Searching for a delightful place to call home? This Ontario treasure shows that you don’t need to go far from Toronto to find it. With its stunning lakeside views, rich history, and charming downtown area, it’s considered one of the top places to live in Canada by our readers.
On Narcity Canada’s Facebook page, we asked our followers to share their favorite small towns in Canada, and this lakeside community in Ontario was among the favorites.
Just under an hour from Toronto, Oakville is a beautiful waterfront town on Lake Ontario famous for its lovely streets and picturesque shoreline.
The town features “picturesque harbours, vibrant shopping districts, active arts community and some of the best dining options in the Greater Toronto Area,” according to Visit Oakville.
Exploring downtown is easy and enjoyable; it’s filled with character and offers a variety of restaurants, attractions, local shops, and markets.
A standout feature is the town’s wealth of green spaces. Oakville boasts hundreds of scenic parks, over 200 kilometres of trails, and many lovely outdoor areas that make enjoying nature year-round a breeze.
The waterfront provides a perfect setting for sunset strolls and picnics along the shore. You can also spend sunny days at Coronation Park and Bronte Beach Park.
This town has plenty of activities and entertainment options for everyone. From indoor skydiving and escape rooms to classic drive-in movies, bowling alleys, laser tag venues, and trampoline parks – there’s always something exciting happening here.
Though it may not be a large city, Oakville features a diverse culinary scene with over 200 restaurants waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after cozy cafés or upscale brunch spots with stunning views from waterfront patios – you’ll find countless dining choices available.
According to Invest Oakville, “in Oakville, quality of life is not just an expression; it is a reality that ranks right near the top as one of the main reasons business leaders, owners and employees choose our community to work and to live.”
“Business thrives in Oakville because people thrive in Oakville. It’s established neighbourhoods, acclaimed schools, and abundant parklands – all in one place.”
Living here isn’t exactly budget-friendly. RE/MAX states that Oakville’s cost of living “tends to be slightly higher than other areas in Ontario,” with median home prices around $1,599,345 as reported by Zolo back in June 2026.
If you’re looking for your next hometown adventure, readers highlight Oakville as one of Canada’s best small towns.
Visit Oakville website
Before you head out on your journey, take a look at our Responsible Travel Guide so you can stay informed while being safe smart while showing respect during your travels.
