Discover Oshawa – Nature, Museums and History

Oshawa brings together several distinct themes for planning your trip: a provincially significant wetland, a publicly accessible stretch along the shore of Lake Ontario, and museums devoted to automotive history and historic houses. If you’re looking for a hotel in Oshawa, consider which of these aspects you’d like to focus on. Nature spots, collections and tours offer different ways to plan your stay. Also note the conditions for each visit: some tours must be arranged in advance, while others are affected by the season and scheduled dates.

Nature on Lake Ontario and at Second Marsh

Oshawa Second Marsh, a provincially significant wetland, is located in southeast Oshawa. Publicly accessible bridges, observation towers and boardwalks are part of the area’s visitor infrastructure. As these may change temporarily, it’s worth checking the latest notices before your visit.

The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail section in Oshawa follows the shore of Lake Ontario and is publicly accessible. Unlike Second Marsh, the trail focuses on the lake’s shoreline; the marsh is a wetland. The two places therefore differ in their landscape, which can help you choose a nature-focused activity. Check for temporary trail notices before your visit.

Automotive History and Events

In Oshawa’s historic downtown, the Canadian Automotive Museum has preserved and shared the history of Canada’s automotive industry since 1963. Its collection ranges from a tribute to the 1897 Fossmobile to a 2008 electric ZENN. This span connects an early historical reference point with a much later electric vehicle; exhibits may change.

The museum offers activities for all ages throughout the year, including tours, driving events and talks. Check the dates of individual events before your trip.

Historic Houses and Guided Visits

The Oshawa Museum comprises three restored 19th-century houses: Henry House, Robinson House and Guy House. Parkwood National Historic Site offers a different focus: guided tours through luxurious interiors featuring nationally significant architecture, original furnishings, artworks and artifacts. The distinction is clear: the Oshawa Museum comprises three restored houses, while Parkwood offers guided tours through luxurious interiors.

Tour arrangements also differ. The Oshawa Museum offers tours during opening hours without advance booking. At Parkwood, tour availability varies by season and booking schedule; check before your visit. The Canadian Tank Museum, by contrast, offers private tours that must be arranged and booked in advance for school classes, Canadian Armed Forces units, corporate groups and many other organizations.

Discover more destinations: Beaverton, Ajax, Newcastle, Bowmanville, Hampton, Scugog, Clarington, Pickering

For the regional travel overview: Regional Municipality of Durham.