Here’s Everything You Need to do in Oakville Ontario!

Welcome to Oakville! I know what you’re thinking… Oakville? What a snooze fest! BUT, you might be pleasantly surprised. There are so many ways to have a bit of fun in this small suburban town!

So what is there to do in Oakville exactly? From the mouth watering restaurants, to one of the coolest drive-ins left standing in Canada, Oakville might just make you want to stay a bit longer. Keep scrolling to see Oakville’s best restaurants, things to do, where to grab a drink and its cutest cafes and brunch spots. So, without further adieu here are the very best things to do in Oakville.

Best Restaurants in Oakville

Maro’s Bistro

An absolute Oakville legend. Maro’s Bistro is redefining the Middle Eastern culinary experience with every bite. Whenever I visit Oakville I always make room for a stop here. You need to check out their Bella and the Beast and A Day in a Lebanese Mountain dishes!

Location: Maro’s Bistro, 135 Kerr St, Oakville

Photos by: @maros_bistro

7 Enoteca

Savoury, fresh and authentic, 7 Enoteca is an upscale Italian spot right in the heart of downtown Oakville’s main square. Its unique interior and incredible dishes are sure to give you those ultimate date night vibes.

Location: 7 Enoteca, 216 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Photos by: @7enoteca

Por Vida Mezcal & Mexican

A celebration of Mexican food, mezcal and culture? Count me in! Tacos, ceviche, mezcal, you name it, Por Vida Mezcal & Mexican has it! Yum!

Location: Por Vida Mezcal & Mexican, 2330 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville

Photos by: @porvida_oakville

Piano Piano

Piano Piano is the Italian restaurant you wished was just around the corner. Well guess what? Now it is! Sophisticated and fun, dive into this deeply satisfying menu that features traditional Italian fare that’s been elevated to its most delicious self!

Location: Piano Piano, 120 Thomas St, Oakville

Photos by: @pianopianotherestaurant

Colossus Greek Taverna

Colossus Greek Taverna is always serving up an authentic Greek dining experience! With a huge array of decadent choices you’ll feel as if your dining the night away on the shores of Mykonos!

Location: Colossus Greek Taverna, 221 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Photos by: @colossusgreektaverna

Things to do in Oakville

Stroll Through Downtown Oakville

Probably the most obvious thing to do in Oakville is take a stroll through downtown. With six blocks of cute little local shops, restaurants and specialty boutiques it’s a great way to get outside and grab a coffee. 

Some shops to definitely checkout are: Homebody, Anthropologie, MUST Boutique and The British Grocer. Grab a sweet treat at the Black Forest Pastry Shop or a green juice at Green Press!

Right photo by: @oakvilledowntown

Visit its Heritage Homes & the Oakville Lighthouse

Oakville was once a bustling and industrious port and an important part of the underground railroad. As you can imagine, many of the houses here hold a lot of history. They are a fun look into the past and are very instagramable!

Right on the lakefront, the quaint houses of Thomas Street, Navy Street and Front Street date back to the mid 19th century making it a pretty loop to walk. Pop into the Oakville Museum and checkout Oakville’s first post office built in 1835!

While you’re at it, take a break at Lakeside Park and soak in the views of the Oakville’s lighthouse and harbour!

Right Photo by: @mylensflow

Watch a Movie at the 5 Drive-In

Who doesn’t love a little drive-in nostalgia? Drive-ins these days are few and far between, so why not make the most of your time in Oakville by finishing off with some popcorn in the passenger seat!

The 5 Drive-in opened in 1964 as a single screen drive-in theater and a second screen was added later in the 80s. Groovy! And just so you know they’re open seasonally from March through late fall! 

Location: 5 Drive-In, 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville

Photos by: @chosang_tenzin & @battersbyshootsfilm

Picnic at Bronte Harbour

The Bronte Harbour is both beautiful and serene! Grab a drink at The Bronte Boathouse or simply take in the views with a harbour-side picnic. 

