When folks think about a day trip from Toronto, they often picture hitting the beach. Most people expect me to mention places like Wasaga, Elora, Prince Edward County, or even Muskoka – which I might consider if I wanted to spend half the day driving, but I’m not up for that.
In summer, I crave a quick break from the city. And that place is Oakville.
I’m a woman in my mid-to-late 20s, and I’ve come to realize that I don’t want to waste three or four hours on the road if I’m just going out for the day. A weekend at the beach? Sure! But unless I’m heading to one of Toronto’s east-end beaches, I’m probably skipping those sandy shores for my day trips.
Nowadays, my ideal getaway isn’t about ticking off all of Toronto’s hot spots but rather about genuinely enjoying a break from city life. I look for somewhere that feels completely different from Toronto without an exhausting drive. I want somewhere laid-back, quieter, and with some real nature around.
For me, that’s Oakville.
The travel time alone makes it worthwhile. Whether you’re driving and watching the skyline fade behind you while traffic eases ahead – or catching the GO train at Union – it takes about 45 minutes west of Toronto. Honestly, that’s not much longer than some commutes in this city!
No matter how you arrive there, once you do get there you’ll find streets lined with tall trees and stunning homes that seem straight out of a Nancy Meyers film.
You really notice how spacious everything feels when you leave the hustle of the city and venture into suburbia. The city can feel so cramped after being away for even a little while.
This is why every time I visit Oakville, my day starts at Goodlife Fitness in Oakville Place. This two-story gym beats any location I’ve seen in town; it makes my affordable membership feel like one of those fancy ones I’ve always wanted. It has everything – a steam room and sauna in the locker room, a yoga studio, a Hyrox training club, and even a recovery room – honestly, I’d be happy spending all day there!
After checking out all their facilities, I’ll head over to downtown Oakville for one of Ontario’s best main streets. Unlike other small-town strips that are done in ten minutes flat, this one gives me real vacation vibes.
The sidewalks are wide enough so you’re not dodging people everywhere; they’re beautifully designed with stonework and filled with upscale shops-making me feel like I’ve traveled to Miami.
I love wandering into various shops-from coffee spots to flower stores to boutiques. For me, must-visit places include one of Ontario’s few remaining Anthropologie locations and Tribeca Coffee.
Living in such a big city can make you feel pretty anonymous; maybe it’s because there are literally millions around? But at Tribeca Coffee it’s more like something out of a sitcom where everyone knows your name-the walls feature polaroids of customers’ dogs and folks relax over coffee instead of rushing off somewhere else.
After getting my caffeine fix (essential!), I’ll browse more shops but usually know exactly where I’m headed next: Bong’s convenience store for reasonably priced flowers before making my way to the water.
Yes! Oakville has its own waterfront too! It’s along Lake Ontario just like our city’s shoreline. The trails by the lake are serene and well-kept with magnificent old trees lining them.
You can watch sailboats glide across or enjoy dinner at an elegant lakeside restaurant-or even pack your own picnic! With all the amazing food options available here though it’s tough choosing just one: so why not have both?
I suggest grabbing some sandwiches from Sandwich Society on Kerr Street because what’s better than huge Italian sandwiches? Or stop by Monastery Bakery for their legendary hot table (I usually go for Mac & Cheese), or even visit Nostalgia Latin Market for authentic empanadas. Whatever you decide on should be easy to carry since we’ll be eating by the water after walking those trails! Find yourself a park bench (there are plenty) or sit closer on rocks by Lake Ontario-either way works great as it’s super refreshing thanks to breezy waters!
Once you’ve eaten up nicely you’ll have plenty of energy left over so let’s do some house hunting! If “Cheaper by The Dozen” was filmed anywhere nearby it’d surely be here as houses take inspiration from all my favorite films-there are lakehouses reminiscent of Diane Keaton’s place in “Something’s Gotta Give,” plus wrap-around porches perfect for debating whether you’re Nicole Kidman or Sandra Bullock from “Practical Magic.”
End your evening Gilmore Girls style with dinner followed by catching a movie! Just like Stars Hollow had its charm , Film. ca offers that cozy intimate theatre vibe unlike those giant multiplexes we’re used to seeing at Cineplex locations.
Wrap things up with delicious eats from any local restaurant-you won’t run out choices!
While it may not aim high as Ontario’s biggest tourist spot nor does it boast amusement parks , what makes Oakville special is simply this: every summer , it grants us permission slow down-and enjoy life more fully.
After visiting , I always leave feeling relaxed refreshed ready head back home knowing returning will only take shortest possible commute possible when going away.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
