The first European to pass through Vaughan was the French explorer Étienne Brûlé, who traversed the Humber Trail in 1615. The area wasn’t again considered for settlement until much latter as it was deemed too remote. Despite this hardship the town was eventually settled by mainly Pennsylvania Germans, with a smaller number of families of English descent and a group of French Royalists being represented. Very little changed in the town of Vaughan until after the second world war when the town saw an influx of immigration.
Today the city of Vaughan is home to Paramount Canada’s Wonderland. This 121 hectare (330 acre) theme park has more then 200 attractions and 65 ridesas well as a 20 acre water park and contains north America’s largest variety of roller coasters.
Other attractions worthwhile seeing while in Vaughan are the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum as well as Vaughan Mills, one of Canada’s largest shopping centres. Vaughan Mills incorporates a "race track" layout to maximize the exposure of the mall tennants. The complex has over 200 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment outlets.
Kortright Centre is Canada's largest environmental centre and is located within the Kortright Conservation Area. Open year round, the centre offers numerous public and group "back to nature" programs. The conservation area has over 18 kilometres (11 miles) of trails through mixed woods and open parkland. Boyd Conservation Area is l ocated on Islington Avenue, north of Highway #7, and is situated on 96 hectares (237 acres). It offers a number of designated nature trail for hiking and walking.
