Oshawa, Ontario is located on Lake Ontario, 56 kilometres east of downtown Toronto. Oshawa offers visitors a wealth of year-round of activities and attractions. Many of Oshawa's cultural facilities and attractions stem from the interests of the McLaughlin family, the founding family of General Motors Canada Ltd. Visitors to Oshawa can enjoy shopping at unique boutiques, enjoy fine dining at one of several charming restaurants or relax in a casual eatery. For a taste of culture, visit the Robert McLauglin Gallery, the Canadian Automotive Museum, or take a walk and discover the large collection of historical murals and seasonal Farmers' Market at the Queen's Market Square in the heart of the city. Don't miss the annual Waterfront Festival, which kicks off Fiesta, a week-long festival involving a parade, concert, international cuisine, entertainment, a Teddy Bear Picnic and more.
Things to do in Oshawa
Bowmanville Zoological Park
On 45 acres of parklike land, the zoo features more than 300 animals such as elephants, lions, tigers and monkeys. Elephant rides, children's mechanical rides and picnic facilities are available. Animal shows are performed daily. Call (905) 623-5655 for more information.
340 King St. E., Bowmanville, On L1C 3K9
Canadian Automotive Museum
The Canadian Automotive Museum has than 70 displays trace the development of the automobile since the turn of the 20th century, on the site of a car dealership that dates to the 1920s. Call (905) 576-1222 for more information.
99 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa, On L1H 4G7
Jungle Cat World
Jungle Cat World is off Hwy. 35/115 Taunton Rd. exit to 3667 Concession Rd. 6. The 6-hectare (15-acre) wildlife park, which specializes in wild members of the cat family, allows visitors to learn about species such as Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. Guests can watch the animals being fed as well as interact with deer, goats, donkeys, sheep and peacocks that have free roam of the park. Call (905) 983-5016 for more information.
3667 Concession Rd. 6, Orono, On L0B 1M0
Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate National Historic Site
Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate National Historic Site, off Hwy. 401 exit 417 to 270 Simcoe St. N., was the home of R.S. McLaughlin, a pioneer in the automotive industry. The site comprises a 55-room mansion furnished with antiques and original artwork and is complemented by landscaped grounds, an Italianate garden, an Oriental sunken garden, five fountains and ornamental pools. Parkwood is a rare surviving example of an estate of the inter-war years. Special events are held throughout the year. Call (905) 433-4311 for more information.
270 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, On L1G 4T5
The Ontario Regiment Museum and Ferret Club
The Ontario Regiment Museum and Ferret Club is off Hwy. 401 Park Rd. exit to 1000 Stevenson Rd. N., following airport signs. The museum displays wartime uniforms from around the world; weapons, medals and photographs of soldiers in the Ontario Regiment; and more than 50 restored military vehicles from World War II to Desert Storm, including locally built trucks, scout cars, jeeps and tanks. A Ferret is a type of armored vehicle used by the British and Canadian armies from the 1950s to the mid-1970s. Call (905) 728-6199 for more information.
1000 Stevenson Rd. N., Oshawa, On L1J 5P5