Overview
Located North of Scarborough, Markham is known as a hub for East Asian cultural celebration, with approximately 40% of the population being of East Asian ancestry. The fourth largest city in the GTA after Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton and the 16th largest in all of Canada, Markham serves as the headquarters for businesses like Honda Canada, Yogen Fruz, Hyundai and Johnson & Johnson. The Markham Stouffville Hospital services both communities and Seneca College also has a campus in Markham. There are seven branches of the Markham Public Library, which serve as community hubs for all ages. Travel to and from Markham is easy with the Markham GO Train Station. Markville Mall is a great, well-rounded shopping destination where you will find an Apple store, Coach, Mercedes-Benz and Saks Fifth Avenue. Cathedral of the Transfiguration, a Byzantine revival cathedral, built for the Slovak Catholic community throughout the GTA is a gorgeous church for those looking for a spiritual home or inspiring architecture. Looking to take in a concert, play or see the ballet, Flato Markham Theatre is located in Markham with both international and local performers.
Best For
The diversity of East Asian based malls. Explore the culture through otherwise difficult to find imports at Pacific Mall, Langham Square, King Square Shopping Mall or Market Village. As well as some of the best Chinese restaurants in the province. Popular destinations include Tangerine Asian, Kim Tao Hot Pot, Mabu Generation, Flaming Kitchen, Papa Chang’s Express and Yang’s Kitchen.
Homes
The signature home in Markham? Four-bedroom Craftsman style single family homes, but townhomes are also prevalent as well as a good amount of condo and apartment buildings found mainly in the neighbourhoods of Buttonville, Unionville and Commerce Village.
Fun Facts
In the early 19th century Markham was a more thriving economic centre than York (now Toronto). Markham was filled with mills, distilleries and breweries. Almost all of these original industries have all but disappeared, making way for modern forms of growth.
Why We Love Markham
The historical community of Unionville is a quaint heritage village in Markham. Used frequently as a set for picturesque small towns, Unionville has also become quite the tourist destination. Easily accessible by public transit, Unionville also has a GO Train Station. Dine in fine restaurants or shop the boutiques that line the streets. Another key attraction in Unionville is the Frederick Horseman Varley Art Gallery. Named after the Group of Seven painter, the art gallery also holds over 100 of his paintings as well as work from national, international and local painters.