Mississauga is a booming, vibrant city. I grew up here and saw it explode from a with a “downtown” core around Square One with pockets of former towns spread around it to a sprawling urban city. One thing is for sure, there are many things to do in Mississauga at any given time of the year.
While restaurants and shops might come and go, there are several key things you can do in Mississauga to entertain yourself.
Shopping, enjoying the outdoors, dining and exploring the new architecture popping up in downtown Mississauga are just some of the things you can explore.
I’ll share with you my recommendations!
Mississauga Is A Blend Of Towns
But first… what do you know about Mississauga?
Well-known for its feisty, long-reigning Mayor Hazel McCallion, Mississauga is a city that grewf out of smaller towns such as Clarkson, Port Credit, Meadowvale, and Streetsville joining together in 1976.
Although suburban sprawl has blended the former town lines, the neighbourhood feeling is still evident as you drive through the city. This is something you need to keep in mind when you coming visiting here.
Located next door to cosmopolitan Toronto, Mississauga is a vibrant city.
It has green spaces, an exciting restaurant and nightlife scene, shopping centres and attractions. With so many things to do in Mississauga, it is increasingly becoming a place to visit outside of the busy Toronto downtown core.
Shopping In Mississauga
Right by the main City Centre is Square One. It’s one of the largest shopping malls in Canada, having opened in 1973. It offers over 360 retailers under one roof, including Canadian retailers to international brands.
After a full day of shopping, my recommendation is to pop into one of the many restaurants within the mall to replenish your energy or enjoy a delicious cocktail.
An alternative is Erin Mills Town Centre, a smaller version of Square One. It’s smaller with a more leisurely pace to your shopping experience.
Heartland Town Centre, with its many outdoor box stores, is also a popular destination. Here you find a variety of stores, including jewelry and gift shops, to fashion and shoe stores.
Outdoor Activities In Mississauga
Mississauga boasts many green spaces and trails that can offer hours of exploration. This is the case even in cooler Fall and Winter months.
The 20 km Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario takes you through 22 parks, the colourful Port Credit, the historic Bradley House Museum and Rattray Marsh. For a walk in a quieter park, head to Erindale Park with its main path taking you for several kilometres alongside the Credit River. Other options for walking and hiking include Riverwood Conservancy and Cooksville Creek Trail located close to the City Centre.
For a brief zen moment, head to Kariya Park close to Square One (entrance off of Kariya Drive, at Burnhamthorpe), a Japanese-styled garden that offers quiet relaxation.
During the fall period, this beautifully designed park still retains its charm with golden leaves and a still pond.
| Related: Exploring Natural Wetlands At Rattray Marsh In Mississauga
Drink And Dine In Mississauga
Checking out the dining scene is one of the things to do in Mississauga.
Over the past 30 years, Mississauga’s restaurant and bar scene flourished. Places to dine in downtown Mississauga include Failte Irish Pub for a pint and pub food. Scaddabush is a hotspot for delicious Italian cuisine. Earls Restaurant at Square One is known for its great cocktail menu.
Meanwhile, if you head south of Square One along Hurontario Street towards Lake Ontario, you reach the area known as Port Credit. Here you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, from fine dining, pubs, lounges, and bars. This area is a great hot spot for nightlife, including Spice Lounge with a tapas menu and a special focus on finely crafted cocktails.
Opt for Snug Harbour for a quiet meal overlooking the Mouth of the Credit River and marina. For excellent pub cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere, head to Pumphouse Grill.
The Streetsville area of Mississauga offers a number of great venues for “pub hopping”. Franklin House, Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub and The Cock and Pheasant, serving delicious pub foods and live music, provide an ideal scene for people-watching from the bar.
| Related: Things To Do In Port Credit, Mississauga
The Arts
Mississauga has a performing and visual arts scene that is constantly growing. For fine art, head to the Art Gallery of Mississauga, located inside the Mississauga Civic Centre on the ground floor. Many local artists contribute to exhibitions, which are always changing.
The nearby Living Arts Centre offers performing and digital arts programming. These include musical performances, comedy and local dance and music ensembles. Internationally-renowned performers often do special nights a the Living Arts Centre and tickets can be easily purchased on the Centre’s website.
Music lovers can also take in live music on Friday and Saturday nights while enjoying a pint at Failte, located in downtown Mississauga, or at Port Credit’s Roc’ n Docs and Streetsville’s pubs.
Other Attractions
Arcade and redemption game enthusiasts can find hours of fun at Playdium, an entertainment centre located by Square One. It offers hours of solo or group fun.
Meanwhile, for lovers of modern architecture, the Civic Centre is an example of Post Modern Canadian architecture and design. Completed in 1987, for many years it was the sole recognizable symbol of the city of Mississauga.
The newest additions to the city’s growing architectural movement are two Absolute World condominium buildings. One is called the “Marilyn Monroe” building due to its curvy “figure”. Its partner building has been referred to as Joe, Arthur, John F or Robert building. It refers to the real Marilyn Monroe’s many and supposed lovers.
Finally, for airplane enthusiasts can spend hours viewing planes touching down at the Toronto airport. It’s located on Mississauga lands and there are many areas surrounding it that offer a chance to view planes as they depart and land.
A good spot to view flights is the Tim Horton’s coffee shop on Dixie Road at Mid Way Blvd (depends on the direction of the wind and how they planes land). Grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy the views.
