20 researched places across 5 pockets — restaurants, shops, schools and parks.
On the shores of Frenchman's Bay in the Nautical Village — North American plates, cocktails and wine on menus that evolve with the season and local producers.
Local pick: A seasonal dinner over the bay
A Nautical Village restaurant with open views of Lake Ontario — shrimp, pan-seared salmon, mussels stew and other dishes by the water.
Local pick: Mussels and salmon with a lake view
A neighbourhood Italian restaurant in central Pickering — handmade pasta and classic plates close to the city centre.
Local pick: Classic pasta near the centre
A lively Mexican kitchen in Pickering serving tacos, fresh plates and margaritas — a casual favourite near the centre.
Local pick: Tacos and margaritas
The plazas along Kingston Road near Rosebank offer casual restaurants, cafés and takeout for the west-end communities.
Local pick: A casual bite on the west side
A large enclosed mall at Kingston and Liverpool — department stores, fashion, dining and services at the heart of Pickering's city centre.
Local pick: The city's anchor mall
The shops, cafés, ice-cream parlours and specialty stores along Liverpool Road at Frenchman's Bay — Pickering's charming waterfront village.
Local pick: Ice cream and a boardwalk stroll
The neighbourhood plaza serving West Shore with grocery, pharmacy and everyday services close to the waterfront.
Local pick: Everyday errands near the lake
The plazas near Rosebank and Kingston serve the west-end communities with grocery, pharmacy and everyday services.
Local pick: Convenient west-end shopping
A Durham DSB public high school (grades 9–12) in Dunbarton with a wide range of academics and a south campus that's a full arts facility for art, dance, drama and music.
Local pick: A full arts south campus
A Durham DSB public secondary school on Liverpool Road, serving central and south Pickering since 1992 with strong academics and athletics.
Local pick: Serving Pickering since 1992
A Durham DSB JK–8 public elementary serving the Bay Ridges and waterfront community near Frenchman's Bay.
Local pick: A waterfront catchment
A Durham DSB JK–8 public elementary serving the Rosebank and west-end community near Altona Forest.
Local pick: The Rosebank catchment
A Durham Catholic DSB secondary school serving Pickering's Catholic families, grades 9 through 12.
Local pick: Pickering's Catholic secondary
A 70-acre lakeshore conservation park with cycling and walking trails, 11 picnic areas, a large aquatic facility and astounding views of the bluffs over Lake Ontario.
Local pick: The pool and the lakeshore bluffs
Pickering's sheltered bay on Lake Ontario — a marina, the waterfront trail, beaches and boardwalks at the heart of the Nautical Village.
Local pick: Sunset over the masts
A large casino resort in south Pickering with gaming, a hotel, restaurants and a live entertainment theatre — a regional destination near the 401.
Local pick: Gaming, dining and live shows
Pickering's main recreation complex near the city centre — pools, arenas, fitness, and racquetball and squash courts, with programs for the whole family.
Local pick: Pools, pads, racquet courts
A waterfront park on the west side of Frenchman's Bay — boardwalks, a beach, marsh habitat and links to the Waterfront Trail.
Local pick: Boardwalks through the marsh
The neighbourhood parks and trails around Dunbarton, linking toward Altona Forest — playgrounds, fields and shaded green corridors.
Local pick: Quiet trails near Altona Forest