Last summer I started a new tradition for my family. At some point during the summer, I would plan an entire week full of fun things to do creating memories. Some activities may be new and some maybe something we have done before but loved. Last year we visited Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario. We were not able to see the entire village due to Little Brother getting cranky, but we had a good time so decided to go back again this year.
I was very excited to head back to Upper Canada Village. This year I found myself to be much more prepared. We loaded the family up with sunscreen, hats and water bottles then headed on our way for a fun day of making memories.
Last year when we arrived I saw they had a photography studio where you could have your picture taken in 1860 style, clothing and all. However the door was closed with signs in front of it and no information posted anywhere on how to make an appointment. This year thanks to my friend Google I learned that we had to go into the gift store to book an appointment.
Soon as we arrived I headed straight to the gift store to book our appointmetnt. Sadly they did not have an opening until 3:30 and it was only 11:00. This was not going to work for me. No way would my kids last 4 and a half hours and still be in a good mood for photos. I got real lucky though when the girl trying to find an appointment time for us offered to take us right there and then between appointments well the scheduled photographer for the day was on break.
The boys fully co-operated and we had a fun time dressing up in 1860 period clothing for our family photo.
After the family photo we headed to the left side of the Village to start covering the area we had missed when we visited last year. We enjoyed many different building along the route. Little Brothers favourite was the cabinetmaker who was making his wooden puppet dance for us when we stopped by to see him. The rest of the day would be spent having Little Brother dancing just like the puppet whenever we were standing there looking at things.
We then stopped by the Gazette Printing Office and I noticed it was past lunch time. I half hurried my family along so that we can get to the Harvest Barn Resturant to have some lunch. (No I did not listen to my own tip from last year of packing a lunch). I was so excited when we walked in and found it to be air conditioned, Mama was HOT!
The menu was fanstastic with something for everyone. I had a delicious BLT with sweet postatoe fries. Tobei had a wrap (perfectly wrapped) and fries. The kids got burgers and hot dogs. The prices were suprisngly resonable and I loved that each meal we bought also came with a drink. The food was DELICIOUS! We sure missed out last year when we had mediocre overpriced grilled cheese sandwiches at the entrace to the village.
As we continued touring the village with a final goal of visiting the family activity centre we happened to come across a baby foal (at least I think it’s a foal). The kids loved that they were able to pet the foal. It was a great hands on experience for them and we adults had a great time talking with its handler. Even better for this mom afraid of germs there was a washroom right beside the barn so the kids could wash there hands.
Outside the barn there were fields full of animals. If they came up to the fence you could get up close and personal with them and pet them. I took this chance to get a great picture of a cow as he was trying to lick my face. Sadly the picture didn’t turn out. Stupid phone!
We continued on our way towards the lookout tower. At this point I was starting to run out of energy but decided to head to the top with the family anyways. Am I ever glad I did. The view was gorgeous. It was also quite peaceful up there and had a great breeze. On one side of the tower we could see the entire village and on the other side was a fantastic water view. I totally recommend taking some time to check out the view when you visit.
The family activity centre was right down the path from the tower so we headed there and I was happy to reach the end of our journey. The Family Activity Centre has daily activity sessions, where friendly staff assist visitors as they explore a variety of historic props, clothing, games and activities.
I was so tired by the time we reached the centre. However, the kids had an amazing time in the centre while Tobei and I took this chance to sit and relax. The visit may be ending but we had a long walk back to the car. The Tow Scow seemed to not be running on this day and we had yet to see the wagon ride have an empty seats.
We had an amazing time at Upper Canada Village. I can now fully admit it is definitely worth a 2 day visit. There are campgrounds near by as well as a few B&Bs. Maybe next year I will attempt camping and make a whole week-end out of it. I am looking foward to going back this fall for Pumpkin Inferno and then this winter for Alight at Night. I have heard both of these events are must sees.
Upper Canada Village Visitor Information
Regular Season
May 7 – September 1 Upper Canada Village is open daily from 9:30 am – 5 pm.
September 3 – September 21 Upper Canada Village is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 am-5 pm
Admission Prices
Adult (13 -64 years) $18.00
Senior Citizen – 65+ $16.00
Youth (6 to 12 years of age) $12.00
Child (5 years and under) FREE
For more information visit their website at www.uppercanadavillage.com
*Disclaimer: My family was provided with passes to visit Upper Canada Village. As always all opinions are my own.*
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