Welcome To The City of Pickering

Liverpool

Liverpool is a Central Pickering neighbourhood that’s close to retail and transit. With its great schools and mix of detached and semi-detached homes, it’s a good place for those looking to put down roots. High-quality schools and the local GO station (which is ideal for parents who commute) only add to its family-friendly feel.

Rosebank

Picturesque Rosebank is close to one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in the region: Rouge Park Conservation Area. It also has a diverse mix of homes, which line stunning, winding roads. Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a luxury house, you’ll find it here.

Highbush

One of the biggest advantages of living in Highbush is its downtown location and close proximity to Toronto. Pretty parks, reputable schools, and newer detached homes all make this neighbourhood ideal for those with little ones.

Amberlea

With its parks and trails, Amberlea is perfect for outdoorsy types. Nearby Altona Forest, in particular, is a scenic gem. Tennis courts, sports fields, and other recreational facilities provide further opportunities to stay active. You’ll find a variety of decades-old houses and semi-detached homes in the community.

West Shore

Located on Frenchman’s Bay, West Shore provides incredible views of Lake Ontario. The neighbourhood is known in part for its neo-colonial houses and ranch-style bungalows. Good schools, nearby shopping, and easy access to Highway 401 make this a wonderful place to live!

Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge is all about the waterfront, from its marinas to its parks overlooking the lake. It’s ideal for cyclists, and anyone who enjoys a nature walk. Single-family, semi-detached, and custom homes abound.

Nautical Village

This waterfront community is known for its stunning beaches and trails, charming shops and restaurants, and lively events (including free concerts in Millenium Square). Nautical Village attractions include the Waterfront Trail, the Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club, and (of course) the abundance of pristine new homes available.

Woodlands

Woodlands is a small neighbourhood that’s ideal for first-time buyers. Its modest houses and townhomes offer relative affordability for those looking to get a foothold in the market. Here you’ll find green space, a shopping centre, and a business district along Kingston Road.

City of Pickering – Schools

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) oversee Pickering’s schools. 

When choosing the right school in the area, you may want to think about things like reputation, academic performance, and extracurriculars. The Fraser Institute (known for its comprehensive rankings of Canadian schools) can shed some light on which ones to consider.

Elementary Schools

For those who have younger children, choosing the right elementary school is critical. Here are a few of the top options in Pickering, all of which score an 8 or higher out of 10 from the Fraser Institute. 

• Elizabeth B Phin Public School
• William Dunbar Public School
• Altona Forest Public School
• Maple Ridge Public School

Secondary Schools

If your kids are older, you’ll want to look closely at the secondary schools in all of the Pickering neighbourhoods you’re considering. These are a few of the top-ranking options.

• Dunbarton High School
• Pickering High School
• St. Mary Catholic Public School
• Pine Ridge Secondary School

The Great Outdoors

If access to the great outdoors is a priority for you, you’ll fall in love with Pickering. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Here are just a few of the best spots in town. 

Local Parks

Looking for somewhere to take the kids on a summer day? Beat the heat with a visit to the outdoor pool at Petticoat Creek Conservation Park. While you’re there, enjoy the greenery along the nature trails—or pack a lunch to savour in one of the picnic areas.

Beachfront Park is another local favourite. Along with the sandy shoreline that’s perfect for swimming, you’ll find a boardwalk that provides scenic views. It’s also the site of a kid’s playground and several waterfront trails that are worth exploring.

Lastly, check out Bay Ridge Kinsmen Park. If you want to stay active, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities at this waterfront green space—it’s home to baseball diamonds and tennis and basketball courts, among other facilities.

The Waterfront Trail

Spanning an impressive 900 kilometres, the Waterfront Trail is one of Ontario’s natural wonders. The section that runs through Pickering traverses the Rouge River, Frenchman’s Bay, and Millennium Square.

There are many places to access this stunning trail, some of which have convenient parking nearby. You can find a list of them here.

Frenchman’s Bay Marina

“Charming” doesn’t begin to describe the community known as Frenchman’s Bay. If you have a boat, this is a great place to dock it and spend some time. If you don’t, the area is still ideal for a stroll. Check out the beach, the docks, and the sunset on the water.

This local attraction is within walking distance of Nautical Village, along with alluring retail and dining options. You could easily spend an entire day in the area.

Fun Things To Do

Living in Pickering means there’s never any shortage of fun things to do. There are many attractions to enjoy—and these are a few of our favourites!

Visit the Farmer’s Market

From June to October, you can pick up incredible local produce, meat, bakery items, and even wine at the farmer’s market. If you’re planning the week’s meals, you’ll want to check out this local hotspot.

Thinking about a family picnic? Consider bringing turkey kielbasa from Albion Hills Farm, golden delicious apples from Hy-Hopes Farm, guacamole and chips from Mad Mexican, and egg custard tarts from British Baked Goods.

Durham Live

Pickering is home to one of the most exciting new entertainment hubs in the region. Durham Live is a 240-acre destination for casino gaming, live concerts and cinema, buzz-worthy dining, cutting-edge fashion, and more!

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway close to home, you can’t go wrong with the onsite luxury hotel. Durham Live’s direct connection to GO Transit makes getting to and away from this local attraction a breeze. 

Pickering Town Centre

Interested in doing some shopping? You’ll want to head to Pickering Town Centre. Here you’ll find some of the most popular retailers in North America, from Hudson’s Bay to Coles to La Vie en Rose.

Hit the Golf Courses

Does your idea of the perfect Saturday include hitting the links? Check out Pickering Golf Club (which has been renovated to perfection in recent years) or Bunker Hill Golf Club (which is both beautifully designed and challenging). 

Getting Around

Pickering residents who use public transportation get around via Durham Region Transit. The local GO Station, on the Lakeshore East line, provides quick and convenient access to the GTA and Hamilton region. Given its close proximity to Toronto, commuters can get downtown in under half an hour. 

Do You Want to Call Pickering Home?

Do you have your heart set on a beautiful home in Pickering? We can help you find the ideal place. Get in touch to start your local property search today!