Addictive Hobbies & Games is a downtown Oshawa haven at 13 King St. W. for tabletop gaming fans since 2017, stocking Games Workshop, Paizo, Army Painter products, Warhammer, Age of Sigmar, Dungeons & Dragons minis, paints, and used figures at competitive prices. This one-stop shop offers a welcoming space to browse, buy, and dive into hobby adventures amid the city's vibrant core.

Alexandra's Bounty Community Garden at 364 Simcoe St. N. is a heartfelt community space established in 2016 by the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council. It provides free summer vegetables, berries, and herbs to Métis citizens and those in need, while honouring murdered and missing Indigenous women and children through poignant red dress displays. Kid-friendly with wheelchair access, it's a vibrant spot for volunteering, fresh produce, and cultural connection in Oshawa's north end.

Another Spin Records captivates vinyl lovers in downtown Oshawa at 25 Bond St. E. with an impressive mix of new and used records, rare finds, CDs, tapes, T-shirts, and turntables, perfect for collectors hunting everything from 180-gram reissues and holiday albums to 80s classics spotlighted in shows like Stranger Things. This locally owned gem offers a welcoming vibe for browsing fresh restocks, trading in collections, or grabbing gifts amid vibrant community energy.

BOND|ST Café is a bright, street-level hangout at 44 Bond St E where you can grab a great coffee, meet friends, or post up with your laptop in the heart of downtown Oshawa. Open daily from morning through late afternoon, this cozy first-floor spot is part of the vibrant BOND|ST Event Centre, making it a perfect stop before exploring live music, culture, and events upstairs.

BOND|ST Event Centre is where Oshawa’s food, music, and culture ignite in a stunning reimagined heritage building. Enjoy daytime vibes at the cozy café, intimate restaurant, or stylish Local Lounge, then catch the night’s energy with live concerts spotlighting top artists. A downtown cornerstone for creating, connecting, and celebrating, perfect for visitors seeking authentic local energy!

Tony Johnson — Oshawa Artist

Location: 100 Simcoe St. S. (across from Memorial Park), Oshawa
(Small portion shown; full mural measures 2.44m x 27.4m or 8ft x 90ft)

Commissioned in 2001, Tony Johnson's third winning City contest mural—completed on the PUC building side—depicts Camp X, Canada's secretive WWII spy training school (1941–1946) on Lake Ontario's shores in Whitby. Winner through detailed maquettes and Thomas Bouckley photo research, Tony projected scaled line drawings section by section over two to three weeks using scaffolding, bringing this hidden chapter of espionage history to downtown Oshawa.

Opened December 6, 1941, under Winston Churchill's Special Operations Executive and Sir William Stephenson, Special Training School 103 trained 500 agents in brutal 10–12 week courses covering hand-to-hand combat, sabotage, explosives, psychological warfare, and survival skills. The mural highlights Hydra, Camp X's powerful shortwave radio, operated by Bill Hardcastle—whose real-life 86-year-old image Tony captured spontaneously on-site, creating an unforgettable moment of historical connection.

Notable trainees included Ian Fleming, James Bond creator, underscoring Camp X's global legacy in intelligence and covert operations during the fight against fascism.

Club 717 is Durham Region’s longest-running and only dedicated LGBTQIA+ venue, offering a safe, vibrant space for community, great music, affordable drinks, and fabulous Friday drag shows. Open Thursday–Sunday with private event rentals for weddings and fundraisers, it’s Oshawa’s welcoming nightlife gem, perfect for newcomers and locals seeking authentic fun east of the city!

Club Carib of Oshawa at 600 Wentworth St. E. has been a vibrant cultural cornerstone since 1966, founded by Caribbean immigrants to foster community, shared interests, and harmonious relationships through social events. Its Caribbean Cultural Centre, built in 1993 through member fundraising, houses the Hummingbird Dancers, Oshawa Sounds of Steel band, and hosts steel pan lessons, Afro-Caribbean dance classes, cooking workshops, cricket, card games, and banquet rentals for weddings and conferences. The venue supports local charities with annual Christmas luncheons and embodies Caribbean heritage during Fiesta Week with music, dance, and traditional foods like chicken roti.

The Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury stands as a striking 1914 landmark in downtown Oshawa at 53 Simcoe St. North, home to the storied Ontario Regiment, one of Canada’s oldest continuous armoured units with roots in the 1860s Fenian Raids, Northwest Rebellion, and both World Wars. This Recognized Federal Heritage Building embodies a fortress-like design with crenellated towers, low-arched entrances, buttress pilasters and a vast brick drill hall on a stone foundation, built amid pre-WWI urgency by Sam Hughes’ engineering branch as a recruitment and training hub. Named for GM of Canada founder Colonel R.S. McLaughlin, whose 1972 funeral drew 20,000 mourners here, it anchors Remembrance Day events and military heritage amid Oshawa’s urban core.

Comic Alley Toys delights collectors and nostalgia seekers in downtown Oshawa at 9 Bond St. W. with a treasure trove of new and back-issue comics, graphic novels, art books, vintage toys, loose and carded action figures, posters, T-shirts, and die-cast cars, trucks, and motorcycles from classic to pop culture icons. A community staple for over 20 years, it caters to casual readers, serious enthusiasts, and young fans alike with friendly service, rare finds, and Oshawa Autofest tie-ins that celebrate local automotive heritage alongside superhero lore.

Delpark Homes Centre is a vibrant, family-focused recreation hub in north Oshawa, bringing together ice sports, swimming, fitness, and community programming under one roof. With four NHL-sized ice pads, a leisure pool featuring a lazy river and waterslide, a modern fitness centre and indoor walking track, plus on-site library and seniors’ centre branches, it offers year-round opportunities to skate, swim, work out, play, and connect with the community in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park is Oshawa’s newest waterfront gem at Simcoe Street South and Harbour Road, honouring former MP and NDP leader Ed Broadbent with serene green spaces, paved pathways, and stunning Lake Ontario views. Its standout Garden of Human Rights features 13 themed beds representing Canada’s protected grounds against discrimination, paired with an amphitheatre stage for live music, theatre, and community events. Linked to the Waterfront Trail, Oshawa Creek Bike Path, Lakeview Park, and a pedestrian bridge over the creek, it’s a reflective haven for walks, picnics, and gatherings near the Port of Oshawa.

Paul Ygartua — Artist

Location: 78 King St. W., Oshawa
(This mural measures approximately 4.57m x 10.67m, or 15 ft x 35 ft.)

Created by acclaimed artist Paul Ygartua, this dynamic mural celebrates the pride and history of the Oshawa Generals, one of Canada’s most storied junior hockey franchises. Since their founding in the 1937–38 season, the Generals have been a dominant force in Canadian hockey, winning multiple Ontario championships and capturing the Memorial Cup four times—in 1939, 1940, 1944, and 1990.

The mural features legendary players who shaped the team’s legacy, including Eric Lindros, Bobby Orr, and Billy Taylor at centre ice. Also depicted are John MacLean (#15), Rick Middleton (#16), Ian Young, Marc Savard (#27), Iain Fraser (#8), and Terry O’Reilly. Together, they represent decades of athletic excellence, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of hockey in Oshawa.

This striking piece invites both fans and visitors to reflect on the city’s deep connection to the game, an artistic tribute to the champions who made Oshawa a true hockey town.

HOPA Ports operates the Port of Oshawa as part of its integrated network spanning Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara, serving as Durham Region's vital gateway for global trade since its designation under the Canada Marine Act. Handling millions of metric tons of cargo annually including agri-food, salt, steel, and project cargoes, the port supports over 40,000 regional jobs through its modern wharves, warehouses, rail spurs, and St. Lawrence Seaway access. Waterfront enhancements and short-sea shipping initiatives with U.S. partners highlight its role in sustainable logistics and Oshawa's economic heartbeat.

Harmony Valley Conservation Area is a serene 28-hectare oasis in north Oshawa, blending hardwood forests, coniferous plantations, open meadows, wetlands, and Harmony Creek for an immersive nature escape. Pet owners and hikers love its dog-friendly trails including wooded paths, shoreline routes along Lake Iroquois, and short loops through varied terrain plus a spacious, volunteer-maintained off-leash dog park perfect for play and exploration. Free entry, ample parking, and dawn-to-dusk access make it an easy, rewarding spot for peaceful walks, birdwatching, photography, or family outings amid lush foliage and seasonal beauty.

Kareza Café brings specialty coffee and matcha magic to Oshawa, featuring freshly brewed espresso, ceremonial-grade matcha, handcrafted lattes, and house-made pastries from a rotating menu. This warm, inviting spot is perfect for unwinding, catching up with friends, or tackling work in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or tea enthusiast, every high-quality sip promises a delightful escape!

