Major city · Canada
Richmond HillRichmond Hill, Ontario
Skip as a base unless you have a car or a reason to be in York Region: 1 night, or a half-day on Yonge Street between Toronto and Newmarket.
Richmond Hill is a Greater Toronto suburb about 20 km north of downtown, the third-largest municipality in York Region. Its sights sit along Yonge Street and around a kettle lake on the Oak Ridges moraine, and they are spread out: free parking everywhere, thin bus frequencies off the main corridors. Most visitors come for a specific event, a family address or a cheaper bed north of Toronto, not for a sightseeing list.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Oct; Jul–Aug for the Mill Pond concerts
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, icy pavements), no GO train or bus to Toronto on weekends
- Airports
- YYZ · YTZ
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Richmond Hill911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Richmond Hill, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA low-crime suburb; the real risks are winter driving, unlit trail sections after dark and long waits at empty bus stops.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYYZ Toronto Pearson International (GO Bus Route 40 to Richmond Hill Centre, about 20 min; taxi $66–84 (≈ US$50–65) (check)).
- Getting aroundA car is the easy answer: attractions are spread out and parking is free almost everywhere.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or café lunchC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Pearson to Richmond HillcheckC$66–84 (≈ US$50–65)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedSuite or family room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYZ Toronto Pearson International (GO Bus Route 40 to Richmond Hill Centre, about 20 min; taxi $66–84 (check)) · YTZ Billy Bishop Toronto City (No direct service; cross downtown Toronto to Finch then Viva Blue)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jul (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Richmond Hill: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
13 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
11 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
11 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
13 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the easy answer: attractions are spread out and parking is free almost everywhere. Without one, York Region Transit buses and Viva express run well along Yonge Street and Highway 7 and thinly elsewhere; a ride inside Richmond Hill is one zone, $4.00, ticket valid two hours, pay by cash, Presto or the app, and validate the ticket before boarding. Viva stops have live arrival boards.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h to downtown
Viva Blue or YRT 98/99 from Finch subway station, or GO train from Langstaff or Richmond Hill GO on weekdays
The bus runs seven days; the GO train is weekday peak-direction only.
Markham
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Drive Highway 404 to Highway 7, or YRT across Highway 7
Main Street Unionville and the Markham food courts are the draw.
Vaughan
goDoor to door: About 40–60 min
YRT or Viva Orange via Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, or Highway 407 by car
Canada's Wonderland and Vaughan Mills for families.
Newmarket
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive Highway 404 north, or GO train from Richmond Hill GO on weekdays
Main Street shops and the upper Yonge corridor.
King City
cautionDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Drive or GO train from King City GO on weekdays
Vineyards and countryside; you need a car once you arrive.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
cautionDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive via Highway 404 and Bloomington Road
Main Street and trail walks; thin transit.
Aurora
goDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Drive up Yonge Street, or GO train from Aurora GO on weekdays
Pairs well with Newmarket in one afternoon.
East Gwillimbury
skipDoor to door: About 40–50 min
Drive Highway 404 north
Nothing there that beats the closer stops unless you are visiting family.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Yonge Street corridor (Major Mackenzie to Elgin Mills)
Walkable heritage core, cafés, pubs and the performing arts centre; the only part of town that feels like a place.
Highway 7 and Leslie (Richmond Hill Centre)
Business hotels, GO and Viva hub, Times Square and Jubilee Square restaurants; car or bus for everything else.
Oak Ridges / Yonge north
Quieter, cheapest beds, closest to Wilcox Lake; 10–15 min drive from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$190 | C$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| GO Bus 40 from Pearson, one way2 × C$8 · check | C$16 |
| YRT or Viva single ride2 × C$4 | C$8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$58 |
| Trip total≈ C$321 per person per day, bed included | C$642≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars, before 13% HST; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Sandwich or café lunch | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Dim sum, per person | C$25–40 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| YRT or Viva single rideTicket valid two hours; validate before boarding. | C$4 (≈ US$3) |
| Taxi, Pearson to Richmond Hillcheck | C$66–84 (≈ US$50–65) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No GO train or bus between Toronto and Richmond Hill on weekends or holidays; the weekday train runs inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon only.
- Off Yonge Street and Highway 7, buses can be 30 minutes apart: check the timetable before you leave.
- Validate your YRT or Viva ticket or you are riding without one.
- David Dunlap Observatory visits need a ticket for a scheduled event; there is no walk-in tour.
- Winter pavements and side roads ice up; a car without winter tyres is a bad idea in January.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Richmond HillRichmond Hill, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; they are in Ottawa, with consulates in Toronto. US citizens: US Consulate General, Toronto.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Pearson → Richmond Hill Centre, GO Bus 40: about C$8.05 (≈ US$6), about 20 min (check)
- YRT or Viva ride inside Richmond Hill: C$4 (≈ US$3), valid two hours
- Viva Blue Finch → Richmond Hill Centre: about 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- One ticket, please — One ticket, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?
Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Richmond Hill. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct; Jul–Aug for the Mill Pond concerts · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, icy pavements), no GO train or bus to Toronto on weekends · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYZ: GO Route 40 last departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Mill Pond and the Yonge heritage core, Richmond Hill Centre and Highway 7, Oak Ridges and Wilcox Lake.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Heritage Centre, David Dunlap Observatory, performing arts centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weekend transit fixture: what actually runs when the GO train does not.