Welcome to the Most Livable Town in Canada!

Welcome to Oakville. A vibrant and impressive community within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Town of Oakville is a beautiful lakeside community with a strong heritage, preserved and celebrated by residents and visitors alike. Incorporated in 1857, this striking town has become one of the most coveted residential and business centres in Ontario, and for good reason:

Great neighbourhoods
Great places to do business
Quality schools
Proximity to Lake Ontario and recreational areas
Easy access via QEW, 403, 407 and GO Transit
Charming shopping districts

This thriving municipality of about 166,000 residents provides all the advantages of a well-serviced urban centre, while also maintaining its small-town ambiance. Along historical downtown streets, Oakville offers a mix of converted 19th century buildings which accommodate over 400 fine shops, services and restaurants.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, and an hour's drive from the U.S. border, Oakville boasts more than 1.4 million visitors annually.

Residents and visitors enjoy theatre, dance, music and comedy performances at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. They can visit the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, located in the home of the Chisholms, Oakville's founding family and enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Oakville is alive with natural wonders including over 140 kilometres of trails and natural creeks and 17 kilometres of waterfront. Explore over 1300 hectares of natural parklands including Coronation Park and Bronte Creek Provincial Park as well as the scenic and award-winning Gairloch Gardens.

Among the many special attractions and activities for the whole family, Oakville's annual Waterfront Festival and Jazz Festival draw crowds from around the GTA. The community also provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Golfers can play at one of seven golf courses, including PGA-recognized Glen Abbey Golf Club, which has hosted the Canadian Open for many years and will happen again in 2009 from July 20 to 26. Experience the excitement for yourself. Call 1-800-571-OPEN for tickets and information.

Enjoy over 3,212 acres of park space, many with groomed hiking trails, or drop by a recreation centre which provides programs for all ages. For boaters, Oakville features two picturesque harbours with docks and slips for sail and powerboats.

People who live here are proud of the quality of life this great community has to offer. In a recent survey of residents, 86 per cent said Oakville is a better place to live than anywhere else in the GTA. Ideally located in a beautiful natural setting, Oakville offers first-rate facilities and amenities. The outstanding range of lifestyle choices will continue to make this growing community one in which residents and businesses feel a sense of pride and connection.

Download the Getting Around excerpt from the 2009 Visitor Guide (pdf, 235 kB)

visit www.oakville.ca