About this English self-guided 1h:52m driving tour in Whitby
Presented by Ahsan Ali. Hi, my name is Shelly, and welcome to this where to live tour of the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario on behalf of our local expert Ahsan Ali. Ahsan is a versatile, bilingual professional with over 15 years of management experience, ranging in size from small private projects to full-scale multi-million-dollar high-profile corporate construction projects.
He has experience in fast-paced operations management, engineering problem solving, and technical training and consulting. Ahsan’s clients enjoy working with him because he is a skilled planner and problem solver and has demonstrated achievements in process improvement and program management.
To his colleagues from entry to the executive level, Ahsan is a team-builder, mentor, and communicator. After the tour, find your home in the Regional Municipality of Durham by calling Ahsan at (647) 886-1289 or email ahsan.ali@blackoaks.ca.
Now a little about the Durham Region.
The Durham Region is part of the Greater Toronto area, making it a great choice for commuters. Commuters can take advantage of the easy access to the 401 or if they’d rather skip the traffic, take the Go Train. The Go Train has multiple stops in the Durham region including Whitby and Oshawa. It takes only 45 minutes from Oshawa GO to UNION St. GO (downtown Toronto). The Oshawa station also has service to Montreal and Ottawa.
The Durham Region is also one of the fastest-growing areas in Canada; its current population of 700,000 is expected to pass 1 million by 2041.
Another reason the Durham Region attracts so many people is because of its proximity to Lake Ontario. Oshawa translates to “where we must leave our canoes”. Aside from all the recreation opportunities Lake Ontario offers, The Port of Oshawa handles over $23 million dollars’ worth of cargo each year. Housing multiple plants of GM Motors, Oshawa is known as the Automotive Capital of Canada
That's enough about The Durham Region, to start this tour meet me by Pickering Town Centre.
You made it! Welcome to our first stop, Pickering Town Center coming up on your right.
Pickering town center is one of the largest shopping malls in the Durham region. Your wardrobe will never be boring with over 150 stores to choose from.
They also have a Cineplex located within the shopping center, so you can catch all the latest blockbusters in-between shopping trips.
A fan favorite is the Wizard emporium. Got a budding witch at home or are you a Harry Potter fan yourself? Stop by the Wizard Emporium for all your gifts, appeal and magic needs.
537 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Ajax, ON L1Z 1V9, Canada
Directional
Continue straight down Kingston Road East. Make sure to take a left up at Annes Street.
Place #3
Distance: 3.20mi
, Attraction : Schools
3001 Country Ln, Whitby, ON L1P 1M1, Canada
Donald A Wilson SS/ Whitby High Schools
Up ahead we will be passing Donald A Wilson Secondary School on your LEFT. Donald A Wilson Secondary School is one of Whitby’s newer high schools, opening in 2004. This school offers a wide range of extracurriculars such as badminton, cross country, soccer, and hockey.
Adjacent to Donald A Wilson is All Saints Catholic Secondary School. All Saints Catholic serves students from grades 7-12 and has plenty of academic opportunities including Specialty Highschool Majors, Cooperative Education, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs.
Due to Whitby’s increasing population, you won’t have trouble finding a school that fits your needs, Whitby has a wide variety of high schools including public, private, and French immersion.
On your right you will see the Heber Down Conservation area. Heber Down offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, nature walks and picnicking.
This is a great place for bird-watching as well and see birds that call Durham home such as red-tailed hawks, tree swallows and even bald eagles. Aside from bird watching, this wetland is home to a wide variety of native and endangered species.
Feel free to bring your furry friends just make sure they’re leashed.
If you’re looking to buy, you gotta check out the neighborhood Brooklin. Due to being separated by highway 407, Whitby has become its own unique and thriving community. Its charm is what makes this area extremely sought after.
A great time to visit is for their annual harvest festival that happens annually in the fall. Here you find a huge variety of food and craft vendors from around the area as well as family-friendly fun like a petting zoo, scavenger hunt and live entertainment.
