This accessible paved multi-use recreational trail winds through the Harmony Creek valley, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. The recreational trail has a number of steep slopes and edges that are close to the creek. Caution is advised when accessing and using the recreational trail.
Use on-road connections to access:
• Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path
• Michael Starr Trail
Access points:
• Donevan Recreation Complex
• Eastbourne Park
• Farewell Park
Parks and Trails
Oshawa has many parks, beaches, and natural areas. Popular spots include Lakeview Park, nature reserves, playgrounds, sports facilities, splash pads, and community gardens. These places are for everyone to enjoy outdoor fun, explore nature, and join community events.
Trails
Explore Oshawa's trail system
Oshawa is home to a well-connected trail network designed for walking, cycling, hiking, and enjoying nature year-round.
Many of our scenic trails wind through neighbourhood parks, school grounds, university campuses, and open green spaces—offering not only beautiful outdoor experiences but also practical connections to commercial areas, business districts, and academic institutions.
Whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply exploring, Oshawa’s trail system makes it easy to stay active and connected.
Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek bike path - 7 km
This paved path winds through the scenic Oshawa Creek valley, surrounded by trees and wildlife. The creek is home to trout and salmon that migrate in the spring and fall.
Access points
• Bloor and Simcoe Streets
• Brick by Brick Park
• Children’s Arena
• Erie Park
• Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden
• Lakeview Park
• Rotary Park
• Southmead Park
• Storie Park
McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve - 7 km
Donated to the City of Oshawa by General Motors of Canada for community enjoyment, the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve includes approximately 87 acres.
The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve features almost seven kilometres of walking trails and viewing platforms. It is in close proximity to the Waterfront Trail, Darlington Provincial Park, and Oshawa Second Marsh (a Provincially Significant Wetland and Area of Natural and Scientific Interest). Collectively, the area is home to numerous species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. No camping, open fires, or dogs are permitted (except for certified guide dogs on the Dogwood Trail).
Access point: Ontario Power Generation Head Office
This urban trail follows former CN spur line that once connected Oshawa’s industries to the rest of North America. It honours Colonel Michael Starr for his contributions to Oshawa and Canada. Relatively flat in nature, this paved path provides easy access to Downtown Oshawa and has several road crossings.
Use on-road connections to access:
• Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path
• Harmony Creek Trail
Access point: Cowan Park
Second Marsh Wildlife Reserve - 2.5 km
Second marsh is a 140 ha wetland located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Southeast Oshawa. This wetland provides important habitat for an array of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile and insect species, especially during spring and fall migration.
Access points:
• Farewell St.
Colonel Sam Dr.
The Waterfront Trail runs for over 1,400 km along the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and several rivers. Oshawa’s part of the trail is 11 km long, stretching from Whitby in the west to Clarington in the east. This scenic path offers great views of the lake and connects people to nature and the waterfront.
As you explore Oshawa's section of the recreational trail, you will come across several parks and natural areas, including:
• Lakeview Park
• Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park
• Lakefront West Park
• Renaissance Park
• Stone Street Park
• Pumphouse Marsh
• Oshawa Second Marsh
Learn as you navigate
Use your smartphone camera to scan Q.R. codes on signs along the trail. These codes give information about parks, points of interest, and amenities. They also help with directions by linking to other important spots on the trail.
Find a trail near you
Discover trails in your neighbouring communities with Durham's interactive online trail map that showcases paths and open spaces across the Region of Durham.
Trail users code
- No motorized vehicles
- Stay on the designated recreational trail
- No hunting
- Obey signs
- Keep right to allow others to pass
- Do not block the trail
- Keep the trails clean. Use the garbage cans where provided or take your litter home
- Keep pets on a leash (not longer than 2 metres)
- Respect and protect nature, leave flowers, plants and trees for all to enjoy
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and others
- Remember: Trail conditions can change due to seasonal flooding and freezing
When out exploring
Wild Parsnip and Cow Parsnip are flowering in Oshawa. These toxic weeds, resembling wildflowers can pose health risks to people and pets.