Looking for Instagram-worthy spots in York Region to visit and take photos at?
Growing up in Richmond Hill, I didn’t appreciate all the beauty and peacefulness suburbia had to offer.
I definitely wasn’t a fan of the whole “small town” feel back then (*cough* high school sucked *cough*), but now that Adam and I have lived in downtown Toronto for several years, peace and quiet sounds wonderful.
Adam actually grew up in Richmond Hill as well, but we didn’t meet until we were university students at Ryerson!
We now spend a lot of time in the suburbs visiting our families, and we’ve been rediscovering where we grew up.
Here are some of the best and most Instagram-worthy spots in York Region, if you’re looking for cute places to take pictures in Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, or Vaughan!
Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!
More things to do in York Region
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in York Region, you might enjoy these posts:
- Looking for stuff to do in Richmond Hill? Eat at the best Richmond Hill restaurants, patios, or dessert places, or check out these fun things to do or date ideas in Richmond Hill.
- Spending time in Markham? Hit up the best Markham restaurants (or restaurants in First Markham Place or Downtown Markham), patios, brunch spots, sushi restaurants, dessert places, coffee shops, or bakeries, or check out these fun things to do in Markham.
- Visiting Vaughan? Stop by one of the best restaurants in Vaughan.
Instagram-worthy spots in York Region
York Regional Forest
Perfect for hiking through all year round, the York Regional Forest is a beautiful national forest to take photos in with some of the best nature views in York Region.
Whether you’re exploring the fall foliage or trekking through the winter snow, you can get all kinds of Instagram-worthy shots in the forest.
It’s completely free to enter, and it’s open year-round!
LOCATION: 15470 Kennedy Rd, Newmarket, ON
Richmond Green
I grew up around the corner from Richmond Green, so it was never really anywhere special for me.
I watched fireworks from my parents’ house during holidays and attended festivals there, but it was just a random park near my house.
It was probably when I took my prom photos at Richmond Green that I actually appreciated it for all its beauty!
There are plenty of beautiful flowers, a cool historic house and barns, and even a small manmade waterfall at the park.
LOCATION: 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East, Richmond Hill, ON
Weldrick & NightStar Bridge
The Weldrick & NightStar Bridge is one of those spots that you won’t know of unless you happen to drive by it at night.
It’s barely noticeable during the day, but at night, it’s lit up in glowing stars.
It actually replaced an older bridge that used to be there a couple of years ago!
You’ll find the bridge on Weldrick Road East, across the street from the T&T plaza!
LOCATION: Weldrick Rd. East, Richmond Hill, ON
David Dunlap Observatory
The David Dunlap Observatory is a heritage site in Richmond Hill, and it’s definitely worthy of being on your Instagram feed.
The observatory building is really unique with its spherical roof and bright blue door, and there’s also a pretty historical building right next door to it.
It’s also a great spot to go star-gazing at night for some cool shots!
LOCATION: 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON
Hillcrest Mall
Hillcrest Mall has definitely got an upgrade since I lived in Richmond Hill, and I so wish it was this nice when I was back in high school!
They’ve made a ton of new renovations and even added a whole wing to the mall, so you can take plenty of well-lit Instagram photos indoors instead of freezing outside.
There’s even an angel wing mural inside the mall that you can take photos with!
LOCATION: 9350 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON | Website
Cathedral of the Transfiguration
If you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Markham, you’ll definitely love this spot.
Cathedral of the Transfiguration is a beautiful church that’s perfect for taking photos at.
It’s located near Elgin Mills & Woodbine, and it definitely stands out amongst all the suburban homes!
LOCATION: 10350 Victoria Square Blvd, Markham, ON | Website
Main Street Unionville
If you asked me where the best place to hang out in York Region was, I would say Main Street Unionville is the place to go.
It’s an absolutely adorable neighbourhood with incredible restaurants, and I love how bustling it is during the summer months!
I also love visiting during the holidays to see all the pretty festive lights around the neighbourhood.
It’s also one of the best places to take pictures in Markham with its historic buildings – just take a walk around and see all the adorable photo spots.
Parking is pretty difficult when it’s busy, but you can always peep out the library parking lot if you can’t find any parking!
Old Firehall Confectionery in Main Street Unionville
Old Firehall is the spot to visit during the summer in Main Street Unionville.
