Tourism Missing Out in Mississauga

Lakefront Promenade Park in Port Credit

After visiting Toronto at the same time as the Tall Ships, getting a big dose of people population, I decided to switch it up and visit Mississauga, Ontario for a few days. It would give me some green time hiking some trails and visiting some of the waterfront parks without large crowds joining me in my bubble.

Mississauga is divided into two main sections as far as I could tell. There was the waterfront village of Port Credit which was very marine like.  And then there were was the skyscrapers and big business located further inland in the Mississauga downtown.

First I have to tell you another  tourism story.  It may be funny to some,  but it would be definitely frustrating for tourists.   Once in the city, I could not find a tourism office if my life depended on it. So, eventually I broke down, and went to city hall hoping to score some info.

No such luck. Instead, she had to look up the location of the office as she was not sure. “OH.. it is near the airport,” I was told.

“OK,” I thought, no worries, nice day for a drive.  Well.. it ended up being that the tourism office was closed, as usual.  But here is the kicker… the office had no street signage and it was hidden on the second floor of an office building.  I do not know about you, but that is pretty sad.

So.. my day in Mississauga involved asking the locals allot of questions.  Fueling up with gas.. I asked questions.  Buying a Timmys.. I asked questions.  Crossing streets.. I asked questions. It was a very verbal and interaction type of day.  But every bit of info.. plus the maps I had helped me put the pieces together.  I managed to make a good list of some of the better adventure and sightseeing destinations in the region.

What really boggled my mind was that the parks were extremely well maintained and provided great views.  The locals seemed to use them extensively. And yet, the community feels a visible high traffic tourism office is not worthy of an effort.  So much effort in beautifying parks and so little effort in marketing – so sad..  because most of the parks and trails would bring a smile to many a tourist face.  Not only that but most of the parks and trails were located on the waterfront in Port Credit which is a cute little village which.. again.. would give Mississauga a whole new first impression.

Deer Finally Sees Me.

I started with some hiking. My first visit was to Rattray Marsh. Again a well maintained park with large sections of raised boardwalk with great signage and lookouts over the wetlands.  The boardwalk trail is popular for jogging and birdwatching. Along the path I met a fearless dear, who for the life of me, would not even give me any attention. I had to wait for it to look my way before I could a get picture or else all I would have to share with you is a bum shot. And when it did finally notice me, it was as if it said, “Oh,  I did not notice you. How long have you been waiting me?”

At the other end of the trail it connects to Jack Darling Park.  The beach park with picnic tables connects to the Waterfront Trail. The waterfront trail is a biking dream come true. It provides a mixture of trails and roadway connecting Niagra-on-the-Lake with Oshawa. If visiting bring your bikes because this trail is long and full of sightseeing.

As I continued along the waterfront I visited a beautiful flower garden on the waterfront called the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens.  There were gardeners tending the gardens. People were enjoying some quality picnic time and some were on the waterfront taking in some big views of Lake Ontario.

Other parks I visited included the J.C. Saddington Park, Richards Park and the Lakefront Promenade Park.  The Lakefront Promenade Park (Main BLOG Photo) was a monster park lining the shoreline. It provided many opportunities for a private picnic. There was a beach and two boat launches. At the point of the park were some great views, a pier. shelters, picnic tables and a fountain.  During my foot patrol of the park I had a big fill of marine scenery.