+15 Ultimate Things to do Indoors in Whitby, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario is a charming waterfront community that’s steeped in history and brimming with things to do. Nestled in the heart of Durham Region, Whitby is more than just a picturesque town. It’s full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While Whitby boasts a stunning waterfront and a plethora of outdoor adventures, there are plenty of fun things to do indoors in Whitby. From exploring its rich historical sites to perusing its unique shops, and indulging in the diverse culinary scene, there’s something for everyone rain or shine.
After countless visits, I still find new and exciting places to visit, unique shops and more. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite indoor attractions like the Lynde House Museum as well as fun places like gamily café 8-Bit Beans. Along with things to do, you’ll find insider tips to help you plan the perfect Whitby getaway.
There’s something to excite everyone in Whitby, whether you’re a history buff, a shopper, or foodie! Plus, if you’re looking for day trips from Toronto, Whitby’s proximity makes it an ideal destination. At an hour away, you can escape the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this Durham Region gem.
Whether you’re seeking respite from unpredictable weather or looking for a cozy day indoors, you’ll find a long list of fun indoor activities in Whitby.
Best Indoor Whitby Attractions at a Glance
- Lynde House Museum
- 8-Bit Beans
- Words on Wood
- Courthouse Theatre
Best Things to do in Indoors in Whitby
Visit the Lynde House Museum
One of the best indoor attractions in Whitby is the Lynde House Museum. Operated by the Whitby Historical Society, it’s the oldest home in Durham Region.
The Lynde House Museum is the perfect place to start your visit. Built around 1812, it’s a fine example of Georgian architecture and offers insight into the history of Whitby.
Visitors get to explore the museum on a guided tour. It’s a great way to learn about the Lynde family, who were some of the first settlers in the area.
Along with learning about the Lynde family, like their forward-thinking beliefs that included women’s equality, you’ll learn about how important Whitby was as a railway hub between Toronto and Kingston.
I loved how our guide shared details and pointed out artifacts I might not have noticed otherwise. For instance, when you first enter there’s a tray with three interesting pieces on it. One is the original door knob. The other two are a silver spoon and children’s shoe. Both of which have intriguing stories that you’ll want to visit to hear!
The museum is decorated in period pieces that date back to the mid-19th century. Many of the pieces are from the Lynde family. Plus, behind the home is a heritage kitchen garden that includes plants for medicinal uses, herbs, and vegetables.
Throughout the year, the Lynde House Museum hosts a variety of festivals and events. There’s everything from re-enactments to tea parties.
Beside the museum is the Warren General Store Gift Shop. I highly recommend browsing the gift shop after your tour. Everything they sell is made by local artisans and food producers. I loved the bookshelf with books by local authors too! But they are known for their heritage jams, which I had to pick up one to try.
Insider Tip: Admission is by donation to the museum and visits are only by guided tours. So, I recommend booking a tour prior to arriving to make sure they can accommodate you.
Browse the Station Gallery
Another piece of Whitby history to visit is the Station Gallery. Set in the former Grand Truck Railway Station, built in 1903, Station Gallery is so much more than an art gallery.
The remastered Whitby railway station is an art gallery, community arts hub, and historic site. While much of the inside is different to work with the art gallery layout, I love the remnants of its former glory that they’ve left.
Wandering the gallery space, you’ll see dark wood detailing along the walls and over windows. Take a peek in the patron’s lounge if you can. I love that this comfortable lounge space still has the old ticket window and sketches of the original station.
Beyond the artful history of the building, Station Gallery features four main galleries. During my visit there were two drastically different exhibits. One was Michèle Larose’s A Journey from And to Abstraction. I loved the bold and vibrant colours used throughout!
The other exhibit was called The Air of Freedom: Aerial Photographs of Ukraine. The photos are by Ukrainian photographer, Zinoviy Pidperyhora. He took the photos in 2016 and I couldn’t help but be both awed by the beauty of the landscapes and the buildings of Ukraine, while also feeling a heavy heart for what the country and its people are currently going through.
Exhibits rotate regularly, so it’s the perfect place to return to again and again. Plus, if you’re looking for more fun indoor activities, the gallery runs a variety of programs, workshops, and more.
Do a Fun Workshop at Words on Wood
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Whitby on a rainy day, one of my favourite activities is a workshop at Words on Wood!
This cozy shop in downtown Whitby is full of fun and unique décor items with a farmhouse to rustic chic vibe. Every time I walk in, I find a new gem that I have to pick up.
The shop features an array of pieces including signs with cute sayings, mugs, pillows, seasonal items and more. Along with the warm a cozy vibe, the staff are warm and welcoming to help you find the perfect piece.
