Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Woodbridge is a town in a large suburban community of York within the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. Situated in Vaughan, Ontario, the city’s outskirts, west of Highway 400, east of Highway 50, north of Steeles Avenue, and south of Major Mackenzie Drive West. It was previously a separate town before being merged with adjacent towns in 1971 to become the city. The old downtown center is located north of Highway 407 on Woodbridge Avenue between Islington Avenue and Kipling Avenue. The town is home to the Woodbridge Fair, an annual fair held in September.
Woodbridge is perhaps best known for its historic downtown, which has undergone a major revitalization in recent years. The town has many popular restaurants and shops and hosts an annual fair that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. In addition to its natural beauty and rich history, Woodbridge is also home to some excellent schools and is a great place to raise a family. Woodbridge is the perfect place to call home with its proximity to Toronto and other major cities.
Woodbridge’s Schools
Woodbridge is home to a number of excellent schools, both public and Catholic. These schools range from elementary through high school, and all feature modern facilities and top-notch educational programs. Whether you’re looking for a traditional classroom setting or prefer a more hands-on learning environment, Woodbridge has the perfect school to help your child reach their full potential.
Woodbridge’s Natural Beauty
Woodbridge is situated in the Humber River valley, which provides a picturesque backdrop for the town. The river is a popular recreation spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Woodbridge is also home to several beautiful parks and trails perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. With its proximity to Toronto, residents can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing day in nature any time they like. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon hike or want to spend a day fishing, Woodbridge has something to offer everyone.
Woodbridge's History
The settlement began in 1802 when the British Crown granted Jacob Philips and Hugh Cameron the west half of lots six and seven, concession 7 of Vaughan Township. Woodbridge began in what is now known as Pine Grove.
A school was established on Vaughan’s ninth concession in the early half of the nineteenth century, and a flour mill and store developed. Around Smith’s mill (later Hayhoe Mills), a scattering of dwellings emerged; Smith’s mill later became known as Smithsville and then Pine Grove.
Brownsville, a neighboring community to the south, was up around a mill operated by John Brown on the Humber River near what is now Wallace Street in the original Woodbridge village. On the other hand, Woodbridge did not begin to take the shape of a settlement or hamlet until Rowland Burr arrived in 1837.
The name stems from the wooden bridge that served as the town’s entrance point across the Humber River. The settlement was later renamed Burwick after its founder, but in 1855 it was renamed Woodbridge because the province already had a Burwick village. After Pine Grove was incorporated in 1882, it was overtaken and later integrated. In 1971, Woodbridge was amalgamated with the towns of Maple, Kleinburg, Thornhill, and Woodbridge to form the new city of Vaughan.
Woodbridge experienced continued growth throughout the 20th century as a result of residential development by major homebuilders. The town was also the site of many large industrial and commercial operations, primarily centered around the Humber River valley, including some lumber operations.
Today, Woodbridge remains one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, with a population that has quadrupled since 1971. The town is currently in the midst of a major redevelopment project that is revitalizing its downtown core.
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Top Attractions in Woodbridge, ON
Woodbridge is a historic town with a lot to offer visitors. There is something for everyone in Woodbridge, from its quaint shops and restaurants to its many parks and recreation areas.
Here are some of the top attractions in Woodbridge, Ontario:
Boyd Conservation Park
Located on the banks of the Humber River, this beautiful park has walking trails and plenty of space for outdoor activities. It’s a great spot to go for a relaxing stroll or take your kids to play in the playgrounds.
Woodbridge Village Farmers’ Market
Opens every Saturday, local vendors set up shop at this bustling farmers’ market in downtown Woodbridge. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, or delicious food from local restaurants, you’ll find it here.
Highway 7 – Woodbridge Bypass
This scenic highway runs through the heart of Woodbridge, offering stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. Whether driving or cycling, it’s a great way to explore the area.
Kortright Centre for Conservation
This nature center is a great place to learn about the local environment and wildlife. There are plenty of educational programs, as well as hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is a hands-on wildlife center where kids can learn about animals and the environment. Children of all ages will enjoy the interactive exhibits and live animal shows. It’s a great place to take the family for a day of fun and education.
Magnotta Winery
Located just outside Woodbridge, Magnotta Winery is a popular destination for wine lovers. With tours and tastings available every day, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of your favorite vintage.
Elder’s Mills Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, as well as some beautiful hiking trails. It’s the perfect place to go for a peaceful walk in nature or catch a glimpse of some of Ontario’s wildlife.
Vaughan Putting Edge
This glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course is a fun way to spend an evening with friends or family. People of all ages will enjoy testing their putting skills on this unique course. With two locations in Woodbridge, it’s easy to find a place to play.
These are just some of the many things to see and do in Woodbridge, Ontario. Whether you’re visiting on your own or with family and friends, this vibrant town is sure to delight you! Whether you’re looking for history, culture, nature, outdoor adventures, fun family activities, or relaxing winery tours, Woodbridge has something for everyone.
