes from Unionville, ON. 

What is Kleinburg Known For?

Kleinburg is known for being a quaint village. It is home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, which houses the world’s most extensive Canadian art collection. The historic main street of Kleinburg is lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Kleinburg provides the perfect destination for anyone looking for a delightful day out. Before you arrive, take a look at the village’s very own website, Downtown Kleinburg. 

Things to Do in Kleinburg, Ontario

Kleinburg, Ontario, is an excellent destination for those looking to escape city life’s hustle and bustle. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying longer, there are a variety of activities to enjoy in this charming town. 

Explore the Arts Scene

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is devoted to exhibiting the art of Canada. Its permanent collection includes over 7,000 artworks created by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and Indigenous, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have helped shape the country’s art history.

Located on 100 acres of lush forested land along the Humber River, which flows through the original lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe and Huron-Wendat People, the grounds were once an integral part of the Carrying Place Trail, connecting the Lakeshore region with Lake Simcoe-Georgian Bay.

Take a Stroll Down Kleinburg Main Street

Kleinburg Village is an enchanting enclave for those looking for a unique shopping experience, a relaxing day away from the city, or a romantic evening out, with various sweet treats, luxury spas, one-of-a-kind boutiques (Modella Ladieswear, Boulevard Fashion Boutique, SugarPlum Children’s Boutique), and cozy cafés (Local Café, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters), that line the main street.

The village takes on a romantic atmosphere by night, and visitors can enjoy hopping from one restaurant to the next for dinner and dessert.

Check Out The Kleinburg Railway Station

Built-in 1870, Kleinburg Station was initially constructed while the Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway extended north from Toronto on a narrow-gauge track. This original station building was a small wooden frame building with a lean-to roof. It did not open officially to passengers until September 18th, 1871, after the railway completed its line to Orangeville.

Canadian Pacific acquired the railway instead in 1883 and soon established a rail connection from Bolton to its existing transcontinental line in Sudbury. At this time, the original station was closed and replaced with a new, larger structure. Two floors of the new station house contained a waiting room, baggage room, the station agent’s office, and his living quarters upstairs.

At its peak, Kleinburg Station saw 13 passenger trains come through daily, but by 1961, this number was reduced to 8, and the station ceased passenger service in 1964.

Pierre Berton Heritage Centre

Located in the former Kleinburg United Church, erected in 1926, the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre was inaugurated in 2018.

A permanent small exhibit honours the life and works of Pierre Berton, who was born and raised in the Yukon and served four years in the army, reaching the rank of Captain/Instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston before continuing his newspaper career in Vancouver.

Throughout his life, Pierre Berton received over 30 literary awards, two Nellies, and two National Newspaper awards, among other distinctions. His immense contribution to Canadian literature and history led to his awarding over a dozen honorary degrees, membership in the Newsman’s Hall of Fame, and becoming a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Old Firehall Confectionery

If you’re looking for incredibly delicious sweets, then the Old Firehall Confectionery is the place. Kimberly and Natasha, also known as Sugar Queen and Sugar Diva, offer a wide selection of homemade chocolates, hard candies, and other goodies. Buy treats for yourself or gifts for your friends and family – there are boxes, bags, and tins of delectable sweetness to choose from.

Ambiance Boutique

Ambiance Boutique offers an array of carefully curated items for you and your home by sourcing fashion, home décor, accessories, furniture, stationery, giftware, and much more from places such as Italy, New York, Turkey, Spain, and local designers.

Kleinburg Cookie Crumble Cafe

Kleinburg’s Cookie Crumble Café provides an array of delicious homemade dishes, from pies to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an excellent spot for a hot coffee or tea, a specialty latte or cappuccino, or cool off with a scoop of homemade ice cream.

They only use fresh, natural ingredients to ensure their food is healthy and free from preservatives.

Maison Femme Boutique

In the heart of Kleinburg Village, owner and young entrepreneur Katya Moser, grew up captivated by the beauty of the performing arts and the power of fashion to help one discover beauty and self-confidence, offering her clients the latest couture styles with a unique shopping experience.

Maison Femme offers a wide range of fashion, from classic jeans and t-shirts to high-end evening wear.

