December 6, 2021
Oakville is rich in historic locations and artistic experiences, making it the perfect destination for those looking to dive into local culture.
Follow along with our two-day itinerary to experience a vacation perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
Note: This itinerary is based on information available in early December 2021. Please contact businesses directly to confirm details.
Day 1: Historic eats, holiday tours and theatrical showcases
Start your day with brunch at La Parisienne Creperie in Bronte Village. This Feast On Certified restaurant is a mainstay in the neighbourhood, offering the cozy atmosphere of an old French cafe with traditional sweet and savoury crepes.
Make sure to walk through the At Home in Bronte: Winter Edition Muskoka chair display before moving onto your next location. There are 100 gorgeously designed Muskoka chairs scattered throughout the neighbourhood, painted to reflect various aspects of Oakville’s beauty.
Next, step back in time and experience the charm of a historic holiday at the Oakville Museum. Book a guided tour or sign up for their Christmas-themed experiences for an inside look at Oakville’s founding families, Black History and the history of celebrations. There will also be a self-guided exhibit displayed outside of the museum, so you can enjoy the fresh air and historic grounds.
Make the quick walk into the heart of Downtown Oakville for dinner at Seasons. This building dates back to the 1800s when it housed Anderson Bank. It then transitioned into a local police station in the 1950s, and the original cells are still located in the restaurant’s wine cellar and private dining room.
Wrap up your evening by taking in a live show at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. This local theatre has an incredible lineup through the winter months, including performances from the Oakville Symphony, R.H. Thomson, Chris Funk and Brent Butt.
Day 2: Gallery sights, fisherman feasts and self-guided tours
Fuel up with breakfast from your hotel or a quick bite at Vereda Central Cafe before making your way to the Oakville Galleries.
This gallery hosts two locations in Oakville at Centennial Square and Gairloch Gardens. Book your visit to explore the exhibit Two Truths and a Lie, which is drawn primarily from their permanent collection. If you’re visiting in January, you can catch their upcoming exhibits, Friendly in the Knife-Edged Moment and Tanya Lukin Linklater.
Pause for lunch in Bronte Village and grab some seafood from COVE Bar & Restaurant. While this Best Patio Talk of the Town Award-winner is known for its sleek and modern interior, the brick house attached to this location has a lot of historic significance. Built with lake stones, it is a reminder of Oakville’s history with stonehooking, a crucial element in building construction at the time.
This building is also one of the stops on the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton’s Black History walking tour! Walk off your meal with this self-guided jaunt through Bronte Village, and learn about the people, places and events that are significant to Oakville’s Black History.
Share your experiences with us by tagging @VisitOakville in all of your Oakville adventures.
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