Why Visit Oshawa Centre?
There are many great reasons to visit Oshawa Centre. First and foremost is the unparalleled variety – with over 230 stores, you’re guaranteed to find whatever you need, whether it’s a new outfit, a gift for someone, ingredients for dinner, or a pair of running shoes. The mix of high-end department stores, popular retail chains, and local boutiques gives shoppers options at every price point. Another big draw is convenience – everything is housed under one roof, so you can quickly shop multiple stores without having to drive all over town.
Oshawa Centre is the biggest mall, meaning more choices and inventory. It’s climate-controlled and wheelchair accessible, making it comfortable to shop there year-round. And, of course, who doesn’t love the energy and excitement of being in a bustling mall environment? Between the great people watching, events, and sales, Oshawa Centre is a fun place to spend an afternoon.
Main Attractions at the Oshawa Centre
Oshawa Centre offers plenty of big-name stores that attract shoppers. One of its anchor tenants is Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s iconic department store that carries fashion, home goods, and more. Other popular department stores include Adidas, Bonkers, and Marshalls for deep discounts on brand-name merchandise. For fashion, some of the main attractions are Forever21, H&M, Old Navy, Urban Planet and Ardene.
Oshawa Centre also houses a range of jewelry stores like Peoples, Micheals, and Diamonds by Raymond Lee. Major shoe stores found here include SoftMoc, Cleo, and Sports Chek. Popular electronics stores include Best Buy, Apple, and The Source. And for home goods, there’s Pier 1 Imports, Bouclair, and HomeSense, with great selections of affordable furnishings and decor. Indigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the ALC are also convenient destinations in Oshawa Centre for books, pharmacy items, and alcohol. With all of these go-to retailers in one place, it’s easy to see why Oshawa Centre is such a popular mall.
Entertainment for Kids and Families at Oshawa Centre
Oshawa Centre offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment options to keep kids occupied while parents shop. The main attraction is the large indoor playground located near the food court. This play structure spans multiple levels and includes slides, climbers, lookout areas, and more for kids to explore. Adjacent to the playground is the Oshawa Centre Skate Park, where kids can bring their own skateboard, scooter, or inline skates to do tricks and jump.
Every spring and summer, the mall also runs KidsFest, turning a section of the parking lot into an amusement park with carnival rides and games. Year-round kid favorites at Oshawa Centre are the petting zoo near Entrance 1 where children can feed and interact with barnyard animals, and the Upper Canada Railway train rides that circle around the mall.
With all these interactive activities plus the arcades and nearby movie theater, Oshawa Centre offers plenty of family entertainment when you need a break from shopping.
Food Court
The food court at Oshawa Centre is a lively hub perfect for refueling and recharging. With over 30 quick-service eateries ranging from North American staples to exotic global flavors, everyone can find something tempting to eat. Hungry kids will love reliable picks like McDonald’s, Subway, and KFC. There are also kid-friendly options like Pita Pit, Villa Madina Pizza, and Thai Express that offer flavors to broaden their palates.
Picky eaters can get customized subs and burritos at Subway and Burrito Boyz. For adults craving comfort food, Harvey’s burgers, Koryo Korean BBQ, and CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice hit the spot. Other interesting flavors include sushi, Indian, Lebanese and Vietnamese choices. With spacious seating between its two levels, the food court makes an ideal spot for the whole family to grab a bite. Plus, keeping the kids happy is easy with all these quick, affordable, and tasty meal choices.
Retail Stores
Oshawa Centre doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping for kids. Popular stores like Children’s Place, H&M Kids, and Old Navy Kids are stocked with all the essential kids’ clothing and shoes. Carter’s and Little Threads have adorable baby clothes and accessories for newborns to toddlers. Kids Foot Locker carries top athletic shoe brands for school and sports. Stylish teens flock to Claire’s, Ardene, and Urban Planet for of-the-moment jewelry and accessories to personalize their look.
Build-A-Bear Workshop lets kids customize their own stuffed animals for a special memento from their mall trip. Mastermind Toys and Discovery Hut have an array of educational toys, games, crafts, and puzzles to spark young imaginations. And for family entertainment, Sunrise Records and Best Buy have the latest video games, movies and electronics to enjoy together at home. Anything kids need for school, sports, or playtime can be found in this family-friendly mall.
Oshawa Centre Parking and Accessibility
With over 250 free parking spaces, Oshawa Centre offers ample parking in surface lots surrounding the mall. The lots are well-lit and have handicapped spaces located closest to mall entrances for convenience.
The mall has 27 entrance doors in total, with wide automatic doors making it easily accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters. For parents, designated stroller parking areas are located just inside mall entrances 1, 2, and 7. Shopping carts with built-in toddler seats are also available to borrow near mall entrances. Oshawa Centre strives to make the shopping experience comfortable for all.
How to Get There
Oshawa Centre is conveniently located right off Highway 401 at exit 416. By car, simply take Simcoe Street North or Stevenson Road to access the mall easily. For public transit, Oshawa Centre is well connected by Durham Region Transit buses. Routes 101, 103, 106, 107, 900, and 910 all stop directly at the mall entrance. GO Transit also services the mall on routes 40, 90, and 96.
Once inside, the Information Desk provides directions to help find any store. With ample parking and transit connectivity, Oshawa Centre is easy to access for shoppers across the Durham Region and beyond.
Hotels Near This Mall
With its convenient location right off Highway 401, there are many comfortable hotel options near Oshawa Centre for both short and long stays. Attached to the mall is the Marriott Residence Inn, offering extended stay suites with kitchens. Across the street is the modern Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton. Other hotels on Simcoe Street near the mall include Comfort Inn, Best Western, and Holiday Inn Express.
Just a short drive down Stevenson Road, you’ll find reliable choices like Motel 6, Quality Inn, and Travelodge. Those looking for more upscale accommodations can book the waterside Best Western Plus Durham Hotel & Water Park. With hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, visitors have many convenient overnight options when shopping at Oshawa Centre.
Conclusion
With over 60 years of history, Oshawa Centre has firmly established itself as Durham Region’s premier shopping destination. The massive two-story mall contains an unparalleled mix of over 230 stores ranging from high-end department stores to unique local boutiques. Shopping here guarantees you’ll find whatever you need – clothing, accessories, electronics, home items, and more, all at various price points.
Oshawa Centre pairs this incredible retail selection with family-friendly entertainment options like the indoor playground, petting zoo, and train rides to make it an ideal spot for households. The expansive food court features cuisines to satisfy everyone’s tastes. And amenities like ample free parking, designated stroller parking, and wheelchair accessibility enhance convenience. Whether you shop, dine, play, or all of the above, Oshawa Centre offers a one-stop hub to fulfill both shopping and entertainment desires for the whole family.