At the back of the store, you’ll find a couple of large painting desks set up. Each are topped with crafting items like brushes and paints. This is where the magic happens!
Words on Wood hosts a variety of fun workshops where you can paint a unique piece to bring home or gift to a special someone. There’s a Wine & Sign workshop as well as one that crafts a gallery wall.
Plus, they run seasonal workshops where you can paint mini wooden tiles. These are perfect and budget friendly for a fun family activity or a sweet date idea.
Even if you aren’t artistic or a painter, no worries! The staff will help you step by step. I also appreciated their kind words of encouragement for the mini tile I painted. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun!
After you finish painting your mini tile, they take it to the back to dry under a fan. While waiting, it gave me the perfect opportunity to browse the store.
See a Performance at the Courthouse Theatre
One of my favourite things to do is attend live theatre! I’ve enjoyed countless performances in Stratford, Blyth, and other Ontario theatres.
So, when I discovered that Whitby is home to a theatre, I was excited to check out a show. That excitement was compounded when I learned that the Whitby theatre is located in the former Ontario County Court House which dates to 1854.
This grand old building is situated in one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Whitby. Interestingly, it’s built on the highest elevation in town, adding to its grandness, especially with its cupola topping it.
The Whitby Courthouse Theatre puts on a wide range of live performances throughout the year. It boasts everything from comedies to dramas and musicals, like 9 to 5, which is the show I saw.
As soon as I walked into the theatre, which was the former court room, I was blown away at its transformation. Another thing that blew me away was the brilliant performances from this community theatre group. The lady playing Dolly incredible!
The cozy theatre has comfortable seats and a refreshment stand in the lobby. However, I highly recommend browsing the exhibits on display near the entrance. There’s a number of interesting artifacts that harken back to the building’s history.
Insider Tip: Performances sell out fast, especially for weekends, so get your tickets far in advance.
Go Shopping in Downtown Whitby
Downtown Whitby, located at the crossroads of Dundas Street East and Brock Street, is full of fun and fabulous shops. Plus, the best part is that there’s a shop to suit everyone’s style, from vintage to local food.
Vintage shopping in Whitby is on point! Downtown boasts a number of cool shops selling a variety of vintage and retro items.
Music lovers will want to pop into Another Spin Records. This recent addition to downtown has a wide selection of vinyl albums with every genre in mind. I spotted everything from Wham to Motley Crue to Neil Young.
The best part is that everything is incredibly easy to find. With albums in alphabetical order, it’s a breeze to browse. In addition to records, they also sell band t-shirts, CDs and more.
For more fun retro vibes visit Vintage 905. Inside you’ll find retro clothing that totally had me reminiscing about my childhood with t-shirts sporting Jurassic Park and the Flintstones.
Ladies will love checking out the racks at the various clothing stores. Two stand-outs for me, Turquoise Boutique and JAYNE Fashion. JAYNE caught my eye from the street with a pullover sweater in the front of the store that read cozy!
Steps north from the main downtown is the Promenade of Whitby. Set in a beautiful stretch of Victorian-inspired buildings you’ll find more shops like Unique Town Boutique and Love Squared.
There’s plenty of foodie shops to check out too! Head to Belle Vie Cafe & Bakery for fresh French pastries. For meat from local farms, head into Healthy Meats.
Have Fun at 8-Bit Beans
Right on the corner of Dundas and Brock Street is one of the coolest gaming cafes I’ve been to! 8-Bit Beans is a café and arcade gaming lounge that’s perfect if you’re looking for things to do indoors in Whitby with kids! Or even if you’re an adult and looking for unique indoor activities, I had a blast!
With dozens of games to choose from you’ll want to grab a bunch of tokens! There’s everything from pinball to arcade-style and Foosball to even console gaming! Who can resist Super Nintendo? Plus, they’ve got a cozy couch to tuck into and play from.
Grab at least the 19 token package. It’s a great deal and it’s important to note that many of the machines take at least 3 tokens to play.
Beyond all the fun games 8-Bit Beans is also a cool café! Their menu features some epic gourmet hotdogs for the adventurous.
If you’re a coffee fan like me, then I highly recommend one of their specialty lattes. They come in a bunch of cool flavours like Maple Waffle and Cookie Dough. Plus, they have fun names like Funky Kong and Taste Invaders.
8-Bit Beans also puts on a variety of events throughout the month. Events range from trivia nights to markets. Check out their events page before you go to see what they have planned.
