Stand at the mouth of the Credit River in Port Credit, where the lighthouse deck looks out over the harbour and the village behind it, and you get the clearest sense of what Mississauga is: a city of former villages that grew together along the shore of Lake Ontario. The waterfront, the ravines of the Credit River and a handful of preserved village streets give the place a scale that is easy to move through in a day or two.
This guide suits anyone with a short stay in the city, whether you are based in Mississauga City Centre, passing through on the way to or from Toronto Pearson International Airport, or staying along the lakeshore. It covers the villages, galleries, parks, museums, landmarks and activities that the city's travel listings actually name.
Top things to do in Mississauga
1. Port Credit
This older, historic village sits at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore and holds many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluesfest.
Combine it with the marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore. The Port Credit Lighthouse is right here, so plan the village and the waterfront as one stop.
2. Streetsville
Streetsville, along Queen St S, is the other community that has retained much of its village atmosphere. It has many shops, restaurants and green areas to explore, and was home to the late mayor Hazel McCallion.
Time a visit for June to catch the Bread and Honey Festival, or come in the winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade.
3. Mississauga City Hall (Mississauga Civic Centre)
The City Hall clock tower is a landmark at City Centre alongside the Marilyn Monroe Towers. Although modern, the building has the heft of a castle, with a cylindrical structure at its south-east corner housing the council chamber.
Be sure to see the huge marble-clad atrium inside. It is open Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, so fit it into a weekday. The Art Gallery of Mississauga and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden are both at the same address, which makes this an easy cluster.
4. Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM)
The AGM occupies the ground floor of Mississauga City Hall and programmes about 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art across four gallery spaces. Admission is free.
It is open Mon-Wed and Fri 10AM-5PM, Thu 10AM-8PM, and Sat-Sun noon-4PM. Check the website for closures due to installations before you go.
5. Port Credit Lighthouse
This functional lighthouse was built in 1991 and can cast a beam 15 miles long over Lake Ontario. The structure has a visitor deck offering views of the Credit River, the harbour and the village of Port Credit.
It sits at 105 Lakeshore Rd E in Port Credit, so pair it with a walk through the village and along the waterfront paths.
6. Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
This nature area on Lake Ontario has trails, boardwalks and birdlife. It is a quiet counterpoint to the busier waterfront parks.
It is reached from 660 Bexhill Rd, about 800 metres south of Lakeshore Rd W, and MiWay bus 23 serves the area. Wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy on the boardwalks.
7. Erindale Park
Erindale Park offers walking trails, views of the Credit River and ravines, and bird watching. It is one of the easiest places in the city to get onto a riverside trail.
It is at 1695 Dundas St W at Nanticoke Rd, served by MiWay bus 1. Combine it with the Credit River fishing described below if you are carrying a rod.
8. Riverwood Park (The Riverwood Conservancy)
This 150-acre nature area has trails, wildflowers and 160 bird species, plus heritage structures and MacEwan Terrace Garden.
It is at 4300 Riverwood Park, at Burnhamthorpe Rd W and The Credit Woodlands, served by MiWay bus 6. Allow more time than you would for a small city park.
9. Kariya Park
Kariya Park contains authentic Japanese gardens and is named after Mississauga's twin city, Kariya in Japan. It sits at 3620 Kariya Dr in City Centre.
Because it is in City Centre, it works well in the same outing as City Hall and the Art Gallery of Mississauga.
10. Benares Historic House
The house was built in 1857 and has been restored to the World War One era. It contains original artifacts of the Harris family, who occupied it for four generations.
It is at 1507 Clarkson Rd N and is open Fri-Sun noon-4PM, so plan it for a weekend afternoon.
11. Bradley Museum
The museum features the restored 1830s home of early settlers in Mississauga. It is set in Meadow Wood Park at 1620 Orr Road.
Opening hours are Fri-Sun noon-4PM. Pair it with the lakeshore parks further west if you are driving.
12. Leslie Log House
Built in 1826, the Leslie Log House today contains the archival and artifact collection of the Streetsville Historical Society.
It is at 4415 Mississauga Rd in Hewick Meadows park, served by MiWay bus 44, and is open Wed and Sun 1-4PM. It fits neatly into a Streetsville day.
13. Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens
This 18-acre lakefront garden specialises in rhododendrons. It is best seen in May and June, when the flowering is at its height.
It is at 660 Lakeshore Rd W at Shawnmarr Rd, served by MiWay bus 23. Combine it with Jack Darling Memorial Park along the same stretch of Lakeshore Rd W.
14. Jack Darling Memorial Park
This waterfront picnic park has swimming in Lake Ontario. It is at 1180 Lakeshore Rd W and is served by MiWay route 23.
Bring what you need for a picnic, since the appeal here is the lakefront setting rather than facilities to visit.
15. Living Arts Centre
The Living Arts Centre at 4141 Living Arts Dr hosts live theatre and concerts. It is the obvious choice for an evening out in City Centre.
Tickets and enquiries are handled through the centre's box office. Check what is on before you fix your dates.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in Port Credit. Walk the village streets, then take the paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore, and go up to the visitor deck at the Port Credit Lighthouse for views of the river, harbour and village.
Afternoon: Head to City Centre. See the marble-clad atrium and clock tower at Mississauga City Hall, then visit the Art Gallery of Mississauga on the ground floor of the same building. Finish the afternoon at Kariya Park and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden, both a short walk away.
Evening: Return to Port Credit for dinner among its small restaurants, cafes and bars, or take in live theatre or a concert at the Living Arts Centre.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the rhododendrons?
The Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens are best seen in May and June.
Which Mississauga attractions are free?
The Art Gallery of Mississauga is free. The city's parks, gardens and conservation areas, including Kariya Park, Erindale Park, Riverwood Park, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area and the lakeshore parks, are outdoor spaces you can walk into.
What annual events take place in Port Credit and Streetsville?
Port Credit hosts the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluesfest. Streetsville hosts the Bread and Honey Festival in June, and in the winter months holds Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade.
Can you fish in Mississauga?
Yes. The Credit River is known for huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead, as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon.
Decide which village you want as your base, check the opening days for the galleries and museums above, and start planning your trip to Mississauga.