Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Oakville, Ontario

A suburban town situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Oakville is a delightful locale that exudes a small-town atmosphere. It has consistently ranked among the top five living destinations in Canada and also serves as an appealing vacation spot.

Located just 30 kilometers from Toronto, Oakville is sometimes underestimated. Nonetheless, it boasts a rich cultural scene and stunning natural landscapes waiting to be discovered.

Should you visit Toronto, consider extending your trip by spending a night or two in Oakville. Alternatively, dedicate a few days exclusively to exploring the town.

Here are the premier activities in Oakville:

1. Spend the day in a park

At the western edge of the town lies the expansive 6.4 square-kilometer Bronte Creek Provincial Park, an excellent location for year-round outdoor activities.

This provincial park features trails well-suited for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Additionally, it offers a swimming pool for outdoor recreation.

For those wishing to stay overnight, there are campsites equipped with electrical connections. The park also contains a historic farmhouse, a nature center, and a petting farm featuring various animals including chickens, rabbits, pigs, sheep, and goats.

2. Learn about the history of Golf

In Canada, one can explore the history of golf at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which honors significant contributors to the sport.

The hall of fame includes players, coaches, and course architects who have made notable contributions to the game. A museum is also available on-site, showcasing historical artifacts and records.

Inductees include Stephen Michael Ames, Michael Richard Weir, Sandra Post, Stanley Thompson, and Jack William Nicklaus.

3. Play a round

Continuing with the golfing theme, one can enjoy a round at Glen Abbey Golf Club, which features the renowned Jack Nicklaus golf course.

Glen Abbey has hosted 25 Canadian Open Championships to date; notably, in 2000, Tiger Woods triumphed over Grant Waite on this notable course.

If you prefer not to play, the club offers exquisite Sunday brunches and a golf academy for those looking to enhance their skills.

4. Watch a canoe regatta

Visit the Burloak Canoe Club to experience a canoe regatta. Located on Navy Flats along Sixteen Mile Creek, this club has trained numerous esteemed paddlers.

Notable Olympic medalists like Larry Cain, Adam van Koeverden, and Mark Oldershaw have trained at this club, along with exceptional female paddlers Sheila Kuyper and Mallorie Nicholson.

Even when races are not in session, visitors can canoe or kayak; options for Dragon Boat rentals are also available.

5. Explore Old Oakville

Referred to as Downtown Oakville, this charming area along Lake Ontario is a vibrant neighborhood well worth your exploration.

Old Oakville exudes a quaint village charm, featuring trendy dining establishments, lively bars, and specialty shops, including several upscale boutiques concentrated along Lakeshore Boulevard.

The district also hosts art galleries situated within historic structures, while Oakville Harbour is home to the Oakville Yacht Club.

6. Visit a museum

Erchless Estate is the historic residence of the Chisholm family, the founders of Oakville, and serves as a museum today.

Ensure you bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture of the buildings, grounds, and gardens. Within, the museum features a diverse collection of costumes, textiles, ethnological artifacts, and decorative arts belonging to the family.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the Erchless Estate regularly presents special exhibitions. Guided tours are available, as are self-directed explorations of the museum.

7. Enjoy a festival

Despite its modest size, Oakville is vibrant, hosting several notable annual events. Among these, the Waterfront Festival was the most significant, ceasing operations in 2013.

Currently, the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival is the most prominent festival, offering free concerts across nine stages.

Art enthusiasts should attend the “For the Love of the Arts Festival” in spring, while culinary lovers will want to experience the annual Oakville Family Ribfest.

8. Go on a hike

A segment of the renowned Trans Canada Trail runs the entire length of Oakville along the lake, offering an ideal pathway for both hiking and cycling.

This portion of the trail extends from Toronto to Burlington, providing avid hikers and cyclists the opportunity to tackle the entire 87-kilometer route.

Several parking areas are available along the trail within Oakville, though this section lacks rest areas and facilities. Thus, it is advisable to be adequately prepared.

9. Shop, dine and relax

All these experiences can be found at Bronte Harbour, a charming village located at the westernmost point of Oakville, offering an array of gourmet delights and yoga classes.

Stroll through the village streets and explore the local boutiques, ranging from fine arts and antiques to jewelry and home decor.

Indulge in the culinary offerings at one of Bronte Harbour’s acclaimed restaurants, or enjoy a light snack at a local café or pub. For relaxation, consider a spa treatment or chartering a yacht for a sunset sail.

10. Immerse yourself in the arts

Oakville boasts a vibrant arts scene, regularly featuring performances in the realms of theatre, symphony, and ballet. Patrons of the performing arts will find much to appreciate in Oakville.

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts serves as the hub for these activities, hosting diverse performances and being home to the Oakville Ballet Company and the Oakville Symphony Orchestra.

Additionally, the award-winning Oakville Children’s Choir, known for its international recognition, has performed alongside renowned opera stars like Mary Lou Fallis.

11. Defy the law of gravity

Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFLY Toronto, home to one of only two indoor recirculating skydiving simulators in Canada.

Enter a four-meter-diameter vertical tube and feel the airstream propel you upward at 175 kilometers per hour, creating a sensation akin to freefalling.

This provides a skydiving experience without the need to jump from an aircraft, simulating the exhilarating feeling of freefalling at 200 km per hour.

12. Go to the mall

Like many suburban towns, Oakville features a couple of indoor shopping malls. For those wishing to shop indoors or escape the outdoor elements, the malls are an ideal destination.

Oakville Place is the larger of the two malls, showcasing over 100 stores, including popular brands like H&M, Sephora, The Body Shop, and Swarovski, alongside department stores.

Conversely, South Oakville Centre is more modest, primarily featuring Canadian retailers and providing a good option for hair and nail services.

13. Wander around a garden

The Royal Botanical Gardens offer a unique experience as it houses the world’s largest collection of lilacs.

Spanning over 11 square kilometers, this extensive garden offers visitors a remarkable place to explore, divided into five distinct areas.

With both indoor and outdoor displays, the pathways guide you through various beautiful plants and flowers, including endangered tree species.

14. Enjoy the beach

While Oakville features several beaches, the one at Kelso Conservation Area merits a visit, located a short drive away in Milton.

This 3.97 square kilometer park contains Lake Kelso, which boasts a picturesque beach, complete with a boardwalk, boat rentals, and food concessions during the summer months.

Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats to explore the lake, or unwind on the sands while soaking up the sun. Overnight camping is also available at any of the park’s 20 campsites.

15. Head to the races

Although located outside of Oakville, the Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville is within close proximity and offers harness racing on a track with a circumference of ⅞ mile.

This venue has hosted various prestigious events, including the North America Cup, the Canadian Trotting Classic, and the Breeders Crown, along with many other activities.

Additionally, the racetrack features a slot machine area with 750 machines; when you need a break from horse racing, you can try your luck in the gaming area.