Complete Travel Guide to Newmarket, Canada

Newmarket Newmarket is a town and regional seat of the Regional Municipality of York in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is part of Greater Toronto in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The name stems from the fact that the settlement was a "New Market", in contrast to York as the Old Market. As a municipal center, Newmarket serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. Positioned at coordinates 44.05011°N, -79.46631°E, Newmarket occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Newmarket place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 239.0 meters above sea level, Newmarket benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Newmarket creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 84224 residents, Newmarket maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Newmarket represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Newmarket reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Ontario province, Newmarket contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Newmarket in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Newmarket discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Newmarket

History Newmarket's location on the Holland River enabled travel between Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe A portage route, the Toronto Carrying-Place Trail, ran one of its two routes up the Holland River through the Newmarket area, and over the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Rouge River and into Lake Ontario.

A more widely used route ran up the western branch of the Holland River, over the moraine, and down the Humber River In 1793, John Graves Simcoe travelled the trail northward along the main route to the west, and south to York (now Toronto) along the lesser used eastern route through Newmarket.

Selecting the eastern route as the better of the two, Simcoe started construction of Yonge Street along the former trail in late 1795, starting in York in Toronto Bay, and ending at the newly named St Albans (Holland Landing), north of Newmarket The John Bogart House on Leslie Street is the oldest residential structure in Newmarket and the oldest two-storey residential building north of Toronto.

It was built in 1811 and still serves as a house #Early settlement Quakers from the Thirteen Colonies moved to the area to avoid violence they were expected to take part in during the American Revolution In June 1800, Timothy Rogers, a Quaker from Vermont, explored the area around the Holland River to find a suitable location for a new Quaker settlement.

He, Samuel Lundy and their group of Religious Society of Friends received the grant of 8,000 acres (3,200 ha) around the Holland River In 1801, Rogers returned along with several Quaker families who had left their homes in Vermont and Pennsylvania, and settled here between 1801 and 1803.

Joseph Hill constructed a mill on the river, damming it to produce a mill pond today known as Fairy Lake The settlement of "Upper Yonge Street" developed around the mill and the Holland River Hill also built a tannery north of the mill, the first general store and house, and additional mills.

In 1802, Elisha Beman, who owned land in the area, established a mill, and then a distillery Mordecai Millar also built mills, and Joseph Hill opened a tannery During the War of 1812 a resident, William Roe, hid the settlement's gold treasury from invading American troops.

The war helped the settlement prosper, as the British army purchased goods and food and hired locals to build structures By 1814, the settlement had two frame and several log buildings used as residences The settlement continued to grow through the early 19th century, along with the formation of Aurora and Holland Landing.

A post office opened in 1826, and until 1890 the name was spelled "New Market" Newmarket is noted for its role in the Rebellions of 1837–1838, and was a centre of discontent against the manipulations of the governing Family Compact Rebel leader William Lyon Mackenzie organized a series of meetings leading to the Rebellion; the first of which, on August 3, 1837, was delivered from the veranda of the North American Hotel in New.

The historical trajectory of Newmarket demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Newmarket reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Newmarket remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Newmarket's geographical coordinates are 44. 46°W, and its elevation above sea level is 252 m. It has an area of 38. The town is bounded on the south by Aurora, on the west by King, on the north by East Gwillimbury and on the east by Whitchurch–Stouffville. The main river in Newmarket is the East Holland River (known locally simply as "The Holland River"), and all other streams in the town are tributaries thereto. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Newmarket, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. These include Bogart Creek, a brook that weaves its way into the town from the Oak Ridges Moraine by way of Bogarttown, emptying into the Holland River in north-central Newmarket; Western creek, another brook rising just west of the town, and reaching the Holland River in the town's north end; Tannery Creek, a stream that joins the Holland River in south Newmarket after flowing through Aurora; and a number of other small watercourses. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Newmarket, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. There are two reservoirs in Newmarket; Fairy Lake (which is managed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority), a favourite recreational area in the centre of town, is a former mill pond on the East Holland River; and Bogart Pond, also a former mill pond, is fed and drained by Bogart Creek in Bogarttown. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Newmarket, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Furthermore, the water level in the reach of the East Holland north of Davis Drive is controlled from an unfinished Newmarket Canal lock, now used as a weir. Newmarket also lies south of and above the Algonquin Shoreline, where elevations suddenly drop off from the gently rolling hills that characterize much of Newmarket to the much flatter, lower land down below in the Holland Marsh. The land is characterized mainly by glacial deposits from the last ice age, known as "Newmarket Till". The town is underlain mainly by sand and gravel, ground by the icesheets that covered the area until about 10,000 years ago. No outcrops are to be found anywhere in Newmarket, so deep are the glacial deposits. #Planning Newmarket is identified as one of the Golden Horseshoe's 25 Urban Growth Centres in Ontario's Places to Grow Growth Plan. Four areas of Newmarket have been selected to absorb the majority of planned population growth and accommodate mixed usages on sites well served by transit. These are the Yonge-Davis intersection, Yonge Street (south of Green Lane), the Regional Healthcare Centre (Southlake Regional Health Centre) and Historic Downtown Centre (surrounding Main Street South). Further construction of big box retail stores in the Yonge Street corridor will not be permitted and the long-term objective of the town is redevelopment or the addition of new buildings to these areas through controlled intensification. The southwest portion of the town is located in the Oak Ridges Moraine and is therefore subject to the Ontario Government's Greenbelt Legislation. #Climate Newmarket has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification _Dfb_), with four distinct seasons featuring cold, somewhat snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

