The August long weekend is one of the best times of the year to take a short, sweet and sunny staycation. With a lake, beaches, dozens of parks and tons to do indoors, you can plan a getaway that’s as bustling or relaxing as you want
First Stop: Boating and Beaches
There’s nothing like a sunny summer day spent feeling the flow of the waves. Don’t snooze on your chance to enjoy a peaceful morning on the water. Head out to Lake Ontario first thing for a more solitary and serene voyage. Mississauga’s charter boats offer leisure cruises and fishing charters, perfect for a scenic tour along the lake.
Those who prefer a more hands-on expedition can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Paddle On and have their watercraft waiting for them on the water for a trip up the Credit River and back.
Make sure to pack a cooler for a picnic in the park afterward – or on the beach. When you dock in the Lakefront Promenade Marina, you’re just steps away from Lakefront Promenade Park. Spread out your picnic blanket on the beach or take a break under the shaded picnic area. Make use of the park’s other amenities, including the beach volleyball nets, playground or spray pad before moving on to the next stage of your staycation.
If you’re docking in the Port, bring your picnic to Port Credit Memorial Park, then enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront, or some playtime with kids in the miniature village playground.
Next: Head Indoors for Some Family Fun
You may not need to jet set for your long weekend but you can still board a flight for adventure at Ufly, where you can experience piloting in an authentic Boeing 777-200ER simulator.
Keep the simulation going at Another World VR Arena, where you can battle in space, explore an abandoned mansion or adventure through a cube-based world.
Then, come back down to Earth as you traverse some of the coolest bouldering walls in Canada at
For a final dose of adrenaline, race a few laps at K1 Speed Mississauga. For a unique memento of your Mississauga visit, add on the helmet cam to have your race recorded and watch as you fly around the track.
Refuel: Eat Dinner Outdoors
Dinner on the patio is the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled day.
At Roc’n Doc’s, enjoy the fresh air and the rooftop view while you rock out to live music. For a locally crafted brew, head to Stonehooker Brewing Company. The outdoor picnic table set-up and tunes provide the perfect atmosphere for a long weekend meal.
Looking for the perfect view? It doesn’t get better than Snug Harbour’s cozy waterfront patio overlooking Lake Ontario. If it’s an upscale meal you’re after, Habitat Social offers an elegant yet cool outdoor dining oasis and a menu to match.
For something sweet, stop by Eva’s Original Chimneys downtown or at the Port Credit location, and enjoy a walk, along with your pick of a sugary chimney cone filled with vanilla soft serve.
Make Your Staycation Extra Memorable at These Events:
While you’re here, take advantage of the special events happening throughout the city.
- For a fun evening outing to kickstart your long weekend, head to Streetsville for First Fridays in The ‘Ville where you can shop for unique finds among the vendor market while listening to live music from the School of Rock Streetsville House Band.
- Or, join the excitement downtown as Mosaic – the South Asian Festival of Mississauga takes over Celebration Square August 1 – 2 with two days of free family fun, including live performances, art displays, kids’ activities, and much more.
Enjoy free family fun at Bradley Museum on Saturday, or Benares Historic House on Sundays, where you can try your hand at crafts and games.
Find the Perfect Place to Stay:
From luxurious inns to budget-friendly family hotels, there is no shortage of comfortable accommodations throughout the city. Check out our hotel and motel listings to plan the perfect stay within your budget.