Things to Do
Must-see attractions
Parkwood National Historic Site is one of Canada's last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape and interior designs of the 1920s and 1930s. The former home of R.S. McLaughlin and his family, it is now a National Historic Site.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) is the most extensive public gallery in Durham Region with a permanent collection of over 4000 works of art, four galleries of exhibitions; programs; and two art and education studios.
The Canadian Automotive Museum is Canada's only museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Canada's automotive industry. Housed in a 1920s car dealership, visitors explore the development of the automobile with vehicles and artifacts.
Located on the historical south field of the Oshawa Executive Airport, Oshawa Regiment Museum is home to Canada's most extensive collection of operational, historic military vehicles. In addition, find an extensive static display section with artifacts dating up to 200 years ago.
The Oshawa Museum illustrates our rich heritage from the earliest Indigenous inhabitants to present day. Featuring a collection of 50,000+ objects and records stored and displayed throughout three homes, Henry House (1840), Guy House (1845) and Robinson House (1856).
Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum exhibits Oshawa's rich sports history and achievements made by inductees. Check out the wide variety of sporting artifacts, memorabilia and photographs.
Check out the Oshawa Community Events Calendar for various events happening in and around the city!
Entertainment opportunities
- Tribute Communities Centre, one of the world's top-rated venues of its size, hosts the Oshawa Generals, concerts and conventions.
- Ontario Philharmonic is one of Canada's most respected professional regional Orchestras. Listen to a performance at the Regent Theatre.
- Regent Theatre hosts many cultural events and entertainers in Downtown Oshawa.
- Biltmore Theatre hosts concerts, special events, wedding parties, corporate functions and more.
- BOND|ST Event Centre opened its doors in 2024 and is an entertainment mecca, with two homes for live music and events - the Mainstage and TwoTwoTwo.
- Catch a performance from Oshawa Little Theatre, Driftwood Theatre and Durham Shoestring Performers.
- Join us for a local festival or event, including:
- Bright and Merry Market
- Canada Day
- Convergence
- Doors Open Oshawa
- Kars on King
- Peony Festival
- Purple Woods Conservation Area's Maple Syrup Festival
- Tank Saturday
- Yuk Yuk's
- Find more attractions on the Oshawa Tourism website
Shopping
Support local, Oshawa has it all!
Shop local and find something unique from our local businesses and share it on social media.
Explore the Oshawa Centre, the largest and busiest shopping centre in Durham Region!
Get outside
- Explore city gardens such as the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, site of North America's largest Peony collection.
- Visit the Oak Ridges Moraine, home to Treetop Eco-Adventure Park, a zip-line and outdoor adventure park.
- Enjoy a day visiting animals at the Oshawa Zoo.
- Hike through Pumphouse Marsh, Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
- Plan the day at Lakeview Park, offering several picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, a waterfront pier and a beach.
- Cycle along 70+ km of bike lanes and 27 km of paved trails on our trail network.
Looking for a bite to eat? Oshawa is home to a variety of culinary options.
Why not extend your stay?