Pickering is the westernmost city in Durham Region, bordering Toronto’s east end, with about 99,000 residents at the 2021 Census. It combines lakefront neighbourhoods, a growing city centre and large new communities in the north.
Neighbourhoods
- Bay Ridges and Frenchman’s Bay: lakeside neighbourhoods with marinas and waterfront trails.
- City Centre: around Pickering Town Centre and the GO station, where high-density redevelopment is planned.
- Amberlea, Liverpool and Rougemount: established family areas.
- Seaton: a large master-planned community in north Pickering expected to grow substantially over the coming decades.
Getting around
Pickering GO station on the Lakeshore East line offers frequent service to Union Station. Durham Region Transit provides local buses, and Highways 401 and 407 cross the city.
Housing
Pickering offers more space for the price than many western GTA cities. TRREB reported an average selling price of about $894,000 in September 2026. Learn more in our article on Pickering housing development projects and the Durham Region Real Estate Outlook.
Things to do
- Walk the Waterfront Trail and Millennium Square.
- Visit Petticoat Creek Conservation Area.
- Explore the trails of Rouge National Urban Park nearby.
- Shop and dine around Pickering Town Centre.
Energy and employment
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station on the waterfront has been a major employer and power source for Ontario, with long-term plans for refurbishment announced by the province and Ontario Power Generation.