Lakeview Park at 55 Lakeview Park Ave. is Oshawa’s cherished waterfront gem along Lake Ontario, blending stunning beach views, a supervised swimming area, and expansive green spaces perfect for picnics and sunset strolls. Families flock to its playgrounds with zip lines, swings, splash pad, and toddler zones, sports fields, bike rentals, and the iconic Lady of the Lake fountain, all steps from the Oshawa Museum’s historic homes. Trails, Jubilee Pavilion dining, and clean amenities make it a year-round haven for relaxation and play.

Market at 70 King is downtown Oshawa's vibrant food hall at 70 King St. E., opened in 2024 as a culinary hub with eight diverse vendors offering global flavours like handmade bao buns from Bao Mama, fresh sushi and poke from Sushi Again, plant-based bowls and smoothies at Tastoria Kitchen, Polish street food from Zaps, pasta at Philipp’n Italian, and Church’s Chicken. Complete with a speakeasy-style Lobby Bar, patio seating, pop-up events, and community charity initiatives, it’s the perfect spot for family brunches, group outings, or casual tastings in a modern, welcoming space.

McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve at 1908 Colonel Sam Dr offers 7 km of accessible trails for walking and cycling through diverse wetlands, forests, meadows, and Lake Ontario shoreline, home to over 400 plant species, birds like great blue herons and bald eagles, plus mammals, fish, and amphibians, perfect for birdwatching, peaceful hikes, kayaking, picnics, and nature interpretation with braille signage and viewpoints.

Memorial Park Bandshell, also known as the McLaughlin Bandshell, is a cherished 1942 landmark in downtown Oshawa's Memorial Park, gifted by industrialist Colonel R.S. McLaughlin to the Ontario Regimental Band during World War II as a permanent performance space with exceptional acoustics. This wood-and-steel structure features a winged design, semi-circular stage for 125 performers, tiered hood roof, murals honouring the Ontario Regiment's 130-year history and Windfields Farm's Northern Dancer, plus an amphitheatre added in 1977 for summer concerts by the Oshawa Civic Band. As the park's cultural heart alongside the 1924 Cenotaph, it hosts free live music, home-front celebrations, and community events that echo Oshawa's resilient spirit.

MEXITACO brings vibrant Mexican flair to Oshawa with authentic cuisine, fresh dishes, and a lively atmosphere featuring colourful murals, stylish bar, dine-in seating, and a stage for live entertainment. Perfect for casual dining, corporate events, or unique celebrations, this hotspot delivers bold flavors and festive vibes. Dive into Mexico’s finest right in the heart of the city!

Olive Branch Café offers a cozy escape at 452 Taunton Rd W, where every sip feels like home with specialty coffee lattes, ceremonial-grade matcha drinks, and fresh-baked sweets. Indulge in creative options like iced s'mores or pistachio lattes, karak chai, Turkish coffee, avocado toasts, deli sandwiches, and viral Dubai chocolate alongside shakes and refreshers.

Open evenings from 3 PM to 1 AM daily, it's a welcoming family-owned spot for casual hangouts, perfect for pairing with local shopping or nightlife in Oshawa's vibrant neighbourhoods.

John Hood — Artist

Title: Ontario Regiment – 130 Years of Service

Location: 110 Simcoe St. S. (Memorial Park), Oshawa

Commissioned in 1996, this four-panel acrylic mural by John Hood commemorates 130 years of the Ontario Regiment's service in Canada's conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Completed over two summer months with scaffolding to block sunlight, the historically accurate work features precise military regalia, cap badges, and medals at top and bottom of each panel.

The panels depict key eras: 1886 Queen's Own Rifles green uniforms from the Fenian Raids; 1885 Red Coats from the North-West Rebellion; 1917 WWI trench warfare with the Maple Leaf badge later adopted by Conn Smythe for the Toronto Maple Leafs; 1943 Italian Campaign tank with Ontario Regiment (RCAC) insignia; and 1994–96 UN Bosnia peacekeeping with the Cougar armoured vehicle built at GM Diesel Division in London, Ontario.

Local residents engaged enthusiastically during painting, while a real Cougar vehicle visited the site—echoing those at Oshawa's Canadian Tank Museum and Ontario Regiment Armory—making this tribute to Oshawa's military heritage a community landmark in Memorial Park.

