Staying in Mississauga: The Gateway to Canada

Touch-down in Mississauga1

Often considered a suburb of Toronto, Mississauga is actually Canada's sixth largest city, and it’s still growing. An energetic waterfront promenade, over 481 park areas, lovingly preserved historic villages, a buzzing urban centre and an increasingly strengthening industrial hub, make Mississauga an enticing and worthwhile travel destination.

Catering to a range of visitors, a number of hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals and long-term stay accommodations are conveniently located on bustling main routes, or quietly nestled in Mississauga's charming neighbourhoods.

ACCESS

Servicing more than 35 major airlines, Mississauga is the gateway to Toronto and the rest of Canada for international and domestic air travellers via Lester B. Pearson International Airport. Mississauga is also easily and conveniently accessed by road via seven major highways coming and going in all directions. Highway 401 (The Macdonald-Cartier Freeway) passes through Mississauga between Montreal and Windsor. A toll route, Highway 407, connects the west end of Mississauga with the northeast of Toronto, while the 403 runs through the centre of the city then joins Queen Elizabeth Way and heads south toward Hamilton. Queen Elizabeth Way also leads to Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Greyhound long distance buses provide access from locations Canada-wide, and connections from the U.S. VIA Rail links Toronto with cities around Canada, and from there GO Transit's commuter trains bring passengers to Mississauga.

HELPFUL LINKS

This WorldWeb.com article is intended to pave the way to informed accommodation choices for travelers to Mississauga. A great place to start is with these useful links:

Accommodation Directory – This is a complete Mississauga accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, long-term stay accommodations and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations – Check for Mississauga room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps – The Mississauga map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

LAY OF THE LAND

Mississauga sits leisurely on the shore of Lake Ontario, laying claim to 13 km (8 mi) of waterfront. The city covers an area of 288 sq km (111 sq mi), bound by Toronto to the east, Oakville and Milton to the west, Brampton to the north and the lake to the south. Credit River meanders through the city, dividing Mississauga's western side from the central and eastern areas, to arrive at Port Credit where it becomes one with the lake.

WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL

Mississauga offers a small respite from the weather, being typically milder than the rest of Canada and Ontario. The average temperature drops to about -6ºC (21ºF) in the depths of winter, and can rise to a balmy 25ºC (77ºF) in the height of summer. Snow-lovers should head north in winter as it is more abundantly endowed in this respect than the south part of the city. Travellers looking to get some rays in summer should spend some time on the refreshingly cool lake shore, but beware of fairly common summer storms which, although mild, can bring strong winds. Spring and autumn bring higher rainfall so visitors at this time of year should bring an umbrella.

TOUCH-DOWN

In addition to the convenience of settling in at the point of arrival, there are many reasons to choose the airport area as a base for a visit to Mississauga. This exciting vicinity is a hive of sporting and special events and is only minutes away from Mississauga's city centre. Major event facilities charge the atmosphere in this area, including the Hershey Centre: part of a major sports park development and home to the Mississauga Ice Dogs; the International Centre: host to a number of regular national and international consumer expos; and the Woodbine Racetrack: home to the $1 million Queens Plate stakes race.

The Woodbine Centre offers unlimited shopping with more than 165 shops and three department stores. An indoor amusement park, Fantasy Fair, is also located in this complex and will delight kids of all ages.

Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Mississauga2

The Holiday Inn Express is a dependable accommodation choice located off Highway 401, just South of the airport. It offers a comfortable setting with a tasteful blending of classical and modern style. The usual amenities, a selection of stay packages, and a free shuttle service to and from the international airport is offered.

Those looking forward to a more luxurious lodging should try the Sheraton Gateway Hotel; the only hotel actually located in the airport, it really can't be beat for convenience. Fully-equipped to pamper, this hotel provides 24-hour room service, a complete spa service, and a fitness facility with an indoor heated pool and sauna. Business travellers are also well-catered to with a cutting-edge business centre.

Another luxurious option is the Toronto Airport Hilton. It offers a full fitness centre and a complimentary airport shuttle service and is located just across from the airport. Travellers on a more restrictive budget can also try reputable hotels such as Travelodge and Comfort Inn.

Getting Around
Suburbs surrounding Missisauga are easily accessed via Mississauga Transit buses and Toronto can be reached by bus or train via GO Transit. Mississauga Transit's bus route #7 runs between the City Centre Transit Terminal and the airport. Highway 409 leads directly to the airport from Toronto.

DOWNTOWN

Mississauga's lively centre has many attractive accommodation options for party animals, shop-a-holics, arts aficionados or for those just wanting to be in the middle of it all.

	Downtown shopping, Mississauga3

The inner city is rapidly creating a distinguished reputation for itself with sophisticated shopping, a pulsing nightlife and world-class arts and theatre. The Living Arts Centre and the Civic Centre, home to the Art Gallery of Mississauga, are the city's main arts venues, presenting an impressive programme of theatre, exhibitions and music. In addition to the wealth of boutiques, stores and restaurants lining city streets, Square One Shopping Centre, located on City Centre Drive, is a world in itself of boundless shopping and culinary experiences with over 360 stores and services. The Mississauga Chinese Centre also enjoys a central location on Dundas Street East and offers shoppers a unique and fun taste of Asia.

