The city of Oakville is a vivacious community within the Greater Toronto Area that has become popular for families and businesses alike. It is located smack-dab between Milton, Burlington and Toronto, and it is about a two-hour drive from Niagara Falls and the American border, so it is easily accessible and close to plenty of picturesque sights.

Start out in downtown Oakville at the Oakville Community Museum, once called the Erchless Estate, which is the home of Oakville's founding family. In 1827, Colonel William Chisholm was a merchant and shipbuilder who built the estate overlooking beautiful Lake Ontario. The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits that run throughout the year, such as “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom!”

Next, stroll by the lake at Oakville Harbour, where you can see fish swimming in the water in the warmer months. An enjoyable place to hang out is The Green Bean Coffee House. It has a great patio, yummy pastries and iced coffees made from beans that are roasted in-house. You can also visit Black Forest Pastry Shop to try any of its wonderful treats such as the Rocky Road Bar, Rum Balls, Bumbleberry Pie or their square-shaped chocolate chunk cookies.  

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts provides amazing entertainment with many shows year-round, from musicals and operas to dance, theatre and interactive comedy shows. Every summer, Oakville also hosts a Jazz Festival, where a number of musicians perform on stages set up on Lakeshore Road. For the meat lovers out there, try the newly formed Ribfest, which happens every June. Local food vendors showcase their delicious meats, new products and stores, while local bands showcase their talent.

You will also find Sixteen Mile Creek in Oakville, the same creek where Olympic Gold medal Kayaker Adam van Koeverden would practice before his days as a champion. The creek flows through a deep valley that is home to many wildlife including whitetail deer and red foxes. The creek forms part of another Oakville gem, the Glen Abbey Golf Club, one of the most famous golf courses in Canada. It has hosted the Canadian Open Championship 26 times!

If you enjoy walking, jogging, cycling or rollerblading, plan a trip to one of the five heritage trails around the city. Throughout the trails, there are little stations that provide stories about the history of Oakville and the pathways. It is a wonderful way to spend a summer or fall afternoon.

Do you think your community can top this historic and lively city by the lake? Let us know for a chance to be featured as part of our 40th anniversary special.

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