The topographic characteristics of Newmarket result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Newmarket region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Newmarket area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Newmarket has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Newmarket demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Newmarket create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Newmarket has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb), with four distinct seasons featuring cold, somewhat snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Precipitation is moderate and consistent in all seasons, although summers are a bit wetter than winter due to the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes. Rainfall patterns in Newmarket determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. Climate data for Newmarket/King Smoke Tree (1981-2010 normals, extremes 1908–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 14. 0) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −3. 5) Daily mean °C (°F) −7. 6) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −11. 5) Record low °C (°F) −35. 4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 51. Rainfall patterns in Newmarket determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 76) Average rainfall mm (inches) 20. 95) Average snowfall cm (inches) 31. 1) Average precipitation days (≥ 0. Rainfall patterns in Newmarket determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 5 Average rainy days (≥ 0. 8 Average snowy days (≥ 0. 7 Source: Environment Canada 1. “Technical Information and Metadata”. Daily climate records (LTCE). Environment Canada. Retrieved October 15, 2024. “King Smoke Tree, Ontario”. Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment Canada. Retrieved April 6, 2025. “Long Term Climate Extremes for Newmarket Area (Virtual Station ID: VSON25V)”. _Daily climate recor.

The climatic regime of Newmarket reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Newmarket create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Newmarket determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Newmarket create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Newmarket demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Newmarket include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationsYearPop. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 1841600— 18711,760+193. 8% 197118,941+112. 1% 198129,753+57. 1% 199145,474+52. 8% 199657,125+25. 6% 200165,788+15. 2% 200674,295+12. 4% In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Newmarket had a population of 87,942 living in 30,301 of its 31,239 total private dwellings, a change of 4. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 4% from its 2016 population of 84,224. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 38. 9 sq mi), it had a population density of 2,284. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1/sq mi) in 2021. In 2015, the median household income in Newmarket was $95,589, exceeding the provincial average for the same year of $75,287. According to the 2016 census, the town’s population was 87,942. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The York Region Planning Department projects a population of 98,000 by 2026. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Newmarket’s population density is just over 2000 inhabitants per square kilometre, ranking the census subdivision third in Ontario and 33rd in Canada. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The top five ethnic origins of the population are English, Canadian, Scottish, Irish and Italian. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Of the 2,290 immigrants who settled in Newmarket between 2011 and 2016, 505 (22 per cent) emigrated from China, 290 (13 per cent) from Iran, and 240 (10 per cent) from the Philippines. In 2021, Newmarket was 63. 9% white/European, 34. 9% visible minorities, and 1. The largest visible minority groups (over 1000 population) were Chinese (10. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 0%), West Asian (6. 5%), South Asian (4. 9%), Southeast Asian (2. 5%), Filipino (2. 4%), and Latin American (1. English was the mother tongue of 64. 2% of Newmarket residents in 2021. The next most common first languages were Chinese languages (7. Linguistic diversity in Newmarket demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 7% Mandarin and 2. 6% Cantonese), Persian (5. 1%), and French (1. 2% of residents listed both English and a non-official language as mother tongues, while 0. Linguistic diversity in Newmarket demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 4% listed both English and French. 6% of residents were Christian, down from 66. 9% were Catholic, 12. 2% were Protestant, 7. 6% were Christian n. 2% were Christian Orthodox, and 2. 7% belonged to other Christian denominations and Christian-related traditions. Non-religious or secular residents were 36. 5% of the population, up from 25. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 9% of the population belonged to other religions and spiritual tradition, up from 8. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The largest non-Christian religions were Islam (6. 5%), Buddhism (2. 0%) and Hinduism (1. “Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions (municipalities), Ontario”. The demographic composition of Newmarket reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022. “2016 Census Release Report: Income” (PDF). Retrieved August 22, 2019.

