One of Canada’s most diverse and fastest growing cities, Mississauga sits on the banks of the picturesque Lake Ontario and is in a fantastic location in the Great Toronto Area, less than a 40-minute drive from Toronto via the Gardiner Expressway.
Often referred to as the gateway into Canada due to nearby Toronto Pearson International, which is the largest airport in the country, Niagara Falls is only an hour’s drive away – but much more is waiting to be discovered in and around the city.
This is a destination bustling with attractions, museums and restaurants, as well as stunning natural parks and nature to explore. With historic landmarks and futuristic skyscrapers, Mississauga is becoming one of Ontario’s most exciting and contemporary places. We’ve narrowed down some of the best things to do in Mississauga to help you plan your time here.
Celebration Square
Throughout the year there are regular festivals and events on Celebration Square, found in front of the Central Library in downtown.
Park up in a lot on Duke of York Boulevard and walk across to the green for family-friendly activities. In the winter, you can skate on the large ice rink, or in warmer conditions you can soak up the fountains. There’s also a regular programme of outdoor music shows, movies and even fitness classes. Check out the events schedule before you arrive.
Playdium
If you’re travelling with the family, the multi-sensory games and activities in the Playdium are fun for all ages. Inside this huge adventure centre, there are more than 200 video games, rides and attractions to enjoy.
Whether you want to embark on a round in the batting cages, practice your putting in the 18-hole miniature golf course, or have a friendly battle in the bumper car ring, there’s so much to try. In the arcade, play on new and retro video games including Pac Man and Mario Kart, enjoy indoor and outdoor games and check out the ultimate 3D movie experience on the XD Dark Ride, with its motion seats and epic special effects.
The Playdium complex is located off Confederation Parkway on Rathburn Road, with plenty of parking onsite.
Wahoosh Falls
The scenic spot of Mullet Creek is a surprise in itself, but nothing is more impressive than its hidden waterfalls. Park your car near the University of Toronto Mississauga to continue through the natural terrain of the woodland.
Find the meandering river and follow the ravine to spot salmon swimming through the water, looking up to see the peculiar sight of the Credit River bridge against the tree canopy.
The Wahoosh Falls consists of two idyllic waterfalls, which can be found within the creek, near the valley below Burnhamthorpe Road Bridge. Enjoy the serene setting and the sight of the cascading water as it flows into the Credit River.
Jack Darling Memorial Park
Take in the distant views of Toronto’s skyline from the idyllic beach in Jack Darling Memorial Park.
In colder conditions, the atmosphere is a quintessential winter wonderland with icicles hanging from tree branches, frozen-over lakes and snowy pathways. In the summertime, the park is alive with wildlife, nature and people who flock here for its grassy plains and picturesque picnic spots.
Paddle in the shallow waves along the waterfront and take a stroll along the nature trails through the trees. There’s a dog park here as well as a tennis court, small play and splash park, which runs when the weather’s warm. The park is shoreside, off Lakeshore Road W, with several small parking lots nearby.
Lake Ontario
This famous lake flows to Niagara Falls and cascades down Horseshoe Falls where it meets the US border. The blue water on Lake Ontario is naturally cold all year round, and it’s truly impressive, spanning 18,960 km² in size.
Visit the picturesque Snug Harbour to take a boat tour over the lake. Here you can see the historic Port Credit Lighthouse. Painted in iconic red and white, this structure has been working since 1936. Climb up to its deck for a pleasant view out to sea.
Music Walk of Fame
Nestled in Port Credit Memorial Park you’ll find the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame. The tribute flows along the pavement with specially designed plaques for each artist commemorated. Visit to celebrate the artists that have sprung up from the city to share their talents worldwide.
The Port Credit Memorial Park is also in the musical neighbourhood, and regularly hosts festivals and events.
Absolute World Towers
Located within the Hurontario and Burnhamthorpe intersection, the impressive residential Absolute World Towers are hard to miss. Nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe skyscrapers, the twin buildings twist 209 degrees up 56 storeys and stand at 238-metres tall.
The unique design was chosen from an international design competition. The winner – Ma Yansong, founder of MAD architects – aimed to encapsulate the natural elements, so it was built with an organic flow. Walk around the structure to see it change from different angles.
Fo Guang Shan Toronto Temple
For peace and tranquillity, take a moment for yourself with a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. With traditional decorative architecture, a golden roof welcomes visitors into its lavishly styled building.
Marvel over the large suspended drum and huge bell. Symmetrical by design, the temple is dressed in gold with eye-catching Buddhist statues and hundreds of twinkling lights. With fragrant incense in the air, explore and relish the silence.
There’s also an authentic tea room to the right of the building where you can enjoy a warming drink and simple vegetarian dishes. The temple is in the northwest of the city centre, near to the Lake Aquitaine Park, just off the Erin Mills Parkway on Millcreek Drive, with plenty of parking nearby.
Art Gallery of Mississauga
One of the best attractions in the city, the Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) may be small in comparison to some of the spaces in Toronto, but has many interesting exhibits to discover.
Offering up a diverse collection of contemporary art, often playful and experimental, the programme changes frequently, which means there’s always something exciting to see.
Admire a wide range of work in different mediums including sculptures, photography, paintings, print design and crafts. The AGM is on the same block as Celebration Square with plenty of parking on Duke of York Boulevard.
Whether you follow our itinerary or create your own, a rental car is perfect to get you around Mississauga and the surrounding area, as well as any wider Canadian adventures you care to take.