Aurora History
Aurora got its start when Governor John Graves Simcoe opened Yonge Street in 1796, which made the area accessible to United Empire Loyalists, loyal the British Crown during the American Revolution, and the pacifist Quakers, who began farming in the area. In 1853, the arrival of the railway helped make the town an industrial centre which soon had two farming implement factories, three sawmills, and two cabinet factories exploiting the area’s natural resources. In 1854 the community was officially named Aurora.
The community has grown significantly over the past century, with its ideal location between Toronto and Barrie, and it now has 17,000 residents. Aurora is located north of the Town of Richmond Hill, and situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine. It lies north of the east-west 401 and 407 highways and right on the north-south 409 (the extension of the Don Valley Parkway from Toronto),and the GoTrain bus/rail system.
Aurora Attractions
Aurora Community Arboretum
135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora,
905-727-3492
Part conservation centre, part formal parkland on a site representative of the native forests, wetlands and meadows, with lots of resident wildlife.
Aurora United Church
15186 Yonge Street, Aurora, L4G 1L9
905-727-1935
The 1878 Gothic Revival style church was built and designed by Toronto architect Henry Langley. It replaced a little log church built in 1850. The church was hit by a severe cyclone in 1893, which damaged the steeples, and the original tall steeple was replaced with a shorter one. Following 1943 lightning storm damage, the tall spires were removed. Regular Sunday worship services are scheduled and everyone is welcome to attend.
Hillary House
15372 Yonge Street, Aurora, L4G 1N8
905 727-8991
The 1862 Hillary House is a National Historic Site and contains the furnishings and belongings of the family that lived in the house from 1876 are preserved in the house. They are open for visiting Wed to Sun, 1 pm to 5 pm.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
120 Bayview Pkwy, Newmarket, L3Y 4X1
1-800-465-0437 Fax: 905-967-1265
We invite you to pursue a wide range of recreational opportunities in the conservation areas within the Lake Simcoe watershed. By picnicking, hiking, fishing and cross country skiing in these areas you can experience-first hand-the benefits of a healthy environment. Year round hiking opportunities exist in the following conservation areas: Scalon Creek, Thornton Bales, Sheppard’s Bush, Rogers Reservoir, Beaver River Wetlands.
Sheppard’s Bush (Aurora)
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Access to the area is off of the Aurora Sideroad (Regional Road 15).
905-895-1281 Fax 905-853-5881
With a beautiful woodlot, groomed trails, a small stream and a covered pavilion, in the heart of Aurora, this park is popular with power walkers and picnickers alike. This 20 hectare park was donated to the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1971 and is managed by the Conservation Authority and Town of Aurora.
Thornton Bales King
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Access: Mulock Sideroad, 3 km west of Highway 11 (Yonge Street).
905-895-1281 Fax 905-853-5881
This 20 hectare Conservation Area is famous for its steep slopes and rugged beauty, and is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine. It has an elevation drop of 54 metres from its southwest corner to its northern boundary, and has been nicknamed “The 99 Steps”, for its physical challenge for hikers along its woodland trails. You can spot pileated woodpeckers and white tail deer.
Round the Bend Farm
16225 Jane St., R.R.#1, Kettleby, L0G 1J0
905-727-0023 Fax: 905-727-0023
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables (including asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, broccoli, pumpkins, squash, and gourds), flowers, hanging baskets, turkey products and home-baked pies. Open May-mid November Call for hours
Trinity Anglican Church
79 Victoria Street Aurora ON CAN L4G 1R3
905 727-6101
The original 1834 church building is now used as the chapel, and is Aurora’s prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. The adjacent modern church buildings were constructed in 2000, and hosts the congregation’s regular worshiping services.
Vanhart Greenhouses
950 Woodchoppers Lane, Kettleby, ON, L0G 1J0
905-775-7412
An organic oasis in the Holland Landing valley. The family began farming in the early 1900s, and moved from Holland to the Holland Marsh in 1949. In the late 1970s the began growing lettuce, becoming one of the largest in the province. In the mid 1990s, developed organic growing techniques for greenhouses. Their produce is available at 6 farmers’ markets and even featured in local restaurants.
Victoria Hall
27 Mosley Street Aurora, L4G 1M1
905-727-1375
Victoria Hall was originally built as a “Disciples of Christ” church in 1883. It housed the Aurora Library from 1945 to 1963, when Aurora built a new library to celebrate the town’s centennial. Public bookings for the hall are available.
Zooz
905-713-1800
73 Industrial Pkwy. N., Aurora, L4G 4C4
4200 square foot themed indoor playground facility that caters to private birthday parties on the week end and creative play combined with academic programmes during the week. Tiny Turtlez Room with activities tailored for children 1-5, with live pets. Jungle-themed Leaping Lizardz Room for children 5-9 with a self contained soft play structure. . Open for play Monday 9:30 to noon, Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, and Tuesday evenings 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Admission