Explore Whitby through a range of interests: economic and architectural history, nature, trails on foot or by bike, and culinary experiences. The format also matters when planning: some experiences are guided, while others are self-guided walking tours. This lets you decide whether you would prefer to join a guided tour or explore independently.

Explore history with a guide or on your own

Lynde House Museum is a preserved historic building in Whitby that offers educational programs and guided tours. Availability may change, so check the schedule if you are planning a visit. Whitby also offers self-guided historic walking tours focused on the town’s economic and architectural history. The two formats have different focuses: educational programs and guided tours are at the heart of Lynde House Museum, while the historic walking tours are taken independently. Architecture and economic history are the themes through which you can explore Whitby’s past.

Nature and trails in Whitby

Lynde Shores Conservation Area is an important stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The area’s significance is therefore also seasonal. It has 5 km of loop trails, including the Chickadee Trail. The trails are generally suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, especially the Chickadee Trail. Since conditions and trail maintenance can change seasonally, it is a good idea to check current trail conditions before your visit.

Lynde Creek Marsh is designated a provincially significant wetland in Ontario. Whitby also offers about 60 km of trails for visitors to explore; the total length may change as the trail network expands. The two figures refer to different areas: the 5 km are the loop trails in Lynde Shores Conservation Area, while the approximately 60 km refers to the Town of Whitby’s trail network. This distinction separates a specific loop in the conservation area from the wider municipal trail network.

Cycling routes

For bike rides, Whitby has a 13 km, bike-friendly Waterfront Trail. The Greenbelt Route also connects Whitby to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail via a signed, 18 km connecting route. The figures describe different routes: 13 km for the Waterfront Trail and 18 km for the Greenbelt Route connecting route. Route alignments and connections may change, so check the current route details if you plan to include these trails in your itinerary.

Guided food tour or self-guided Brewery Passport

Downtown Whitby Food Tours are guided walking tours. Visitors sample local ingredients and meet the people behind the food. The Whitby Brewery Passport, by contrast, is self-guided: it takes you to all five local breweries in Whitby and includes stopping for food and collecting stamps. The culinary experiences differ in both their content and the level of guidance. Food tour dates and availability may change, and the Brewery Passport’s program details and participating breweries may also change. Check these details before making either experience a fixed part of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ajax, Oshawa, Beaverton, Scugog, Clarington, Bowmanville, Hampton, Pickering.

For the broader travel overview: Regional Municipality Of Durham.