Oakville's long history begins far back in 1793 when it was first surveyed for use as a military byway. Thanks to the presence of the Bronte natural harbor, Oakville became a thriving port of entry in the 1800s for local and international shipping. It didn't take long before shipbuilding facilities, lumberyards, and sawmills began to spring up. Oakville was quickly on its way to becoming a critical part of Ontario's trade and commerce.
In the years following, Oakville's close proximity to the Canadian National Railway and Queen Elizabeth Way fueled the spread of industrialization. Cities Service Canada (later BP Canada and finally Petro Canada) found a home here along with Canada Shell refinery. Though both of these locations are no longer active, they played an important role in the establishment of other commercial heavyweights — most notably, Ford Motor Company. To this day, Ford's Canadian headquarters are still located in Oakville.
Other major players that have made their home in Oakville include industry giants General Electric and UTC Aerospace. Halton Healthcare is also located in Oakville, as well as Siemens' Canada headquarters. Education plays a huge role in Oakville economy — the school boards of Halton Catholic District and Halton District employ thousands of people, not to mention the local campus of Sheridan College.
When to Visit Oakville, Ontario
The weather in Oakville tends to be cool and rainy. The average annual high in Oakville is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is around 37. Every year, Oakville sees around 31 inches of rain and about 110 rainy days per year. While temperatures in Oakville have peaked at over 100 and dropped as low as -22, the weather is fairly predictable and finding a time of year that fits your needs is easy.
The balmiest days in Oakville are during the summer months. Highs between June and August range in the upper 70s, making for a very pleasant outdoor environment. Lows are between the middle 50s to the upper 50s. As far as spring is concerned, you'll find cooler temperatures — anywhere from the 40s to the low 60s, dropping into low temperatures just above freezing during April.
From spring to summer, Oakville has consistent amounts of rain. About a third of the days during these months will see some rainfall. Summertime and springtime months all get about 2 to 3 inches of rain apiece, with the heaviest precipitation arriving in July and August. Though the rain is consistent, it's not particularly heavy. Massive downpours are uncommon in Oakville.
Wintertimes, as you may expect, are cold. The months between December and February tend to be the chilliest, with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens to low 20s. These months are when the annual snow makes its first lush appearance. December's snowfall is 6 inches on average, peaks in January at about 11, and drops back to 6 inches for the months of February and March. Once April hits, the snow subsides until returning near the end of the November. It's always a white Christmas in Oakville — the cold air may chill your skin, but the lovely views will warm your heart.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Oakville, ON:
Oakville, ON: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Oakville, ON. Browse these illustrations to evaluate the cheapest months to make a reservation in Oakville for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Oakville, Ontario
4 Star Average Prices: $111.16
For a posher stay in Oakville, look to Staybridge Suites. This four-star hotel will provide a spacious suite with a kitchen, perfect for concocting your own healthy meals to save money and feel great. You'll even have your own dishwasher. Staybridge has a pool and fitness center for your enjoyment, and their free breakfast is above par. There's also a business center if you need one. If you're traveling with your pet, Staybridge will accommodate your needs.
You can't go wrong with Hilton, and Homewood Suites by Hilton (on the north side of town) is no exception. This three-star hotel has an unusual amenity — a basketball court. Their complimentary hot breakfast is one of the best in town, as well as their luxe indoor pool. Though Homewood is on the pricey side, about $200 USD a night, you'll appreciate the spacious suite with full kitchen, plus a work desk and chair. Enjoy a walk-in shower or jacuzzi suite and surround yourself with opulence.
Affordable Hotel Options in Oakville, Ontario
3 Star Average Prices: $110.04
Oakville offers many hotel options for the weary traveler, whether they're a visitor from out of town or a local that's looking to escape for a night. All of Oakville's major lodging locations are found along Queen Elizabeth Way. By venturing just out of town to the north (toward Mississauga) you'll find a few more options. The same can be said about heading south toward Burlington. Regardless of what your needs are, you can easily find a suitable hotel in or around Oakville.
Square in the center of town is one such location, the Monte Carlo Inn. This three-star hotel has everything you need for a comfy stay. Enjoy their casual, homey rooms, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, and free breakfast. They also house a bar and grill that serves up delectable Mediterranean food. Grab some healthy foods and snacks at the nearby Whole Foods. Monte Carlo recently did some renovations, yet their rates are still quite reasonable — going as low as $80 USD a night.
Just to the south, in the Bronte neighborhood, you'll find Country Inn & Suites. This three-star hotel has exceptional reviews and offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a hearty free breakfast. Their rates are comparable to those of Monte Carlo and you'll enjoy lots of little extras such as free cookies, tea, and coffee in the lobby all day long. Their customer service is top-notch, and the rooms are surprisingly quiet considering that it's right off Queen Elizabeth Way. They even offer jacuzzi suites.
