Major city · Canada
Markham
Base in Markham only if you have a car or a reason (family, tech office, cheaper bed): 1 night, or a half-day for Unionville's Main Street.
Markham is a suburban city of about 300,000 directly north of Toronto, in York Region. It is not a sightseeing city: its draw is three 19th-century heritage districts (Unionville, Markham Village, Thornhill), a large Chinese-mall cluster around Pacific Mall and Highway 7, and hotel rooms that undercut downtown Toronto. Transit reaches it, but a car makes it work.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Oct; late Sep–mid Oct for the Unionville streets
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, icy pavements); no month is crowded
- 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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Markham911 ▾
- 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 Markham, 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
- SafetyVery safe by big-city standards; the real risks are driving (401/404/407 traffic), winter ice, and leaving valuables visible in a parked car.
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 (Nearest major airport, in Mississauga; about 30–45 min by car to Markham depending on traffic (check).).
- Getting aroundThe city is a grid and most trips are by car.
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)
- Sit-down mealDinner main in a mid-range restaurantPrices are before sales tax; add 13% HST.C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup or a food-court mealC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- BeerDraught beer / can at a storeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2.50–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareC$15–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Markham Museum)check
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomC$170 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$80 (≈ US$60) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · 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 (Nearest major airport, in Mississauga; about 30–45 min by car to Markham depending on traffic (check).) · YTZ Billy Bishop Toronto City (Smaller downtown airport; longer transit trip north to Markham.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°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 (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Markham: 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
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
12 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
10 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°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)
10 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)
12 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
The city is a grid and most trips are by car. Three agencies run buses: YRT/Viva (Viva Blue north–south, Viva Purple east–west, transfer at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal), GO Transit (Stouffville line trains to Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy, plus buses), and TTC from Toronto (route 53 Steeles East from Finch Station; route 102D Markham Rd from Warden Station). Unionville GO station is about 1.3 km from the Unionville heritage district, so plan a walk or a short bus.
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: 1–1.5 h
GO train from Unionville or Markham station to Union, or TTC route 53 from Finch Station
The main reason many people sleep here: cheaper rooms, longer commute.
Vaughan
goDoor to door: 30–50 min
Car via Highway 7 or the 407 (toll); YRT/Viva buses also cross
Vaughan Mills and Canada's Wonderland are the usual targets.
Richmond Hill, Ontario
goDoor to door: 30–45 min
Viva Blue to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, then local bus
Useful for the Viva transfer and for Mill Pond Park.
Newmarket, Ontario
cautionDoor to door: 45–70 min
GO train on the Stouffville line to Newmarket, or Viva/YRT buses
Main Street is pleasant but the trip eats half a day.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
cautionDoor to door: 30–50 min
GO train to Stouffville, or car via Highway 48
Small-town Main Street; combine with a farm or trail stop.
Aurora, Ontario
cautionDoor to door: 40–60 min
Car via Highway 404, or GO/YRT buses
Heritage Main Street and a short river trail.
King, Ontario
cautionDoor to door: 40–60 min
Car only, via King Road or the 400
Village stops and countryside; no transit worth planning around.
East Gwillimbury
skipDoor to door: 45–70 min
GO train to East Gwillimbury, or car via Highway 404
Mostly a commuter town; go only for a specific trail or event.
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.
Highway 7 / Markham Centre
Newer hotels, restaurants and Viva buses; best base without a car.
Unionville
Heritage Main Street, walkable evenings; few beds, so book early.
Markham Village (Main Street Markham)
Small-town centre with shops; Markham GO station about 400 m north.
Thornhill
Closest heritage district to Toronto; easiest to reach from Finch Station.
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$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–200 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$170 | C$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| GO train, Unionville to Toronto Union, both ways2 × C$16 · check | C$32 |
| YRT/Viva day pass or two-hour fare, one day2 × C$9 · check | C$18 |
| Rental car, one day, before fuel and tolls1 × C$70 · check | C$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$63 |
| Trip total≈ C$347 per person per day, bed included | C$693≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Noodle soup or a food-court meal | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Dinner main in a mid-range restaurantPrices are before sales tax; add 13% HST. | C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Draught beer / can at a store | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2.50–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxi or rideshare | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| GO train, Unionville to Toronto Union, one way | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) (check) |
| Museum entry (Markham Museum) | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Highway 407 is a toll road and the bill goes to the rental company, often with an admin fee: ask before you drive it.
- Two different Main Streets, over 4 km (2.5 mi) apart: Main Street Unionville (west) and Main Street Markham (east). Confirm which one you want.Two different Main Streets, over 2.5 mi (4 km) apart: Main Street Unionville (west) and Main Street Markham (east). Confirm which one you want.
- Many Unionville buildings are private homes: look, don't enter porches or gardens.
- Winter pavements ice up; sidewalks in newer subdivisions may be uncleared.
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.
MarkhamMarkham
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Markham; the US consulate-general and most others are in downtown Toronto (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- GO train Unionville → Toronto Union: about C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) one way, 40–50 min (check)
- YRT/Viva single fare: about C$4–5 (≈ US$3–4), two-hour transfer (check)
- Taxi or rideshare, Markham Centre → Unionville: C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (English is the working language)
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me (used constantly, for any bump)
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (yes almost everywhere, tap is standard)
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet? (ask for the washroom, not the toilet)
- — — No tipping, thanks (not a normal request; tip 15–20% at table service)
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 Markham. 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; late Sep–mid Oct for the Unionville streets · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, icy pavements); no month is crowded · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYZ: last GO/Viva departures field-checked, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Unionville Main Street and Toogood Pond, Markham Village Main Street, Thornhill's Colborne Street, Pacific Mall and Highway 7.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery, McKay Art Centre, Cathedral of the Transfiguration) and eat pages with last orders.
- Toll-road and winter-ice fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Markham
- officialTourism Markham
- officialYork Region Transit
- officialGO Transit
- officialTTC
- officialMarkham Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Markham, revision 5325858 (CC BY-SA 4.0)