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Uxbridge - Tourism and Travel Information

The Town of Uxbridge is situated in a beautiful valley on the northern slope of the Oak Ridges Moraine, about forty miles northeast of Toronto, Ontario. Uxbridge Township celebrates the adventurous Quaker families who settled the area 200 years ago, with the first arriving in 1806 from the Catawissa area of Pennsylvania. These two municipalities, which share a Quaker heritage, were twinned in 1982, and ongoing friendships have developed. The Toronto and Nipissing Railroad arrived in Uxbridge in 1871, and for over a decade Uxbridge was the headquarters of the railway. Uxbridge became a village in 1872, and reached town status in 1885.

As the Township continued to grow, the naming of streets, roads and communities became something of a family affair. By 1865, Uxbridge was in need of a location for social gathering and a Hall was soon erected.

We invite you to learn more about the history of Uxbridge Township by reading the following articles, courtesy of the Uxbridge Times - Journal.

• 200 Years in Uxbridge Township (PDF - 13KB)
• The Uxbridge Music Hall (PDF - 45KB)
• From Altona to Zephyr (PDF - 46KB)

Be entertained by our very active cultural community with plays, concerts, art shows and musicals throughout the year at the acoustically perfect 1901 Musical Hall. Stroll downtown and visit the unique shops or picnic in Centennial Park. Visit our extensive display dedicated to the author of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery and depicting life from another era.
Uxbridge is rich in historical churches like the Quaker Hill meetinghouse, built in 1820, that offers a glimpse at the life of early Quakers. The Thomas Foster Memorial’s Byzantine architecture with solid copper three-domed roof, bronze doors and imported marble accented with gold mosaics, is a beautiful building, equal to a European Cathedral.

Novice and experienced hikers alike can take advantage of the many trails through the Durham Forest and Oak Ridges Moraine. If mountain bikes are more your style, Uxbridge Township has some of the most challenging mountain bike trails for exhilarating rides.

In July, the Highlands of Durham Games with Scottish music, food, dancers and contests entertain the Scottish way of life. Elgin Park, with it’s canopy of trees is transformed in August, into a large outdoor art gallery, where artists from across Ontario and beyond come together to display sculptures, wood carving, iron works, oil paintings, pottery and more. Steam Threshing Days, at the Uxbridge Historical Centre, take you back in time with displays of working steam engines, antique cars, working printing press, wood carvers and craftsman. The Uxbridge Fall Fair’s country atmosphere is host to traditional baked goods, crafts, farm displays and even a midway. In the evenings, experience the thrill of tractor pulls, heavy horse pulls or the ever-exciting demolition derby.

Uxbridge Township is alive with the beautiful fall colours and a ride on the York-Durham historical train departing from the fully restored 1904 train station and passing through the Oak Ridges Moraine area, giving a spectacular view of fall colours and wildlife in the rolling hills of Uxbridge.

When old man winter arrives, groomed snowmobile trails, skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available. Bring the family for a leisurely skate and cup of hot chocolate at Elgin Pond.

Uxbridge Township is an all season, something for everyone destination. Come and Discover Uxbridge Township.