The GTA’s Top-Ranked Neighbourhoods for an Active Lifestyle

By Sandra De Grandis | 10 minute read

Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 rankings consider neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.

Between the Burlington Centre Farmer’s Market, the newly refurbished Regent Park Community Centre in Toronto, and the 53-hectare Altona Forest in Pickering, these GTA neighbourhoods are prime spots for health and fitness enthusiasts. Each area was ranked based on several factors, such as the number of parks and green spaces, access to sport and recreation facilities, and more. 

Where to Live: Durham

Less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, Oshawa/Durham offers residents a healthy blend (no pun intended) of arts, culture, recreation, and ample green spaces. It’s easy to partake in recreational sports and to stay active in Durham. The region has even put together health initiatives, such as Bike Month, an event held every June to promote cycling in lieu of driving, as well as a Regional Cycling Plan that maps out bike routes throughout the area. Local farmer’s markets are also quite popular here, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

1. Amberlea, Pickering

Sandwiched between Altona Forest to the west and Pine Creek Valley to the east, this picturesque neighbourhood is popular amongst families, thanks to its affordable real estate and forested areas. The local Amberlea Shopping Centre has everything residents may need, including health food store The Herbal Pathway, and boutique fitness studio Orangetheory Fitness. To top it off, Amberlea boasts 10 parks with many amenities, which is great news for those who prefer outdoor training.

Check out:

• Amberlea Park: There’s more than enough open space for jogging, walking, or cycling, including a soccer field and baseball diamonds for the sport lovers.
• Altona Forest: This protected green space is perfect for a quick jaunt or morning jog before work. 
• Chestnut Hill Recreation Complex: Join an aquatics class or one of the many fitness programs offered 7 days a week. 

2. Rougemount, Pickering

Rougemount is an apt name for this neighbourhood; it sits atop a hilly plateau with copious trees and greenspace — and that’s an understatement. Rouge Valley Park in the west abuts Rouge National Urban Park, which just so happens to be the largest urban park in North America. You’ll log plenty of hours hiking and cycling here, and once you’re done, you can head on over to Tiano’s Organic’s for some healthy food and homemade selections.

3. Dunbarton, Pickering

Vast quantities of parks and greenspaces within Pickering seems to be a reoccuring theme, and Dunbarton neighbourhood is no exception. Those who enjoy outdoor activities will like walking or jogging along Dunbarton Creek Ravine. For a more traditional fitness experience, F45 Training Centre offers various cardio and resistance classes. To assuage your post-workout appetite, The Herb House is where you can stock up on health food and natural products.

Where to Live: Halton

What Oakville/Halton does so well is blend the charm of agricultural communities and small-town life with the conveniences of urban centres. One of the major perks of living in this region is the panoramic view of Lake Ontario, and of course all the waterfront parks and trails. The region is currently in the midst of their Recreation and Parks Strategic Action Plan, which aims to help residents live active and healthy lifestyles via community connections and the recreation and parks system. If you’re into that, you’ll feel right at home here.

1. Downtown Burlington, Burlington

The waterfront trails and parks, plethora of sporting goods stores, recreation centres, and natural food shops make Downtown Burlington a haven for health and fitness enthusiasts. And the best part is, there’s something for every activity here. Are you a fan of team sports and outdoor activities? Find gear and equipment at Decathlon or MEC. On a budget? The trails along Lake Ontario are perfect for some scenic cycling or jogging.

Check out:

• Lettuce Love Café: Vegan, gluten-free fare that puts a plant-based spin on classics like nachos, fries, and burgers. They also have desserts and smoothies to-go!
• Burlington Centre Lions Farmer’s Market: This seasonal market runs from May to October and sells locally grown produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, and more.
• Central Recreation Centre: Many local sports clubs are headquartered at the Central Recreation Centre.

2. Palmer, Burlington

Smack-dab in the middle of Burlington, this affordable neighbourhood is characterized by tree-lined streets and spacious sidewalks — ideal for a pleasant jog or brisk walk. Get your fitness on at the Mainway Recreation Centre, the local hub for skating, hockey, and other drop-in programs that cater to busy adults. If racket sports are more your thing, you’ll want to check out the Burlington Fitness and Racquet Club.

3. Roseland, Burlington

Characterized by wide streets and manicured boulevards, this historic neighbourhood is a suburban sanctuary with scenic views of Lake Ontario  —  perfect for a brisk jog if you want to catch the sunrise (or sunset!). If the idea of running doesn’t get your heart pumping, Roseland Health and Fitness offers personalized training sessions to get you motivated. You can also take a dip in the pools at Cedar Springs Health Racquet & Sportsclub.

Where to Live: Peel

Mississauga/Peel has undergone tremendous growth over the years, and with that growth comes an increase in sport and recreation centres. Locals have dozens of registered and drop-in fitness programs to choose from, from hockey, tennis, aerobics, and swimming, to name a few. Although it comes across as a more urban-centric region, outdoor sport enthusiasts have a myriad of trails, courts and sport fields at their disposal.

1. Downtown Brampton, Brampton

When it comes to a healthy living lifestyle, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t the downtown core of any city. Sure, Downtown Brampton has all the makings of a typical big city centre, but due to its smaller scale, it’s a happy blend of big-city opportunity minus the typical hustle and bustle. Plus, there’s a lot of green space in proportion to the population density, as well as sport fields and local fitness centres like Planet Fitness.

Check out:

• Centennial Park: Stop by Centennial Park for a bike ride or a game of soccer or tennis.
• Gage Park: An urban park with rollerblading and jogging trails, open green space, a winter ice rink, and more.
• Brampton’s Farmers’ Market: Find local organic fresh produce and meats, as well as homemade crafts from June to October.

2. Mississauga City Centre, Mississauga

Even though this neighbourhood is the official downtown core of Mississauga, don’t let the name fool you. This masterfully planned neighbourhood has strategic pedestrian walkways, vast green spaces, a Whole Foods Market, and other features like Mississauga City Park and sporting goods stores, making it a great place to live for health-conscious individuals, especially if they’re partial to big city living outside of Toronto.

3. Fairview, Mississauga

One of the last neighbourhoods built in central Mississauga, the densely populated Fairview offers easy access to downtown Toronto. With local amenities such as Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, parks and sport facilities like the Fairview Tennis Courts and Huron Park Recreation Centre, residents don’t need to venture to the big city in order to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Did we also mention there’s an Orangetheory Fitness and an extensive health and fitness centre at the local YMCA?