A place I’ve been to and found very livable is a small city near Toronto called Oakville. I visited there around Mother’s Day, when the weather had just started to warm up. I took a GO Train from Union Station, not expecting too much because I’ve been to many cities around Toronto and most of them feel pretty similar. But Oakville really changed my mind.

The moment I arrived, I was struck by how peaceful and cozy it felt. Flowers like cherry blossoms and daffodils were blooming everywhere, which made the streets look beautiful and full of life. I took a local bus to the downtown area, and I was surprised to see that people there greeted the bus drivers when they got on and thanked them when they got off — something you rarely see in a busy city like Toronto. Even the buses were cleaner and brighter.

I visited the Lakeside Park and took some pictures at the lighthouse. I even saw some swans by the lake, and lots of squirrels along the way, which shows how good the local environment is. The downtown area gave off a very European vibe. There was no smell of marijuana, no graffiti, and no homeless people wandering around — which unfortunately can be common in bigger cities.

That evening, I had a bowl of wonton soup at a local Chinese restaurant called Shanghai Valley. The owner was so warm and welcoming. When she learned that I came from Toronto by myself, she chatted with me and treated me like family. It really made me feel at home.

Overall, Oakville gave me such a great impression — the people were polite and kind, the environment was clean and calm, and it’s also very close to Toronto. I honestly think it’s one of the most livable places I’ve ever been to. Sitting by the lake, listening to the waves hitting the rocks, I felt completely relaxed — like I had escaped all the stress from work and study, even just for a little while.