Top Fun Things To Do in Oakville, Ontario

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Contributor Kim Kerr recently spent time exploring the western GTA, and shares this list of the top things to do in Oakville

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The town of Oakville, a charming community situated a short drive west of Toronto, is well-known for its beautiful waterfront, its historic downtown, and its many recreational opportunities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there are plenty of fun things to do in Oakville, making it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

One of the most popular attractions is Oakville Harbour. Set on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, here you can enjoy a stroll along the lakefront or rent a boat to explore the lake. Another must-see is Bronte Creek Provincial Park, which offers hiking trails, a playground, and a farm for visitors to explore. Interested in history? Then visit Oakville Museum, a great place to learn about the town’s history and heritage.

The town also features great shopping and dining options, with the downtown area boasting a variety of unique boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Interested in the arts? The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is also a great destination for those who enjoy live theater and music performances.

Whether you live here or are passing through, you’ll learn more about this amazing Ontario destination on our list of the top things to do in Oakville, Ontario

Top Fun Things To Do in Oakville, Ontario

Get Your Shopping Fix at Oakville Place Mall

Oakville Place is a high-end shopping mall that features over 150 stores and services, including major anchor retailers such as Hudson’s Bay and LL Bean. The mall also has a wide variety of smaller fashion outlets, including boutique clothing stores, as well as jewelry, beauty and personal care, home décor, and electronics stores.

Oakville Place is also home to several fast-food and sit-down restaurants, as well as a food court that offers a variety of dining options. Other amenities for visitors to enjoy include a children’s play area, a currency exchange, a nursing room, and a helpful customer service desk.

The mall also offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, fashion shows, and community events. Conveniently located near major highways, Oakville Malls is easily accessible from most parts of the Greater Toronto Area. Ample free parking is available.

Address: 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville, ON

Website: https://oakvilleplace.com

Enjoy a Luxury Stay as You Explore Oakville

Oakville and its neighbours are home to a variety of luxury places to stay for travelers looking for a high-end experience.

One of the most popular options is the classy The Waterside Inn in Mississauga. This historic boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Ontario offers luxurious rooms and suites, each with spectacular lake views. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool, fitness center, and several dining options, including a fine dining restaurant.

For those looking for a more private experience, there are several vacation rental properties in Oakville that offer luxury amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, and high-end finishes. One of our favourites is the Luxury White House. This classy abode boasts four bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeps up to eight guests comfortably, and is just minutes away from the trendy Kerr Village shopping and dining area. Parking is available onsite.

For those who don’t mind a little drive, the luxurious Hotel X Toronto is certainly worth considering as a base from which to explore Oakville. Part of the chic Library Hotel Collection, this ritzy 5-star hotel offers guests a superlative stay just 25 minutes from downtown Oakville. In addition to its bright, modern rooms and suites, high-end amenities include a fine dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, and squash and tennis courts.

Enjoy Oakville’s Vibrant Food and Drink Scene

Looking for a world-class dining experience in the GTA? Oakville offers a variety of excellent dining options for visitors and locals alike, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. The town’s in fact home to a diverse array of cuisines including everything from Italian, French, and Mediterranean fare, to eateries specializing in Asian and North American fare.

Our favorites include Trattoria Timone Ristorante Italiano, popular oyster bar and home-made pastas; Hexagon Restaurant for its fine French-inspire dishes; and Maro’s Bistro, loved by locals for its colourful, flavourful Mediterranean menu.

You can read more about these and other inspired dining options on our Top Oakville Restaurants & Fine Dining Experiences article.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Bronte Creek Provincial Park Ontario

Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and amenities for you to enjoy, including hiking trails, a playground, a farm, and more. The park features a variety of hiking trails that wind through the natural landscape, offering the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife while enjoying the region’s beauty.

One of the most popular features of the park is the Nature Centre. Here you can participate in a variety of educational programs and exhibits about the natural world. Visitors can also explore the historic Spruce Lane Farm, which features a variety of domesticated animals along with farm equipment from the early 1900s.

Travelling with kids? The park also features a playground and several picnic areas, making it a great spot for families with children. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. The park also offers a campground.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park also hosts several events and activities throughout the year, such as maple syrup festivals, bird watching tours, and guided nature walks.

Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, ON

Website: www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek

Visit Lions Valley Park

One of the top things to do in Oakville for lovers of green spaces, Lions Valley Park offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking trails, a playground, a sports field, and more.

The park’s hiking trails are especially popular. Winding through this picturesque natural landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife while enjoying the beauty of nature.

The park also features a playground and a sports field, making it a great spot for families with children and sports enthusiasts. The park also offers a picnic area, perfect for a family gathering or a small picnic with friends.

Recreational activities such as fishing and swimming are also popular, while in winter visitors can explore the trails with snowshoes or cross-country skiis. Lions Valley Park also hosts several fun events and activities throughout the year, such as bird watching tours and guided nature walks.

The park is conveniently located near major highways, making it easily accessible from many parts of the Greater Toronto Area. Ample parking available.

Address: 1227 Lions Valley Park Rd, Oakville, ON

Website: https://visitoakville.com/locations/lions-valley-park/

Soar Like a Bird With iFly Toronto

Here’s one for the truly adventurous: iFly Toronto. This fun indoor skydiving facility offers you the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of skydiving without the need for an actual plane or parachute. How? Well, the facility features a vertical wind tunnel that simulates the sensation of freefall, allowing visitors to float on a column of air and experience the feeling of skydiving.

iFly Toronto offers a variety of packages, including first-time flyers, groups, and birthday parties. All packages include a brief training session and the use of all necessary equipment, such as a flight suit and helmet. The facility also offers a spectator area for friends and family to watch the flights.

Additional services such as flight certificates and video / photo packages are also available. The facility is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and no prior experience is required. The experienced instructors will guide you through the process and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Contributor Kim Kerr is a Muskoka-based writer and editor with a penchant for the good life.