Whitby and Oshawa
The neighbouring towns of Whitby and Oshawa boast fantastic Lake Ontario waterfronts. Several nature trails like the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, as well as intriguing historical sites such as Camp X in Whitby and Parkwood Estate National Historic Site in Oshawa, make these Durham Region towns worthy day trip destinations from nearby Toronto. Both also offer burgeoning food and drink scenes that have to be savoured to believed.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Whitby and Oshawa, scroll down or visit the region's tourism website.
Where are Whitby and Oshawa?
Whitby and Oshawa are on the north shore of Lake Ontario and under an hour's drive east of Toronto. Whitby and Oshawa are also accessible from Toronto by bus or train.
Things to know about Whitby and Oshawa
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip, you'll appreciate what the locals recommend around Whitby and Oshawa.
Where to get a great cup of coffee
8-Bit Cafe and Gaming Lounge in downtown Whitby is a full service cafe, arcade and bar, catering to coffee lovers who also crave a little gaming nostalgia.
Where to go for a drink
12welve Bistro and Tapwerks in downtown Whitby has an extensive menu, great Brock Street brews on tap and features live music select weekends.
Hidden gem
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa is one of Canada’s last remaining estates, boasts outstanding architectural and landscape designs. Step back in time and experience the home of the late R.S. McLaughlin, Canadian auto baron and founder of General Motors of Canada.
Where to get great ice cream
Cones & Characters in downtown Oshawa delivers big on monstrous sized ice cream desserts, retro arcades and authentic movie and historical memorabilia.
Whitby and Oshawa neighbourhoods and districts
Whitby and Oshawa are made up of several diverse areas. Each is home to a distinctive moment in the unique history of these important towns, all backing up to the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario. Explore the natural beauties in each of these neighbourhoods, or take a stroll around the towns to find architectural gems.
Lakeview
Oshawa’s Lakeview and Lakeview Park neighbourhoods include the beautiful natural sights in Oshawa and offer a gateway to the nearby McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and surrounding parks.
Port Whitby
Nearby the Whitby Harbour, Port Whitby is a scenic neighbourhood. It boasts several of the town’s attractions, including the Station Gallery, local breweries, as well as a photogenic pier.
Myrtle Station
This quiet hamlet north of Whitby was once a key stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway passenger line that ran between Toronto and Havelock. Today it has become a haven for artists and artisans.
Brooklin
Just north of Whitby proper, Brooklin's historic downtown boasts several restaurants, and leads visitors into Whitby's scenic countryside.
Lynde Creek
One of the most scenic neighbourhoods in Whitby, Lynde Creek is home to the Lynde Shores Conservation Area, where visitors can enjoy time outdoors.
Raglan
This rural hamlet in the north of Oshawa is also home to the White Feather Country Store at Treetop Eco-Adventure Park.
Things to do in Whitby and Oshawa
In Oshawa, car lovers can check out the Canadian Automotive Museum to browse the most extensive collection of Canadian-built automobiles. Home to General Motors Canada founder, Samuel McLaughlin, Oshawa has enjoyed a long, rich automotive history. Spend a sunny day perusing Parkwood Estate, donated by the McLaughlin family and one Oshawa’s most alluring attractions with its breathtaking gardens, tea room, and architecture. The stately home and grounds have served as the backdrop for numerous film and television productions over the years.
Whitby is rich in architectural and war history. The impressive Centennial Building built in the mid-1800s was the county’s courthouse until the 1960s. Today, the photogenic location is home to the Whitby Courthouse Theatre and is a popular wedding venue. The Camp X memorial at Intrepid Park in Whitby commemorates the men and women who trained at the British spy school located there during World War II. While Camp X’s buildings are nowhere to be found today, the beautiful lakeside park memorial tells the fascinating story.
Whitby's Station Gallery and Oshawa's Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery showcase the work of area artists, many of whom were inspired by the area's lovely landscape. See those views for yourself nearby Lynde Shores Conservation Area, which includes several trails of varying difficulties, and on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that connects Whitby and Oshawa and many other lakeside communities along its impressive 3,600 kilometre route. In Oshawa, the Oshawa Creek Trail stretches from Oshawa Harbour north for nearly 10 kilomentres and is popular among hikers and cyclists for its riverside views.
Last updated: August 22, 2023