Are you lost in deciding a place to go or things to do in Oshawa? then stick around as we will help you out.
Oshawa is not that popular compared to other top cities in Canada but trust me the town is fascinating when it comes to tourist attractions.
You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
Oshawa will surely captivate you which will make you want to stay one or two more days. We have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Oshawa and around.
Things to do in Oshawa
1 Visit Canadian Automotive Museum
If you wish to have an exciting experience with many types of automobiles, go to the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
The museum features many Canadian-made cars in the automobile industry, specifically the Canadian division of General Motors, known as General Motors Canada.
In 1962, a group of entrepreneurs from Oshawa used the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce to establish the museum. The venture was initiated mainly to preserve the automotive history of Canada and to present this history educationally and entertainingly.
The building still maintains its original period architecture right down to the original elevator used to move cars to the second floor.
2 Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens is a collection of many parks that come together to make a beautiful green area.
It has lovely Kinsmen Valleyview Park, Memory Garden, Rockery Garden, and Peony Garden. Many artificial waterfalls and the daylily collection enhance the appeal of the entire location.
Also, for the past 14 years, the Peony Festival has been held at the garden annually. The Peony Festival features a variety of cultural events and live entertainment. Visit the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens for a beautiful day out and take in the seasonal flower displays.
3 White Feather Country Store
Visit the White Feather Country Store in Oshawa if you want to taste some cozy pastries. The store has a sizable gift section with a variety of goods, including daily baked goods like pies, cookies, and muffins as well as assorted bread & rolls.
Also, it offers quality apparel, stationery, candles, home decor, and locally crafted wood products. As a regular visitor or a novice to Oshawa, White Feather Country Store is a place to spice up your day.
4 The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is a public art gallery in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest public art gallery in the Regional Municipality of Durham, of which Oshawa is a part.
The gallery is home to a sizeable collection of contemporary and modern Canadian art.
Following an exhibition of local artists’ work at a business on Simcoe Street in 1967, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery was established by Oshawa designer William Caldwell. Ewart McLaughlin and his wife Margaret (painter Alexandra Luke), who recognized the need for a larger public art gallery for the City of Oshawa, provided significant financial assistance and works from their collection.
The gallery has grown to become a favorite tourist destination in Oshawa and is now a well-known location for the city’s art collection.
5 Leisure Lanes
Looking for a place where the whole family, including the kids and adults, may partake in pleasurable activities? Leisure Bowling Lanes Ltd proves to be the best option with all of the recreational opportunities it provides.
There are many bowling lanes, entertaining minigames, a bar, and many more things. Your visit will be enjoyable and memorable thanks to the staff members’ kind personalities. You could also rent the place for birthday parties and the packages offered would ensure fun for every one.
Leisure Lanes is a perfect day out to visit whenever you’re in Oshawa.
6 Parkwood National Historic Site
One of the best things to do in Oshawa Ontario is to explore the Parkwood national historic site. The Site is one of Canada’s last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape, and interior designs of the 1920s and 1930s.
It is now a National Historic Landmark and served as R.S. McLaughlin and his family’s residence in the past.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this National Historic Site through daily site experiences, a variety of special learning opportunities, and events that will engage your senses.
Check out our Special Events section to learn more about what’s upcoming, from Mansion & Garden experiences to afternoon teas, there’s always something unique to experience at Parkwood.
7 Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park is a lovely community park that is tucked away along the edge of Lake Ontario. It boasts views of the lake and a mature landscape setting.
Visitors can access Oshawa’s vibrant downtown, Oshawa Second Marsh, McLaughlin Bay Nature Reserve, the historic Oshawa Community Museum, and other attractions by connecting to the recreational pathways, Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path, and the Waterfront Trail.
Lakeview Park is also host to many family fun events. The Park is also home to the Jubilee Pavilion which provides a banquet hall and public meeting place.
