Enjoy a vibrant lakeside setting in Oakville
Perched on the north-western shore of shimmering Lake Ontario, just 30 minutes by car from downtown Toronto, Oakville is among the province’s most picturesque and prosperous towns. Its bustling downtown area is awash with cutting-edge galleries, chic fashion boutiques, and eclectic eateries, and from spring to fall you can shop for fabulously fresh seasonal produce at colorful farmers’ markets. A jam-packed year-round program of events and festivals ensures that there’s always something new to see and do, from free live music to open-air art exhibitions. And with an array of centrally located Oakville vacation rentals to choose from, you can stay right in the heart of the action.
Oakville’s awesome arts scene
If you’re after a culture fix within easy reach of your Oakville vacation rental, look no further than the Oakville Galleries. Operating out of 2 pristine venues, this cherished local organization expertly curates an ever-rotating program of thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Oakwood Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved historical home set in lush gardens, tells the story of the town through ethnological artifacts, local arts and crafts, and all manner of quirky antiques and everyday objects. Oakville is also home to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for any fan of the sport.
Fabulous summer festivals in Oakville
Oakville’s annual festivals draw visitors from all over Ontario and beyond. Each June, the Oakville Family Ribfest serves up lip-smacking, award-winning ribs alongside equally hefty helpings of kid-friendly fun. Meanwhile in July, the whole town takes to the streets for Midnight Madness, an evening-long, open-air extravaganza with live entertainment, street food, and shopping. Oakville’s lakeside location makes it a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, particularly in the warm summer months. Hire a sail boat, embark on a fishing expedition or bracing hike, or simply lounge around on the sandy shoreline and soak up some rays.
Sunny summer days in Oakville
The high summer season of June to August is the most popular time to book Oakville vacation rentals. Days are long, sunny, and pleasantly warm, although rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, so be sure to pack something waterproof. If you want to enjoy the town in the company of fewer visitors, late spring and early fall are good options. Winters are milder than in many other regions of Canada, but temperatures are often below freezing from December until March.
Exploring the natural landscape of Oakville
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Oakville is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are some of the area’s noteworthy features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Bronte Creek Provincial Park (6 mi / 9.6 km)
- Centennial Park (13.8 mi / 22.2 km)
- Royal Botanical Gardens (15.5 mi / 25 km)
- High Park (17 mi / 27.3 km)
- RBC Echo Beach (17.8 mi / 28.7 km)
- Trinity Bellwoods Park (18.5 mi / 29.7 km)
Traveling to and around Oakville
Fly into Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ), the closest airport, located 15.3 mi (24.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which is 18.5 mi (29.8 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Oakville Station or Bronte Station and explore the city from there.