Oshawa is home to one of Canada's top automotive museums, as well as a fantastic contemporary art gallery. Venture outside of the downtown core to visit a historic estate, explore lush wetlands and relax on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario.
Things to do in Oshawa
Step back in time at Parkwood Estate, a lavish mansion that’s featured in blockbuster films, including “Billy Madison”, “X-Men” and “Chicago”. You can tour the National Historic Site, stroll around the formal gardens and enjoy refreshments in the tearoom.
In the 1800s, Oshawa was celebrated as the Automotive Capital of Canada. The Canadian Automotive Museum recalls its legacy and showcases one of the country's most impressive collections of vintage cars. Highlights include a 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost and 1929 Chevrolet Roadster. Kids will love getting face-to-face with Lightning McQueen, a loveable character made famous by Pixar's “Cars” movie franchise.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery showcases more than 4,500 works across five galleries. It's housed in Oshawa’s civic centre and highlights contemporary Canadian art and photography. Don't miss the Painters Eleven gallery where you can admire abstract expressionist works from Canadian icons like Jack Bush and Alexandra Luke.
Boasting a sandy beach and shady picnic areas, Lakeview Park is ideal for swimming, games of beach volleyball or cycling along the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. Nearby, the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is laced with scenic wetland trails.
Getting around Oshawa
Downtown Oshawa is easy to get around on foot, while local buses and taxis are also available. Oshawa is a 60-kilometre drive east of downtown Toronto. Trains run from Toronto's Union Station to Oshawa Station in just 30 minutes.