Close by to these attractions and more, amidst the bustle, a popular upscale hotel choice is Novotel. Located on Hurontario Street, it's just a short stroll from Square One Shopping Centre, and only 15 minutes to the airport. Deluxe rooms focus on comfort and a modern simplicity of style, and the hotel features a full fitness centre with an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and squash courts.

For some local hospitality, cosy homes away from home in quieter central city streets are offered by a handful of bed & breakfasts. Most downtown attractions are just a walk away from All Seasons Bed & Breakfast, or try the elegant Lucy's Bed & Breakfast which offers high-speed Internet connections in all three guest rooms. Travellers planning to stick around for a while have a few extended-stay options, including Pelican Executive Furnished Suites.

Getting Around
Located at Square One Shopping Centre, the City Centre Transit Terminal is the core of a web of bus routes branching out across the city in all directions. Also from here, GO Transit buses and trains head straight for Toronto and its suburbs.

PORT CREDIT AND THE WATERFRONT

Lake Ontario, Mississauga4

Following Hurontario Street south from downtown will bring visitors to Port Credit: a charming waterfront community known as Mississauga's “Village on the Lake.” Steeped in history, this village was planned in 1834 and instantaneously became a thriving port of export. It joined Mississauga in 1974.

Maintaining its quaint, historical appeal, Port Credit Village offers a delightful strip of boutiques, arts and crafts, and homemade treats. During July and August visitors can also browse the Marina Market Place in the sunshine. The marina services up to 600 boats and a selection of relaxing and indulgent restaurants watch over them. A number of fishing and diving charters leave from the port, heading out across the water for wetter and more exciting activities. Try Salmon Express and Mainlander Boat Charters for fishing trips, or Mississauga Diving for underwater adventures.

Rooms with a view are in demand and The Waterside Inn provides. It also spoils its guests with luxurious suites complete with fireplaces and Persian rugs on hardwood floors. Ports Hotel is a cheaper lakeside option offering daily, weekly or monthly stays.

Other lakefront accommodations, such as Maxine Inn and the lavish and historic B&B, Alex & Sheila's Haslemere House Bed & Breakfast, can be found further south toward Oakville, on Lakeshore Road West.

Getting Around
This retreat from the 'big city' is on the Mississauga Transit bus route #19 running directly between Port Credit and Square One Shopping Centre downtown. Bus routes also run north-east and south-west along the lake shore. A GO Transit rail station at Port Credit takes passengers north-east to Toronto and south-west toward Oakville.

MEADOWVALE AND STREETSVILLE

	Credit River, Streetsville5

Located in the northwest part of the city, Meadowvale and neighbouring Streetsville offer a mix of small-town urban chic with historical country houses in a melding of past and present. Known as Mississauga's business district, Meadowvale Town Centre provides a comprehensive shopping zone and a wide selection of accommodation while neighbouring village, Streetsville, is Mississauga's historical pride. Streetsville claims the largest collection of historical sites and buildings in the city, inspiring a number of guided walking tours.

Meadowvale and Streetsville are most conveniently and directly connected by GO Transit rail. Mississauga Transit's bus route #9 also runs between Meadowvale and Streetsville: centre to centre.

Both neighbourhoods are home to a wealth of natural areas, inviting visitors hoping to escape from the grind or to commune with nature. The Meadowvale Conservation Area, located on Derry Road, north of Highway 401, is a tranquil setting in which fishing, picnicking and nature trails can be enjoyed. Picturesque Streetsville sits on the bank of Credit River, where Streetsville Memorial Park is found.

Nearby hotels include the centrally located Holiday Inn Select on Argentia Road. Holiday Inn Select is handy to all amenities and is popular with business travellers, providing a comfortable work space in each guest room and free high-speed Internet. An indoor pool and whirlpool form part of the hotel fitness centre where work-stress can be shed. Supreme service and a modern, luxurious style greets visitors to the upscale Four Points by Sheraton, also located on Argentia Road. Offering standard and deluxe rooms and suites, this hotel accommodates a range of travellers. This hotel also comes with the added benefit of a fitness centre and pool. The Courtyard by Marriott is also one to try for both business and pleasure travellers, offering a number of amenities conducive to both work and play.

Getting Around
Meadowvale and Streetsville are most conveniently and directly connected by GO Transit rail, which then travels further to Toronto. Mississauga Transit's bus route #9 also runs between Meadowvale and Streetsville: centre to centre. The #9 is also a convenient way to reach downtown.

In addition to Mississauga's extensive public transport system there are a number of rental car companies and taxi services available.

1. Touch-down in Mississauga; Mississauga; ON; Canada
2. c/o Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport; Sheraton Gateway Hotel; Mississauga; ON; Canada
3. Downtown shopping; Mississauga; ON; Canada
4. Lake Ontario; Mississauga; ON; Canada
5. Credit River, Streetsville; Mississauga; ON; Canada