Oshawa BMX Bike Park, now a highlight of the expansive Rose Valley Community Park at 1095 Thornton Rd. N., ranks among Canada’s largest dedicated bike facilities, blending thrilling dirt jumps, asphalt pump tracks, and mountain bike trails for riders of all skill levels. Opened in fall 2025 after community advocacy and phased development, it features beginner-to-advanced dirt tracks with berms and rollers, three pump tracks (including an accessible strider area), a skills zone with skinnies and drops, plus surrounding amenities like playgrounds, pickleball courts, shaded seating, gardens, and self-cleaning washrooms for family-friendly outings. Free public access draws cyclists, scooterists, and boarders year-round, supported by volunteer stewards and pro maintenance for safe, adrenaline-pumping fun in Durham Region.

Oshawa Centre is Durham Region's largest shopping destination at King Street and Stevenson Road, a two-level hub opened in 1956 as an open-air plaza and enclosed in 1968, now boasting over 230 stores, services, and a vibrant 1,000-seat food court after major expansions including a $230 million 2016 renovation. Shop major retailers like Hudson's Bay alongside fashion, footwear, electronics, and dining options, with ample parking, public transit access, and family-friendly amenities that draw visitors from east of Toronto for one-stop convenience and trendy finds.

For over 75 years since 1950, Oshawa Little Theatre has been a cherished not-for-profit community hub, powered by passionate volunteers to stage high-quality live performances that nurture local talent and entertain diverse audiences. Its intimate 365-seat venue at 62 Russett Ave offers unobstructed stage views, comfortable seating, a licensed bar with concessions, free parking, and accessible spaces for an inviting experience without driving to Toronto. Catch crowd-pleasers like Shrek The Musical with its fairy-tale adventure score, the holiday whodunit Sherlock Holmes, or the Tony-nominated The Full Monty (rated PG14+) in their vibrant 2026 season.

Oshawa Museum, the city's only local history museum, sits in beautiful Lakeview Park on Lake Ontario's shores, celebrating over 60 years of Oshawa’s story from Indigenous roots to today. Dive into year-round tours of three restored historic homes packed with diverse exhibits, then relax in the cozy café or browse the heritage-themed gift shop. A must-visit for history buffs uncovering Oshawa’s vibrant past!

Oshawa Public Libraries' Jess Hann Branch at 199 Wentworth St. W. in south Oshawa's Lake Vista Plaza is a community cornerstone opened in 1977, offering computers, printing, scanning, self-checkouts, WiFi, a 3D printer, and renovated spaces with a cozy fireplace reading area and vibrant children's zone featuring murals. Named for local benefactor Robert Hann's father after his generous support, it hosts family story times, STEAM after-school programs, neighbourhood play dates, and events for all ages in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Oshawa Public Libraries' McLaughlin Branch at 65 Bagot Street serves as the city's flagship downtown library, offering computers, printing, scanning, self-checkouts, study spaces, WiFi, and a dedicated children's department. This vibrant community hub hosts engaging programs like Kinder-Garden story times, Bedtime Bash events, Lunchtime Book Clubs, and family activities for all ages amid its two-floor layout. Easily accessible near City Hall, it provides free resources from books to digital collections in a welcoming space.

Oshawa Public Libraries' John Aker Northview Branch at 250 Beatrice St. E. is a welcoming north-end community hub with computers, free parking, printing, scanning, self-checkouts, study spaces, WiFi, and a program room. It offers engaging events like Bouncing Babies, Creation Station crafts, Family Story Time, Tween Scene, and audiobook clubs tailored for kids, families, and adults. Conveniently located near major amenities, it provides free access to books, digital resources, and local programming in a single-level, accessible space.

Oshawa Zoo & Fun Farm at 3377 Grandview St N spans 22 acres with over 40 species of friendly exotic and domestic animals including lemurs, camels, kangaroos, wallabies, llamas, goats, potbelly pigs, mini horses, donkeys, and Texas longhorns, perfect for hands-on petting, feeding popcorn or raisins, pony rides, and picnics in a family-friendly setting open seasonally from spring through fall.

Purple Woods Conservation Area at 38 Coates Rd E offers 1.3 km of scenic trails including an accessible Discovery Walk and Sugar Shack Trail through a working 42-acre sugarbush on the Oak Ridges Moraine, with stunning southern views to Lake Ontario, birdwatching for warblers and monarch butterflies, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and the popular March Maple Syrup Festival featuring horse-drawn rides, tastings, and pioneer demos ($7 vehicle parking).

