Cozy mansions nestle beneath lofty boughs, afternoons are lost to leisurely golf sessions, and former fishing villages now provide the perfect milieu for peaceful lakeside living. Close to the buzz of Toronto and growing rapidly, is it any wonder Oakville is one of the most sought-after communities for urbanites looking to get away without getting away? With convenient public transport to whisk you into the city, and a high-achieving public school system, it would be easy work to call Oakville home.

Old Oakville

199 Chartwell Road, Oakville, ON

Looking like a page straight out of a storybook, Old Oakville boasts endless charm. Otherwise known as the downtown area, this harbourside features strong nautical vibes, historical homes, vibrant art galleries, colourful eateries, and the feel of a vacation that stretches past the summer months. Marvel at the paintings and sculptures lining the Native Art Gallery, spend lazy Sundays lingering on the lawns of Lakeside Park, and savour farm-to-fork cuisine at the Noble Bistro or the flavours of the Mediterranean at Colossus Greek Taverna.

Bronte

2012 Seafare Dr, Oakville, ON

Poetically named, Bronte has changed throughout the years without losing its marina roots. The cozy cottages that resided on the shores have grown into glitzy estates and flights of modern condos right in the heart of the action. Maritime magic abounds in Bronte, where a stroll along the Heritage Waterfront Park showcases charter boats out to catch wild salmon, lovely lighthouses, wooden boardwalks, and rolling beaches. Most of the action can be found around Bronte Village, where outdoor patios at Cucci and The Plank Restobar offer al fresco dining and lakeside views.

Joshua Creek

Breezy Joshua Creek captures the very epitome of the suburban dream. Large, modern homes line the streets in this younger community, where trees are set to bloom as they mature with time. The Joshua Creek Heritage Arts Centre hosts evening yoga sessions, high tea afternoons, and passing art exhibitions, while hockey rinks, trails, and the water slide of the Iroquois Ridge Community Centre are available to keep everyone entertained when the weekend swings around. The best bit—commuters to the city can reach Toronto in just 30 minutes.

Morrison

With custom architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and one of the best school districts in the city, this is one of Oakville’s most prestigious postal codes—especially for families looking for easy access to Old Oakville while retaining space for summer barbecues and evening soirées. There is much to be enjoyed in this trendy part of town—from cycling the lakefront trails to planning cocktails on the lawn of the The Studio in the midst of gorgeous Gairloch Gardens, Morrison is a refined option for luxe living in Oakville.

Glen Abbey

Golf lovers and those seeking to plant their roots in a purpose-built community will fall head over heels for life at Glen Abbey. A kaleidoscopic mix of condos, expansive homes, rambling estates, and shaded ravine lots invite busy executives and harried professionals to get back to nature at an easy remove from the lights of the city. With wide green fairways of the Glen Abbey Golf Club nearby, a well-tailored recreation centre at hand, and a bright library and high-class hockey arena, this neighbourhood has all you need for a calming retreat without abandoning metropolitan convenience.

Whether you want great schools and green space, lazy weekends beside the lake, or the bespoke balance of an easy commute to the city from the heart of nature, Oakville offers suburban perks with urban trimmings.

Find your own Oakville oasis, and take up the waterfront life.

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Photo Credits: Alexander Gold / Shutterstock Inc., LesPalenik / Shutterstock Inc., Bronte Village, Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre,Oakville Gardens, Glen Abbey Golf Club

This article was originally published on June 26, 2018 and has been updated on November 24, 2023.