Heritage Hamlets: York-Durham

Estimated distance: 250 km/155 mi.

The rolling hills of Ontario's Greenbelt on Toronto's eastern doorstep offer up a variety of scenic fall touring opportunities and fresh farm gate products. Discover a pleasant mix of rural charm and urban sophistication -- rolling hills, farms and small towns. Area museums are devoted to the engaging history of pioneers who endured hardships in the early 19th century. Visit an historical 19th-century village and learn about the past as costumed interpreters and artisans share their stories with you at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Uncover more than a century of history with hands-on pioneer activities at the Markham Museum, or tour the Sharon Temple, a National Historic Site.

Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate offers stunning gardens to explore and tours of a spectacular 55-room mansion, the home to auto baron R. Samuel McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada. Discover the story of one of Canada's finest and last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape and interior designs of the 1920s and 1930s.

Renowned for its devotion to Canadian art, the permanent collection at Kleinburg's McMichael Gallery consists of almost 6,000 works by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and their contemporaries. The grounds have long trails perfect for hikers, naturalists, walkers and mountain bikers. While away the day shopping and antique hunting in quaint Unionville, Kleinburg, Port Perry and Tyrone.

At Archibald Orchards in Bowmanville you can actually drive your car into the orchard to pick! Or, take a trip back in time and enjoy a scenic journey on the York-Durham Heritage Railway in restored cars dating back to the early 1900's. Take a leisurely cruise with Scugog Island Cruises aboard "The Woodman" and discover Lake Scugog while learning about local history. Sunday brunches, sunset jazz and dinner cruises are also offered.

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