Oakville

Oakville, Ontario is an elegant lakeside town located just west of Toronto, known for its tree-lined neighbourhoods, excellent schools, vibrant harbour, and a refined lifestyle shaped by natural beauty, culture, and upscale living. Located east of Burlington and west of Mississauga, this community offers what many consider to be the epitome of luxury living in Ontario. It has even caught the attention of publications like MoneySense Magazine, which in 2018 named Oakville the #1 best place to live in Canada.

That is high praise, and there’s no denying the vibrant atmosphere you’ll experience everywhere you go. Although the population is approximately 240,000 residents, there’s still a sense of togetherness that is hard to find anywhere else, and it’s even harder to put this experience into words.

Perhaps its long-serving Mayor Rob Burton said it best: “Oakville is a city that calls itself a town and acts like a village.”

There is great truth to his comments. The still-growing population undoubtedly qualifies Oakville as a city. As is the ongoing new home development located in the once rural north part of the town, along the Dundas St West corridor.

Nevertheless, residents are steadfastly determined to retain its small-town feel. This balance between growth and community is part of what makes Oakville so compelling for newcomers.

The population of Oakville is diverse. Its high quality of life and collection of architecturally impressive homes have attracted many wealthy families and professionals. Your average resident is highly educated, often holding post-secondary degrees, and possibly speaks multiple languages.

Business owners and skilled professionals abound, thanks in large part to an affluent clientele, an educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment. (Site Selection Magazine has ranked Oakville within the top five municipalities for new investments.)

Due to the presence of Sheridan College, Oakville is also home to numerous students and recent graduates. Plus, its peaceful environment makes it a favourite destination for empty-nesters and retirees.

Oakville has a reputation for prestige, with luxurious, upscale real estate, which you can observe when driving by the grand estates along Lakeshore Road. Lakefront mansions, premium condos, and large executive homes are all part of Oakville’s coveted landscape. That said, relatively affordable housing options are available, particularly in established neighbourhoods like Falgarwood or even Bronte West.

Oakville has everything big cities offer, often with a little more character and sophistication. You’ll find the same Big Box stores and Power Centres as you would in larger cities like Toronto and Mississauga. Still, the entire shopping scene is far more intimate here, where it’s as much about the experience as the product.

The Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area takes up just six city blocks along Lakeshore Road East, from the Oakville Harbour to Allan Street. You could spend many hours browsing the unique art galleries, gourmet food shops, high-end fashion boutiques, and more! With more than 400 businesses, this stretch is one of Oakville’s most walkable areas.

Step into any of these shops, and the person who greets you with a friendly smile could just be the owner of the establishment. There are too many great retailers and service providers to name. You’ll also find exceptional cafés, lakeside restaurants, and artisan bakeries that contribute to the town’s refined yet approachable charm.

Discover even more options in our post: Our Favourite Locally Owned Boutique Shops in Oakville.

Bronte Harbour

Head west of the downtown core, and you’ll soon come to Bronte Harbour. This iconic landmark features a pier where you can walk out right onto the lake and hear the waves up close and personal!

The pirate-themed playground at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park is a big favourite among local children. Minutes away, you’ll find Bronte Beach Park, a great spot to dip your toes into the water and cool off on a hot summer day.

The harbour boasts a scenic loop for a casual stroll along the water’s edge. This stretch is part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that runs west of Oakville all the way into Burlington. On any day of the year, you’ll wave “hello” to happy cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers as they take in the scenery!

The Parks of Oakville

Oakville may be a small town, but it is also home to more than 200 km of trails! If natural beauty and stunning green spaces are a priority, you will love every moment of living here. Some of our favourite parks and trails include:

• Sixteen Mile Creek Trail follows the ravine and is a stunning spot for a hike, a bike ride, or a leisurely picnic lunch.
• Waterfront Trail, which follows the waterfront along Lake Ontario from Bronte Harbour to Oakville Harbour.
• Bronte Creek Provincial Park takes you out of the city into a natural paradise—without actually having to leave the city. Located right along the border of Burlington and Oakville, this is a great spot for exploring nature, outdoor swimming, and even overnight camping.
• Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, located on the border of Mississauga, features boardwalks and trails through the marsh and wetlands.
• Coronation Park, a large public park right by the waterfront, offers picnic tables and beach access. This is also the site for many fun and festive community events.
• Gairloch Gardens, another waterfront oasis, boasts colourful rose gardens and a tranquil pond. This area feels like a fairy tale escape right in the town. Art lovers will also appreciate the outdoor sculptures and curated exhibitions that frequently take place here.

Oakville is highly regarded for the quality and variety of its educational offerings, with Oakville schools consistently ranked among the top in Ontario. Families have access to both publicly funded education streams through the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board, each recognized for strong academic performance and well-established school communities. Education remains one of the primary reasons families choose to relocate to Oakville.

In addition to its public options, private schools in Oakville are widely respected and internationally acclaimed, including institutions such as Appleby College, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, and MacLachlan College, known for enriched academics, smaller class sizes, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. At the post-secondary level, Sheridan College is internationally recognized for its programs in arts, technology, and applied learning, further strengthening Oakville’s education landscape.

Oakville’s proximity to Toronto also provides convenient access to major universities and colleges, with direct GO Transit service and quick highway connections supporting an easy daily commute.

Learn even more about Oakville’s excellent education system in A Guide to Oakville’s Highly-Ranked Schools.

The Town of Oakville is a beautiful lakeside community, stretching up to the farmlands south of Highway 401. With a strong heritage, preserved and celebrated by residents and visitors alike, it is one of the most coveted residential and business centres on the shores of Lake Ontario.

A growing population means Oakville offers the advantages and services of an established urban centre, in balance with its distinctive small-town charm. Oakville is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto and an hour’s drive from Niagara Falls and the U.S. border.

Its proximity to major employment hubs, combined with quiet residential streets and scenic waterfront views, makes it highly desirable for commuters seeking a more relaxed yet luxurious lifestyle.

Oakville offers a rich experience in theatre, dance, music, and comedy performances at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Residents and visitors can also enjoy the museum at Erchless Estate, galleries, historical societies, and local architecture.

Oakville’s annual Midnight Madness and Jazz Festival draw crowds from around the GTA. The community also provides plenty of recreational opportunities. There are over 2,400 acres of park space (many with groomed hiking trails) and numerous recreation centres with programs for all ages.

For sailing enthusiasts, Oakville’s two harbours, Bronte Harbour and Oakville Harbour, offer marinas, yacht clubs, and lakeside promenades.

Golfers in Oakville can choose from seven golf courses, including the PGA-recognized Glen Abbey Golf Course, which, up until 2018, hosted the Canadian Open a record-breaking 30 times.

Thinking of making a move to Oakville? Explore available homes and expert insights with the Tanya Crepulja Team. We know the city inside and out and are excited to help you find the lifestyle that fits you best.

Get in touch today at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 with any questions.