Time travelling the easy way

Published on July 21st, 2008

Published on Febuary 6th, 2010

Upper Canada Village brings history to life

Families won’t need a time machine to take a trip through the 19th century this summer. As a matter of fact, it’ll only take you about a 90 minute drive.

Located in Morrisburg, Ontario, Upper Canada Village is an outdoor living museum that gives visitors the chance to experience what a day in the 1860s would have been like.

The village is made up of various historical buildings that were uprooted and moved 50 years ago during flooding caused by construction on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Not only do visitors get to tour these buildings – which include everything from a blacksmith and a bakery to a cheese factory and a tavern – but the staff members, who all have their own jobs to do in the village, are all dressed up in costumes from the 1860s. “Upper Canada Village is such a great attraction to take kids to where there is a bit of learning involved, all in a fun way,” said Upper Canada Village marketing officer Jancis Sommerville. There are also horse-drawn wagon and boat rides, a miniature train, farm animals, and a family activity centre complete with crafts and games visitors can take part in. “It is by no means an untouchable museum.”

For those who really want to get into the historical spirit, Upper Canada Village also offers the Journey of Discovery where visitors can spend the afternoon in costume, taking part in village life, riding in the stage coach, and eating a typical 1860s supper at Willard’s Hotel. On select weekends in September, Upper Canada Village will resume its overnight live-ins for adults as well.

If you’re in the mood to buy some goods at the general store, or grab a spruce or ginger beer at the tavern during your stay, Sommerville said visitors will be able to purchase special 1860s five-cent coins this summer to spend in the village.

While inflation means entrance to Upper Canada Village will cost you a bit more than a nickel, the prices are still affordable for a family trip close to home: one visit costs between $2.50 for two- to four-year-olds and $17.95 for adults. A season pass costs between $15 for kids under 12 and $35 for adults. “In a day where things are high tech and high speed, everything is so fast,” Sommerville said. “(Coming to Upper Canada Village), that contrast is so great. You come in and take a great sigh. The pace just slows right down.”

For more on Upper Canada Village and the special events taking place this summer, visit www.uppercanadavillage.com.