Vaughan sits directly north of Toronto in York Region, and its profile as a destination has grown significantly in the last decade — driven by the TTC Subway’s Vaughan Metropolitan Centre extension, the continued dominance of Canada’s Wonderland as the GTA’s premier theme park, and the development of a commercial and entertainment district that draws visitors from across the region.
It’s primarily a suburban city, but it has enough concentrated attractions in specific zones to merit a full-day itinerary, particularly for families.
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland at 9580 Jane Street is the largest amusement park in Canada and the primary reason most GTA visitors think of Vaughan at all. With over 200 acres of rides, a full water park (Splash Works), and a roller coaster lineup that includes Leviathan, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker, it’s been the standard family day trip destination from Toronto and Mississauga for decades.
The park operates from May through October, with Halloween Haunt in September/October and WinterFest in late November/December. Buy tickets online in advance — consistently cheaper than walk-up pricing, and Fast Lane add-ons are worth considering on peak summer weekends.
From Mississauga: approximately 40 minutes via Highway 427 North and Highway 400 North.
Vaughan Mills
Vaughan Mills at 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive is one of the largest shopping centres in Canada — a single-level, racetrack-style mall with over 250 stores including Bass Pro Shops (one of the largest outdoor retail stores in Canada), Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Under Armour, and a strong concentration of factory-direct and outlet pricing. Unlike a traditional multi-level mall, the entire Vaughan Mills circuit is a single long loop — you walk the full perimeter over 2-3 hours and see everything.
The Bass Pro Shops alone is worth a visit as an experience regardless of whether you’re buying — it’s more than a store, with indoor fishing ponds, a rifle range, wildlife displays, and a restaurant inside one of the largest retail spaces in the country.
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
The VMC area, anchored by the subway station and IKEA, has developed into a dense mixed-use district with emerging food and entertainment options. As one of the GTA’s newest urban nodes, it’s worth watching over the next few years as development continues.
Reptilia Zoo
An unusual but consistently well-reviewed attraction in Vaughan, Reptilia houses one of the largest collections of reptiles in Canada — over 250 animals across 100+ species in a purpose-built facility that’s genuinely impressive for reptile enthusiasts and kids. Hands-on programming and guided tours available.
Getting There
By subway: The TTC’s Line 1 (Yonge-University) extends to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station — approximately 45 minutes from Union Station. Fastest and most practical for Vaughan Mills and the VMC area.
By car from Mississauga: Highway 427 North to 400 North, or Highway 407 across. Approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. Canada’s Wonderland has dedicated parking off Jane Street.
