Top 12 Lakes around Oshawa
Best lakes around Oshawa include access to Lake Ontario and several significant coastal wetlands. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Oshawa provides extensive waterfront access and recreational opportunities. The area features diverse natural landscapes, including marshes, swamps, and forested areas, which contribute to its ecological richness. These locations offer various outdoor activities and opportunities to appreciate nature.
Best lakes around Oshawa
- The most popular lakes is Darlington Provincial Park Nature Trail, a trail that borders Highway 401 to the north, with the shores of Lake Ontario to the south and the McLaughlin Bay Marsh to the southwest. The park is situated on a cliff formed at the end of the last ice age and is one of the most intensively used recreational areas in Ontario.
- Another must-see spot is McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, an other natural area with diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests, meadows, and shoreline areas. Visitors can expect to find rich biodiversity, supporting nearly 400 varieties of plants, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, as well as numerous species of native birds, mammals, and fish.
- Visitors also love Second Marsh, a provincially significant coastal wetland located in southeast Oshawa. It is one of the largest remaining wetlands in the Greater Toronto Area, boasting diverse habitats and home to over 380 plant species and 305 bird species.
- Oshawa is known for its access to Lake Ontario and its significant coastal wetlands. These include large wetlands like Second Marsh and smaller ones such as Pumphouse Marsh, offering a variety of natural environments to explore.
- The lakes around Oshawa are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 photos shared and 2 upvotes for the highlights in this guide.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Levay's Lane Trail
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Lynde Shores Conservation Area
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McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve
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McLaughlin Bay Trail
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Darlington Provincial Park Nature Trail
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Darlington Provincial Park is one of the most intensively used recreational areas in Ontario. It is close to Oshawa and Metro Toronto and is easily accessible via Highway 401. (Visit June 5, 2025)
ontarioparks.ca/park/darlington
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Tips from the Community
Access to the LeVay’s Lane Trail is via the Waterfront Trail from the parking areas at Halls Road South and Victoria Street West. However, the latter parking area is for annual parking pass holders only. The LeVay’s Lane Trail is a loop trail through the Lynde Shores Conservation Area with access to an observation deck at Lynde Creek Marsh. The observation deck at Cranberry Marsh is accessed via the Lake Ontario Trail 1, which branches off the private road from the LeVay’s Lane Trail and heads south to Lake Ontario. https://www.cloca.com/lynde-shores Visited June 24, 2026
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The Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a conservation area that includes the Lynde Creek Marsh and Cranberry Marsh on Lake Ontario and was established in 1972. Due to its proximity to urban centers, the area receives many visitors throughout the year, including walkers, hikers, and bird lovers. Interestingly, feeding songbirds is permitted here - but only with plant seeds. On a part of the park grounds, extensive interventions are being carried out to restore a natural state. The vegetation has been completely removed from the area southwest of the parking lot, and the terrain has been modeled with two lakes. The fallow landscape leaves a peculiar impression; one can only hope that the project will be successful and visible by 2028. https://www.cloca.com/lynde-shores Visit on June 24, 2026
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McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is a peaceful natural area in Oshawa, where wetlands, meadows, and wooded trails create a quiet setting along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Walking paths wind through marshland and forested sections, with boardwalks, lookout areas, and excellent opportunities to spot birds, deer, turtles, and other wildlife throughout the reserve. Surrounded by protected habitat near Second Marsh, it has a calm, tucked-away feel that makes it especially popular for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature close to the city.
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Established in 1972, Lynde Shores Conservation Area offers a network of flat, easy trails that wind through marsh, meadow, and lakeshore forest. Boardwalks and wide paths take you through the mix of wetlands and wooded pockets that draw in waterfowl, deer, and plenty of songbirds creating a relaxed environment near the shore of Lake Ontario.
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The Levay's Lane Trail offers an easy loop with a mix of shaded paths and open clearings. The route follows gentle terrain, crossing small bridges and pockets of wetland where songbirds and waterfowl are common. A short branch of the trail goes along Cranberry Marsh to the shore of Lake Ontario where you'll find a small beach.
