Oshawa

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Oshawa's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Oshawa
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, enjoying the beautiful flora. Grab a coffee at a local café nearby.

afternoon
:

Head to the Canadian Auto Museum to learn about the city's automotive history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro with local flavors.

evening
:

Stroll along the waterfront at Lake Ontario, taking in the sunset views. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood.

day 2
Nature and Parks
morning
:

Visit the Harmony Valley Trail for a refreshing morning hike surrounded by nature. Bring a packed breakfast to enjoy on the trail.

afternoon
:

Visit the Oshawa Centre for shopping and dining options. Try a different local eatery for a tasty lunch and enjoy some retail therapy.

evening
:

Unwind at the Memorial Park with an evening walk and enjoy the local art installations. Dinner at a cozy restaurant will round off the day nicely.

day 3
Artsy Oshawa
morning
:

Explore the Robert McLaughlin Gallery to appreciate contemporary art. Spend some time at the gallery's café for a light breakfast.

afternoon
:

Attend a local art workshop or join a creative class. Lunch at a sandwich shop nearby will give you the energy for the afternoon.

evening
:

Catch a live show or concert at the Regent Theatre for a dose of local culture. Conclude with a late-night dessert at a charming café.

day 4
Bike and Dine
morning
:

Rent a bike and ride along the Oshawa waterfront trail to get some exercise in the morning sun. Stop at a lakeside park for a picnic-style breakfast.

afternoon
:

Continue your bike ride to the Oshawa Science Centre for fun educational exhibits. Break for lunch at a family-friendly restaurant in the area.

evening
:

Return to downtown Oshawa for dinner at a renowned steakhouse. Cap off the day with a stroll around the vibrant downtown streets.

day 5
History Day
morning
:

Visit the Oshawa Museum to dive into the local history and heritage. Plan for a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

afternoon
:

Explore Parkwood Estate, the grand home of the late industrialist Samuel McLaughlin. Enjoy a picnic on the estate's grounds during lunch.

evening
:

Take a ghost tour to learn about Oshawa's haunted past. Grab a late-night snack from a local eatery before calling it a night.

day 6
Shopping Spree
morning
:

Start with breakfast at a popular diner, trying their famous pancakes. Afterward, explore the shops at the Oshawa Centre for a shopping spree.

afternoon
:

Visit local boutiques and artisan shops to find unique items. Break for lunch at a trendy café featuring local ingredients.

evening
:

Attend a local event, such as a farmer's market or craft show, to support the community. Enjoy dinner at a casual restaurant nearby to wind down.

day 7
Business and Fun
morning
:

Check out the local co-working spaces for breakfast networking with entrepreneurs. Then visit the local library to explore resources for inspiration.

afternoon
:

Attend a local business seminar or workshop to gain insights into the community's business landscape. Lunch could be a working meal with colleagues at a nearby restaurant.

evening
:

Relax with After Hours networking events at local lounges or bars. Enjoy dinner at an upscale steakhouse to treat yourself for the hard work.

day 8
Lakeside Relaxation
morning
:

Spend your morning at one of the lakeside parks, enjoying the sun and fresh air. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy while watching the lake.

afternoon
:

Try out some water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Ontario. Grab lunch at a lakeside café with great views.

evening
:

Wind down at the beach with a bonfire and roasting marshmallows. Have dinner at a beachside restaurant painted with stunning views of the lake.

day 9
Train History
morning
:

Visit the Ontario Railway Museum to begin exploring Oshawa's railroad history. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a diner before your exploration.

afternoon
:

Join a guided tour of historical trains and locomotives at the museum. Have lunch at a nearby eatery known for its sandwiches and pastries.

evening
:

Wrap up the day at the General Motors Centre enjoying a hockey game or other live sports event. Treat yourself to post-game dinner at a local sports bar.

day 10
Family Fun Day
morning
:

Start at the Kids' Safety Village, an interactive place for learning about safety. Have some fun with a breakfast buffet at a family-friendly eatery.

afternoon
:

Visit the McLaughlin Branch of the Oshawa Public Library for storytime and activities. Grab lunch at a fast-casual restaurant that kids love.

evening
:

Head to the Oshawa Skate Park for some evening fun with the family. Choose a casual dinner spot with kids’ menus to wrap up the day.

Discover Oshawa

Read more in our Oshawa 2024 Travel Guide.

Oshawa Travel Guide