Categories: Travel

Here’s how to spend a day in Canada’s happiest city

Port Credit in the spring with Mississauga in the background late afternoon

Did you know Canada’s happiest city is just outside of Toronto? Yep, Mississauga was recently ranked via the Leger Happiness Index, followed by Montreal, Hamilton and Calgary. While you may be surprised to hear Mississauga took the cake, I’m not. The city has plenty of gems, including Port Credit, one of my favourite places to spend a day away from Toronto.

Here’s what to do while you’re there.

Firstly, you don’t need a car to get to Port Credit. The area is just four stops from Union Station on the Lakeshore West Line.

Stop one – waterfront trails. Port Credit has a whopping nine waterfront parks, and you can rent a bike right at Port Credit GO and take it for a spin.

Some of the parks with trails you can cruise include Tall Oaks Park, St. Lawrence Park and J.C. Saddington Park. One of the biggest parks in the area is Jack Darling Park, which straddles Port Credit and Clarkson. A trail winds the waterfront, leading right to a little sandy beach – a perfect place to stop for a rest.

Just 10 minutes from Port Credit GO is Lakeview Village, where you can see one million sunflowers. Yes, you heard that right. The flowers are in full bloom from late August to mid-September, so plan accordingly!

Okay, you earned a beer. Stonehooker Brewing Company not only has a massive front patio with plenty of seating, but they also have crispy brews that are sure to hit just right on a sunny day. The Lakeshore Lager is my personal favourite.

End your day of exploration with a bite to eat. Snug Harbour is a classic — a family-owned seafood restaurant right on the water. Get a spot on the patio if you can, and order some coconut shrimp and the traditional mussels.

Another option is Papa Giuseppe’s. This Italian restaurant recently catered a Bachelorette dinner I went to, and it was truly delicious.

We can’t forget our sweet treat. Dairy Cream, not to be confused with the franchise Dairy Queen, has been around since the 60s and is beloved by those near and far. My boyfriend and I love coming here for an after-dinner cone, but be prepared to wait in line if it’s a nice summer evening.

Take your visit up a notch by staying overnight. Tucked in Sawmill Valley, The Glenerin Inn is a gorgeous spot not far from Port Credit, with a restaurant on site (and an awesome patio, I might add) and a spa. What more could you want?

Enjoy Canada’s happiest city!

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