It’s time to experience suburban living, redefined. Life in Whitby allows you to experience small-town charm while being surrounded by a wide range of amenities. Whether you want to live an active, outdoor lifestyle and explore a variety of parks and trails or you’re looking for a vibrant social scene with local restaurants and quaint shops, Whitby has it all. Add in easy access to major highways as well as the Whitby GO Station and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best places to call home.

Here are the top 5 reasons to live in Whitby:

1. A place where high style and fun merge

Whitby is home to two unique downtown centres – Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin. A visit to either downtown has no shortage of things to do, with delicious local restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, vibrant arts and culture, and high-quality personal services.

Downtown Whitby is more than just a downtown – it’s a destination. Also known as the “Four Corners,” it offers a unique mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy with an eclectic collection of over 470 local businesses. Take a stroll throughout the Downtown core and explore the verandas of Pearson Lanes, a historical development with over 100 years of history that now houses individual boutiques, retail merchants, and services. Downtown Whitby is also home to many cultural and educational institutions including the Whitby History Museum, which tells the story of the town’s past, present, and future, as well as the main branch of the Whitby Public Library. Starting in May and running through October, you’ll find the Whitby Farmer’s Market where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, handmade products, and more. Take your pick from one of the many distinctive restaurants with their signature dishes and unique atmospheres. It’s all here and it’s all yours to enjoy.

Right within Whitby is the heritage village of Downtown Brooklin. This historic downtown is home to restaurants, retail shops, spas, unique local businesses, and the centrally located Grass Park. Known for its charm, Downtown Brooklin is a designated heritage conservation district meaning you can enjoy modern boutiques and restaurants that are housed in old picturesque buildings featuring magnificent architecture.

2. A wide variety of outdoor activities for an active lifestyle

Whether you’re looking for a park for the kids, a walking trail for fresh air, an inviting green fairway, or want to hit the slopes, it’s easy to enjoy the great outdoors in Whitby.

There are over 60 kilometres of trails in Whitby that allow you to take in the town’s natural beauty. The 11 trails in total are all well maintained, even in the winter, meaning you can enjoy a nice walk or bike ride no matter the weather. The Waterfront Trail is by far the most popular as it has one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of waterfront trail adjacent to Lake Ontario. Along the trail are a number of beautiful natural areas to enjoy including the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. Best known for songbird and waterfowl viewing, there are a number of looping trails and viewing facilities that put you front row to the wildlife. You can also explore the waterfront by visiting the Port Whitby Marina, a year-round facility that sits on a natural harbour on Lake Ontario. Take in the panoramic views from the Avalon Lounge clubhouse or get out on the water by sailing, kayaking, fishing, or paddle boarding.

Whether you’re an avid skier, snowboarder, or enjoy snow tubing, there are two ski resorts just minutes away from Downtown Whitby. Voted one of the top Toronto winter destinations, Ski Dagmar is the go-to family resort that has it all. If you’re a novice or an expert (or maybe just want to stay in the lodge), Dagmar’s scenic slopes provide a fun experience for everyone. Located just a few minutes north of Ski Dagmar you’ll find Ski Lakeridge in the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine. Lakeridge Resort offers year-round fun with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and climbing throughout the rest of the year.

Whitby has over 100 beautiful parks for you to explore with a variety of features including sports fields, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks, and more. Enjoy a picnic under a shady tree, fly a kite, play some soccer, or finesse your green thumb in one of the community gardens. Prefer your greens manicured? There are seven golf courses in and around Whitby. Check out the Pickering Golf Club, the oldest in the region, or drive a bit further to the prestigious Whitevale Golf Club, a world-class member-owned club.

3. Vibrant arts and culture community

Whitby is home to a diverse selection of art galleries, museums, and theatre where you can discover new art forms, old historic treasures, and witness live performances that spark your own imagination.

For over 45 years, Station Gallery has been the creative hub of the community. With four gallery spaces, the gallery showcases a permanent collection of over 300 pieces as well as special exhibitions throughout the year. Station Gallery also brings art and culture to all members of the community through programs, classes, and workshops.

Known as the cultural anchor of Whitby, the Lynde House Museum and Visitor Centre is the place to go to learn about the history of the community. This historic mansion was one of the first homes to ever be built in the town and is now a museum open to the public. Wander from room to room and see what life was like in the 1800s or visit for one of the special events that take place year-round including re-enactments, workshops, and live history theatre.

4. Quaint, small-town charm and a strong sense of community

Whether you’re looking to volunteer, join a program through the community’s parks and recreation department, or simply enjoy shopping to support local businesses, the residents of Whitby genuinely care about one another and invest back into the community. The end result is not just a place to live that is safer than other areas, but a high-ranking public school system ensuring your kids receive a great education.

5. Easy access to major cities and commuting convenience

One of the most attractive features of Whitby is its proximity to Downtown Toronto as well as other major economic hubs in the region. Easy access to major highways including the 401 and 412 make personal transport commuting easy while the nearby Whitby GO Station makes for a strong public transit system.

New home opportunities coming soon to Whitby