Kick-off your trip to Oshawa by heading to Lakeview Park Beach. This public beach park features an impressive waterfront, sandy beaches, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a splash pad, and beach volleyball courts. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy the scenery or have a picnic with family and friends.
Explore the grandeur of Parkwood Estate, the former residence of the late Samuel McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada. This 55-room mansion features captivating architecture and elegant interiors that reflect the lifestyle of the wealthy McLaughlin family. Guided tours are available, and visitors can also stroll through the extensive gardens.
Take a stroll down memory lane and discover Canada's rich automotive heritage at the Canadian Automotive Museum. This museum is home to an extensive collection of vehicles dating from 1898 onwards. Highlights include cars made by Canadian car manufacturers, such as McLaughlin Buick and Tudhope, as well as cars made abroad.
While Oshawa is relatively small, having a car will make it easier to see all the attractions mentioned. Taxis and ride-share options are also available, but it can be more cost-effective to rent a vehicle if you're arriving from outside the city. Expect to spend around CAD 60 to rent a car for a day.
If you find yourself with extra time, consider exploring downtown Oshawa, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. Additionally, you may want to spend more time at Lakeview Park Beach and enjoy the various activities the park has to offer. If you have less time, consider leaving out the Canadian Automotive Museum and opting for a shorter tour of Parkwood Estate or simply enjoying a beach day at Lakeview Park.
The main airport serving Oshawa is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located 53 miles from the city center. Other options include Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), both approximately 60 miles from Oshawa.