Amelie CameronBack in 1842, when officials sought an official name for the city, the natives answered with Oshawa, meaning where we must leave our canoes or where we have to get out and walk.
As you navigate the city’s streets today, you’ll find that the spirit of “getting out and walking” resonates in the myriad of experiences waiting for you in Oshawa!
So, if you’re itching for your next adventure, Oshawa should be your destination. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of Oshawa’s charm. Your next adventure begins here!
- Drive into the Automotive History of Oshawa at the Canadian Automotive Museum
- Explore the Variety of Peonies at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
- Explore the Treetop Eco-Adventure Park in the Oak Ridges Moraine
- Let the Great Views at Lakeview Park Soak in
- Browse and Buy Fresh Produce at Linton’s Farm Market
- Explore the Wide Open Grounds of the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve
- Journey Through Military History at Oshawa Regiment Museum
- Uncover the City’s Heritage at the Oshawa Museum
- Celebrate Sporting Excellence at Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
- Go on Animal Adventures at the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm
- Experience the Elegance of the Parkwood National Historic Site
- Consume Cultural Delights at Regent Theatre
- Gaze at Local and International Artistry at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery
- Experience a Variety of Entertainment at Tribute Communities Centre
Drive into the Automotive History of Oshawa at the Canadian Automotive Museum
Address: 99 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 4G7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 576 1222
Hours: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Having been dubbed the Automotive Capital of Canada, it’s only fitting that the Canadian Automotive Museum is our first spot on our list. Here, you get to walk into the fascinating world of Canadian automotive history.
The institution is located in a restored 1920s car dealership. This museum stands as the sole custodian of Canada’s automotive heritage, showcasing the evolution of the automobile through an impressive collection of actual vehicles and artifacts.
| Pro Tip: The Canadian Automotive Museum might not seem like an ideal place to bring kids, but they have exhibits dedicated for the little ones. Make sure you try and spot Lightning McQueen and other cars from movies like Herbie and Back to the Future. |
Explore the Variety of Peonies at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
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Address: 155 Arena St, Oshawa, ON L1J 4E8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 436 3311
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
If you’re a flower lover, then you’ll be pleased to know that North America’s largest Peony collection is at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. This serene haven allows you to wander through meticulously curated landscapes adorned with vibrant flowers.
The Peony Garden features more than 300 kinds of peonies, but the gardens offer more variety. The Daylity Collection where each bud blooms and dies within just a day. It’s a sight to see and blooms in the weeks of July.
The Memory Garden features seasonal plants among a network of walkways and benches that take you to a scenic pergola.
| Pro Tip: The peonies bloom towards the end of May up until the last few days of June. We suggest you time your visit in June so you can also attend the city’s Annual Peony Festival that is held in the same month. |
Explore the Treetop Eco-Adventure Park in the Oak Ridges Moraine
Address: 53 Snow Ridge Ct, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 655 1113
Hours: Open everyday from 8 am to dusk
If you love nature, but you get easily bored from just walking and staring out into the outdoors, then we suggest spending a day at the Treetop Eco-Adventure Park. Located in Oak Ridges Moraine, this park offers a more exciting day out in the sun.
This expansive area offers views of the picturesque landscapes, especially from the vantage point from the tree tops.This place is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers with 9 zip lines running through the forests, with the Canyon Zip measuring 80 m high.
There is also a tree top trekking adventure course where you can traverse through hanging bridges, slides, ropes walls while suspended in the air.
| Pro Tip: The newly installed Jr. Children’s Course is perfect for little ones as young as 3 years old. They have a safety officer dedicated to each child as they enjoy climbing ang making their way through a lowered but equally exciting treetop course. |
Let the Great Views at Lakeview Park Soak in
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Address: 55 Lakeview Park Ave, Oshawa, L1J 7Z2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 436 3311
Website
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 12 am
On a good weather day, nothing beats a few hours spent at Lakeview Park, a picturesque retreat along the Oshawa waterfront. This area is a great setting for a leisurely day out where you can splash on Lake Ontario’s shores.
You can enjoy the water or hangout in the sand. There are also sports fields and 4 volleyball courts here open for everyone to use.
