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Whitby - Tourism and Travel Information

Following the American Revolution, the British established a new colony of Upper Canada to provide land for the resettlement of the Loyalists. All of the land in the Whitby area was patented in the 1790’s to the people with connections in the fledging administration in York (Toronto). These people were supposed to bring in settlers for the land, but few did and the land was sold to those who could afford to buy, mostly Americans. Among the early settlers was Jabez Lynde who bought his land in 1804.

Many of Whitby’s significant buildings of architectural heritage exist today and are in remarkably good state of repair. There are hundreds of buildings in Whitby that are worthy of preservation. The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee created Self Guided Walking Tours to promote interest in the architectural heritage that gives Whitby its distinctive character. The tours are available at www.town.whitby.on.ca.

Brooklin, the largest of four hamlets in the Town of Whitby, was founded in 1840 as a milling centre for grinding wheat into flour. In more recent years, Brooklin has become a village of retired farmers. The Brooklin Spring Fair is an annual event that began in 1913. The fair is held the first weekend in June in the community park.

Between 1941 and 1946, British Security Co-ordination under the leadership of Sir William Stephenson, known as Intrepid, trained agents who parachuted into Nazi occupied territory to not only lead the resistance movement, but to provide valuable information to invading Allied Armies. Intrepid Park is accessible by Whitby’s Waterfront Trail.

Heber Down and Lynde Shores Conservation Areas provide an array of outdoor opportunities. Enjoy hiking and cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing and skating.
The Station Gallery, a 1903 Victorian trail station, provides the public with innovative art exhibitions, informative lectures and workshops and special events. Hunter Farms in Brooklin is the largest Emu farm in Ontario. Prearranged guided tours offer an informative and educational learning experience on these unusual exotic birds.

Port Whitby Marina is located on one of the finest natural harbours on Lake Ontario with 410 berths to accommodate recreational boaters and a wide range of services. The Whitby Yacht Club facilities serve the boating needs of members and visiting boaters.

Whitby is host to a number of events throughout the year including events at the conservation areas, the Station Gallery, craft & collectible shows, Music in the Park, a Santa Clause Parade and New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

Whitby has something for everyone!