The Oshawa center point is about 1 mile north of Downtown Oshawa and 2 miles east of Oshawa Municipal Airport.
There are two seasons that are best for visiting the Greater Toronto Area, including Oshawa. The first is from late April through May, when the average temperatures rest comfortably in the 50s and 60s, but the crowds haven't yet descended on the city. While this spring season is the prime time for sightseeing, you may want to dress in layers because evening and nighttime temperatures can be quite chilly. If you do plan your trip during this time, you'll enjoy great hotel rates and events like the Canada Blooms garden and flower festival.
The next best time to visit Oshawa is from September through November. Hotel rates start to go down along with the crowds, and you'll still enjoy pleasant temperatures. Popular events during the fall months include the Toronto International Film Festival, the Toronto International Art Fair, and Cavalcade of Lights. To get the best rates in the fall, be sure to book your room at least a month in advance.
Summer in Oshawa is brief, but with the festival season comes an influx of tourists that drive accommodation rates up. If you know you'll be visiting during the summer, make your reservations a couple months in advance to take advantage of any winter or springtime deals. The great thing about visiting Oshawa in the summer, though, is that you'll have access to a number of popular events, including the North by Northeast Festival, Toronto Pride, the Toronto Jazz Festival, and Caribana.
Winters in Ontario are brisk and biting, with highs rarely getting out of the low 30s. If you don't mind braving the wintry weather, you'll enjoy significant price cuts on area hotels. While tourists tend to stay away from December to March, locals are enjoying numerous events that keep the city buzzing, so you'll have plenty to do during your stay.
If you're a member of AAA/CAA, you can take advantage of special discounts that could be worth up to 20 percent off a hotel's best available rates. Hotels like the Comfort Inn in Oshawa offer special rates to auto club members, which are available throughout the year. Simply book the special rate and present proof of membership at check-in. Seniors, military families, and government personnel can also receive discounted room rates.
Many area hotels also provide their own special offers and travel packages, which tend to change throughout the year. The Westin Prince Toronto, for instance, allows you to book a Toronto Zoo package that includes family tickets to the zoo, buffet breakfasts at the hotel, and free hotel parking. Romance packages generally consist of welcome strawberries and sparkling wine, breakfast for two, and a late check-out. You may even find special shopping packages that throw in a gift card to one of Toronto's most popular shopping centers.
Oshawa offers many mid-range hotel options that give you the best value for your money. Residence Inn Whitby is an all-suite accommodation that boasts informal rooms ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites. You'll enjoy free Wi-Fi, work desks, fully equipped kitchens, sofa beds, and flat-screen TVs. Some even add fireplaces, additional televisions, and separate living areas. On-site amenities include a fitness room, an indoor saltwater pool, evening socials with snacks, a grocery delivery service, free parking, a hot breakfast buffet, outdoor grills, and laundry facilities.
Best Western Plus Durham Hotel & Conference Centre is located two miles from the Oshawa Centre and about eight miles from Darlington Provincial Park. This relaxed accommodation features flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Parking and continental breakfast are free, and guests can take advantage of the on-site fitness room, outdoor barbecues, basketball/hockey court, business center, and conference rooms.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa Downtown-Toronto Area is a modern hotel just minutes from Highway 401. Guest rooms feature standard internet service, flat-screen TVs, and double-glazed windows. Families can book connecting rooms. Other amenities include an on-site fitness center, business center, complimentary hot breakfast, laundry facilities, and indoor pool.
With so much to explore in the Greater Toronto Area, you may be wondering where to start. One of Oshawa's most popular attractions is the Canadian Automotive Museum, which educates the public on Canada's long history in the automotive industry. The museum itself is located downtown in the original Ontario Motor Sales location, which was a local car dealership during the 1920s. Admission is just $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for kids ages six to 17. Kids under five get in free.
If you love art, be sure to visit The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa's civic center. The largest public art gallery in the area, The RMG boasts a permanent collection of over 4,500 works ranging from historical to contemporary. The gallery is free to the public, but a donation is appreciated.
Other must-see attractions in Oshawa include Parkwood Estate, the Ontario Regiment Museum, Darlington Provincial Park, and The Waterfront Trail.
Whether you're looking for an upscale hotel in Toronto or a budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Oshawa, you'll find the perfect hotel in the Greater Toronto Area that meets your needs and budget, so start planning your trip today!
Below are reviews of the city of Oshawa, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
Cute little towns in the vicinity.
People are friendly.
Waterfront was nice
All the restaurants available!
I like that we were able to access everything we needed from the hotel! The people at the restaurant we went to were awesome
I like that we were able to access everything we needed from the hotel! The people at the restaurant we went to were awesome!
Less traffic and lot of shopping areas.
Most memorable was the outstanding service given by every restaurant we visited as well as at the LaQuinta Inn. Every place we went they made us feel welcome and appreciated!
Close to GTA
Close to everything we were attending.
Lots of things close by hotel.
The Oshawa Shopping Center
The Oshawa Shopping Center is a great place to shop and enjoy a good meal!
The neighborhood seems a bit "under review". Quaint enough still, but hopefully the construction won't last forever.