New Canaan is the quintessential New England town that offers an alluring mix of suburban sophistication with small-town ambience. Highly recognized for its outstanding schools, remarkable architecture and natural beauty, its located just 42 miles from New York City. New Canaan's proximity provides the perfect escape while maintaining an easy commute into Manhattan and major airports. With meandering stone walls, unspoiled woodlands, and pristine ponds, its scenic setting and rich environmental resources are a delight to outdoor enthusiasts. New Canaan's picturesque downtown, lined with gas lamps and brick walkways, is a shoppers paradise featuring many fine shops and restaurants. Residents also pride themselves on the towns sports, recreational facilities, civic organizations, dedication to the arts, and social services that are made available to residents of all ages. New Canaanites choose this Connecticut haven for its subtle charm, sophistication and idyllic location.

Town Resources

Shopping and Entertainment

New Canaans picturesque downtown is a shoppers paradise and ranked as one of Fairfield Countys top walking locations. Lined with gas lamps and brick walkways, you'll find high-end boutiques, antique stores, bistros, coffee shops and an abundance of gourmet restaurants and local diners. In addition to shopping and dining, this quaint downtown, together with the various parks, serve as the towns gathering places for special events, such as, the Annual Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale, 4th of July Fireworks, Summer Concerts, the Halloween Parade and the popular Holiday Stroll. For a list of current vendors and events, click here

Art and Theatre

Parks and Recreation

Waveny Park - 677 South Avenue - This 250-acre park is the largest park in town and includes ball fields, platform tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic areas, 3.5 miles of cross country trails, the town pool, Waveny House, and the Carriage Barn Arts Center. The Recreation Department offices are located on the second floor and open weekdays 8:30am to 4:30pm. Waveny House is available for rent to local residents and non-profit organizations for meetings and other events. 203-594-3600

Lapham Community Center - located at the north end of Waveny Park, the center offers a wide variety of activities for New Canaan residents including an active adult education program. It is also the location for programs of the Senior Center of New Canaan, Health/Wellness, exercise/yoga, Dance, Tai Chi, Day trips, free movies and various special programs. 203-594-3620

Spencers Run - Dog park located in Waveny Park. Dogs may run off-leash (town dog license and current rabies tag required)

Irwin Park - 848 Weed Street - This 36-acre park features a newly designed and surfaced 1-mile trail for jogging, walking, biking and apple orchard in the front lawn with chairs and picnic area.

Bristow Bird Sanctuary - off Old Stamford Road - Quiet secluded area to walk and enjoy wooded trails and nature

Mill Pond Park - East and Millport Avenues - Walking trails, a large pond for skating (lighted in winter months) and fishing.

Ed Dixon Memorial Park - This small park is located on Hoyt Street with a playground.

New Canaan Nature Center - 144 Oenoke Ridge - 40-acre preserve featuring diverse habitats as wet meadows and woodlands. This environmental organization and sanctuary is dedicated to helping people appreciate and care for the world of nature. The center offers nature-oriented preschool, summer camp, horticulture program, workshops, walks and special events. 203-966-9577

Kiwanis Park - 7 Old Norwalk Road - The site for many summer camps, Kiwanis offers a snack bar, picnic area, playground, and large pond with a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Mead Memorial Park - 241 Park - 24-acre park has four baseball fields, a pond for skating and fishing, batting cage, horseshoe pits, playground and tennis courts. Mead Park Lodge offers a full-service snack bar and tables.

YMCA - 564 South Avenue New Canaan. 203-966-4528 or visit newcanaanymca.org

Clubs and Organizations

New Canaan residents pride themselves on the towns sports, recreational facilities, civic organizations, dedication to the arts and social services that are made available to residents of all ages.