But, what we love doing here is bringing a picnic and savoring a meal in the charming gazebo, surrounded by the serene ambiance of the lake. The experience is enhanced when you time your picnic during the setting of the sun.
| Pro Tip: Lifeguards aren’t available there all year round, so if you feel more comfortable with one on duty, try to visit from June until September. These are also peak periods for the park so be ready for more people than usual. |
Browse and Buy Fresh Produce at Linton’s Farm Market
Address: 571 Raglan Rd E, Oshawa, ON L1H 0N1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 655 3949
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 12 pm during the season
The Linton’s Farm Market is dubbed as the original farmer’s market in the area. With a history of serving the area for over 5 decades, the farm started as a tomato supplier for a canning company until they added more variety to their crops.
Today, Linton’s Farm Market offers a wide array of fruits and vegetables from strawberries, beans, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, kale, potatoes, and herbs. One of their best sellers is their Gourmet Sweet Corn that’s pickled fresh everyday.
They also offer their own line of honey, maple syrup, and fruit jams. With the addition of an animal farm, you can buy freshly made cheese here as well.
| Pro Tip: Beyond its scenic surroundings, Linton’s Farm Market also hosts special events and activities during special seasons. Watch out for announcements about their pumpkin patch during fall. Getting to pick and carve your own pumpkin is a fun experience. |
Explore the Wide Open Grounds of the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve
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Address: 1908 Colonel Sam Dr, Oshawa, ON L1H 8P7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 644 1689
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is a year round hotspot for people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. This place is considered a hiking haven for people within the enchanting Durham Region.
With 7 km of trails, you won’t run out of places to get your fill of walking and hiking. Some trails are wider and make for great paths for cycling and skating.
The trails are also perfect for snowshoeing in the winter and birdwatching when the birds fly overhead to migrate to warmer climates. There are also areas dedicated to cross-country skiing in the reserve during colder winter months.
| Pro Tip: Try to opt for an early morning hike to witness surroundings in the soft light of dawn before the sun rises. Just be sure to arm yourself with bug spray, so that pesky insects won’t dampen your adventure early in the morning. |
Journey Through Military History at Oshawa Regiment Museum
Address: 1000 Stevenson Rd N, Oshawa, ON L1J 5P5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 728 6199
Hours: Open from Thursday to Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm
You can look through the country’s biggest collection of military vehicles that are still operational in the Oshawa Regiment Museum. Located on the historical grounds of the Oshawa Executive Airport, teaches you the evolution of warfare technology.
You can explore the expansive static display section, showcasing artifacts dating back up to 200 years. But the popular vehicles here are the working military tanks that you can climb into and even see in action during demonstrations.
There are antique logistic vehicles like the Ford Model T, Nash Quad, and the Willys MB. There are also light armor and heavy armor vehicles composed of different tanks.
| Pro Tip: At any given time, there are at least 3 or 4 vehicles at the Oshawa Regiment Museum that are being repaired or restored. They post the vehicles on their websites and invite people to witness the process of getting them back in working condition. |
Uncover the City’s Heritage at the Oshawa Museum
Address: 1450 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 8J7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 436 7624
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm
- Open on Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm
You can learn about the rich story of Oshawa’s heritage at the Oshawa Museum. This place chronicles the journey of the city from its first Indigenous inhabitants to the present day status of Oshawa.
The museum is home to 3 Spread over 3 historic houses. The Henry House built in 1840, the Guy House in 1845, and the Robinson House finished in 1856. Each of these houses feature collections of artifacts and documents that total 50,000 pieces.
There are also regular feature exhibits that open only for a short period of time.Some feature photographs or recovered objects lent to the museum by private owners.
| Pro Tip: Join guided tours to gain deeper insights into the stories behind the artifacts, unlocking hidden tales that breathe life into the exhibits. |
Celebrate Sporting Excellence at Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 99 Athol St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 245 0360
Hours: Open on Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm
Sports lovers like us should make sure that there’s a day allotted on your trip to Oshawa dedicated to the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. This place takes you on a journey through Oshawa’s illustrious sports history.
The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates individuals who have left their mark in the sports industry. On the walls of the main level, you will find many plaques and citations of important people in the world of sports.
