This World Tourism Day: Be a Tourist in Your Own City
World Tourism Day is fast approaching on September 27, but rather than plan on spending your time exploring popular tourist hot spots (ahem, Toronto), why not explore closer to home and be a tourist in your own city?
Truth be told, there’s a lot to see and do in Mississauga, and while we cannot guarantee that you can get through everything in one day, we can guarantee that you’ll have an amazing time.
To help ensure you have the type of day you want, we’ve divided this post up into four categories that highlight the best of the city, and so you can do what interests you the most. But don’t forget to come back another time when you’re looking for something else to do.
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning and enjoy the most of this fun, exploratory day!
When people think of Mississauga, their immediate thoughts are a big city with lots of tall buildings. But we’re here to tell you that there are so many incredible nature spots scattered across the city that will make you see it from a totally new perspective.
Here are favourite nature spots in the city not to be overlooked:
Riverwood Conservancy
A mix of woodlands, ravines, and meadows with a lively wildlife ecosystem. Come to walk along the trails and visit the gardens in the heart of Mississauga.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
An all-season nature spot perfect for easy walks along the boardwalk, to catch the changing colours of the leaves in the autumn months, or spot the many critters that call the lakefront wetland home. Don’t miss out on the rare, natural shale beach that runs along the Lake Ontario shoreline while you’re there.
Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area
A new 2026 addition to the conservation spots in Mississauga, so chances are, you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet. With its spectacular location along Lake Ontario and connection to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, it’s got everything you’re looking for, from sweeping waterfront views to plenty of wildlife activity.
Kariya Park
Designed and named after Mississauga’s sister city in Japan, this quiet escape includes walkways, Japanese gardens, and a duck pond. While a visit on World Tourism Day won’t include the iconic Cherry blossoms that come in spring, the colours of the leaves really pop in the fall.
Hot Tip: This park is a short way from Square One, making it an easy combo day where you can stop to shop and hang out with Mother Nature.
Breuckner Rhododendron Gardens
This lakefront spot is recognized as one of Canada’s largest public rhododendron gardens and is always worth a visit. While the flowers will blossom best in the spring to early summer, the gardens love to show off their fall hues, providing a new landscape to explore and charm visitors.
Popular ‘Sauga Indoor Spots
Many of these spots you may already know, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still fun to visit.
Square One Shopping Centre
Known as the largest shopping centre in Ontario, if checking out an iconic mall is your passion, then this one isn’t to be missed.
The Art Gallery of Mississauga
With exhibitions, programs, and workshops, there is always something to see at the AGM.
Mi Museum
If you love quirky and different, and don’t mind becoming part of the art itself, this is a must-visit.
Heartland Town Centre
As Mississauga’s largest outdoor shopping centre with more than 180 stores, you’re sure to find everything on your shopping list.
Iconic Neighbourhoods
Port Credit
Recognized as being a favourite area for cyclists, thanks to its amazing Waterfront Trail, it’s also popular for its long stretch of restaurants, shops, cafés, and bars. It’s an ideal neighbourhood to explore when you’re looking for a combination of everything: a bite to eat, some nature, and some touristy shopping.
Don’t miss out on the following if you do decide to make a day of it:
The Port Credit Lighthouse – An iconic red-and-white landmark that resides next to the Credit River and Lake Ontario and is a perfect stop for a photo-op.
J.C. Saddington Park – With its waterfront trail, it not only makes the perfect stop to admire the waterfront skyline – on a clear day, you can see Toronto – but you can also bike or walk along the trail, or stop for a quick snack and soak up the surrounding nature.
Streetsville
Known as the Village in the City, and for historic buildings that line the streets that give old-world charm, you’ll also find, similar to Port Credit, a long strip of shops and more; Queen Street houses quaint boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and more.
Spots to make sure are on your visit list include:
Streetsville Memorial Park
Take a meandering walk along the Credit River where you enjoy the peace of the waterway and can stop for a small picnic.
Hot Tip: Don’t forget to pop by Barbertown Bridge to catch the salmon run that can happen right around World Tourism Day.
Streetsville Village Square
This cozy town square is a great place to stop, slow down, and get a drink and your favourite treat. And you’ll also want to take a pic with the Streetsville Millennium Clock, a landmark treasure that commemorates the town’s heritage into the new millennium.
Historic Downtown Queen Street
Take a walk downtown; you’ll find lots of free parking off of Queen Street, and over 300 independent boutiques, bakeries, cozy cafés, and services, many of which are set within stunningly preserved historic 19th-century buildings.
Delicious Eats Not to Be Missed
Chances are, if you’re from the area, you already have your favourite spots where you like to eat. And honestly, the following list is just the tip of the iceberg for Mississauga. But on this day of World Tourism, we suggest putting on your curiosity hat and trying somewhere you haven’t been before.
The Tea Room
Located in the historic Robinson Bray House is a delightful place to stop if looking for a light lunch or some afternoon tea. Must-tries include their famous scones with cream and preserves or the salad with their in-house honey Dijon dressing, but you really can’t go wrong with their High Tea; you won’t be disappointed.
Old Stable Pub
You’ll find this character-driven pub in Port Credit. It’s cozy, with its eclectic décor, and is recognized as one of the oldest pubs in the area.
Mama Fatma
A Michelin-featured Turkish restaurant delivering authentic Middle Eastern fare. Try the Mezze Platter to whet your appetite, followed by a flavourful variety of grilled meats, and don’t forget to save room for some delicious Turkish desserts and tea.
Pho Ngoc Yen
Recently bestowed with a spot on the Michelin Guide. An iconic Mississauga-born Vietnamese spot with Pho that warms the heart like no other. The perfect representation of what Mississauga’s food scene has to offer.
Roasted Nut Factory
While not a restaurant, this unique store is a perfect stop when you’re looking for a delicious snack to take on your adventures. Here, where every nut is dry-roasted on site, you’ll find over 50 varieties of nuts and treats. Plus, you’ll find fresh coffee to take along with you.
Adel’s Fatatre
Flaky pastry stuffed with fillings prepared fresh to order, otherwise known as Egyptian Stuffed Pizza. From sweet to savoury, this family-owned Egyptian kitchen is a unique find in the city.
Peter’s on Eglinton
Another family-run local favourite with retro décor, generous portions of comfort dishes, and a “you’re part of the family” vibe.
Daddy O’s Doughnuts
A small bakeshop in East Mississauga that includes gourmet, handcrafted doughnuts of unusual flavour combinations. With vegan options and local favourites like the Maple Bacon and the Homer Simpson, it’s worth repeat visits as they love to change things up.
Looking for more spots to hit when this special day arrives? Be sure to follow us on our socials.