Located just to the east of Mississauga in the Greater Toronto Area, Milton is a fantastic small town in southern Ontario that promises a beautifully natural getaway just a short drive from Toronto.
And while Milton is best known for its abundant conservation areas promising breathtaking nature walks and hiking trails, the community is also home to a rich history going back two centuries and a burgeoning arts scene encompassing a variety of mediums.
From the best walking paths to historical landmarks and artistic galleries, these are the ten top attractions and things to do in Milton, Ontario.
A Quick Look At The 10 Best Things To Do In Milton, Ontario
- Explore A Nearby Conservation Area
- Visit A Local Farm
- Take A Historical Walk Around Mill Pond
- Explore Local Arts At The FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton
- Travel In Time At The Country Heritage Park
- Visit The Halton County Radial Railway Museum
- Bet On The Horses At Woodbine Mohawk Park
- Shop Local At The Milton Farmers’ Market
- Bring The Kids to Champs Family Entertainment
- Attend A Local Festival
The 10 Top Things To Do In Milton, Ontario
1. Explore A Nearby Conservation Area
The biggest and most famous attraction to Milton is the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. From beautiful waterfalls to mountainous overlooks and tranquil lakes, this small Ontario town boasts plenty of scenic beauty to explore. Many of these natural areas are protected by Conservation Halton, with the following offering some of the best hiking trails.
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area: From its unique meromictic lake to the remains of a historic 15th-century Iroquian village, Crawford Lake is the perfect outing for a blend of natural adventure and history. Visitors can traverse the wetlands along the park’s elevated boardwalk or explore Irqouian history at the village ruins that consist of three restored longhouses.
- Hilton Falls Conservation Area: This popular conservation area offers a great variety of hiking trails, including a path leading to a picturesque waterfall at the Old Mills Ruins. Alternatively, the park also features XC mountain bike trails throughout the summer months and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
- Kelso Conservation Area: Home to the Glen Eden Ski Centre, the Halton Region Museum, and a whole slew of hiking trails and outdoor activities, the Kelso Conservation Area is one of the most extensive natural regions near Milton. Along with offering some of the best views of the Niagara Escarpment, this park opens its reservoir throughout the winter for additional outdoor opportunities, including paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area: Set just 10 minutes from downtown Milton, the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area offers visitors a more intrepid adventure for your outdoor exploration of the region. The rugged protected area is home to five breathtaking lookouts, three designated rock climbing areas, and abundant hiking, camping, and photography opportunities. For some of the most beautiful views and a moderately difficult challenge, I suggest doing the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail.
2. Visit A Local Farm
Beyond its protected conservation areas, the Milton countryside side is dotted by an abundance of agricultural land and farms, many of which are open to visitors and offer a wide array of activities.
- Terre Bleu Lavender Farm: For one of the most unique experiences in Milton, head over to the Terre Bleu Lavender Farm. Throughout the summer, guests can take a stroll through rolling seas of purple along their lavender fields or partake in a series of activities, including yoga classes, perfumery workshops, and equestrian demonstrations.
- Springridge Farm: Perfect for a family outing, Springridge Farm is open throughout the spring and summer and features a variety of family-friendly activities, including a giant sandbox, farm animals, a children’s playground, and a giant hill climb rewarding breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment.
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm: Another nearby farm offering a great variety of family-friendly entertainment, Chudleigh’s is a great spot to spend a summer afternoon. Throughout the summer, guests can feed farm animals at the onsite petting zoo and a selection of nature trails while the property’s orchards open throughout the fall for apple picking.
- Andrew Scenic Acres: Home to over 165 acres of strawberries, apples, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, squash, and more, Andrew Scenic Acres is the best place in Milton to pick up your own fresh fruits. Beyond its berry picking, this nearby farm also offers family activities, including tractor rides, farm animals, and a winery perfect for adults.
3. Take A Historical Walk Around Mill Pond
Built to power a grist mill responsible for the initial growth of Milton over 100 years ago, Mill Pond is set at the heart of the community and is a great place to explore the history of the town while enjoying a beautiful natural setting popular amongst hikers and birdwatchers.
While the pond isn’t very large, it does provide a great natural respite directly along Main Street and a pleasant afternoon or evening stroll along its 2.1-kilometre loop trail.
4. Explore Local Arts At The FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton
Home to Milton’s burgeoning art scene, the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton is a modern complex that promotes local creativity through a variety of mediums. This contemporary centre celebrates visual, media, literary, and performing arts through a variety of gallery exhibitions, shows, and events.
Be sure to check their calendar for any upcoming live performances, workshops, or art programs.
5. Travel In Time At The Country Heritage Park
Visitors interested in local history need to stop by the Country Heritage Park. Boasting over 30 exhibit buildings and 20,000 artifacts across its 80 acres, this interactive heritage park explores the evolution of agricultural and rural life over the past 150 years.
Popular amongst school trips and day camps, the park offers a historical immersion through its selection of exhibits, which include antique tractors, steam engines, farm equipment, and artifacts reflecting day to day life of the region’s historical rural inhabitants.
6. Visit The Halton County Radial Railway Museum
Speaking of historical attractions, the Halton County Radial Railway is another must-stop destination for visiting history buffs. This transportation museum is home to one of the region’s most extensive collections of streetcars, buses, trolleybuses, and railway vehicles, and it even allows visitors to board and ride many of its exhibits.
7. Bet On The Horses At Woodbine Mohawk Park
Not to be mistaken with the Mohawk Racetrack in Toronto, Woodbine Mohawk Racetrack is a historic horse racing track in Milton that continues to host several races throughout the year, including the annual Canadian International Stakes throughout the summer months.
Built in 1909, this race track has hosted legendary horses, including Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and Affirmed, and is a great place to spend an exciting afternoon betting on the horses. Meanwhile, visitors looking for further gambling entertainment will find over 1000 slot machines within the complex’s indoor parlour.
8. Shop Local At The Milton Farmer’s Market
While visiting a local farm is one of the best things to do in Milton, visitors to the community can also shop for local produce at the town’s farmer’s market. Milton’s Farmers Market is held every Saturday Morning between May and October and features a great variety of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and fruit to butcher meats and homemade sauces.
While Milton’s Farmer’s Market closes for the cold months, there is a winter Farmer’s Market that operates between January and April, promising plenty of local shopping throughout the year.
9. Bring The Kids To Champs Family Entertainment
An extensive playground for children and adults alike, Champs Family Entertainment is one of the most fun things to do in Milton with family. It features VIP bowling lanes, billiards, an arcade, and a full restaurant serving a delicious menu of bar foods both within its dining room and bowling lanes.
Whether looking for a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or a fantastic first date setting, Champs Family Entertainment promises plenty of fun and excitement for all ages.
10. Attend A Local Festival
While Milton makes for a fantastic weekend getaway throughout the year, the town truly comes alive around its various annual festivals. The following are some of the community’s top events you should definitely check out.
- Milton Harvest Festival: Held over eight days every September, the Milton Harvest Festival is one of the town’s most anticipated festivals. The celebration features a variety of events throughout the festival, including a bike race, parades, concerts, and food vendors.
- Milton Film Festival: Hosted at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, the Milton Film Festival celebrates the Canadian film industry through a series of short and feature films by local, Canadian, and international filmmakers while providing a variety of special events with professionals in the field.
- Downtown Milton SummerFest: Milton kicks off its summer season with its annual Downtown Milton SummerFest. Operated by the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area, this highly-anticipated festival celebrates local businesses, vendors, and entertainers while promising a variety of family-friendly activities.
