Nearby Attractions
Oshawa is home to several other museums including the Oshawa Community Museum, Parkwood Estate, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, and the Ontario Regiment Museum.
The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum
The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) Museum is the official Canadian Forces museum for Durham Region’s own local Canadian Army unit, the Ontario Regiment (RCAC). Along with recounting the regiment’s history and engagements since its formation in 1866, the museum displays and cares for the largest collection of operational historic military vehicles in North America. From its exhibits to its live Tank Saturday vehicle shows, the museum delivers an immersive educational experience by bringing history to life, situating Durham Region’s role in military engagements across the world, and connecting it to the visitor’s personal life experiences. The ORM is located an 8 minute drive north from the Canadian Automotive Museum on the grounds of the Oshawa Airport.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Located a 15 minute walk north of the Canadian Automotive Museum, Parkwood National Historic Site is the former home of R.S. McLaughlin (founder of General Motors of Canada.) The estate was home to the McLaughlin Family from 1917 until 1972 and still contains the original family possessions. The 55 room mansion has 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) of space, including the basement and third-floor servants' rooms. In 1989, Parkwood Estate was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The interiors at Parkwood represent early 20th century design and contain housewares, books, photographs and memorabilia, artwork, and trophies, all displayed in their original settings. Murals include works by Canadian artists Frederick Challener and Frederick Haines. Decorations include carved wood and plaster architectural finishes as well as novelties such as hidden panels and stairways. While there is a charge to tour the interior, the expansive gardens are free to the public and are a must-see for those passing through Oshawa. Visitors may recognize Parkwood from the many films and television shows that have been shot on the grounds including X-Men, Chicago, Queer as Folk, and Hannibal.
Robert McLaughlin Gallery - Oshawa's fine art museum featuring Canadian artists.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) is a vibrant, engaging public art museum located just two blocks from the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa's civic centre between Oshawa City Hall and the Oshawa Public Library. The largest gallery in Durham Region, the RMG occupies an inspired 36,000 square foot building designed by noted architect Arthur Erickson. Featuring a Permanent Collection of over 4000 works, and four galleries of diverse and changing exhibitions, the RMG holds a significant collection of Modern and Contemporary Canadian art, and the largest collection of works by Painters Eleven in Canada.
The Oshawa Museum - located in Oshawa's Lakeview Park on the shores of Lake Ontario.
The Oshawa Museum
Operated by the Oshawa Historical Society, the Oshawa Museum preserves and presents the history of Oshawa and fosters an appreciation and understanding of the City's heritage. Located a 10 minute drive south of the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa's Lakeview Park, the museum is composed of three of Oshawa's oldest homes, and tells the story of Oshawa from the first native settlements to the present day. Engaging family programming and tours are available year-round.
Oshawa Botanical Gardens
The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens (O.V.B.G.) provide a unique garden exploration experience. The gardens offer a series of modern features linked to the nationally designated gardens of Parkwood, The R. S. McLaughlin Estate. Set among creek banks and old-growth trees, O.V.B.G. follows the natural terrain of the Oshawa Valley Creek system.
Lakeview Park
Nestled along the shore of Lake Ontario, Lakeview Park with its mature landscape setting has views of the lake and is a beautiful, community park. Connected to the recreational trails, Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path and the Waterfront Trail, visitors can connect to Oshawa's vibrant downtown, Oshawa Second Marsh, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, the historic Oshawa Community Museum among other attractions. Lakeview Park is also host to many family fun events. The Park is also home to the Jubilee Pavilion which provides a banquet hall and public meeting place. Come stretch your legs or sit and relax by the lake.
Holiday Inn Express Oshawa Downtown
The Holiday Inn Express in downtown Oshawa is an easy five minute walk to the Canadian Automotive Museum as well as Parkwood Estate, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the Tribute Communities Centre. Looking to spend the night in Oshawa? Guests planning to visit the museum receive a special discounted rate when they book online using the code below.