Nestled perfectly on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville has been attracting visitors for years. With its wide range of activities, beautiful surroundings, and vibrant culture we know that you’ll have an ideal trip. To help you get the best out of your holiday or visit to Oakville, we’ve pulled together our definitive list of the top things to do. From exploring the lake to taking a trip to the quiet area of Bronte Village to even going on a panoramic tour, our list has all the information you need. So, come rain or shine in Oakville you won’t be left without a plan. Let’s delve into our top list of things to do in Oakville, Canada, today and start planning your ideal holiday in this beautiful destination.
1. Explore the Oakville Museum
Once home to Oakville’s founding family, this estate now offers guided tours around the property. You can explore the buildings, grounds and beautiful gardens. There are also regular exhibitions and special events so be sure to check online during your stay and see what is happening at the Oakville Museum.
Oakville Museum
Address: 8 Navy Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2Y5
Website: Oakville Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1am - 4.30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
2. Get spooked on a paranormal night paddle by SNIPE
If you’re interested in all things paranormal, then you will definitely want to take part in this weird and wonderful ghost tour. Unlike all other ghost tours, this one starts with a rafting trip along the Grand River at night, scary enough for us. But alongside a team of real ghost-hunters, you’ll explore the 100-year-old Six Nations Chiefswood National Historic Site and maybe even find a ghost.
SNIPE: Paranormal Night Tour
Address: Six Nations, Canada, Brantford, Ontario
Website: SNIPE: Paranormal Night Tour
Opening hours: 24/7
3. Hike and fish at the Lion's Valley Park
This is the ideal spot to come and unwind if you are looking to get away from the hub-bub of city life. With its long nature trails, children’s play area, picnic, and outdoor barbecues it is a popular spot on a sunny day. It is a very large area though, so it never feels crowded. You can simply pick one of the trails and let your mind wander as you weave in and out of the wildflowers. Although there are no predetermined bases for fishing, if you have a rod you can pitch-up and test your luck.
Lion's Valley Park
Address: 2417 Fourth Line, Oakville, Ontario L6H 6W8, Canada
Website: Lion’s Valley Park
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Discover an original landmark at the Oakville lighthouse
We love discovering quiet places to relax and unwind and so we think that the adorable circa-1888 Oakville Lighthouse is a gem in the area. This small hexagonal tower is located next to the marina and is a great place to sit at the waters edge during sunset. The lighthouse itself is wooden and you can ‘tour’ the inside. It is the original lighthouse of the area and was replaced with a light tower in 1960. Luckily the residents and local organizations have fought to protect the miniature lighthouse.
Oakville lighthouse
Address: 99 Forsythe St, Oakville, ON L6K 3R7, Canada
Website: Oakville lighthouse
Price: Free
5. Skate at the Olympic-sized Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
If you’re looking for a way to spend a rainy day, nothing will beat the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Not only does it have an Olympic-sized ice rink with seating, but it also has two community rooms, shooter pads, a full restaurant, and a pro shop. There’s plenty of time for public skating and lots of fun programs for children too.
Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
Address: 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard, 905-815-6177
Website: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
Opening hours: 6am - 11:30pm (daily)
6. Get adventurous at the popular Burloak Canoe Club
Ever wondered what it would be like to learn canoeing, well now is your golden opportunity! The Burloak Canoe Club has programs for all ages, from small children to big adults. It is one of Canada’s leading flat-water Olympic canoe-kayak racing clubs and is impressive to watch. They even have teams for Dragon Boating. Sounds like great fun to us!
Burloak Canoe Club
Address: 160 Water St. Oakville, Ontario
Website: Burloak Canoe Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 11am (closed on Sun)
7. Satisfy the bookworm in you at Oakville Public Library
We all know what to expect from a library, and with a wide range of books, the Oakville Public Library does not disappoint. There are also numerous events that take place in the month to bring the community together. We also love that you can easily look online to see which books are in the library and are available to borrow.
