Whitby Real Estate: Two Downtowns, One Great Town
Most towns are lucky to have one charming downtown. Whitby went and got two. That’s usually the first thing I tell people who ask me about Whitby, and it’s a big part of why I enjoy helping folks buy and sell here.
Short answer: Whitby is a Durham Region town between Ajax and Oshawa, about 45 km east of downtown Toronto (straight-line), with a 2021 population of 138,501 (Statistics Canada). It has two historic downtowns, Downtown Whitby and Brooklin, 125 parks, Whitby GO on the Lakeshore East line, and Highways 401, 407 and 412.
What’s Downtown Whitby like?
Busy in a good way. There are more than 470 local businesses, lots of historic architecture, and the verandas of The Promenade at Brock, Byron and Mary Streets.
Catch a show at the 160-seat Whitby Courthouse Theatre in the Centennial Building, learn the town’s story at the Lynde House Museum, or browse the main Whitby Public Library branch, which also houses the Whitby Archives. From May to October, the weekly Whitby Farmers’ Market is a great Saturday plan, and a pretty safe bet with kids if snacks are involved.
And Brooklin?
Brooklin is the village up north, and its historic downtown is a designated Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. It’s centred on Grass Park and the Brooklin Community Centre and Library, and it hosts a Harvest Festival and Christmas in the Village.
Around the old village, newer neighbourhoods give buyers more recent homes. One heads-up: inside the heritage district, some exterior changes may need a heritage permit. Better to know before you fall in love with a porch.
Is Whitby good for getting outside?
Very. The Town maintains 125 parks, about 840 acres of active parkland and more than 75 km of trails, plus splash pads, beaches, skateboard parks, off-leash dog parks and community gardens. Splash pads run from mid-June to Labour Day weekend, and parks are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April to September.
The big new addition is the Fieldgate Sports Complex, which officially opened on September 12, 2026, west of Baldwin Street South and south of Highway 407. It has a twin-pad arena, a large aquatics centre, a double gymnasium and a 13-acre outdoor park. If you have kids in hockey or swimming, you’ll probably get to know it well.
Which schools serve Whitby?
The Durham District School Board, headquartered at 400 Taunton Road East in Whitby, runs Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute, Brooklin High School, Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, Henry Street High School and Sinclair Secondary School. The Durham Catholic District School Board runs Father Leo J. Austin and All Saints Catholic Secondary Schools. Check any address with the board’s school locator.
How do people get around?
Whitby GO is on the Lakeshore East line to Union Station, and the 401 crosses the south end of town. Highway 407 and Highway 412 both opened to traffic on June 20, 2016. Within Whitby, the 407 has interchanges at Lake Ridge Road, Baldwin Street and Thickson Road, so Brooklin is a quick hop to the 407. The 412 links the 401 and 407.
Fun fact: Whitby is also home to Durham Region’s headquarters, at 605 Rossland Road East. So if you’ve ever dealt with the Region, you’ve probably been to Whitby.
A word from me
Whitby gives you real choice: a lively historic downtown, a lakefront to enjoy, and the village charm of Brooklin up north. I help buyers figure out which part of Whitby fits their life best, and I help sellers show their home to the buyers who will value it most. Every move is personal, and we treat it that way.
Selling in Whitby?
A Brooklin family home, a downtown character house and a south-end townhome all attract different buyers. I tailor the pricing, prep and marketing to yours and reach buyers across Durham and the GTA. See how we help sellers or book a seller consultation.
Buying in Whitby?
I’ll help you weigh downtown walkability and GO access against Brooklin’s newer homes and 407 access, check school boundaries, and make an offer with confidence. Request recent sold prices for any street.
Moving somewhere outside Durham? We help families across Toronto, York, Peel and the rest of Ontario too. See how our plan works beyond Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brooklin part of Whitby?
Yes. Brooklin is a village community in north Whitby, and its historic downtown is a designated Heritage Conservation District.
How many parks does Whitby have?
The Town of Whitby maintains 125 parks, about 840 acres of active parkland and more than 75 km of trails.
Does Whitby have a GO train?
Yes. Whitby GO is on GO Transit’s Lakeshore East line to Union Station.
When did Highway 407 open in Whitby?
Highway 407 from Brock Road to Harmony Road, and Highway 412, opened to traffic on June 20, 2016.
Does AA Properties work in Whitby?
Yes. We help buyers and sellers in Whitby and Brooklin and across Durham Region, plus Toronto, York Region and the GTA.
Programs That Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Whitby homeowners and buyers may qualify for our Good Neighbours Program: 10% of the commission AA Properties earns, paid back on closing. Conditions apply. Anywhere in Ontario, first responders, nurses, military members, teachers, ECE and school staff, adults 60+ and neighbours in need may qualify for our Everyday Heroes Program: 25% of the commission AA Properties earns, paid on closing. Conditions apply.
AA Properties, Crown Kingdom Realty Inc., Brokerage. 1725 Kingston Rd, Unit 18, Pickering, ON L1V 4L9. 416-845-8433 | alex@aaproperties.ca
Explore nearby: Claremont, Ajax, Oshawa, or read our Pickering guide.