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Ron Garnett - AirScapes
Long Sault Parkway Islands
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
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Rob Stimpson Photography
By Susan LeClair
When you step through the gates at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg, Ontario, you truly feel like you have been transported back in time to the mid-1860s, just before Canada’s Confederation. All of your senses are engaged with the sights, sounds and scents of a vibrant, working village in early Canada along the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Key parts of the experience are the authentic buildings that make up the village, the activities that each housed, and of course, the people who lived there. Friendly costumed interpreters and skilled artisans bring the Village to life among more than 50 historical buildings, including fully operational mills (Grist Mill, Woollen Mill and Sawmill), a functioning Cheese Factory, a Bakery where you can enjoy the scent of fresh bread baking, along with a Tin Shop, Blacksmith and Print Shop.
Traditional farming techniques are demonstrated through the growing of heritage vegetables (they grow more than 50 varieties of heirloom tomatoes) and the raising of heritage livestock breeds. In fact, Upper Canada Village uses Canadian horses on site to pull the carry-alls for tours through the Village, draw the Tow Scow along the canal, and to perform plowing and other farm work. The 350th anniversary of the arrival of the Canadian horse in Canada will be celebrated in 2015. Ornamental gardens throughout the village feature flora fashionable in the late Victorian era. Weavers, spinners and dressmakers demonstrate traditional handiwork. Aspects of late 19th-century social life, music, religion and politics are discussed and demonstrated by knowledgeable staff dressed in clothing of the period. Also offered are educational camp programs allowing children to experience everyday life in 1860s Canada.
Throughout the summer, Upper Canada Village hosts a variety of special events and themed weekends. From the Spring Planting weekend, that showcases the talents of the Village’s gardeners as they plant their gardens and provide horticultural advice, to Food Lover’s Field Days, a culinary special event that features modern day food vendors alongside the Village’s own 19th century recipes and an Iron Pan Chef Competition. Upper Canada Village is always bustling with activity.
The Michelin Travel Guide gives Upper Canada Village its highest three star ‘highly recommended’ rating as “among the finest restoration projects in North America.” The Village is open 7 days a week from May 6 to Labour Day (September 7, 2015) and then closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from September 8 to 20, 2015. In October, the Village is transformed into a magical, evening event called Pumpkinferno featuring over 30 creative themed exhibits intricately carved from artificial pumpkins. Described as ‘hauntingly beautiful and spellbinding’, Pumpkinerno was named ‘Best New Event’ in Ontario by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ by Festivals and Events Ontario.
Right next door to Upper Canada Village is the War of 1812 Battle of Crysler’s Farm battle site, visitor centre, and memorial. The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was a crucial moment in the history of Upper Canada and marked the end of the most serious attempt at that time to invade Canada. By many, this battle is considered to be the battle that saved Canada.
Along the St. Lawrence River corridor in South Eastern Ontario, you can enjoy some of Ontario’s best camping. Within a five to ten minute drive of Upper Canada Village there are six campgrounds (Riverside-Cedar Campground, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Farran Campground and the Long Sault Parkway) operated by the Parks of the St. Lawrence, offering amenities to suit a wide range of camping tastes. Each campground has its own personality with the Long Sault Parkway being the largest and perhaps most unique area. The Long Sault Parkway, just 10 minutes to the east of Upper Canada Village along County Road 2 between the villages of Ingleside and Long Sault, is a series of eleven islands that sweep in an arc through the St. Lawrence River. A series of causeways and bridges connect the islands, which are the former hilltops of the Lost Villages. Nine villages and hamlets were flooded to make way for the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project of 1958. Not only is the parkway a beautiful, scenic drive but it is home to three campgrounds, two sandy beaches, great scuba diving and excellent fishing. All of the campgrounds offer a range of camping services from basic sites to recreational vehicle sites with water and 50-amp electricity. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at www.StLawrenceParks.com or through the call centre 800-437-2233.
Ontario's Best Vacation Deal!
Travellers can stretch their vacation dollars even further with the Parks of the St. Lawrence Reciprocal Program. When you purchase an admission to Upper Canada Village, you will receive a complimentary admission to return to the Village on another day, or that you may use to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (Kingston, Ontario). You may also use the pass to visit any of the Parks of the St. Lawrence day-use parks or beach absolutely free.
All campers upon check-in at a Parks of the St. Lawrence campground will receive two complimentary passes that may be used to visit either Upper Canada Village or Fort Henry. It’s Ontario’s best vacation deal! Offer is valid for the regular season mid-May to Labour Day.
Getting there
Upper Canada Village and the Parks of the St. Lawrence are conveniently located just off Highway 401 approximately one hour west of Montreal and one hour south of Ottawa. For Upper Canada Village or Riverside Cedar Campground take exit 758 (Upper Canada Road); Long Sault Parkway either exit 770 (Ingleside) or exit 778 (Long Sault). Farran Campground and the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary take exit 770 (Ingleside).
For more information visit the website www.parks.on.ca or call the Customer Service team at 800-437-2233 or email getaway@parks.on.ca.