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Darlington Provincial Park was established in 1959 and is classified as a recreational park. It borders Highway 401 to the north; the shores of Lake Ontario lie to the south, and the McLaughlin Bay Marsh to the southwest. The park is situated on a cliff formed at the end of the last ice age. Part of the park is used as a campground. Darlington Provincial Park is one of the most intensively used recreational areas in Ontario. It is close to Oshawa and Metro Toronto and is easily accessible via Highway 401. (Visit June 5, 2025) https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/darlington
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The McLaughlin Bay Trail leads from the parking lot along McLaughlin Bay to the beach on Lake Ontario. We are in the transition zone between wetland and dryland; depending on the time of year, the trail becomes swampy and impassable. However, other trails allow you to bypass the wetland. (Visit June 5, 2025)
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The McLaughlin Bay Marsh area is owned by General Motors of Canada. In 2023, the company donated the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve to the City of Oshawa to support the protection of ecologically sensitive areas. The reserve was originally created in 1990 and is home to numerous plant and bird species. The area is named in honour of Samuel McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors of Canada and a pioneer of the Canadian automotive industry. Source: https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail/mclaughlin-bay-wildlife-reserve
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I see at the lakes and wetlands around Oshawa?
Oshawa's lake areas, particularly its coastal wetlands, are rich in biodiversity. At Second Marsh Wildlife Area, you can find over 380 plant species and 305 bird species, including migratory waterfowl. McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve supports nearly 400 varieties of plants, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, along with numerous native birds, mammals, and fish. Even smaller areas like Pumphouse Marsh Wildlife Reserve offer opportunities to observe local wildlife and bird species.
Are there good spots for birdwatching near Oshawa?
Yes, Oshawa is an excellent destination for birdwatching. Second Marsh Wildlife Area is a provincially significant wetland and a haven for birdwatchers, especially during spring and autumn migrations. McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve also offers viewing platforms for birdwatchers. Additionally, Thickson's Point is a popular birdwatching spot overlooking Lake Ontario, known for its diverse avian visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Oshawa?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The 11-kilometer section of the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario is perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. Lakeview Park offers beaches for swimming and sunbathing. For hiking, explore the trails at McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve or Darlington Provincial Park Nature Trail. Fishing is popular in Lake Ontario for salmon, trout, and bass. For more structured activities, you can find various hiking routes and running trails in the area.
Are there family-friendly lake areas around Oshawa?
Absolutely. Lakeview Park on Lake Ontario is a popular family destination with a beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Darlington Provincial Park Nature Trail is also classified as family-friendly and offers camping. Both McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Second Marsh are great for families interested in nature walks and wildlife viewing, with accessible trails and boardwalks.
Are there accessible lakeside walks in Oshawa?
Yes, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve features the unique Dogwood Trail, specifically designed for partially sighted or visually impaired visitors, promoting inclusivity. Many sections of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail are also paved and relatively flat, offering accessible options for enjoying the shoreline.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Oshawa?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching, especially at Second Marsh and Thickson's Point, due to migratory birds. Summer is perfect for swimming and beach activities at Lakeview Park and enjoying water sports on Lake Ontario. The trails are generally enjoyable from spring through fall.
What historical or cultural sites are near Oshawa's lakes?
The Oshawa waterfront has a rich history related to Indigenous peoples and early settlement. The Oshawa Museum, located in Lakeview Park, offers insights into the area's past. The Oshawa Harbour also holds significant historical and economic importance. The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is named in honor of Samuel McLaughlin, a pioneer of the Canadian automotive industry.
Can I go cycling along the lakes in Oshawa?
Yes, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail runs along Oshawa's section of Lake Ontario, providing scenic paths for cycling. This trail connects various parks and natural areas, including McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Pumphouse Marsh Wildlife Reserve, offering extensive opportunities for lakeside cycling.
Is there a traditional inland lake experience near Oshawa?
While Oshawa itself is primarily known for Lake Ontario and its coastal wetlands, Pigeon Lake in the Kawartha Lakes region is a popular option approximately 65 kilometers away. It offers a more traditional inland lake experience with excellent fishing, boating, water sports, and a quintessential Ontario cottage country feel, including Emily Provincial Park for camping.
What makes Second Marsh a significant natural area?
Second Marsh is a provincially significant coastal wetland and one of the largest remaining wetlands in the Greater Toronto Area. It boasts diverse habitats like marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and a barrier beach, supporting over 380 plant species and 305 bird species. It serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds and is a valuable ecosystem on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Are there any easy hiking trails around Oshawa's lake areas?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The trails within McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve are suitable for leisurely walks. Many sections of the Waterfront Trail are also easy to navigate. For more specific easy routes, consider trails like the Courtice Shore Trail or the Whitby Waterfront Trail, which are part of the broader network near Oshawa's lakes.
Can I find beaches for swimming near Oshawa?
Yes, Lakeview Park on the shores of Lake Ontario features a family-friendly beach where you can swim (when supervised) and sunbathe. The extensive Lake Ontario shoreline provides various points for enjoying the water.
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