Oshawa walking tour

This scavenger hunt has a difficulty level of NORMAL.

Your group’s size should be between 2 and 6 people. In fact, children are welcome and will enjoy the varied challenges.

After purchase, to begin your Oshawa walking tour, go to the front of Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7.

Once there, log in to this website and begin your hunt.

Alternatively, you can access “My Account” and follow the instructions there.

Never hesitate to contact us if you experience any difficulties.

Early History

Oshawa began as a fur trading post around 1760 between French “coureurs des bois”. These were traveling fur traders, usually traveling by canoe, or on small boats. They traded with the local Mississauga Natives.

In the late 18th century, a fishing and export business was founded, shipping salmon to the United States across the lake. Many United Empire Loyalists left the United States during and after the Revolutionary War, to remain under British rule. French Canadians, Irish, and Cornish immigrants followed. 

Oshawa became an important stop on the road between York (Toronto) and Kingston, as well as a stop along the Grand Trunk Railway in 1890 linking Quebec City to Toronto and beyond.

Recent History

In 1907, an automobile manufacturer was set up under the name McLaughlin Motor Car Company. It used Buick engines at the time. General Motors Canada was created in 1918 in the merging of Buick, Chevrolet, and McLaughlin.

Oshawa’s population grew from 4,000 to 16,000 during the 1920 due to the automotive industry. This allowed Oshawa to incorporate as a city proper in 1924.

4,000 assembly line workers went on strike in 1937 seeking better wages, an 8-hour workday, better working conditions,  and union representation.