If you’re here on a hot day you’ve got to check out Tip Top Creamery, Brooklin's own creamery using Onatrio sounced Kawartha Dairy, Maple Walnut is a flavor perfect for any sweet tooth craving.
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology/ Durham College
On your right, we will be passing The University of Ontario Institute of Technology better known as Ontario Tech University. Ontario Tech was founded in 2002 and serves over 10,000 students. Ontario tech offers an array of degree programs as well as Continuous Learning programs and micro-credentials, perfect for anyone trying to advance their career growth.
Ontario Tech is also known for its state-of-the-art Automotive Centre of Excellence which was built in partnership with General Motors. This multi-level research and testing facility includes a 5-story high wind tunnel that allows for durability and climatic testing.
Ontario Tech shares its campus with Durham college and both schools share facilities such as the school library, bookstore, and other services.
Durham College was founded in 1967 and started off as just a small campus with only 14 staff and 205 students. Since its humble beginning, the college has grown exponentially, now educating over 13,000 students annually.
Durham College offers a wide range of both full-time programs and apprenticeships. They also offer professional and part-time learning programs, perfect for anyone trying to change or advance in their career.
If you want a farm-fresh dining experience, visit Bistro ‘67, Durham college’s own teaching-inspired restaurant located in the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food.
Simcoe St. N. @ Parkwood Court, Oshawa, ON L1G, Canada
Parkwood Estate
On your right we will pass Parkwood Estate. Parkwood Estate, built in 1915, was once the home of Sameul Mclaughlin, the founder of General Motors Canada until 1972. Now it is a national historic site with tours given year round of the now over 100 year old Estate.
Relish in the preserved architecture of the Beaux-Arts design that went on to influence greater monumental structures throughout the Toronto area.
Enjoy an afternoon tea break in luxury at the Tea Room. Enjoy a cup of Earl Grey with a side of macaroons on the open air terrace. You enjoy views of the scenic Garden including the 200 foot fountain.
216 Durham Regional Rd 2A, Oshawa, ON L1H 4A9, Canada
Brick by Brick Park
On your right you will see Brick by Brick Park.
Want to start up a new exercise routine? Skip the gym fees and work out on the outdoor gym equipment. You can also enjoy a nice stroll on the walking path that goes along the Oshawa Creek.
Fun Fact, did you know a scene from the Hulu original tv show “The Handmaid's Tale” was filmed in this park?
Oshawa Valleylands Conservation area
We are driving through the Oshawa Valleylands Conservation Area. On your right we will see trailhead parking for the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek bike trail. This trail reaches all the way from downtown Oshawa to Lake Ontario, making this a scenic ride.
The trail is also paved making it suitable for walking, running and even bringing leashed companions.
You will find access to Oshawa Creek, a favorite among locals for fishing. You can often catch rainbow trout and steelhead in these waters.
1270 Phillip Murray Ave, Oshawa, ON L1J 6Z9, Canada
Lakefront West Park
On your left we will be coming up on Lakefront West Park. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, there's plenty to enjoy here. There's plenty of green space for you to sit and enjoy the sea views.
Keep your eyes open, you may be able to catch parasailers or swans that frequent the area.
Take a stroll along the Waterfront Trail. The Waterfront trail is 13km and has many nature trails and outlooks connected through-out the trail making it a perfect destination for a weekend adventure.
Since 2015, this trail has been paved making it family friendly and perfect for runners and cyclists alike.
We have to finish off the tour at one of the best things about the Durham region, The Whitby Marina. The Whitby Marina is one of the best natural harbors on Lake Ontario.
The picturesque views make this a popular backdrop for wedding and professional photos.
If you’re hungry, you’ve got to visit the Lakeside Food truck while you are here. Their overflowing portions of fries and onion rings will definitely give you the best bang for your buck, just make sure to bring cash as they do not accept debit or credit.
That concludes our tour of the Regional Municipality of Durham which as you can see has a lot to offer.
If this feels like a place you can call home, make sure to reach out to Ahsan at (647) 886-1289 or email ahsan.ali@blackoaks.ca.
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).