Insider Tip: 8-Bit Beans is a popular spot for birthday rentals. I highly recommend to check their social media before you go to make sure they aren’t closed for a private party.
Enjoy a Cozy Coffee Shop
Caffeine junkies will love the cozy coffee shops in Whitby! Each with a distinct style, two things they all have in common are good coffee and a cozy factor.
Brock Street Espresso has a warm and welcoming vibe with an entryway full of lush plants. Serving Propeller Coffee, which is roasted in Toronto, you are guaranteed a quality cup of coffee.
Their list of drinks includes drip coffee, specialty lattes as well as teas. You’ll also find a menu of light fare to pair with your coffee too. They have sandwiches, pastries and salads. If you’re visiting in the morning, I recommend one of their healthy and hearty breakfast cookies.
At the front of Brock Street Espresso, you’ll find a bright and airy vibe. In the back of the shop are more seating, including a cozy couch that gives warm living room vibes.
Another great place to grab a cup of Joe is Jacked Up Coffee Roasting Co. Located in a repurposed garage, Jacked Up is a local roaster. You’ll spot the larger roaster through the huge window from the front of the shop and from inside the café.
Along with a classic list of hot and iced coffee drinks, they sell delicious vegan baked goods. The baked goods are from KIND Bakehouse, a local company in Clarington. I highly recommend their dirty chai scone.
Walking in I found a cute cozy couch to sit and enjoy my coffee on. But if you’re visit in the summer season, you’ll love their sprawling outdoor patio.
Insider Tip: Brock Street Espresso is a dog friendly coffee shop. So, you’ll frequently see people coming in with their four-legged friend for a cup of coffee. If you are uncomfortable around dogs, I recommend sitting in the back of the café.
Best Things to do in Indoors in Whitby for Foodies
Eat at Surf
One of the best restaurants in Whitby that will fill you with warm tropical vibes is Surf. It’s ideal for nights out with friends or if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Whitby!
This downtown restaurant features a Mexican inspired menu. It has a variety of small plate options that are perfect for sharing along with tacos.
Plus, there’s something for everyone on their menu, with meat, vegetarian and plant-based choices. And with sustainability in mind, they source their locally grown produce from Whitby’s John Rose Farm.
I highly recommend starting with the guacamole and street corn. Both come in generous portions. Another must to order is one of their fun cocktails. Each will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an island getaway.
While their Blood Orange Margarita is the most popular, this bird nerd had to go for the Jungle Bird. This rum blend with pineapple and lime is so refreshing tasting!
As for tacos, I went with two different ones, the jackfruit and chicken. Each were full of bold flavour and a kick of spice. So, if you aren’t keen on spicy, be sure to ask one of the lovely servers for suggestions.
Feed Your Sweet Tooth
If you love chocolate then plan a visit to One More Cocoa. This dreamy chocolate shop is full of beautiful and incredibly tasty chocolates made by Kenesha Lewis.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Lewis brings plenty of her Jamaican roots into her flavours. Even the name of the shop comes from an old Caribbean proverb, ‘one one cocoa full basket,’ which means one step at a time.
As soon as I entered, I was overcome with the sweet aroma of fresh chocolate. All of her chocolates are made onsite by her.
One More Cocoa sells over 18 different flavours of hand-crafted chocolate bars as well as bonbons and hot chocolate box sets.
It was her Hot Chocolate Box Set that put One More Cocoa on the radar of many around the world when it was featured in Oprah’s 2023 Favourite Things Christmas List.
However, I think it was only a matter of time because these are some of the best chocolates in Ontario I’ve found!
I couldn’t resist ordering a variety of items during my visit. I grabbed the Cookies & Cream chocolate bar and a selection of bonbons.
The bonbons are so artfully crafted that they’re almost too pretty to eat. But eat them I did! I especially loved the lemon meringue, smores and hazelnut bonbons. Another favourite of mine, and turns out one of the most popular flavours, is the strawberry cheesecake.
Enjoy High Tea at Marito’s Coffee & Things
One of the most welcoming and coziest places is Marito’s Coffee & Things. Located in a century Victorian home with a wrap-around porch, the stretch of businesses that surround Marito’s is known as the Promenade of Whitby.
Walking in I found a comfy couch to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee. The main seating area also features two walls of unique pieces of art and a white washed brick wall.
If you’re looking for things to do indoors in Whitby in the rain, Marito’s is the perfect place! Cozy up with a coffee and a book. I love that they use a local Pickering coffee roaster. Or, you can enjoy a classic high tea.
Marito’s partners with a local Ajax company for their sweets and make their own incredible fresh sandwiches and scones. When it comes to high teas in Ontario, Marito’s features some of the best scones!