Arts and culture #Main Street Heritage Conservation District Summer in the Park in Newmarket Historic Main Street in Newmarket For over 100 years, the town’s downtown area, centred around Main Street, has acted as a hub of commerce and cultural activity. This area contains numerous early 19th century buildings worthy of preservation, and in October 2013, this area was recognized as a Provincial Heritage Conservation District. This status serves to protect and officially recognize many of the heritage sites and buildings along this historic thoroughfare and its many side streets. Recent investments have been made to improve the aesthetics and function of the historic area. These include: * In 2003, Newmarket completed approximately $3 million of streetscape and infrastructure improvements along Main Street South. * In 2010, construction began on the Davis Drive Rapidway. The project was finished in 2015. The buildings comprising the Union Hotel, dating from 1881, at the intersection of Main Street and Davis Drive were moved as an alternative to being demolished. * In 2011, an urban park called “Riverwalk Commons” was created east of Main Street South, north of Water Street at a cost of $10 million. * In 2011, extensive renovations were completed to the Newmarket Community Centre & Lions Hall, located in the Riverwalk Commons. * In 2016, extensive $10 million renovations were completed on Old Town Hall, off Main Street. #Architecture and heritage Saint Paul’s Anglican Church and Rectory Numerous buildings and sites located in Newmarket possess a high degree of architectural and/or historical significance; most of these are concentrated in the historic Main Street area. The following is a list of some of these sites; many of the below-listed buildings located along Main Street are within the Main Street Heritage Conservation District: * Charles Hargrave Simpson Building, 184 Main Street South * Wesley Block (origin of the 1837 Rebellion), 200 Main Street South * Robert Simpson Store (first Simpson’s Store in Canada), 226 Main Street South * King George Hotel, 232 Main Street South * Cawthra House, 262 Main Street South * Roadhouse And Rose building, 157 Main Street South * Charles E. Boyd Building, 240 Main Street South * William N. Starr building, 189 Main Street South * Old Newmarket Town Hall and Courthouse, 460 Botsford Street * Canadian National Railway Building and former Station, 470 Davis Drive * Christian Baptist Church, 135 Main Street South * Doane House, 17100 Yonge Street * Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery, 17030 Yonge Street * Hicksite Cemetery, 16580 Yonge Street * Elman W. Campbell Museum (formerly the North York Registry Office), 134 Main Street South * Pioneer Burying Ground, Eagle Street * Al Casale Ristorante (Rogers House), 17766 Leslie Street * St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 484 Water Street * St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Rectory, 227 Church Str.

The cultural landscape of Newmarket represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Newmarket reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Newmarket continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Newmarket provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Newmarket demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Newmarket provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Newmarket features a diverse and growing economy based largely in the business services, healthcare and knowledge sectors, as well as manufacturing and retail industries. The following are some of the town's major public sector employers: * Southlake Regional Health Centre * Regional Municipality of York * Town of Newmarket * York Regional Police * Royal Canadian Mounted Police "O" Division, Toronto North Headquarters * Ontario Court of Justice / Ontario Superior Court of Justice * York Region District School Board * York Catholic District School Board * Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority The following are some of the town's major private sector employers: * Celestica Inc. * RNS Health Care Services * TS Tech Canada Inc. * Bill Gosling Outsourcing * Mars Canada Inc. (formerly known as Effem Inc. ) * Rockets Candy Company * Exco Technologies * Magna International * Cintas * BYD Company As a result of this strong employment base both in Newmarket and York Region, 50% of Newmarket residents commute less than 30 minutes to work each day. "The New Newmarket" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2017. "Town of Newmarket Official Plan 2006-2026" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2017. "Business directory". Retrieved March 12, 2019. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (February 8, 2017). "Census Profile, 2016 Census - Newmarket, Town [Census subdivision], Ontario and York, Regional municipality [Census division], Ontario". Retrieved March 12, 2019.

The economic structure of Newmarket reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Newmarket often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Newmarket serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Newmarket demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Newmarket has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Newmarket focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Transportation Newmarket is connected to Toronto by highways. It is served by two interchanges (Davis Drive, as well as Vivian Road / Mulock Drive) along Highway 404 and connected to Highway 400 via Highway 9. GO Transit bus station in Newmarket Local public transit is provided by York Region Transit, which operates the Viva Blue bus rapid transit route from the Newmarket Bus Terminal to the Finch Bus Terminal in Toronto. YRT/VIVA has built the Davis Drive Rapidway along Davis Drive between Yonge Street and Southlake Regional Health Centre, with fully separated bus only lanes and centre street station platforms for their Viva Yellow service. The bus travels in mixed traffic between Southlake Regional Health Centre and Highway 404. The project was completed on November 29, 2015. Commuter rail is provided by GO Transit through the Newmarket GO Station with service south to Toronto and north to Barrie, with five trains each direction during rush hour. Regular bus service is also operated by GO Transit, with service operating between 5am and 2am. The town has many trails, the most useful of which is the Tom Taylor, which extends from the border of Aurora on St. John’s side-road all the way north through downtown and down into Holland Landing in the Town of East Gwillimbury. York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. Retrieved January 15, 2015. “Rapidway Construction (2011-2015)”.

Transportation infrastructure serving Newmarket reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Newmarket.

Regional connectivity from Newmarket provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Public elementary and secondary education in Newmarket is overseen by York Region’s two school boards: the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), and the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). The YRDSB operates four secondary schools in Newmarket: Dr. John M. Denison Secondary School, Huron Heights Secondary School, Newmarket High School, and Sir William Mulock Secondary School, in addition to 15 elementary schools. The YCDSB operates one secondary school in the town: Sacred Heart Catholic High School, and six elementary schools. There is also a Christian private elementary school, Newmarket District Christian Academy (NDCA), and a private Christian academy, Innova Academy. Newmarket is also the home of Pickering College, an independent day and boarding school.

Educational institutions in Newmarket serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Newmarket

Successful visits to Newmarket require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Newmarket often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Newmarket include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Newmarket extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.