Aliu IsaOakville is a quiet lakeside town known for its beautiful harbor and abundant green spaces. Many moons ago, during a spontaneous road trip, I decided to make a quick stop here just to check it out.
What was supposed to be a short pit stop turned into an unforgettable adventure—and by the end of the day, I promised myself I’d return to see more of its natural bounty.
Since then, I’ve made several trips back, exploring the city from both land and sea. Each visit offered new experiences, from wandering through lush parks to sailing along the calm waters of Lake Ontario, and unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or an entire weekend, I’ll help you make the most of your trip. I rounded up the best things to do in Oakville for a fun, outdoor adventure.
- 1. Spot iconic filming locations in downtown Oakville
- 2. Hike around Lions Valley Park
- 3. Picnic at the Gairloch Gardens
- 4. Go boating in Bronte Outer Harbor
- 5. Play golf at Glen Abbey Golf Club
- 6. Camp in Bronte Creek Provincial Park
- 7. Watch a film at the 5 Drive-In
- 8. Watch the sunset at Tannery Observation Deck and Beacon
1. Spot iconic filming locations in downtown Oakville
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Did you know that Oakville has become a hot spot for filming? This charming town has been the backdrop for everything from Tim Allen’s holiday classic The Santa Clause to the hit series The Handmaid’s Tale.
One of the best ways to soak in Oakville’s star power is by strolling along Lakeshore Road. It’s lined with local shops, cafes, and restaurants—many of which have had their moment of fame, like in Adam Sandler’s You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.
Lucky for you, the downtown area is pretty walkable, making it easier to navigate on foot. Once you’re done sightseeing, you can find a good patio to indulge in a light snack and perhaps some good coffee.
Pro Tip:
Download Driftscape from the App Store or Google Play to discover various film locations in Oakville.
2. Hike around Lions Valley Park
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Website: http://visitoakville.com/events/locations/lions-valley-park/
Location: 1227 Lions Valley Park Rd
Operating hours: Daily, 8 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +19058456601
Admission fee: FREE
Nestled within the Sixteen Mile Creek trail system, Lions Valley Park is a peaceful place to hike and soak up the natural beauty of Oakville. It is known for its hilly terrain, well-manicured lawns, and creek.
Locals usually come here to jog and walk their dogs because most of the trails are paved and well-kept, making them accessible for wheelchair users. However, other trails will require you to go up a steep flight of stairs so plan ahead before stopping by.
Another activity you should do here is a picnic. You can spread a blanket under the shade of a tree and reward yourself with some snacks after a hike.
Pro Tip:
There is a parking lot near the park, but space is quite limited. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s best to carpool or use other modes of transportation.
3. Picnic at the Gairloch Gardens
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Website: https://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/park-listing.html
Location: 1308 Lakeshore Rd E
Operating hours: Daily 6 AM to 10 PM
Admission fee: FREE
Gairloch Gardens is a small green space right by the waterfront, ideal for a slow, relaxing day out in Oakville. You might recognize it from Daniel Craig’s psychological thriller, Dream House, but rest assured, there’s nothing frightening about this garden.
Everyone comes here to picnic. Most people just spread a blanket over the perfectly manicured grass, but you can also sit near the boardwalk, facing the sea for the best views.
There are several benches around the area where you can take memorable photographs or sit in quiet contemplation. I recommend sitting by the pond so you can see the cute ducks floating around.
Pro Tip:
The gardens are beautiful all year round—even in winter. It’s quite a popular spot among locals and tourists so stop by first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
4. Go boating in Bronte Outer Harbor
Media credit: visitoakville
Location: 2340 Ontario St
Operating hours: Daily 8 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +19058277575
One of the best ways to experience Oakville is by boat. You can rent a boat in the marina and sail along the coast to experience the calm waters of Lake Ontario, which will give you a unique perspective of the historic lighthouse and the quaint town.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun group activity, boating in Bronte is a must-try. You’ll find boats in all shapes and sizes, which you can rent with or without a skipper.
At the end of the day, you can catch live music from local artists at the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park—all for free.
Pro Tip:
For the best sailing conditions, head out early in the morning or late afternoon during the summer months. You’ll catch the calmest waters and avoid peak crowds, making the experience even more enjoyable.
5. Play golf at Glen Abbey Golf Club
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Website: http://glenabbey.clublink.ca/
Location: 1333 Dorval Dr
Operating hours: Daily, 6 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +19058441800
Daily fee: Twilight $165, Regular $241
Another thing you can do in Oakville is play golf at Glen Abbey Golf Club, which offers a world-class golfing experience without the steep fees. Since this is a public course, it’s highly accessible to tourists.
Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Glen Abbey has hosted the prestigious Canadian Open multiple times. Apart from its championship-caliber design, it’s special because it caters to a range of skill levels, from casual golfers to seasoned players.
The well-maintained greens and challenging layout ensure that every round is enjoyable yet competitive. This is why it attracts a diverse crowd from all walks of life, including families, corporate groups, and golf aficionados.
Pro Tip:
To save more on your golf fees, book a twilight tee time. Go to their website to make a reservation on your preferred date.
6. Camp in Bronte Creek Provincial Park
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Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek
Location: 1219 Burloak Dr
Operating hours: Daily 8 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +19058276911
Amenities: Roofed accommodation, outdoor pool, farm, disc golf course, and comfort stations
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, go camping in Bronte Creek Provincial Park. You can pitch a tent, park an RV, or book a yurt—and no matter what you choose you’ll be a stone’s throw away from modern comforts and fun amenities.
There are several fun outdoor activities to do all year round, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Even kids will enjoy their stay here because they can pet cute animals on the farm or play some disc golf.
Perhaps the only downside is that the campsites aren’t dog-friendly. You’ll have to camp elsewhere if you’re traveling with your fur babies.
Pro Tip:
For roofed accommodations, they have a minimum 2-night stay requirement from Mondays to Fridays. On long weekends, you have to book a minimum of 3 nights to camp here.
7. Watch a film at the 5 Drive-In
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Website: http://5drivein.com/
Location: 2332 Ninth Line
Phone: +19052578272
Drive-in movie theaters aren’t a thing of the past—at least in Oakville, they’re not! If you’re in town, you might as well experience it firsthand by rolling into this outdoor theater and watching a film under the starry skies.
Here, they show the latest film releases, not just the old-school movies. They also have an incredible snack bar, which has everything from candy and popcorn to pulled pork sandwiches.
Arrive early to the theater because they have three screens and a single entrance. If you’re traveling with kids, you can head to the playground right next to the massive screen to keep them occupied before the show starts.
Pro Tip:
Buy tickets online in advance to secure a spot in the theater on your preferred date, especially if you’re watching a highly-anticipated film.
8. Watch the sunset at Tannery Observation Deck and Beacon
Media credit: visitoakville
Website: https://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/park-listing.html
Location: Oakville, ON L6K 3R7
Phone: Daily 8 AM to 10 PM
Located along the waterfront, Tannery Park has an observation deck, where you can see stunning views of Lake Ontario. It’s one of the best places to capture unforgettable photos.
Here, you’ll find a towering steel beacon, a striking landmark that also brings a touch of art to the shoreline.
What I like about Tannery Park is that it is within walking distance from other attractions around town. This makes it easy to spend the day exploring before settling in for a magical sunset.
Pro Tip:
Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot and explore the surrounding park. This way, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and find the perfect angle for capturing the beacon and sunset in your photos!
