1 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
2 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
3 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
4 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
5 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
6 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
7 of 7
Courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
Story by Ann McIntyre, photos courtesy Petawawa Heritage Village
Once Seen Never Forgotten
North East of Ottawa along the TransCanada Highway (Hwy 417) and nestled within the upper Ottawa Valley along the shores of the Ottawa and Petawawa Rivers, lies the Town of Petawawa. The Petawawa Heritage Village is situated in the heart of the Town and encompasses 3.5 picturesque acres where history comes alive. Visitors are given the opportunity to stroll along the pathways of the past and experience life since Confederation while touring the nine historical and replicated buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The interpretive focus of the Heritage Village spans from 1865 to 1910, and as such, the costumed interpreters and tour guides are knowledgeable of the larger historical events of this time period and also embody a solid overview of the important historical events, which are part of our history. The Heritage Village is operated by volunteers, some of whom are seniors and who provide interpretive programming for the visitors’ enjoyment.
The Heritage Village is open with guided tours from May through August, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. They also hold special events throughout the season, endeavouring to provide a much more exciting and enjoyable experience for their visitors.
Opening Day - Pancake Breakfast The Heritage Village opens its doors to the public in May with their annual Pancake Breakfast from 9 am - noon when visitors will also be given the opportunity to purchase locally made Maple Sugar and/or purchase spring plants from their local Horticultural Society.
Antique Car & Truck Show If you have a passion for antique automobiles, you will not want to miss their Antique Car Show showcasing vehicles from 1920 to 1970 in July as well as a number of local arts and craft vendors.
Youth Out Reach During July and August beginning at 10 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays they have a Youth Out Reach program for children aged 10 - 14. This is a FREE Heritage and Cultural service that they provide to the community, which also gives visitors the opportunity to see their volunteers teaching the skills and trades from the past. The children dress in historical costume and discover what life was like as a child in Upper Canada.
Rendezvous - Settler Festival One of their largest special events of the season is the Settler Festival to be held on August 13 and 14 from 9 am - 4 pm. During this event visitors will find a trapper, logger, spinner, weaver, blacksmith, carpenter, and schoolmistress as well as wool dyeing and much more as everyone comes together for a rendezvous to share stories, skills and trades from the past.
At of end August they are only open for special events:
Fall Harvest If you are a fall traveller, stop by and enjoy the beautiful colours of the foliage in the park, stroll the paths and take part in their Fall Harvest Event on Sept 24 from 10 am - 4 pm.
Halloween on October 31 childhood memories come alive in the Village as you check out the ghosts and goblins. Your childhood Halloween memories come back as you visit each building and share in their trick or treat. The Leder Haus always has wonderful hot chocolate and sweet treats, or you can enjoy sitting around the campfire at the Trappers Cabin.
Christmas in the Village Their season comes to an end quickly but they could not wrap things up without Christmas in the Village on December 11 from 2 pm - 7 pm. What would Christmas be without a visit with Santa in the stable and the opportunity to sit with him in his sleigh? Visit the Leder Haus and prepare a gingerbread man to leave out on Christmas Eve for Santa; at the Trapper Cabin enjoy roasting marshmallows on a campfire while also partaking of a hot drink. The buildings have all been decorated for Christmas and in the School house a tree adorned with decorations of memories from your past stands tall. As well, carollers will be singing and the evening highlight of course, a sleigh ride.
If you wish to learn more, including the current dates and times for events, follow them on Facebook, and visit their website www.petawawaheritagevillage.com. They are located at 176 Civic Center Road - from the Trans Canada take the Murphy Road exit straight in, cross Petawawa Blvd, follow Civic Center Road and you will find them. You can also email Ann at annmcintyre21@gmail.com.
Check out the virtual tour, created by Russ Hill of Present Photography, www.presentphotography.com