The search for a new home is so much more than just the actual house … or townhome … or condo. The location and its proximity to work, schools and the community are all super important too.
We’re pretty bullish on Pickering. We’re not just building communities like The Altona Towns in Pickering … it’s our home too.
So who better to share the love, than us?
If you ask us, Pickering has it all – the laid-back charm of a small waterfront town with the amenities of city life. Read on to discover a few of our favorite things about Pickering and the surrounding area.
Altona Forest
Some of the best natural beauty that the GTA has to offer is only steps from your doorstep thanks to Altona Town’s proximity to Altona Forest. Nature trails wind through the conservation area, inviting you to explore streams, ponds, forests and an abundance of native trees, plants and flowers. It’s a great place to head out for a hike after work or on the weekend.
Pickering Casino & Waterpark
Big things are happening in Pickering. Over 200 acres of previously untouched land next to Highway 401 is the soon-to-be-home of an impressive entertainment complex called Durham Live. The development will be home to a host of attractions including a casino, an indoor water park, a 15-screen theater and an array of restaurants and shops.
Beachfront Park and Millennium Square
With sweeping views of Lake Ontario and lush wetlands, Beachfront Park is a great place to birdwatch, picnic or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Ontario from a shaded bench while the kids play in the splash pad or on one of the two playgrounds. Walk next door to Millennium Square to browse boutiques or have a bite to eat. During the summer months, can’t-miss entertainment includes carnivals and evening concerts.
Altona Forest Public School and University of Toronto (Scarborough Campus)
No matter where your children are in their educational careers—elementary, secondary or post-secondary—the Pickering area offers ample learning opportunities thanks to the proximity of Altona Forest Public Schools and the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus.
The former received solid marks in the Fraser Institute’s annual ranking of public schools, while the University of Toronto is renowned world-wide. The vibrant Scarborough campus is home to Canada’s largest investment in amateur sport infrastructure – the new Aquatics Centre and Field House.
The Rouge National Urban Park
The country’s first urban national park, Rouge Park is a gateway to nature for residents of Pickering and beyond. Resplendent with natural beauty, the park features over 1,700 species of plants and animals, beckoning visitors to explore meadows, wetlands, sandy beaches, historic farms and waterways. Favorite family-friendly activities include kayaking or paddle boarding, hiking, riverside camping and beach volleyball. All this a quick 10-minutes from your door.
Farmer’s Market
Experience Pickering at its best at the seasonal Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from June to October.
Spend a relaxing morning meeting friendly locals and discovering fresh produce and artisanal goods. Enjoy a snack or samples from food vendors, take in the sounds of local bands and participate in family-friendly activities. Each week revolves around a different theme and corresponding activities, including Food Truck Day, Pickering Blooms Day and Art & Music Day, to name a few.
Pickering Town Centre
Whether you consider shopping a sport or you just love to browse, the Pickering Town Centre mall – with over 200 restaurants and retailers – has got you covered. Amenities include a toddler play park – a spot for the kiddos to run off some energy while you take a break from shopping.
Restaurants include everything from gourmet fare to quick-bite selections, and a Cineplex VIP Cinemas features 12 screens and four auditoriums with food service and luxury loungers.
Pickering GO Stations
Regional transit is convenient in Pickering thanks to the Pickering GO station. Adjacent to Highway 401, the station has more parking spaces than other station in the system—3,600 in total.
The station has undergone a number of improvements in the past five years, including a new parking garage, a covered walkway to the station building and a multi-million dollar fully enclosed pedestrian bridge that connects the station to the Pickering Town Centre. And did we mention a 28-minute express train to Union Station?
Toronto Zoo
Just 10 minutes from Pickering, Canada’s largest zoo is home to over 5,000 animals. Six miles of paved walking trails wind through award-winning indoor and outdoor exhibits separated into geographical regions, such as the African Rainforest and Savanna and Eurasia.
The Discovery Zone, sure to be a hit with the kids, encompasses a children’s wildlife experience area, a two-acre water play area and a theatre featuring animal-themed shows.
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
The legacy of the recent PanAm Games, this state of the art sports centre is a quick 10-minutes from The Altona Towns. It’s a great opportunity to stay active and healthy thanks to a range of recreational and sports activities.
The Sports Centre houses a 200-meter indoor track, fitness centre with separate cardio and strength studio, climbing wall and two pools used for classes and leisure swim. After you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, pop into the Food Court for a healthy lunch or fresh juice or smoothie.
Thinking about calling The Altona Towns home? Get our plans package complete with prices and room dimensions and love your life in Pickering!