Discover Newmarket in two ways: through its history, visible in its historic buildings and cultural offerings, and through Fairy Lake, parks and outdoor trails. Seasonal events and a weekly market, with a season listed for 2026, round out the experience. You can plan your stay around culture, time outdoors or a specific event date.
Historic Buildings and Culture
Since 1996, the Elman W. Campbell Museum has been located on Main Street in Newmarket’s historic downtown. It is housed in the former North York Registry Office, a building dating from 1884. This is the last surviving 19th-century registry office in York County and is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The museum’s location thus connects its cultural use with the building’s former function.
The museum preserves, interprets and shares the many stories that shape Newmarket’s past, present and future. These include Indigenous roots, settlement, industry, immigration and the community’s ongoing transformation. The experiences are inclusive, engaging and educational; admission is free. Check visitor information again before your trip.
Newmarket’s Old Town Hall, also known as Newmarket Town Hall and Market Building, was built in 1883 in the original town centre. The two-storey brick building is designed in the Italianate style. Its features include a projecting central pavilion, a square central bell tower with a crowning element, tall narrow windows and a deeply overhanging bracketed cornice.
The Town designated the building in 1999 for its historical and architectural significance. It serves as a cultural centre for theatre, music, dance, art and cultural activities, and offers numerous performances and exhibitions. The Old Town Hall is fully accessible.
The public art installation on both sides of the Keith Bridge also tells the story of the town: eight bronze panels illustrate the history of transportation in Newmarket. Main Street hosts seasonal festivals and markets, live entertainment and community events.
Fairy Lake, Parks and Trails
Fairy Lake and Fairy Lake Park on Water Street provide residents and visitors with an urban oasis in the heart of Newmarket. In the park, scenic sections of the Tom Taylor Trail wind around the lake, over bridges and through landscaped grounds. This gives the park a clear focus for a walk by the water and through landscaped green spaces.
Newmarket has more than 45 active parks and open spaces, over 800 acres of parkland and more than 44 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails. Newmarket’s hiking and cycling trails are also connected to more than 20 kilometres of trails in neighbouring communities such as East Gwillimbury and Aurora. The trail network therefore extends beyond the individual park areas.
For another outdoor activity, Newmarket has six outdoor pickleball facilities. Public access hours apply at the facilities in Quaker Hill Park, Haskett Park and Joe Persechini Park. Check the access hours when planning a visit.
Seasonal Offerings and Market
Riverwalk Commons is open year-round. During the winter months, the Mercedes-Benz Skating and Water Feature is transformed into a public outdoor skating rink. The site is a year-round point of interest, while the skating rink is specifically a winter-season feature.
The Newmarket Farmers' Market has been running for more than 25 years. For 2026, it is scheduled for Saturday mornings from May to October at Riverwalk Commons in the historic downtown. Locals and visitors can buy fresh local produce, meet dedicated farmers and discover unique finds from talented artisans. Offerings vary by date and vendor. Check the specific market dates before your trip.
When looking for hotels in Newmarket, consider your interests and travel dates together: cultural history and green spaces appeal to different interests, while the Farmers' Market takes place on Saturday mornings during its stated 2026 season.
Discover more destinations: Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Schomberg, King City, Nobleton, Georgina, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville.
For the broader travel overview: Regional Municipality of York.
