Those looking to cozy up to Toronto may be won over by the lakefront lifestyle Mississauga has to offer. Among the top 10 most populous municipalities in Canada, this thriving city offers options for those looking to be near the action while also holding onto a slice of suburban life. With historic Port Credit, long rambling walking trails that stretch all the way to Toronto, and neighbourhoods flooded with annual festivals, Mississauga isn’t one to miss. These iconic Mississauga neighbourhoods should be on your next adventure—or your next place to put down roots.

2024 Stavebank Rd, Mississauga, ON

Streetsville

Amalgamated when the City of Mississauga was formed in 1974, Streetsville strikes a balance between a proximity to skyscrapers and preserving the community’s small-town charm. The streets abound with heritage buildings; it’s not uncommon to see walking tours wandering the streets snapping pictures while you pick up your morning paper. Boutiques, restaurants passed down through generations, and indie stores create a vibrant, tight-knit neighbourhood. Dubbed « The Village in the City », Streetsville is also home to countless festivals throughout the year, from the summer-style Bread and Honey Festival to the festive Christmas in the Village.

Port Credit

Lakefront living is always a popular choice—who doesn’t enjoy watching the sun sink into pink waters over a glass of rosé? Weekends in Port Credit are beautifully spent paddling kayaks, dining al fresco or taking in the night life. Summer evenings are at their finest along one of the port’s two marinas, where people take to the streets to sip cocktails and relax in view of the neighbourhood’s iconic lighthouse. Partake in Sunday brunch at the elegant Breakwater Restaurant, purchase fresh produce at the Port Credit Farmers Market, or take off on an excursion along the nearby Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

602-55 Port Street E, Mississauga, ON

Downtown

The bright lights of downtown are always aglow for those who adore modern condo living and always being close to home. In the city’s cultural hub, Mississauga’s modern art gallery, festivals, museums, and literary events can be found right on your doorstep. Rest and ruminate in the calming Kariya Park Japanese Gardens, or catch a concert at Mississauga Celebration Square—no matter your choice, downtown cultural cool is in no short supply.

3883 Quartz Rd #3113, Mississauga, ON

Meadowvale

Take a deep breath and soak up the sublime natural bliss of Meadowvale. If the downtown and city-centric areas are always abuzz, then Meadowvale’s wild trails, lakes, and parks offers an urban respite. The Meadowvale Conservation Area is the perfect spot for family picnics, birdwatching, and dog walks. With its green spaces and convenient transit options, Meadowvale is the place in Mississauga to find a detached home and settle in.

With real estate on the rise across the city, Mississauga is a good decision waiting to happen. While Toronto may lead the pack in terms of glimmer and glitz, Mississauga delivers on quality of life. Visitors looking for heritage homes, a busy calendar of cultural events, and wild trails skirting the water’s edge should be sure to turn their attention to this corner of Canada.

Explore the latest luxury homes in Mississauga, and find your own lakeside address.

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Photo Credits: Bill Barber / Flickr

This article was originally published on June 26, 2018 and has been updated on November 29, 2023.