Oshawa(Canada) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oshawa, the top family-friendly option is Conrad Oshawa Hotel, located near Oshawa Park and the Lake Ontario Trail. It features a children’s playroom, indoor pool, and spacious family suites. The hotel is close to natural attractions like Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area and Oshawa Public Library, ideal for kid-friendly outings. Nearby amenities include McDonald’s and Starbucks, making it convenient for families with young children. For a budget-conscious choice, consider Holiday Inn Oshawa, situated just minutes from Ontario Legislature and Wilson Avenue Shopping Centre, offering comfortable rooms and excellent accessibility via GO Transit to downtown Toronto—just 30 minutes away.

The downtown core of Oshawa is the most desirable area for lodging, located near Wilson Avenue Business District and the Oshawa City Hall. It offers easy access to restaurants, cafés, and local art galleries. This neighborhood is safe, well-lit at night, and just a 15-minute drive from Lake Ontario shoreline, perfect for morning walks or sunset views. The Oshawa GO Station is also nearby, allowing quick commutes to Toronto Downtown (approx. 30 minutes) via GO Transit. For a quieter experience, consider West Oshawa, adjacent to St. Andrew’s Church and Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area, offering green spaces and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for travelers seeking nature and tranquility.

Though not a major tourist hub, Oshawa boasts rich Canadian heritage and local culture. Don’t miss the Oshawa Museum, which showcases the city’s agricultural roots, industrial history—including the legacy of the General Motors plant—and early railway development. Each summer, the Oshawa Festival returns with live music, craft markets, and traditional Canadian cuisine, celebrating community spirit. The St. Andrew’s Church, with its century-old bell tower and Gothic architecture, is a favorite spot for photographers. Nature lovers should explore guided tours at Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area, where you can learn about local ecosystems and Indigenous cultural history through educational programs offered by the museum.

Yes, Oshawa Hostel & Guesthouse is the top choice for backpackers, located on Wilson Avenue with dormitory and private rooms. It features shared kitchens, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and hosts regular events like Canadian Story Nights and local guide talks to foster cultural exchange. Just a 5-minute walk from the Oshawa GO Station, it offers excellent connectivity to Toronto and other Ontario towns. Nearby, you’ll find 24-hour convenience stores and street food vendors. For even more affordable options, consider short-term rentals at Blackwater Apartments, which provide basic appliances and low daily rates—ideal for long-term travelers on a budget.

While not a classic romantic destination, Oshawa’s serene ambiance and natural beauty make it an underrated retreat for couples. Stay at Lakeside Retreat Boutique Hotel, nestled along the Lake Ontario shoreline, featuring private balconies, lake-view rooms, and in-room spa tubs. The hotel offers customized dinner services, couples’ massages, and surprise gift boxes for added romance. Spend your days strolling through Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area’s wooden boardwalks or enjoying a picnic at Oshawa Park. For a touch of adventure, take a short train ride to Toronto for rooftop dining and city lights. With low crowds and high privacy, Oshawa lets couples reconnect in a peaceful, intimate setting.

Yes, several hotels in Oshawa provide complimentary shuttle services, especially those near the Oshawa GO Station or downtown. For example, Holiday Inn Oshawa offers two daily free shuttles between the station and Toronto Pearson International Airport (approx. 60 minutes). Conrad Oshawa Hotel partners with local car services, providing affordable pre-booked transfers. Additionally, Oshawa Transit runs free shuttle buses connecting major attractions and shopping centers—guests can use their hotel key card for unlimited rides. Always confirm pickup times and availability with the front desk upon check-in to ensure seamless travel.

Oshawa may be small, but it has hidden culinary gems. Start with Old Oak Bistro, located downtown, specializing in Canadian farm-to-table cuisine with French-inspired dishes—try their smoked salmon with herb mashed potatoes. Next, visit Riverside Café by the Lake Ontario Trail, known for handmade pastries, seasonal jam sandwiches, and stunning lakeside views. For international flavors, head to Oriental Spice, serving authentic Vietnamese pho and Thai stir-fried noodles at affordable prices, popular among students and locals. Don’t miss the weekly Oshawa Farmers Market, held every Saturday, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade preserves.

Oshawa is home to several scenic natural spots. The crown jewel is Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area, featuring over 8 km of hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views—perfect for birdwatching and weekend picnics. Lake Ontario shoreline offers a scenic bike path and viewing platforms, ideal for sunrise walks and photography. Oshawa Park includes playgrounds, an outdoor stage, and a man-made lake, hosting seasonal flower displays in spring. Nature enthusiasts can join guided eco-tours at the Oshawa Museum, learning about local flora, soil conservation, and Indigenous land stewardship—offering both education and immersive experiences.

Yes, Oshawa has a reliable and accessible transit system. The Oshawa GO Station provides frequent trains to Toronto Union Station (approx. 30 minutes), operated by GO Transit, with affordable fares and real-time tracking via the GO Transit App. The city’s own Oshawa Transit network covers residential areas, shopping centers, and key landmarks with multiple bus routes. Major highways like Highway 401 run through the city, making it easy to reach Toronto, Hamilton, or other regional cities within 40 minutes by car. Most hotels offer free parking, and some support electric vehicle charging stations. Using the app ensures efficient planning and reduces wait times.

Oshawa offers several photogenic locations. The St. Andrew’s Church with its Gothic spires and stained-glass windows creates dramatic lighting and textures—ideal for architectural photography. The Lloyd’s Hill Conservation Area boardwalk reflects beautifully in the lake, especially during golden hour, perfect for silhouette shots. The Lake Ontario View Platform offers expansive skyline vistas, great for wide-angle landscape photos. The Oshawa City Hall Fountain Plaza often features rotating art installations and seasonal lighting displays, especially vibrant in winter. For candid urban shots, explore Wilson Avenue’s cozy cafés and independent boutiques, capturing everyday life in this quiet Canadian town.