Are there any hidden gems in Mississauga? Living in Mississauga, we have learned that Mississauga not only has some amazing parks and interesting places to go, but it actually contains several hidden gems of its own. Whether an underrated park, an interesting historical site or even a waterfall, Mississauga has tons of great treasures to explore. Here is a list of our favourite recent discoveries.
10 Hidden Gems in Mississauga You Must Visit:
Table of Contents:
Lakefront Promenade Park
What many don’t know about Mississauga, is that it actually has several kilometers of waterfront. One of the best places to enjoy Mississauga’s waterfront is Lakefront Promenade Park. Actually comprised of a series of smaller parks this 104-acre space provides endless opportunities to enjoy the water.
The areas contains several marinas, beaches, splash pads, playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, biking and hiking trails and great views of the lake. This hidden waterfront park is a great way to spend a warm summer day.
Danville Final Approach
A product of a partnership between Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and the City of Mississauga, Danville Final Approach is a perfect example of environmentally responsible redevelopment. The massive landform was created to enhance existing stormwater systems and create natural areas.
Hidden away in an industrial area, just west of the 410 Danville Final Approach provides recreational facilities through all four seasons of activities. Danville is home to several tournament play cricket pitches with sport lighting and washrooms and change rooms.
Although, where Danville really shines is its viewing platform. Soaring 25 meters above the surrounding area, the platform is an excellent location for viewing planes leaving Pearson International Airport. Additionally, the massive rolling hills become one of the best tobogganing spots in the city during the winters.
Peter’s on Eglington
Having a restaurant on a list of hidden gems in Mississauga would have to have something very unique about it and Peter’s on Eglington delivers.
Starting from its interesting exterior this restaurant is a moment stuck in time. The restaurant’s décor is set up like a fancy diner in the 70’s lavish trim and the massive stained glass ceiling is really awe-inspiring. Definitely a restaurant worth visiting.
As well as an a great décor, the food is excellent as well. Serving some of the best deli sandwiches in the city. Sandwiches are all served with generous servings of fries and coleslaw.
Brickyard Park
If it wasn’t for the name Brickyard Park, nobody would know this park’s long history with Mississauga. The park is located on the grounds of the Cooksville Brick & Tile Company, one of the largest Brick companies in the area. Operating from the 1920s until its closure in 1995.
The old quarry has been filled with water and now acts as a small pond. The park itself has tons of great facilities including 2 baseball fields, a soccer field, a playground and a splash pad. There is also a trail that meanders around the park. From which you are even able to spot the Toronto skyline at some of the higher vantage points.
Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens
Mississauga has a great waterfront, there are tons of great parks, beaches and villages, including this hidden gem. Named after Mississauga resident and master rhododendron hybridizer, the late Dr. Joseph Brueckner. The 18-acre garden is the largest garden dedicated to Rhododendrons in Canada.
Due to the park’s location on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and the number of massive White Pines. The park’s unique microclimate allows the Rhododendron to thrive. Every year from May to June the flowers bloom, creating an amazing display of colours.
Wahoosh Falls
A local waterfall! Who would have known? A waterfall right in Mississauga. Located along Mullets Creek, Wahoosh Falls is tucked away behind the busy corner of Burnhamthorpe and Mississauga Road.
If you’re just coming for a quick visit, you can park on Woodchuck ln, but if staying longer we recommend parking at Sawmill Valley Public School and walking across Woodchuck Green Park.
The entrance to the path is slightly left of Woodchuck ln, across Mississauga road. Just a short walk down into the valley you will see Wahoosh Falls, a small 10′ waterfall. At the time of writing this article, the city has fenced off the area.
Burnhamthope Credit River Crossing
This hidden gem is hidden in plain sight. Located along one of the busiest stretches of Burnhamthrope road, this hidden treasure is located on the bridge that crosses the Credit River. On the north side of the bridge, there are two lookouts. Here you can take in stunning views of the Credit Valley below.
These lookouts are a great place to catch a sunset in Mississauga and one of the best places to see the autumn colours, as the Credit Valley below turns to fiery shades of red, orange and yellow.
If you are crossing the bridge by car, you will be unable to see the lookout as there is a tall barrier protecting the pedestrian walkway from the main road. You will need to part at Riverwood Park and walk across the bridge to truly enjoy the views.
Leslie Log House
This rare example of an early-19th-century log lies along a long quiet stretch of Mississauga Road, just north of Derry Road. Originally located north of Streetsville, the house was transported here in 1994 in order to preserve the home and save it for future generations to enjoy.
The log house dates back to 1826 when it was built by settler early John Leslie who came to Upper Canada in 1824 from Sutherlandshire, Scotland. His son, John Leslie Jr. is credited with being the architect of several historical houses including the Barber House in Streetsville.
The Leslie Log House remained in use as a family home for most of its history. Over the years, the home went though several renovations including the addition of siding, widening of the main door and even the addition and removal of a summer kitchen.
Despite alterations, over the years, the integrity of the original structure has been preserved. The storey-and-a-half log house log’s second-floor beams are visible from the outside. The walls of the house are constructed from rough hand-hewn squared logs with beautifully dovetailed joints at the corners.
Bradley Museum
Hidden away in a 70-year old maple grove, in the middle of Clarkson Village is the Bradley Museum. This beautiful 2-acre property has a history dating back to the 1800s, and the original settlers of the area
Being in danger of being demolished in the 1960’s, the land was rescued by a local newspaper publisher who purchased the land and donated it to Township of Toronto Historical Foundation – now known as the Mississauga Heritage Foundation
As with an actual museum, the museums heritage buildings were transplanted here from other locations. The property also extends down to Lake Ontario, providing great views of the lake and the Toronto skyline.
Hancock Woodlands Park
This 10-acre hidden treasure is easily missed. Located in a small neighborhood, this park was actually home to a family of Horticulturists and Landscapers.
The park acted as the family property and functioning nursery, supplying ornamentals for use in its landscape projects throughout many parks in Mississauga
In 2010 the Hancock family sold the nursery to the city of Mississauga, with the request that they preserve the property for generations to come as parkland. This beautiful park provides you many opportunities to enjoy the landscaped home grounds and wooded sanctuary for native and naturalized plants.
Meadowvale Miniature Village
Located in the historical district of Meadowvale Village is a beautiful recreation of many old buildings from the village’s past.
The miniature village is located on the property of Terry, a long-time resident of Meadowvale. Terry and his mother have lived in Meadowvale for several decades. They started making the tiny buildings as replicas of the village’s building as they started to disappear over the years.
The miniature village includes a schoolhouse, general store, church, blacksmith and even a library! The tiny village is all made from reused materials as Terry has found over the years. The building is also filled with tons of artifacts from the village’s past.
Its truly a magical experience. Do keep in mind, the village is on private property, so please ask permission before entering the premises. Terry is a wonderful man and loves to share his experience growing up in the Meadowvale Village area.
The one listed as Meadow Wood Park is wrong. The Park is named Hancock woodlands park.
Meadow Wood Park is located in the area of Rattary Marsh/ Jack darling Park area.
Thank you Chantel. The post has been updated.