Oakville

“Canada’s Best Place to Live” Regarded as one of the loveliest towns along Lake Ontario, Oakville is just 30 minutes from downtown Toronto and close to all major highways. Bordered by the cities of Mississauga, Burlington, and Milton, and only an hour’s drive to the vineyards and orchards of Niagara, it’s no wonder Oakville is regarded as an ideal location. Known as a safe and affluent community, Oakville has garnered several awards including “Canada’s best place to live”. This beautiful community has also been voted by Maclean’s, as one of the top five towns for “Best place for New Canadians”, “Best place to retire”, and “Best place to raise a family”.

Internationally Recognized

With a population of just under 200,000, Oakville is Ontario’s largest designated “town”, and it has the charm and intimate feel that goes along with the title. If the Oakville neighbourhood of Glen Abbey sounds familiar it’s because it is home to the Glen Abbey Golf Course, one of Canada’s most famous golf courses and host of the Canadian Open. Sheridan College Oakville Campus, internationally recognised for its business, animation, and arts program, is also situated here.

Trails and Festivals

Old Oakville’s waterfront features gorgeous walking trails which runs along the shore of Lake Ontario, and boutique shopping is found along Lakeshore Blvd.
One of Oakville’s newer communities, Bronte Creek, is bordered by the popular Bronte Creek Provincial Park, which is perfect for nature lovers! West Oak Trails is another one of Oakville’s younger communities and is known as a
family- centric neighbourhood with excellent schools, parks, and walking trails.

Oakville loves to celebrate, and the downtown core is always abuzz with a variety of different seasonal events. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in late November is a festive time where locals are greeted by carolers and warm apple cider. The Oakville Jazz Festival has been running since 1992 and is a very popular event alongside the annual Oakville Fashion Show where local models sport clothing from local shops. One of the most popular events is Midnight Madness shopping! Movie buffs make sure to not miss out on the 3-day Oakville Film Festival, held at the end of June. Oakville is also the home of one of Ontario’s last operating drive-in movie theatres, the 5 Drive-In on Ninth Line, where you can enjoy the latest blockbusters under the stars.

Interesting History

Something many people are not aware of, is that Oakville has a rich history as a part of the Underground Railroad. From 1850 to 1865 there was an influx of runaway slaves fleeing the USA, and their arrival dramatically changed the town during the middle of the 19^th century. Responding in a manner well before its time, Oakville residents welcomed these new citizens, and the town has continued to be heralded as a very warm and welcoming community for all new Canadians. Those who wish to learn more about the town’s history can visit the “Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom” and “Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History”, which are both permanent exhibits at the Erchless Estate.

Something for Everyone

Oakville boasts several highly respected private elementary and secondary schools, offering students a variety of academic and sporting opportunities. Appleby College provides full day-school and is also the only private school in Oakville to offer boarding. Other reputable institutions include Fern Hill Private School, MacLachlan College, and Rotherglen School to name a few.

The town of Oakville offers historic downtown charm, thriving business communities, pristine lakeshore parks and gardens, and year-round cultural and sporting activities. With some of the most sought-after real estate in the country, one visit to this beautiful town will very likely make you want to call it home.