Plus, the gentleman that owns and runs it, Marito, will welcome you in like family! After immigrating from the Philippines with his family, he found his calling in coffee culture here in Ontario.
Insider Tip: If you want to enjoy high tea at Marito’s Coffee & Things, I highly recommend you book at least 2 weeks in advance.
Enjoy a Brew at Banter & Co. Brewing
For those looking for things to do indoors in Whitby, Ontario at night, head over to Banter & Co. Brewing. This craft brewery is located in the charming community of Brooklin, 15 minutes north of downtown Whitby.
Banter & Co. Brewing opened a couple of years ago and is a fun community hub. Brewing their selection of beers on site, you can see their vats from the taproom.
The taproom has such a cool vibe! The tables are custom built by the owners and I highly recommend taking a close look at the wallpaper.
If it’s your first time, grab a flight of four to try out their various beers. I really enjoyed their Blonde Ale, which is one of their most popular brews. It’s no surprise, I found it incredibly smooth.
They also have an Irish stout, which is perfect for those looking for a dark beer or when visiting for St. Patrick’s Day! Along with their own craft beers, Banter features a guest tap, which during my visit was Slabtown Cider from Uxbridge.
Banter has a great food menu too! They have pizzas and a number of different snack items. A fun sharable option is their Snack Flight of Four, which includes pepperoni sticks, pickles, nuts and pretzels. I really love their nachos that comes with three dips, chipotle queso, fresh guac and Pico de Gallo.
Depending on when you time your visit, Banter hosts a number of fun nights of entertainment! I was there on a Saturday, which meant live music. The band was fantastic! Banter also puts on comedy nights and music bingo.
Enjoy a Farm to Fork Meal
UPDATE: Please note that Harvest has sadly closed. However, there are plenty of other farm to table restaurants in Whitby, like Bistro’67.
Whether you’re looking for a fabulous local meal or cozy date night restaurant, Harvest in Brooklin is an ideal place.
Set in a 100-year-old historic home, the space is completely remastered for use as a restaurant. I love that many of the historic details still remain, like a lion head door knocker and crown moulding.
Harvest offers a seasonally inspired menu and is one of the best restaurants in Whitby. They partner with various local Ontario producers to provide a fantastic farm to fork meal.
During the winter months they have one of the most unique dining experiences in Ontario! While more restaurants are using igloo dining, Harvest has cozy cabins to dine in.
Each are adorned with twinkling lights, a fireplace and privacy on their dreamy patio. Interestingly, Harvest’s patio is one of the largest in Durham Region.
During my visit I was keen to try their incredible prix fixe menu, but sadly my appetite was looking for something lighter. So, I opted for one of their most popular menu options, the Harvest burger.
Made with local Ontario meat, it was one of the best homemade burgers I’ve had in a long time! Plus, their fries are incredibly tasty. Another favourite menu item is their Jerk Chicken, it was hard to choose but I know I’ll be back to try it!
More Fun Indoor Attractions in Whitby
Enjoy a Pavilion Picnic at the Waterfront – For those looking for free things to do indoors in Whitby, pack a picnic and head down to the waterfront. Cozy up under the Rotary Sunrise Lake Park pavilion to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and lighthouse. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors while having the covered shelter on a rainy day.
Browse the Town Hall Art Gallery – In the Whitby Town Hall there’s a hidden gem. The Front Lobby Gallery features pieces from Station Gallery on a rotating basis.
Go Indoor Skydiving – Adventure seekers looking for fun things to do will love iFLY Whitby Indoor Skydiving. It’s one of coolest tourist attractions in Whitby. Enjoy skydiving in their 14ft wind tunnel without the fear of jumping from a plane!
Have fun at Putting Edge – Located in the Whitby Entertainment Centrum is a fun indoor activity that the whole family will love, Putting Edge. This indoor mini golf course has 18 holes and features a variety of cool themes like the jungle and outer space.
Test your luck at Durham Escape Rooms – Grab your family or friends and test your luck at escaping the Durham Escape Rooms. They offer a variety of unique rooms to escape as well as time limits and difficulty levels.
Conclusion on Things to do Indoors in Whitby Ontario
For those looking for a cozy day trip that’s perfect for a rainy day or to stay warm during the winter, Whitby offers so much. I love all the fun and cozy things to do indoors in Whitby. There’s something to suit everyone’s interests, from families with kids to couples as well as ladies looking for unique girl’s getaways.
Looking for more fun things to do in Durham Region?
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Disclaimer: I was a guest of York Durham Headwaters but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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