Ah yes, the weekend is almost here! Sometimes the best kind of day is a slow one spent eating good food and wandering somewhere pretty. If you’re looking for an excuse to catch up over a great meal and explore one of Markham’s most charming neighbourhoods, Main Street Unionville is calling your name.
By pairing a cozy sit-down lunch with a quiet afternoon at the Varley Art Gallery, you can turn a simple midday meal into a full, relaxing day out in the city.
Start with a Slow Brunch or Patio Lunch
Before diving into any art, grab a meal at one of the spots lining Unionville’s historic strip. Head over to NextDoor Restaurant to enjoy their iconic brunch spreads right by the water, or get a table at Il Positano for Mediterranean-inspired flavours.
There’s truly no rush here, savouring every bite over a warm drink is half the fun before you even step foot into the gallery.
Get Your Culture Fix at the Varley
Once you’re full, take a slow stroll down the cobblestone paths to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Named after F.H. Varley, one of Canada’s iconic Group of Seven painters who actually lived right here in Unionville, this spot is a quiet, light-filled sanctuary in the heart of town. Step inside to wander through rotating exhibitions of contemporary Canadian art, local history, and vibrant installations. It’s quiet, welcoming, and absolutely free to explore, making it the perfect place to wander around at your own pace.
Pair Art with a Scenic Pond Stroll
Located right at the edge of Toogood Pond Park, the gallery sits next to some of Unionville’s prettiest walking paths. After browsing the indoor exhibitions, step outside and follow the wooden boardwalks around the water. Take in views of the pond, enjoy the quiet green spaces, and wander back onto Main Street to pop into the local boutique shops or grab a sweet treat at Trio Pastry Cafe before heading home.
Picture Perfect Afternoon
Weekend date, solo afternoon, or long-overdue catch-up, pairing local eats with a gallery walk is about as effortless as it gets.
