About Oakville
Oakville boasts a vibrant business community with a bustling downtown commercial district, with more than 250 national and international corporate headquarters. Family-friendly Oakville offers recreational programs for residents of all ages and over 2,400 acres of parkland, convenient commercial areas and schools.
The city is a thriving area with a lively urban center that radiates small town charm. Downtown Oakville offers more than 400 restaurants, fine shops, galleries, and services all housed in renovated 19th century buildings on historic downtown streets. Residents enjoy inviting cafes, bistros and restaurants centered along Lakeshore Road East. Well-maintained storefronts provide everything from high fashion boutique shopping and gourmet food purveyors to health and wellness centres, day spas and salons.
There are 150 kilometres of trails that connect to every district in town, including the Heritage Trail system, Sixteen Mile Creek Trail and Waterfront Trail along the scenic shore of Lake Ontario. Bikers enjoy the trails as well as additional bike routes, and horseback riders can enjoy the local stable. Picturesque Oakville and Bronte harbours offer docks for powerboats and sailboats along the shoreline. Oakville is the home of the Canadian Open, and experienced golfers and high handicappers enjoy seven golf courses in the area.
The city is known for its Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival, a free annual summer music fest that draws music enthusiasts to the Lakeshore Road East location. Parades and street festivals including the Waterfront Festival, For the Love of the Arts, Midnight Madness and Oakville Family Ribfest attract enthusiastic crowds. The Oakville Center for Performing Arts hosts music, dance, theatre and comedy performances, and the Oakville Museum is housed in the Erchless Estate, the former home of the city’s founding family. Artistic groups share the CommUnity Arts Space at a local community centre, and Oakville Galleries features over a thousand works of art in two Oakville locations.
The Old Lighthouse in Bronte’s Heritage Waterfront Park was built in 1875 and presides over the harbour, the boardwalk and pier. Lovely parklands with picnic facilities and play areas for the children are also featured. Oakville residents enjoy the Bronte Village beach and nature trails, and anglers can join a fishing charter for the chance to catch a trophy salmon. For trendy shopping with an eclectic feel, Kerr Village offers one-of-a-kind “mom and pop” shops and unique stores with artwork, handcrafted furniture, antiques and accessories. This multicultural area offers delicious ethnic eateries and street festivals throughout the year. The tranquil beauty, lakeside location, proximity to Toronto and array of outstanding amenities in Oakville make it the perfect place for young families, professionals and retirees.