There are also collections of sports artifacts and memorabilia from different sports teams and periods of time. A photograph collection of iconic events is also available.
| Pro Tip: The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum regularly welcomes new inductees into their roster of sports icons. Try to stay updated on these special events where they hold a ceremony at the museum with speakers and special exhibits. |
Go on Animal Adventures at the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm
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Address: 3377 Grandview St N, Oshawa, ON L1H 0J5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 655 5236
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
Ever since they opened in July of 1993, Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm has been the place to be to enjoy a day of interactive fun with animals in a safe environment. The team behind it also prioritizes the animals by making sure their living spaces are above board.
You can find all sorts of animals from camels, llamas, deer, antelopes, and lemurs in special enclosures that are big enough for them to roam and for wild grass to grow. There is also a farm filled with cows, sheep, and horses that doubles as a petting zoo.
There are over 40 species of animals living in 22 acres. There are also picnic areas for visitors and kiosks for snacks and refreshments (for people and the animals too!)
| Pro Tip: The insect house is often overlooked by visitors of the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm, but the collection of live and preserved insects here are extensive. The bird house is another must visit spot to see peacocks, emus, and parrots. |
Experience the Elegance of the Parkwood National Historic Site
Address: 270 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 4T5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 433 4311
Hours:
- Open from Wednesday to Sunday 24/7
The Parkwood National Historic Site is the place to be for those who are as just as enraptured with the opulent way of living of the rich in the past, as us. The grounds used to be the residence of R.S McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors of Canada.
The structures were designed and built in the Beaux-Arts style from 1915 to 1917. Majority of the original architecture of the 55-room mansion was preserved.
You can stroll through the mansion and check out the original furnishings of this National Historic Site. The mansion also features an extensive art collection that you’ll learn about in their guided tours.
| Pro Tip: Apart from the main mansion, the Parkwood National Historic Site also features expansive gardens that are regularly maintained with extensive landscaping. They’re great for afternoon strolls after exploring the interior of the mansion. |
Consume Cultural Delights at Regent Theatre
Address: 50 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 721 3399 with ext. number 2
Hours: Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm
Located in downtown Oshawa, the Regent Theatre was originally built as a movie theater but has since transformed into the number one venue in the area. After an extensive renovation, it has seen big name acts like Mamma Mia! And Jersey Boys.
The theater sees a diverse line of performances from musicals, concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, concerts, tribute acts, and speakers.
Local drama clubs, budding performers, and local press events also take place in the Regent. The Ontario Philharmonic, a distinguished regional orchestra, graces the stage, regularly treating audiences to captivating performances.
| Pro Tip: A not so well known thing about the Regent Theatre are their Classic Movie Nights which are held at the location every Thursday. They show iconic movies here in celebration of the Regent’s past as a cinema. |
Gaze at Local and International Artistry at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Address: 72 Queen St, Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 576 3000
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday and from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
- Open on Wednesday from 10 am to 9 pm
If you’re itching for a glimpse into Oshawa’s arts and culture scene, then the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) should have its own spot in your bucketlist of things to do in the city. This is the biggest public gallery in the entire Durham Region.
With over 4,000 art pieces spread out across four galleries, the gallery covers everything from classic pieces to more modern art displays. The Thomas Bouckley Collection of photographs taken from different eras of Oshawa is a must see.
The main collection features modern Canadian abstractions, the biggest collection of works by Painters Eleven, as well as contemporary and public art.
| Pro Tip: There are 20 exhibits held at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery over the course of a year. If you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, these are great chances to meet new artists and be exposed to the local art scene. Check the website for the schedule! |
Experience a Variety of Entertainment at Tribute Communities Centre
Address: 99 Athol St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 438 8811
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Open on Friday from 10 am to 2 pm
The Tribute Communities Centre used to be known as the General Motors Centre or GM Centre. It serves as an entertainment hub for a variety of shows and performances at the heart of Oshaw’s downtown area.
This multifaceted arena hosts the exhilarating games of the Oshawa Generals, but it’s also the stage for some electrifying concerts and dynamic conventions.
The Tribute Communities Centre also has 2 ice rinks. Once is dedicated to hockey games, both professional and for local leagues. The other is used for the venue of Disney on Ice shows that are regularly available.
| Pro Tip: You aren’t allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks into the Tribute Communities Centre. There are a lot of places to choose from to fuel up inside, but the Prospects Bar and Grill is our go to for great burgers and milkshakes. |