Oakville Public Library
Address: 120 Navy Street, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4
Website: Oakville Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
8. Soak up the culture at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
This center offers space for both amateur and professional performances. A wide range of performances take place, from school shows to comedy sketches, musicals and drama pieces. There are also a number of events where performers and authors come to answer the questions of the audience. Many big names have passed through the doors and tickets can be easily purchased online.
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Address: 130 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4, Canada
9. Shop your heart out at Oakville Place
With over 100 stores the fantastic Oakville Place is an excellent one-stop-shop for all of your needs. It is a bright and well-kept environment that is a pleasure to shop in. We also love that you’ll be able to shop at your favorite stores and enjoy refreshments throughout your spree. You can easily check online to see what shops have a sale on before you visit.
Oakville Place
Address: 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville, ON L6H 3H6, Canada
Website: Oakville Place
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 9.30am - 6pm, Sun: 11am - 5pm
10. Catch a soccer game at Oakville Soccer Club
Established in 1972, it has since become the largest community sports organization. There are over 12,000 members and 900 volunteers in this active club. There is sure to be a great soccer game to watch and support during your stay. The only question is, which team will you be cheering for?
Oakville Soccer Club
Address: 1520 Pine Glen Road, L6M 4P4, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Website: Oakville Soccer Club
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 9pm; Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9pm - 12am
11. Dance the night away at Moonshine Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Moonshine Cafe on Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Heading into the night, next on our list is the excellent Moonshine Cafe which boasts live music every night of the week. With a 60 capacity count, you can be guaranteed a good night out. The venue also offers light-bites and snacks throughout your night, you’ll need more energy for all the dancing.
Moonshine Cafe
Address: 137 Kerr St. Oakville, Ontario
Website: Moonshine Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 3pm - 2am
Price: 10 USD onwards
12. Know the history of golf at Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
You have an interest in golf then you will definitely not want to miss a visit to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. It celebrates the outstanding players of golf and their many achievements. Both the museum and the library are open to visitors, but we think that the best way to explore the site is to book a tour.
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Address: 1333 Dorval Drive, Suite 1, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 4X7
Website: Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (private tours only on Sat & Sun)
13. Explore the quaint downtown Oakville
We love the relaxed and friendly vibe of the downtown Oakville area. With its high-end luxury shops and intermingled cafes, you’re sure to find something everyone will like. It is a vibrant cultural district that boasts a number of summer events which bring the community together. This area is just a short walk to the lake, the perfect place to unwind.
Downtown Oakville
Address: 146 Lakeshore Road East Oakville, Ontario L6J 1H4
Website: Downtown Oakville
14. Witness the annual Downtown Songs of Summer Festival
Previously known as the Downtown Jazz Festival, this two-day festival has morphed to include a wider range of music. Taking place in August for the last 20 years, the festival has been providing an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy live music outside. The event is family friendly and you can continue to stroll the streets and enjoy fine dining as the festival takes place.
Downtown Songs of Summer Festival
Address: 146 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario
Website: Downtown Songs of Summer Festival
Opening hours: 5pm - 11pm
Price: Free
15. Attend a yoga class at Bronte Harbour
Bronte Harbour is a pretty area and the relaxing environment will also help you fully enjoy a nice session of yoga. There are a number of local yoga places in the area, so be sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your schedule. Lakeside Yoga Center is situated right on the water edge and also offer lots of different yoga styles.
Lakeside Yoga Center
Address: Unit 3, 67 Bronte Rd Unit 3, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 3B7
Website: Lakeside Yoga Center
16. Wander around the scenic Royal Botanical Gardens
On a sunny spring day, nothing can beat walking around the expansive and beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens. Located at the western tip of Lake Ontario, there are four garden areas which form together to create a 1,100 hectare (2718 acres) garden. The collection of flowers in this indoor and outdoor reserve are beautiful to explore. You can spend your time strolling along the nature trails.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4
Website: Royal Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 18 USD
17. Defy the law of gravity at iFLY Toronto
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
From all of us at iFLY Toronto - Oakville, we wish you a safe, happy, and adventurous holiday! ? #ifly #iflytoronto #iflyworld #oakville #toronto #christmas
Posted by iFLY Toronto - Oakville on Wednesday, December 25, 2019
For something truly unique, why not try an indoor flying experience. A huge fan will keep you flying high at iFLY. This is a family fun experience as children as young as four can take part and have their first ‘flight’. We’re sure that once you’ve experienced flying once, you’ll come back again because it is so much fun!
