Things To Do
in Richmond Hill

Rich and aromatic curries and biryanis are widely available at family-run Indian and Pakistani restaurants along Yonge Street and at plazas near Highway 7.

Must-Try!

From Cantonese barbecue and dim sum to Szechuan and Cantonese hotpots, you’ll find a good variety in the Richmond Hill dining strips and nearby plazas.

Kebabs, rice dishes and stews reflect the sizable Persian and Middle Eastern communities — expect grilled meats, saffron rice, and fresh flatbreads.

Local bakeries sell butter tarts, danishes, and breads; diners and cafes offer poutine, sandwiches and brunch staples popular with locals.

A summer/early-fall farmers’ market (check local listings for dates and location) offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods — great for picnic supplies.

Not a single market but corridors with many takeout counters, casual eateries and international kiosks ideal for quick bites and shared plates.

Canadians value politeness and orderly queues — wait your turn and use 'please' and 'thank you' frequently.

Richmond Hill is very diverse; be respectful of different cultural practices and dietary customs when visiting religious or community events.

Maintain a moderate amount of personal space in conversations; greetings are usually a handshake or a casual 'hi' in informal settings.

Municipal recycling and organics programs are common — follow posted waste separation rules when using public bins.

Tipping in Canada is customary: typically 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for food delivery, and rounding up taxi fares. Tip service providers for good service; some places may add gratuity for large parties.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is accepted but increasingly less used. For small local vendors or markets, carry some cash.

Melting snow and budding trees bring park trails and lakes back to life; expect muddy patches on trails early in the season and vibrant blossoms by late spring.

Warm, humid weather ideal for outdoor activities, festivals and farmers’ markets; pack sunscreen and be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.

Fall colours on the Oak Ridges Moraine and parks are spectacular — cooler, crisp air makes it prime hiking and photography time; bring layers for changing temperatures.

Cold and snowy with temperatures commonly below freezing; winter sports, skating and festive events occur, but icy conditions require warm clothing and cautious driving.

Extensive networks of trails across the moraine offering ridgeline views, forests and meadows; suitable for hiking, trail running and nature observation.

Short lakeside loops and boardwalks ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and seasonal photography.

A larger conservation area with multi-use trails, historic sites and seasonal programs — good for family hikes and mountain biking (check permitted uses).

Part of a large protected area with varied trails, wetlands and woodlands — offers more immersive natural experiences a short drive from Richmond Hill.

Hockey is widely played at youth and adult levels with local rinks and leagues popular through fall and winter.

Soccer is popular in spring and summer with many community leagues and well-maintained fields at Richmond Green and other parks.

Community baseball and softball leagues play at local diamonds through spring and summer months.

Curling clubs in the region draw interest in winter months, reflecting Ontario’s winter-sport culture.

Vegetarian options are plentiful — many Indian, Middle Eastern and East Asian restaurants offer vegetarian mains; menus often mark vegetarian items. Supermarkets and health-food shops carry plant-based staples.

Vegan choices are available but more limited than vegetarian; specify dairy-free requirements and ask about broths and sauces. Larger restaurants and cafés often accommodate with plant-milk and vegan substitutions.

Gluten-free options exist in many eateries and bakeries; communicate needs to staff to avoid cross-contamination, especially in bakeries and casual kitchens.

Halal restaurants and butcher shops can be found in the city; kosher options are more limited and often require travel into neighbouring municipalities or Toronto.