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 hopefully plan on moving back to the suburbs in the next couple of years, but that’s if we don’t keep getting priced out of the housing market.
In the meantime, we’ll just enjoy visiting our families in York Region and visiting cool spots in the area.
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 – I share a lot more content on there that doesn’t make it to the blog!
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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 | Website
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, cool buildings, and even a small manmade waterfall at the park.
LOCATION: 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East, Richmond Hill, ON | Website
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 building is really unique with its spherical roof and bright blue door, and it’s also a great spot to go star-gazing for some cool shots!
LOCATION: 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON | Website
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!
It’s also one of the best places to take pictures in Markham with its historic buildings.
Check out Old Firehall Confectionary for Instagrammable ice cream cones and enjoy the views of the Rouge River.
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!
LOCATION: Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON | Website
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!
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.
LOCATION: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON | Website
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 | Website
Sugarbush Heritage Park
Sugarbush is a beautiful and quiet place to hike right in the Thornhill Woods neighbourhood.
It’s stunning all year round, but it’s especially beautiful when the trees are coated in fall colours!
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
- Downtown Markham
- The Home Depot
- Canada’s Wonderland
- Vaughan Mills
- Sugarbush Heritage Park
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:
- Richmond Hill restaurants
- Richmond Hill dessert places
- Things to do in Richmond Hill
- Date ideas in Richmond Hill
- Markham restaurants
- Markham patios
- Markham dessert places
- Things to do in Markham
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