Every corner of Mississauga, the “city of villages,” has something unique to offer. Officially founded in 1808, Clarkson Village is the oldest neighbourhood and with some of the city’s most beloved attractions located here, it remains at the heart of Mississauga to this day. Steeped in history but with modern amenities, when you visit you can walk past centuries-old heritage buildings, explore massive marshes, then shop and dine in comfort.
Read our guide to discover the best spots to explore in Clarkson.
Discover the Sights
As a pillar of Mississauga’s heritage, Clarkson is home to two historic museums that allow you to explore the culture of the city, past, present and future. Visit Benares Historic House for a guided tour of the Georgian home and learn about 165 years of history, including stories from four generations of families, or the forgotten history of early Black settlers.
Continue your historic experience with a trip to the Bradley Museum. On the grounds, you can visit four unique heritage structures, including a restored 19th century log cabin. In addition to a revolving series of exhibitions, free guided tours are also available here, highlighting the history of Indigenous peoples and early settlers.
The Bradley Museum is also within walking distance of another local highlight, Rattray Marsh. This free conservation area is accessible year-round, and a beautiful locale for spotting local wildlife ranging from herons to deer. As you walk along the boardwalk and look out over the marsh, keep an eye out for various species of birds that call it home.
If you’re not done exploring the outdoors, take the waterfront trail to Jack Darling Memorial Park. During the summer, you can enjoy the spray pad and beach, but with picnic areas, a dog park and a playground, there’s lots to love about the park all year round. Pack your lunch and enjoy some waterfront views, or better yet – head out on the water for a day of canoeing.
Enjoy the Eats
When you’re ready to eat, you can choose from plenty of cafes, pubs and fine dining options.
At Solstice Restaurant & Wine Bar you can enjoy an elevated, elegant Italian meal, with modern variations of classic dishes. Lovers of Japanese cuisine looking to dine in a sophisticated atmosphere should plan to eat at Momiji, offering a range of options including sushi, sashimi and tempura.
For more casual offerings, head to local favourite Clarkson Pump & Patio, featuring a variety of traditional and updated pub fare, including some of the city’s best wings. You may even get to listen to some live music or test your skill at trivia during your visit.
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop into Truscott Italian Bakery & Delicatessen or Le Delice Pastry Shop – both of which offer plentiful pastry and dessert options that you can take away. Or, try something new at Mango Sticky Rice, such as its namesake dish – a taste of Thailand.
To explore more dining options, check out the Clarkson restaurant directory.
Explore the Shops, Support Small Businesses
If you’re looking for a leisurely, quaint shopping experience – this is it. While you can find many of your favourite chain stores in Clarkson, it’s also home to some thriving small businesses, beloved by visitors and locals alike.
Plan to take your time at Harbour Gallery, enjoying some spectacular works of art spanning across 4,700 square feet – one of the largest in Canada. The curated exhibits feature modern and contemporary works and the expert staff loves to welcome enthusiasts of any age and level of interest.
Moving from modern times, travel back through history with a visit to The Barn, a sprawling shop featuring a huge selection of antiques and reproductions. The impressively vast inventory – housed in a nearly 200-year-old building itself – makes for a truly unique shopping adventure.
For comic lovers and card collectors, Altered States Comics is a must-visit. Opened more than 30 years ago, this long-standing shop is a staple of the village, and the perfect spot to find a unique new series or cool collector items.