Named after Pickering in Yorkshire, England, this picturesque, lakeside area of Durham Region is a hop, skip and a jump from Toronto, which makes it ideal for day-tripping for much of the province. With a population of 94,000 (and growing!), the community is comprised of people from many different cultural backgrounds, making it a bustling area with so many different types of experiences to try. Read on for more on how to spend the day in this gem of a city.
WHERE TO EAT
Chúuk
When we put the call out for restaurant recommendations in Pickering, every single person who replied listed this modern Mexican restaurant first. This eatery focuses on the “vibrancy and traditions of Mexico,” and sources only the highest quality ingredients locally and abroad. The menu features everything from guacamole, street corn and tacos, to unique woodgrilled offerings. Looking for a delish takeout option? Try Chúuk’s family-style chicken dinner, which includes chips and guac, fresh salsa, wood-grilled chicken and poblano rice (serves three to four people).
774 Liverpool Road, Pickering, Ont. chuuk.ca
PORT
For a beautiful meal on the water, PORT is the place to go. Opened in 2008, this gorgeous restaurant on Frenchman’s Bay has been an anchor in the community (see what we did there?), with a seasonal food and drinks menu that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even pay the check. PORT also has a heated, covered patio to elevate your dining experience year-round.
1289 Wharf Street, Pickering, Ont. portrestaurant.ca
WHERE TO PLAY
Herongate Barn Theatre
Originally the centre of a functioning dairy farm, this century-old barn was converted for use as a theatre in the mid-1970s. It now offers unique, seasonal dinner theatre experiences, while also operating as a venue for events and weddings. Set in the Rouge Hill Heritage Conservation District, Herongate is situated on 10 acres of land and boasts one of the highest points in the region, making it an ideal location for photography and film shoots.
2885 Altona Road, Pickering, Ont. herongate.com
BATL Axe Throwing
Axe-throwing has become a hugely popular activity across the country, with venues popping up from coast to coast. BATL Axe is Pickering’s outpost, where coaches are on hand to help you learn to throw. When you get that first bull’s eye (or even close to the bull’s eye!), you’ll see why it’s so trendy. Whether you go on your own, on a date or with a group of friends or family, it’s guaranteed to be a good time. If you get really into it, you can ever register to participate in tournaments.
813 Brock Road #11, Pickering, Ont. batlgrounds.com/ axe-throwing-pickering
WHERE TO EXPLORE
WINTER ADVENTURE
Frenchman’s Bay
Taking a stroll along Pickering’s well-known waterfront is a treat in just about any season. In summer, you’ll find a flurry of activities at the marina, or you can stake your claim in the sand for a day at the beach. In the winter, you can enjoy waterfront trails (improvements were made by the City of Pickering in 2021) and skating (at your own risk — sections of the bay cleared for skating are managed by volunteers and not by the municipality). Pickering’s economy is largely built on the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant, which can be seen from the shoreline.
SPRING PLANNING
Petticoat Creek
This natural corridor offers trails and forested areas for exploring, and it’s home to 69 types of trees and a wide variety of wildlife. It also features picnic shelters, a splash pad and more, perfect for warmweather family fun. Unfortunately, Petticoat Creek is closed in the winter, but given its popularity, we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you to bookmark this destination for the summer months.
1100 Whites Road South, Pickering, Ont. trca.ca/parks/petticoat-creek-conservation-area/
Photo Credit: Frenchman’s Bay, Courtesy of the City of Pickering; Food Photo, Courtesy of Chúuk. Courtesy of BATL Axe Throwing; iStock/dangrytsku; iStock/RCKeller
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