Clarkson is a vibrant area in southwest Mississauga that was one of the original seven towns and villages that amalgamated in 1974 to form the City of Mississauga. Clarkson has retained much of its Ontario small town charm, and offers a nice combination of nature and outdoor attractions, as well as modern shopping and dining options.
Historic buildings line the main east-west corridor of Lakeshore Road W., with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs that attract large numbers of shoppers and diners throughout the year. Clarkson has long been a popular destination in the Greater Toronto Area, both as a place to visit and as a place to live. You can find a lot of attractions here for people to enjoy, and many people, including this author, with my focus as a real estate agent in Clarkson, believe that this is one of the most attractive areas in the Greater Toronto Area. So what are the best things to do in Clarkson?
Top 6 Things to do in Clarkson
- Visit the Rattray Marsh
- Jack Darling Memorial Park
- Bradley Museum
- Benares Historic House
- Shopping in Clarkson Village
- Dining in Clarkson Village
1.) Visit the Rattray Marsh
Rattray Marsh is a relatively large area of natural wetlands, that includes a beach along the shores of Lake Ontario. Within the marsh itself are a series of elevated boardwalk paths that bring you up close and personal with the wonderful, unspoiled marshland and forest. Once inside the marsh, it’s hard to believe that you are still in the heart of a city the size of Mississauga. Here, the only sounds you will hear are the sounds of nature. It’s a unique experience. Rattray Marsh is a part of the Waterfront Trail, an area of unspoiled nature reserves and parks that hugs the north shore of Lake Ontario. The park is open year-round, is is accessible to all levels of physical ability. Hikers can enjoy a vast array of flora and fauna, and birdwatchers will be delighted with the large numbers of native and migrating birds to be seen here. Check out our full review of this beautiful conservation area in Mississauga.
2.) Jack Darling Memorial Park
Jack Darling Memorial Park is a large park located at 1180 Lakeshore Road W, with extensive areas for picnics and barbeques, and access to its own beach on the shores of Lake Ontario. During spring, summer, and fall, you will find hundreds of families here when the weather is good, and even though there are five parking lots in the park, finding a spot can be a challenge. Parking is free. There are terrific views of the Toronto skyline from the beachfront, as well as sailing boats, kayaks, canoes, windsurfers, and other water activity to watch. Jack Darling Park has a leash-free area for dogs, tennis courts, washrooms, and food vendors. It’s a wonderful place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
3.) Bradley Museum
The Bradley Museum complex is located at 1620 Orr Rd., in south Clarkson, near Meadow Wood Rd. This site has several walkable nature trails through the forest, which eventually connect with the Waterfront Bike Trail, Watersedge Park, and Lake Ontario. There is a herd of wild deer in the neighbouring forested Suncor property, which can often be seen, especially in winter. The Bradley Museum complex consists of four buildings, three of which are designated Ontario Heritage sites:
- The Anchorage, an Ontario Regency style cottage from the early nineteenth century
- The Bradley House, a two-story farmhouse from 1830
- a restored log cabin from the mid 1800s, originally located in Port Credit
- a barn from the late 1800s
All are worth seeing. This is another great area for history buffs, nature lovers, and dog walkers, and is well worth a visit at any time of the year.
4.) Benares Historic House
The Benares House was originally constructed in 1835, and is located in a lovely quiet location at 1507 Clarkson Road N. The house is surrounded by extensive gardens and forest. What’s unique about the Benares House is that it is furnished with many original period antiques, including family possessions belonging to the original owners. Benares was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1995.
There is a Visitor Centre located near the entrance to the house, which offers an interpretive gallery about the property and its original residents There is a lot of history here. The name Benares comes from a city if northern India. It would be interesting to know why the original owner, an Englishman, named it so.
5.) Shopping at Clarkson Village
There is a vibrant shopping area called Clarkson Village, which is located along Lakeshore Rd. W., offering everything from chains stores to local boutiques and antique shops. This is a different type of shopping experience from the gigantic malls such as Square One, at perhaps a more leisurely pace, and there is plenty of on street parking.
6.) Dining at Clarkson Village
Clarkson Village also offers some great dining options. Here you can find an assortment of restaurants with all the world’s cuisines. Some of the best restaurants in Clarkson include:
- Michael’s Back Door, located at 1715 Lakeshore Rd W
- Capra’s Kitchen, located at 1834 Lakeshore Rd W
- Casalinga Ristorante, location 2057 Royal Windsor Dr
- Clarkson Mediterranean Bistro, address 1731 Lakeshore Rd W
and many more.
We hope you have enjoyed our review of the top 6 things to do in Clarkson! Mississauga is blessed with many attractive areas, and this is just one of them.
categories: Clarkson, Clarkson Mississauga, Jack Darling Park, Rattray Marsh, Bradley Museum, Benares House, shopping, dining, Clarkson real estate, Clarkson real estate agent, real estate agent Clarkson
Next: Clarkson Schools
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