Location: Bronte Harbour, 2409 Ontario St, Oakville

Photos by: @sarahpriyam & @oh.she.focused

Release Your Inner Child at Dave & Buster’s

You know what? Sometimes it’s fun to play games and suck at arcade bowling. Dave & Buster’s sports-bar-style setting has it all. Arcade games, food, drinks, sports, prizes, how could you not have fun here?

Location: Dave & Buster’s, 2021 Winston Park Dr Unit E, Oakville

Photos by: @dallasites101 & @daveandbusters

Wander Through Gairloch Gardens

Another Oakville spot to just sit back, relax and take in the fresh air is Gairloch Gardens. With beautiful flowers, breathtaking gardens, pretty ponds and majestic trees, it’s a romantic spot to sweep anyone off their feet!

Location: Gairloch Gardens, Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Photos by: @scenicsome & @mantika.mehra

Where to Grab a Drink in Oakville

Cameron’s Brewing 

Cameron’s Brewing Company is a family-run craft brewery based in Oakville! What started as a mere hobby quickly turned into an award-winning brewery and a great place to grab a cold one whenever your throat gets a little dry!

Location: Cameron’s Brewing, 1165 Invicta Dr, Oakville

Photos by: @cameronsbrewing

Cove Bar & Restaurant

Although a delicious Italian seafood and pasta restaurant, Cove Bar & Restaurant may just have the classiest harborside bar! With huge windows their indoor-outdoor seating is unbeatable!

Location: Cove Bar & Restaurant, 49 Bronte Rd, Oakville

Photos by: @cove_bronte

Brü Restaurant

This rustic watering-hole features some great Canadian fare and delicious craft beer. Brü Restaurant is a good option to grab a drink on the weekends as they usually have some great live music!

Location: Brü Restaurant, 142 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Photo by: @oakvilledowntown

The Bronte Boathouse

Who doesn’t love an aperol spritz overlooking the waterfront? The Bronte Boathouse is the perfect place to grab that sunset cocktail or a midday refresher!

Location: The Bronte Boathouse, 2340 Ontario St, Oakville

Photos by: @bronteboathouse

Plank Restobar

With their seasonal small plates, gourmet pizza and incredible bourbon drinks, Plank Restobar’s rustic digs are what we all need on a Friday night!

Location: Plank resto bar, 67 Bronte Rd, Oakville

Photos by: @plankrestobar

Oakville’s Cutest Cafes & Brunch Spots

La Parisienne Crêperie

Wake up like a Parisian with this cute little husband and wife breakfast spot! La Parisienne Crêperie’s sweet and savoury French inspired crêpes are sure to tickle your taste buds in the morning! 

Location: La Parisienne Crêperie, 93 Bronte Rd, Oakville

Croissant Express Bakery

Oops it’s another French breakfast spot. Croissant Express Bakery is a family run bakery with over 30 years of history in Oakville. They have a secret croissant recipe, making their mouth-watering croissants and sandwiches to die for!

Location: Croissant Express Bakery, 325 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Stoney’s Bread Company

Looking for a market fresh lunch? Pizza, pasta, sandwiches? Stoney’s Bread Company is quite the Oakville legend and passing up this spot on your Oakville trip should be illegal.

Location: Stoney’s Bread Company, 325 Kerr St, Oakville

Photos by: @stoneysbreadco

Community Restaurant

This cool little vegan spot has a global menu and features plant-based small plates and entrees, plus weekend brunch! Community Restaurant is a cute little spot for a little date or to grab a coffee!

Location: Community Restaurant, 343 Kerr St, Oakville

Photos by: @communityresto

Kerr Street Cafe

Airy with a touch of shabby-chicness Kerr Street Cafe offers up espresso-based drinks, delectable breakfasts and delicious light lunches!

Location: Kerr Street Cafe, 298 Kerr St, Oakville

Photos by: @kerrstreetcafe

Have anything to add to this list of things to do in Oakville Ontario? Let me know below!

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If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!