Oshawa

Oshawa sits roughly 60 kilometers east of Toronto along Lake Ontario's northern shore, serving as the eastern edge of the Greater Toronto Area. The city spreads inland from the waterfront, with residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and several parks lining the lake.

The McLaughlin Carriage Company was founded in 1876 and later became General Motors of Canada, turning the area into a hub for automotive manufacturing. This industrial identity shaped the city's growth and drew workers from across the region for decades.

The name comes from a Seneca word meaning roughly "the crossing place between waters," referring to the city's position on Lake Ontario. Local markets and waterfront spaces draw families and cyclists throughout warmer months, creating a relaxed outdoor rhythm.

The city connects to Toronto through GO Transit rail and bus services, as well as highways 401 and 407, making travel fairly straightforward by car or public transit. Three post-secondary institutions operate here, adding student activity to the rhythm of daily life.

Parkwood National Historic Site preserves the original 1920s architecture and gardens of automobile manufacturer R. Samuel McLaughlin's former residence. The estate offers insight into the lifestyle of wealthy industrial families of that era and remains one of the best-preserved examples in the region.

Location: Regional Municipality of Durham

Inception: 1850

Elevation above the sea: 106 m

Shares border with: Whitby, Clarington, Scugog

Website: http://oshawa.ca

GPS coordinates: 43.90000,-78.85000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 05:47