This short train ride from Toronto takes you to a lakeside village with stunning spring blooms

It's a beautiful spot for a day trip.

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't need to take a long drive to enjoy a dreamy small town. This quick train ride from Toronto takes you to a charming lakeside village with quaint shops and flower-filled parks.

Perched along the shores of Lake Ontario, this quaint destination is a hidden spring gem with beautiful streets and blossoming green spaces.

Oakville is a historic community located 20 minutes from Toronto by VIA Rail. The station is a 30-minute walk from downtown or 15 minutes by public transit.

According to Visit Oakville, the town is a "hidden gem" known for its "picturesque harbours, vibrant shopping districts, active arts community, and some of the best dining options in the Greater Toronto Area."

During your visit, you can explore some of the town's many attractions, such as The Oakville Museum or Oakville Galleries, or browse the many local boutiques downtown.

The area is home to more than 200 kilometres of trails, making it a beautiful place for a spring stroll. Gairloch Gardens and Neyagawa Park are worth checking out if you're looking for gorgeous blooms and cherry blossoms.

You'll want to grab a bite to eat while in the town. Oakville has over 200 restaurants, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale dining spots.

If you're dreaming of shimmering water views, blossom-filled parks, and small-town charm, this quaint destination is just a short trip from Toronto—no car needed!

Toronto to Oakville

Price: $20 + one-way

Visit Oakville Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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