The Cars & Cupcakes Walking Tour highlights the history of automotive manufacturing in downtown Oshawa. Downtown Oshawa has been home to the McLaughlin Carriage Company, McLaughlin Motor Company, and General Motors of Canada, but today only a few remnants of the city’s former industrial past remain in the downtown core. Expert guides will explore the streetscape and bring to life the people and places that made Oshawa “Canada’s Motor City.” The tour begins at the Canadian Automotive Museum, located in a former 1920s Chevrolet-Oakland car dealership. The tour then moves north to the site of the former McLaughlin Carriage Factory, and the site of the production of the first McLaughlin-Buick automobile in 1907. Social history will also be explored as the tour continues with a stop at Cupcake Goodness for a snack and discussion of the former union hall across the street. The tour ends with a walk by the former Genosha Hotel, along the former railroad line, now the Michael Starr Trail, and through Memorial Park ending back at the Canadian Automotive Museum.
Tour includes:
- 45 minute guided tour of downtown Oshawa
- Local expert guide
- Coffee and cupcake at Cupcake Goodness
- Admission and guided tour of the Canadian Automotive Museum
Tour tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Dress for all-weather conditions, tours run rain or shine.
- Bring a camera
Tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the museum the day of the tour for $15+HST. Children under 5 are free and do not require tickets.