8 things to do in Brampton this summer if you want to escape Toronto without going far
A few of these things to do near Toronto are free!
Patio at Fanzorelli's restaurant in Brampton. Right: Basket with strawberries at Big 'R Apple Farm in Brampton.
There are so many things to do in Brampton during the summer that you probably don't know about if you're living in Toronto.
So, that means you can get out of Toronto this summer and have new experiences throughout the season without going far.
Plus, there are a few free things to do as well so you don't have to spend a lot of money when spending the day!
Brampton is located about an hour west of Toronto and you can get there by car or on the GO train from Union Station in Toronto if you don't have a car.
So, here are eight things to do in Brampton this summer including farmers' markets, lakes and beaches, gardens, strawberry picking, and more.
Go swimming at Professor's Lake
Price: $3.01 to $4.34 for beach admission, $25.75 for waterpark admission, and $4.42 to $10.93 for boat rentals
Address: 1660 North Park Dr., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Professor's Lake pretty much has it all!
There is a lake — obviously, given the name — and a beach so you can go swimming throughout the summer and beat the heat.
Professor's Lake also has an inflatable water park, beach volleyball courts, a water slide, and boat rentals (paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards).
There is a trail around the lake as well so you can go hiking.
Accessibility: Some areas are accessible
Eat at hidden gem restaurants
Price: Varies
Address: Varies
Why You Need To Go: If you have your favourite Toronto restaurants and are looking to try something new outside of the city, why not check out spots in Brampton?
Locals have shared which eateries you need to try that fly under the radar. Those hidden gem restaurants in Brampton include:
- Latinito Empanadas — 860 North Park Dr.
- RD's Southern BBQ — 71 Rosedale Ave. W., Unit 5
- Antica Osteria — 3088 Mayfield Rd.
- Avani Asian Indian Bistro — 2710 North Park Dr., Unit 1-4
- Green Bites Dumpling & Tea Bar — 35 Resolution Dr., Unit 10
- Fanzorelli's — 50 Queen St. W.
Accessibility: Varies by restaurant
Immerse yourself in culture at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives
Price: $6 for adults
Address: 9 Wellington St. E., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You might not expect it but Brampton has an art gallery and museum.
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives — which is also known as PAMA — features culture and heritage from across Peel and the surrounding communities.
Also, PAMA offers workshops and programs for all ages.
What's most unique about PAMA is that the art gallery and museum's buildings are artifacts. That includes the Peel County Courthouse and Jail, the former Registry Office, and the Modernist Building.
Accessibility: Accessible with ground-level entrances and elevator access to all floors
Go green at the Chinguacousy Park greenhouse and tropical gardens
Price: Free
Address: 9050 Bramalea Rd., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Chinguacousy Park is an expansive park in Brampton with a lake, walking trails, sports facilities and green spaces, including the greenhouse and tropical gardens.
You can explore the gardens and greenhouse to see plants, flowers, succulents and more flora. Plus, there is a little waterfall in the greenhouse.
If you want even more charm, just outside the greenhouse is an ornate clocktower that makes it feel like you've stepped back in time.
There is also a mini-moo farm, paddleboats, splash pads, a wading pool, a carousel, beach volleyball courts, mini golf and more at Chinguacousy Park.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Go strawberry picking at Big R' Apple Farm
Price: Varies
Address: 8674 Heritage Rd., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Strawberry picking is a classic summertime activity and you don't have to travel far from Toronto to do it.
You can go strawberry picking at Big 'R Apple Farm and wander through the fields of green plants with red fruits.
If you want a little more, you can also pick vegetables at this farm in Brampton.
The farm's pick-your-own vegetables include bell pepper, squash, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, potatoes, okra, rapini, spinach, sweet peas, corn, and zucchini.
Strawberries are ready in mid-June but vegetables are ready in mid-July.
Accessibility: Unknown
Play a few rounds at the Peel Village Golf Course
Price: $24.16 to $27.88
Address: 29A Hartford Trail, Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located near downtown Brampton, you can play a few rounds of golf at the Peel Village Golf Course.
It's within a 67-acre floodplain surrounding the Etobicoke Creek and the course offers golfers nine holes in the natural landscape.
The course includes a mix of tree-lined dog legs, water hazards, sand traps, elevated tee boxes and greens.
It's described as a "challenging" golf course so beginners be prepared to miss a few shots!
Accessibility: Accessible entrance
Shop local at the Brampton Farmers' Market
Price: Free admission, various prices for products
Address: Main Street South and Ken Whillans Square
Why You Need To Go: This summer, the Brampton Farmers' Market is taking over Main Street and Ken Whillans Square in downtown Brampton.
The market is happening every Saturday until October 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can just wander through the market since admission is free or shop from local vendors.
Vendors for this year's farmers' market in Brampton include Butt's Berry & Flower Farm, Cristina's Tortina Shop, Fairhaven Farm, Fenwick Berry Farm, Four Seasons Farm, Jamie's Cracked Corn, Queen Gypsy, Thames River Melons, The Mister Brewer and more.
Accessibility: Accessible
Hike around Claireville Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: 9050 Bramalea Rd., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Claireville Conservation Area is a natural and forested area spanning 540 hectares in Brampton that is also close to Mississauga, Toronto and Vaughan.
It features wetlands, valleys, forests, grasslands, and the west branch of the Humber River.
This conservation area has hiking, mountain biking and cycling trails. It's also a place for bird watching.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can actually go horseback riding at Claireville Ranch which is located in the conservation area!
Accessibility: Unknown
Enjoy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.