iFLY Toronto
Address: 2007 Winston Park Dr, Oakville, ON L6H 6P5, Canada
Website: iFLY Toronto
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 9pm (flights: 3pm - 9pm); Sat - Sun: 9am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 72 USD
18. Hike the famous Trans Canada Trail
Not for the faint-hearted, this trail spans across 24,000 kilometers (14912 miles). The Great Trail runs through the mountains and can be completed any way you choose. You’ll just need lots of stamina and preparation too. For added fun, there is also a treasure hunt that goes along the trail! Of course, you could also just do the Oakville section! Think you can tackle the Trans Canada Trail?
Trans Canada Trail
Website: Trans Canada Trail
19. Explore the natural surroundings of Bronte Village
Established in 1834 just southwest of Oakville, this scenic area is popular for visitors who want to see nature. There are two open ports and you can stroll through the Heritage Waterfront Park. There are plenty of picnic spots, walking trails and parklands. Be sure not to miss the historic Sovereign House or the Fisherman’s Memorial, both of which are local landmarks. There are also plenty of little cafes and boutiques to enjoy.
Bronte Village
Address: 2360 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6L 1H5, Canada
Website: Bronte Village
20. Marvel at the exhibits of the Oakville Gallery in Garloch Gardens
The impressive Oakville Galleries consist of two separate sites which were officially partnered in 1978. Now, the galleries have regular exhibitions on rotation. Many of these exhibitions address social and political situations in interesting manners. It is easy to spend and afternoon in the gallery.
Oakville Gallery in Garloch Gardens
Address: Gairloch Gardens, 1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON L6J 1L6
Website: Oakville Gallery in Garloch Gardens
Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Wed: 1pm - 5pm, Thu: 1pm - 8pm, Fri: 1pm - 5pm, Sat: 10am - 5pm
Price: Free
21. Watch in wonder the beautiful flowers at Oakville Greenhouse
Oakville is known for its beautiful flower displays, and that is partly thanks to the Greenhouse. The flower displays change seasonally and the Greenhouse is open to members of the public. You’ll love wandering amongst the bright colors of the flowers in each area. There are a number of different zones to explore. By far, our favorite is the waterfall area; it is both serene and beautiful.
Oakville Greenhouse
Address: 1100 Cornwall Road , Oakville
Website: Oakville Greenhouse
Opening hours: January - June: 9am - 3pm (daily), September - January: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm (closed Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
22. Dip your toes in the Brookdale Pool
This small community pool is always a big hit in the summer months. It is open from June until September and has 6, 25 meters (82 feet) lanes so there is plenty of room for everyone. There are regular events hosted at the pool such as recreational swimming and programs. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the comparatively warm summers.
Brookdale Pool
Address: 1215 Bridge Road, Oakville
Website: Brookdale Pool
Opening hours: 12pm - 9pm (daily)
23. Get fit and healthy at Oakville Arena
Oakville Arena, also known as Trafalgar Park Community Center, has gone through recent refurbishments and now has many fun leisure activities that will keep you and your family happy throughout your holiday. There is an NHL-size ice rink, an indoor running track, gymnasium, fitness center, and tennis courts. Sweat it out after those amazing lunches and dinners you had as holiday cheat days.
Oakville Arena
Address: 133 Rebecca St, Oakville, Ontario, L6K 1J5, Canada
Website: Oakville Arena
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 10.30pm; Fri: 6am - 9pm, Sat - Sun: 8am - 7pm
No time to lose in Oakville
There is so much to see and do in Oakville, that you might be wondering when you’ll have any time to sit back and relax?! Luckily for you, the gardens on this list are the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring. Each and every activity ensures that there is at least something for every age and taste. Just don’t forget to tag us in your holiday photos.
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