Imagine a Toronto suburb, now imagine the most boring Toronto suburb – that’s Mississauga. Commuter trains, highways, and unworkably wide streets thread across Mississauga to get residents to work in downtown Toronto. Mississauga isn’t a destination in itself, it’s a means to spend time in Toronto.

For locals, the real estate is much cheaper and you can actually drive to the store without getting stuck in traffic. For travellers, motels near Toronto Pearson International Airport are a budget alternative to fancy downtown hotels.

The Mississauga City Hall is also home to the local art gallery. Celebration Square in front of the city hall is a huge wading pool water fountain in summer and converts into an outdoor skating rink every winter. The city hall has a clock tower shaped like a windmill, reminiscent of the many farmsteads that once dotted the area.

Port Credit down in the southern part of Mississauga is right on Lake Ontario with a beautiful marina. It’s also a hotspot for restaurants and bars. Free parking is available near the lighthouse so you don’t have to pay for expensive street parking.