They’ve got Instagrammable ice cream cones and desserts, and their adorable brick building with red window frames is pretty cute for Instagram photos as well.
Go to the side of their building for photos, where it’s not as busy!
LOCATION: 170 Main St Unionville, Markham, ON
What Girls Want in Main Street Unionville
Can’t get enough of the old school Victorian vibes?
What Girls Want is a lingerie retailer in Main Street Unionville, and they’re housed in a beautiful historic building that looks like a little house.
The front of the building is the entrance to the shop, and the side (pictured above) is the perfect spot for Instagram photos.
LOCATION: 157 Main St. Unionville, Unionville, ON
Pod Coffee
Pod Coffee is a super cute little coffee shop also located in Main Street Unionville.
They’re housed in a minimalist white building with black accents, which match perfectly with their simple coffee cups.
They’ve got all the classic coffee and tea fixings, as well as seasonal drinks.
You can even shop some coffee accessories in-store if you’re looking to level up your coffee game at home!
LOCATION: 142 Main St. Unionville Unit 2, Unionville, ON
Downtown Markham
Downtown Markham is meant to be the downtown of Markham, but it’s a pretty recent addition to the city.
You’ll find all kinds of amazing restaurants and food and drink spots here, and it’s also meant to be the future home of York University’s Markham campus.
Take your Instagram photos by the merry-go-round or by the street art mural!
If you’re in the mood for dessert, hit up Demetres in Downtown Markham, which is also v Instagram-worthy.
LOCATION: Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON | Website
The Home Depot
Okay, maybe it’s super weird and random to be adding Home Depot to this list, but I just love the bright orange doors behind this store at First Markham Centre.
I’d be very careful here as quite a few cars pass through here, so always keep an eye out and don’t shoot here if you’re not comfortable!
LOCATION: 3155 Hwy 7, Markham, ON | Website
Canada’s Wonderland
Wonderland used to be the place to go when I was in high school – most of my friends got season’s passes back then, so we were pretty much there all summer long.
I’ve only gone probably once since (Halloween Haunt), but I definitely want to go back and try the new rides they have!
You can take all kinds of cute amusement park photos for your Instagram, except maybe not of your screaming face while on rides.
If you’re looking for places to eat afterwards, visit one of the best restaurants in Vaughan!
LOCATION: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON
Vaughan Mills
If you’re looking for quick and simple places to take pictures in Vaughan, you can always shoot outside of Vaughan Mills!
While the inside of Vaughan Mills may be old and out-of-style, the outside is not so bad for photos.
I took this shot against the blue wall outside one of the entrances to the mall!
While you’re here, grab authentic Vietnamese sandwiches at Nguyen Huong in the plaza next door – I always do when I stop by the mall.
LOCATION: 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan, ON
Sugarbush Heritage Park
Sugarbush is a beautiful and quiet little forest right in the Thornhill Woods neighbourhood.
It’s a lovely spot to go hiking, and snappin’ some cute Instagram photos while you’re at it.
Sugarbush is stunning all year round, but it’s especially beautiful when the trees are coated in fall colours!
There’s also a cute white house with teal doors by the parking lot, but it’s actually a public bathroom if you’re okay with that.
LOCATION: 91 Thornhill Woods Dr, Thornhill, ON
Instagram-worthy spots in York Region:
- York Regional Forest
- Richmond Green
- Weldrick & NightStar Bridge
- David Dunlap Observatory
- Hillcrest Mall
- Cathedral of the Transfiguration
- Main Street Unionville
- Old Firehall Confectionery
- What Girls Want
- Pod Coffee
- Downtown Markham
- The Home Depot
- Canada’s Wonderland
- Vaughan Mills
- Sugarbush Heritage Park
These were some of the cutest and most Instagrammable places to visit in York Region!
Where are some of your favourite Instagram-worthy spots in York Region? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in York Region, you might enjoy these posts:
- Looking for stuff to do in Richmond Hill? Eat at the best Richmond Hill restaurants, patios, or dessert places, or check out these fun things to do or date ideas in Richmond Hill.
- Spending time in Markham? Hit up the best Markham restaurants (or restaurants in First Markham Place or Downtown Markham), patios, brunch spots, sushi restaurants, dessert places, coffee shops, or bakeries, or check out these fun things to do in Markham.
- Visiting Vaughan? Stop by one of the best restaurants in Vaughan.
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