Oshawa: A City with Something for Everyone

Oshawa, located in southern Ontario, Canada, is a charming city with a rich history and many attractions to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, enjoying nature, or trying out local cuisine, Oshawa has something for everyone. In this itinerary, we’ve suggested a few activities, restaurants, and accommodation options to help you plan your trip to Oshawa.

Day 1

Morning:

Start your day with breakfast at The Table by Carol, a cozy restaurant serving delicious brunch items like pancakes and eggs benedict. They have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. The restaurant is located in downtown Oshawa and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy your meal while taking in the local surroundings and planning your day. After breakfast, head to the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens to explore the beautiful gardens and walking trails. The gardens are open year-round and admission is free.

Afternoon:

Visit the Canadian Automotive Museum to learn about the history of the automobile in Canada. The museum has a collection of over 100 vehicles and various exhibits showcasing the evolution of the automotive industry. You’ll get to see vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and other types of transportation that will take you back in time. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is $10 for adults. Take a stroll around downtown Oshawa and explore the shops and cafes.

Evening:

For dinner, try La Pizza & Pasta, which offers both vegetarian and vegan options. This Italian restaurant is located near the waterfront and has a cozy atmosphere. If you are Meat eater you can have dinner at Buster Rhino’s Southern BBQ, a popular spot for ribs, brisket, and other BBQ classics. The restaurant is located in a historic building and has a cozy and rustic ambiance. Enjoy your meal with some of the best BBQ sauce in town, and take in the live music that often plays in the background. After dinner, take a stroll through the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spot some local wildlife. Catch a movie or live performance at the Regent Theatre.

Accommodation:

Stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa Downtown – Toronto Area, which is conveniently located in the downtown area.

Day 2

Morning:

Grab breakfast at Cork & Bean, a café that serves fresh coffee and tasty breakfast options like waffles and breakfast sandwiches. The café has a relaxing atmosphere and is a great spot to start your day. Start your day with a trip to the Oshawa Centre, the largest shopping Centre in the Durham Region. Browse the shops and enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes.

Afternoon:

Head to the Parkwood National Historic Site to tour the historic mansion that was once the home of R.S. McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors Canada. The estate also features beautiful gardens and a greenhouse. Learn about the history of the McLaughlin family and see how they lived during the early 1900s.

Evening:

Enjoy dinner at Oshawa’s oldest restaurant, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, known for its classic steakhouse fare and cocktails. The restaurant is located in a historic building and offers a sophisticated atmosphere. For Vegetarian or Vegan dinner, try The Table by Carol again, as they have plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. After dinner, catch a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Oshawa Cinemas, located nearby.

Day 3

Morning:

Start your day with breakfast at Wimpy’s Diner, a classic diner serving breakfast staples like bacon and eggs and fluffy pancakes. The diner has a retro vibe and is a popular spot for locals. Start your day with a visit to Lakeview Park, a beautiful park located on the shore of Lake Ontario. Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views.

Afternoon:

Visit the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, which showcases contemporary art. It also features a collection of works by Canadian artist and Group of Seven member, Tom Thomson. The gallery is located in downtown Oshawa and has a rotating selection of exhibitions throughout the year. After lunch, head to the Parkwood National Historic Site, a beautiful mansion that was once home to the wealthy McLaughlin family. The site is open from May to December and admission is $15 for adults.

Evening:

For dinner, try the vegan and vegetarian options at The Courtyard Restaurant, which offers a diverse menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. For Non-Vegetarian try dinner at The Tap and Tankard, a lively pub that serves pub-style food and has a wide selection of beer on tap. The pub often hosts live music or trivia nights, making it a fun spot to spend your last evening in Oshawa. Attend a concert or event at the Tribute Communities Centre.

Other Activities to do:

Go bowling at Neb’s Fun World:

Neb’s Fun World is a popular entertainment complex located in Oshawa, offering a wide range of activities and games for people of all ages. One of the most popular attractions at Neb’s Fun World is the bowling alley, which boasts 52 lanes and a fun, lively atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced bowler or a beginner, Neb’s Fun World offers a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends or family.

The bowling alley at Neb’s Fun World is well-maintained and features state-of-the-art technology, including computerized scoring and automatic bumpers for younger children. You can choose to play by the hour or by the game, and there are different pricing options available depending on the day and time you visit.

In addition to bowling, Neb’s Fun World also offers a range of other attractions, including laser tag, arcade games, mini-golf, and bumper cars. You can purchase individual tickets for each attraction or take advantage of one of the many package deals available, which offer discounts on multiple activities.

Overall, if you are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend some time in Oshawa, be sure to check out the bowling alley at Neb’s Fun World. With its lively atmosphere, state-of-the-art facilities, and wide range of activities, it is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Oshawa is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Oshawa:

• The Table by Carol
• La Pizza & Pasta
• The Courtyard Restaurant
• Kabab and Roll
• Berry Hill Food Company
• Copper Branch

Safety:

Oshawa, like any other city, has its share of crime and safety concerns, but overall it is a relatively safe place to visit. According to the latest crime statistics released by the Durham Regional Police Service, Oshawa has a lower crime rate compared to other cities in the region. However, as with any city, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is a good idea to avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, keep your valuables secure, and follow basic safety guidelines. If you are ever in doubt or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to contact the police for assistance.

Oshawa is a great destination for those looking for a relaxing yet engaging getaway. With its beautiful parks, interesting museums, and diverse restaurant scene, visitors are sure to have a memorable trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, there’s plenty to see and do in Oshawa. We hope this itinerary has given you a good starting point for planning your trip to this lovely city.