The Doctor’s House

Some consider Kleinburg to be the unofficial wedding capital of Toronto, a destination that offers couples a wide range of beautiful settings for their special day. From the historic charm of the Doctor’s House to the vintage, picturesque Kleinburg train station, the village offers a blissful backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.

The Doctor’s House is a one-of-a-kind event venue located in the heart of Kleinburg, providing couples with the perfect combination of small-town charm and urban convenience. Featuring exquisite cuisine, elegant ambiance, and attentive service, the Doctor’s House is the perfect place for couples to host their wedding, celebration, or corporate event.

Enjoy The Outdoors

Kortright Centre for Conservation

We have fond memories of visiting Kortright on school trips!

Since 1982, the Kortright Centre has been an exemplary institution in sustainable technology. Spanning 1.6 kilometres, the Innovation Trail offers an opportunity to view Canada’s most prominent educational installations of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

The Centre is dedicated to the life’s work of Francis H. Kortright, an esteemed outdoorsman, author and conservationist. Kortright was a pioneer in environmental awareness and dedicated his life to protecting the flora and fauna of Canada.

Humber River Trails (Humber River Recreation Trail)

The Toronto Carrying-Place Trail, also known as the Humber Portage, was a portage route that connected Lake Ontario with Lake Simcoe and the northern Great Lakes.

The trail’s Toronto end runs up the Humber River’s eastern bank and then splits between Woodbridge. One path crosses the east branch of the Humber and goes up the west side of the river to the vicinity of Kleinburg. The other path stays on the east side of the river and is angled cross-country to King Creek, joining the first path near Nobelton.

From there, it runs north over the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Holland River, northeast into Lake Simcoe, through straights on the north end of Lake Couchiching, and along the Severn River into Georgian Bay. A second arm of the trail runs from the Holland River to the southeast, eventually into the Rouge River Valley, then Lake Ontario from there.

Many First Nations tribes lived around and north of Lake Simcoe, easily reachable via the many rivers leading to the lake.

Boyd Conservation Area 

Nestled within the headwaters of the Don and Humber Rivers, Boyd Conservation Park is an excellent spot for families and big groups to picnic during the summertime. The steep-sided Humber River Valley and towering trees make it a quiet spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Stop and Admire St. Padre Pio Church

Just outside of Kleinburg is the beautiful St. Padre Pio Church.

The church is beautiful, with intricate stonework and elegant stained glass windows, while the church’s exterior is adorned with numerous statues and sculptures.

Take Part in Festivals & Events

Binder Twine Mill Park + Festival

Kleinburg is the site of the Binder Twine Festival, held annually in September.

It was inspired by Charles Shaw Jr.’s efforts to supply local farmers with the binder twine needed to bundle sheaves of wheat back in the 1890s. It is said that the Shaws offered dinner to their customers as a thank-you for their orders.

This humble act quickly became a much larger celebration with various activities, refreshments and entertainment.

Best Places to Eat in Kleinburg

From cozy family-run diners and cafes to elegant upscale eateries, Kleinburg has something to please every palate, but if Italian is your preferred choice, you are in luck. (Villaggio Ristorante, Sughetto’s la pizza shoppe, Fiore Restaurante, and La Baracca, to name a few) This village is also home to a row of locally-loved coffee shops and gelato spots, which add to the area’s charm. 

Belsito Trattoria

Gino Guercio, an experienced chef, created Belsito Trattoria in honour of his Italian roots. The restaurant, named after his parents’ hometown of Belsito in Cosenza, Italy, can accommodate up to 76 guests in the main dining area, with an additional 34 people seated in the seasonal al-fresco patio.

The menu is inspired by family recipes from generations past, with unique seasonal dishes and a wide selection of Italian wines to accompany them.

Avenue Cibi e Vin

Avenue Cibi e Vini is a unique Italian-style restaurant experience for an afternoon lunch or dinner.

It’s a contemporary eatery with inviting decor, eclectic lighting, and an open-concept kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs prepare your meal. In addition to Italian classics like hand-made pasta dishes and fresh pizza, you can sample the restaurant’s creative dishes like Fettucine Alla Carbonara or Sea Bass with Crispy Potatoes.

Where to Stay in Kleinburg, Canada + Map

If you decide to spend the night before heading home or continuing on your Ontario road trip, here are a few places to choose.