Riley's Pub has anchored downtown Oshawa at 104 King Street East since 2004 as a go-to spot for hearty pub fare with flair, including juicy burgers, crispy wings, shareable appetizers, and generous portions that won't break the bank, all paired with 16 beers on tap. Upstairs, its laid-back pool hall and lounge with well-maintained tables, comfy sofas, and full food and drink service create the perfect vibe for friendly games, casual hangs, or group gatherings amid live weekend music. A local favourite near the Regent Theatre and GM Centre, it blends comfort classics with lively energy for Oshawa diners and nightlife seekers.

SplatterRoom Oshawa at 555 Simcoe St S delivers Ontario's ultimate neon paint splatter adventure under blacklights, where groups blast UV-reactive paint with water guns, paint guns, and balloons in private 20-minute sessions, ideal for birthdays, date nights, family outings, or corporate team-building, leaving you with glowing canvases and epic memories.

Teddy's Restaurant & Deli, founded in 1980 by Chris and Ted Tzogas, remains an Oshawa staple after over 40 years of serving great meals to a fantastic community. This beloved spot prides itself on homemade dinners and delectable desserts that keep locals and visitors coming back. Savour comforting classics and sweet treats at this enduring downtown favourite!

Unleash your inner tank commander at the Canadian Tank Museum (Home of the Ontario Regiment Museum), home to Canada’s largest collection of operational historic military vehicles. Immerse yourself in thrilling history with roaring engines, live battle re-enactments, and interactive events like the massive Aquino Tank Weekend. A high-octane must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers exploring Oshawa!

The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens blend the historic elegance of Parkwood National Historic Site’s gardens with modern displays along the scenic Oshawa Creek trail system, creating a serene network of parks from Adelaide Avenue to Gibb Street. Highlights include North America’s largest modern peony collection with over 300 varieties (blooming vibrantly in late spring), a unique 265-daylily assortment hybridized locally, a fragrant Memory Garden with pergola and seasonal plantings, winding pathways, waterfalls, shady trees, picnic areas, and a playground for family enjoyment. Free dawn-to-dusk access via the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path offers peaceful escapes for walking, cycling, photography, or quiet reflection amid year-round natural beauty.

Roberts & Inkster Trading Co. is a charming downtown Oshawa boutique offering a highly curated mix of confectionery, fashion, accessories, stationery, bath and body products, children’s toys, and more. With its welcoming atmosphere and beautifully displayed, gift-worthy finds, it’s a must-visit stop for visitors and locals exploring the city’s vibrant core.

Experience outdoor adventure at Treetop Eco-Adventure Park in North Oshawa, where fun meets nature high above the forest floor. Designed for all ages, the park features a Jr. Children’s course for ages 3–6, multiple youth and adult courses, and the thrilling 734-foot Big Zip reaching speeds up to 35 km/h. Reservations are required for this unforgettable treetop experience.

Wildfire Oshawa is celebrated for its perfectly grilled steaks, premium wines, and passion for quality dining. Every dish is prepared to order using the freshest seasonal ingredients and the restaurant’s signature blend of spices. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, family gathering, or corporate event, Wildfire delivers an exceptional dining experience in an elegant, inviting atmosphere.

Worlds Collide is Durham Region's longest-serving comic and gaming hub since 1982, welcoming enthusiasts to 10 Simcoe St. N. in downtown Oshawa with fresh publisher titles, rare classics, graphic novels, manga, Magic: The Gathering supplies, RPG books, dice, sleeves, and collectibles. Browse for comics featuring iconic heroes and villains, stock up on board games and trading card essentials, or join lively in-store events and tournaments in a friendly atmosphere perfect for young readers, collectors, and fellow fans.

Yuk Yuk's Oshawa delivers top-tier stand-up comedy in the heart of downtown at 67 Simcoe Street North inside the Holiday Inn Express, showcasing fresh lineups of three comedians weekly for 90-minute to two-hour shows packed with laughs. Enjoy pub-style snacks and full bar service at your table, with optional dinner from neighbouring Wendel Clark's restaurant, all in a casual 170-seat venue with first-come-first-served seating, wheelchair access, free parking, and no dress code. As Durham Region's go-to spot for live entertainment, it redefines Oshawa nightlife with hilarious acts subject to weekly changes, perfect for date nights or group outings.