8 Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park
Come up close and personal with exotic animals at Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, and join a behind-the-scenes tour to pet and feed young lions, tigers, lemurs, and other animals.
The kid-friendly park offers night safaris where you can learn more about the park’s furry predators in addition to daily informative feeding trips.
If it looks like it could rain, bring some sturdy shoes because the area might get muddy. Spend a night at the park’s Sarafi Lodge to fall asleep to the sounds of wolves howling, peacocks chirping, and lions roaring.
9 Harmony Creek Golf Centre
The Harmony Creek Golf Centre is an 18-hole executive golf course that features creeks, ponds, bridges, sand traps, mature trees as well as a putting green.
The golf center offers an 18-hole miniature putting course, a driving range with night lighting, a fully stocked pro shop, golf lessons, junior golf camps, and much more.
The Harmony Creek Golf Complex also offers magnificent banquet facilities, which are perfect for weddings as well as corporate and social events. You will be able to enjoy the splendid golfing experience as you admire the stunning view.
10 Visit the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame
The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor the contributions made by Oshawa teams and individuals who have achieved fame and distinction in sports as well as those who have had a significant impact on the growth of sports in the town.
Located inside the Tribute Communities Centre, the Sports Hall of Fame plaques and citations are displayed on the main level walls. The 3600 square foot Museum housing artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs are also located on this level at the west end behind Section 119.
11 Linton’s Farm Market
Looking for a place to purchase some farm products in Oshawa, visit Linton’s, Farm Market. The market started over 50 years ago when it started growing tomatoes for a canning company and gradually added more and more vegetables and fruit and expanded into a farm market where they now sell a wide variety of Strawberries, Vegetables, Sweet Corn, Pumpkins, asparagus, beans, beef, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, and Maze.
Garlic, gourds, potted herbs, onions, squash, tomatoes, raspberries, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, leeks, and turnips are among the other items available at the market.
Try to add Linton Farm Market to your list of things to do in Oshawa.
12 Mclaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve
The 100-acre McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is an excellent location for nature enthusiasts. This reserve transforms into the perfect location for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter.
Hiking, cycling, and birdwatching are all enjoyable activities in this area for the rest of the year.
The multi-sensory trail is one of this park’s best features. It is made so that anyone who is partially sighted or visually handicapped can navigate the trail.
13 Treetop Eco-adventure Park
Families with children can enjoy a pleasant day out at Treetop Eco-adventure Park while using the outdoor amenities.
The park is known to host the likes of Zip Lines, Birthday Parties, Archery, Summer Camp, and more! Treetop Eco-Adventure Park has 8 courses including 10 ziplines in Oshawa’s Oakridge Moraine to challenge your mind & body!
Here, you can harness your inner Indiana Jones whether you’re young or old, novice or expert! One course is specifically created for young adventurers, while the others begin at a novice level and progress to the extreme!
Children from the age of 3 years and above will love everything about this wonderful park.
14 Oshawa Zoo
If you are looking for things to do in Oshawa with kids, then Oshawa Zoo is the place to be! Both domestic and exotic animals reside in these fenced areas.
Here, one can observe a variety of creatures, including peacocks, ducks, and animals like camels and monkeys. Kids may feed and pet farm animals like goats and sheep there as well. This zoo, one of the fun family-friendly attractions in Oshawa, can keep you entertained for a few hours.
15 Brew Wizards
On the last list of things to do in Oshawa Ontario is to visit the Brew Wizards. Brew Wizards is the perfect place for some friendly competition with your friends.
Brew Wizards is the perfect place for some friendly competition with your friends. Brew Wizards has 16 craft beers on tap and a wide variety of fair trade coffees, teas and select food items. Brew Wizards offers a large selection of fair trade coffees, teas, and gourmet snack items in addition to 16 specialty beers on draft. Summertime is a terrific time to hang out here.
Best time to visit Oshawa
July, August, and September are the ideal months to visit Oshawa. These are the best months for a tourist to visit the great city of Oshawa.
