03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
DURHAM DAY TRIP: Here's your guide to exploring the rich history of Oshawa
With modern issues dominating headlines, it's easy to forget the rich history of the City of Oshawa.
Birthplace of Canada's automotive industry, Oshawa is the largest municipality in Durham Region and is home to many museums and historical sites, making it the perfect destination for a historical day trip.
Clark and Chase Wight get up close and personal with Disney's Lightning McQueen at the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa.
1.
Canadian Automotive Museum
99 Simcoe St. S.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located in downtown Oshawa, the Canadian Automotive Museum opened in 1962 and continues to enthrall visitors with its detailed history of the automotive industry in Canada, from the end of horse-drawn carriages to present times, and its unique exhibits, including Disney Cars' Lightning McQueen and a 1983 Delorean made famous in the Back to the Future film series.
A 1983 Delorean is a fan favourite among the many vehicles displayed at Oshawa's Canadian Automotive Museum.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery.
2.
Robert McLaughlin Gallery
72 Queen St.
, in the Oshawa Civic Centre
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Another automotive association, the famed Robert McLaughlin Gallery is named after the founder of the McLaughlin Carriage Company, precursor to General Motors, and is renowned for its extensive collection of Canadian art. Current exhibits include a retrospective of Painters Eleven, Ontario's first abstract artists collective.
Visit Oshawa's Robert McLaughlin Gallery and immerse yourself in Canadian art.
Brush up on military history at the Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa while viewing some of its more than 140 military vehicles.
3.
Canadian Tank Museum
1000 Stevenson Rd. N.
Open daily from noon to 4 p.m. through the summer
Immerse yourself in the rich military history of The Ontario Regiment artifacts exhibit and get a glimpse of more than 140 operational, historic military vehicles spanning the time period from the First World War to the Afghanistan conflict. An accredited Canadian Armed Forces Museum, the facility is run with the help of more than 200 volunteer members.
The Canadian Tank Museum and Ontario Regiment Museum in Oshawa features military vehicles from its collection of more than 140 operational tanks and vehicles.
4.
Parkwood Estates
270 Simcoe St. N.
Tea House Restaurant open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift shop open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For guided tours/events, visit
Enjoy tea al fresco at Parkwood Estate's Tea House Restaurant, open May through September.
Step back in time at the Parkwood National Historic Site, one of Canada's last remaining grand estates. The former home of Canadian auto baron R.S. (Colonel Sam) McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada, the estate offers historic tours, workshops, tea at its outdoor café and more.
Take a step back in time with tours of the historic Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa.
A popular film spot, visitors can also spy familiar set locations from film favourites such as 'Billy Madison,' 'X-Men' and others.
Take a step back in time with guided tours of Parkwood Estate, the former home of General Motors founder R.S. McLaughlin and film site for many popular movies and television shows.
The Oshawa Museum at Oshawa's scenic Lakeview Park.
5.
Oshawa Museum
1450 Simcoe St. S.
For hours/tours, visit
Located within Oshawa's scenic Lakeview Park, the Oshawa Museum is the perfect last stop. Find out about the less-known history of Oshawa with current exhibit 'Untold Oshawa,' which focuses on stories not previously published in any historical books or works. Open year-round for tours, the museum also offers Tea & Talk events and more. After visiting, enjoy a stroll along Oshawa's scenic lakeshore or a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
Meticulously researched and written in an engaging, accessible style, 'Untold Oshawa' shines a spotlight on the tapestry of experiences that have shaped the city.
