Ontario is home to several captivating living history sites that provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage and culture of the region.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
From historic villages to interactive exhibits, these places offer a glimpse into Ontario’s past and provide an educational and enjoyable outing for the whole family.
Here are some notable living history museums to visit in Ontario:
Village at Black Creek (Toronto)
Village at Black Creek is a haven for antique enthusiasts, housing an extensive collection of authentic 19th-century artifacts. The collection, which began with a donation of pioneer tools in 1954, has grown to include approximately 50,000 items from various donors.
From agricultural tools to furniture and toys, the collection offers a diverse glimpse into the past. To fully enjoy the experience, visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the outdoor setting and take their time exploring the Village. Interpreters and tradespeople in period dress are on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions.
Visitors are invited to explore the Village at their own pace, immersing themselves in the heritage buildings, gardens, and interactions with farm animals. Costumed historians are available at Discovery Stations to provide guidance and insights into the Village’s history.
Black Creek Village also offers gardens, a gift shop, and a café for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, the Village showcases rare animal breeds, highlighting their historical significance.
The fully interactive Flynn House allows visitors to step into the lives of a real family from the 1800s and discover their experiences as refugees in Canada.
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto; 416.736.1733
Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg)
Upper Canada Village is a living history museum that recreates life in the 1860s. With over 40 historical buildings, visitors can immerse themselves in the daily activities and trades of the time.
Skilled interpreters provide demonstrations and insights into various trades, such as blacksmithing, cabinetmaking, and printing. The village showcases the importance of agriculture, with farms, barns, and horse-powered machinery on display.
The Woollen Factory, Flour Mill, and Sawmill demonstrate the ingenuity of early settlers in harnessing water and steam power. Businesses like Cook’s Tavern and Chrysler’s Store played a vital role in supplying food and goods to the community. The village also offers dining experiences and a large gift shop called The Village Store.
Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon and tow scow rides, experiencing transportation methods of the era. Accommodation options include the historic Montgomery House, offering a cozy overnight stay.
Also, remember to check their events page for special events before planning your trip.
Where: 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Keene)
Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Peterborough County is a living history museum that brings the region’s history to life. With over 30 homes and businesses set in a picturesque village, visitors can explore and experience the past.
The village represents an entire century, allowing visitors to journey not only back in time but also through time. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional chores, trades, and pastimes, showcasing the story of settlers and their hardships.
The museum also highlights the history and culture of local First Nations through its exhibits.
Visitors can explore a working 177-year-old Grist Mill, discover early technology at the Weaver Shop, and immerse themselves in the sounds of history throughout the village. Lang Pioneer Village Museum features a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens, which add to the authentic atmosphere.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and can enjoy the museum’s picnic tables. The museum also provides refreshments and treats at the Keene Hotel and Menie General Store.
The Museum Shop features locally sourced and handcrafted giftware, including historical books, ironware, hand-dyed wool, and more. The site is a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, which visitors can explore at their own pace.
During the summer season, Lang Pioneer Village Museum offers a traditional afternoon tea experience at the Keene Hotel featuring a warm or cold beverage and freshly baked treats served by knowledgeable interpreters. The museum also hosts workshops, special presentations, and partnership events throughout the year.
Where: 104 Lang Road, Keene; (705) 295-6694
Fanshawe Pioneer Village (London)
Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London brings the local history of London and Middlesex County between 1820 and 1920 to life.
The Heritage Village showcases 19th-century homes and buildings, offers demonstrations, and provides an immersive historical experience. It is a pioneer village museum, a type of museum developed in mid-20th century Ontario by Conservation Authorities.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village tells the story of rural communities in Middlesex County and the founding and development of the City of London.
Visitors can explore the Denfield General Store, which served as a general store and post office from 1877 to 1952 and now operates as a village gift shop. The store offers unique items, handmade toys, candy, local handcrafted gifts, and historical reproductions. Fanshawe Pioneer Village also offers various education programs, including onsite programs, special events, and digital programs.
Tours of the village must be pre-booked and are subject to availability. Guided and interactive tours are available, taking visitors on a walking journey through the village’s gravel roadways and grass paths. Tours are available from May to early October, and special event days may affect tour availability.
Where: 1424 Clarke Road, London; (519) 457-1296
Veterans Memorial Parkway & Clarke Road Intersection
Sainte. Marie Among the Hurons (Midland)
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a living history museum in Ontario that was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. The community was built in 1639 and served as a palisaded settlement with various buildings and amenities. However, it was abandoned and burned down in 1649. The site has been reconstructed and is now open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of early Europeans in Canada.
Costumed interpreters bring the history to life, and visitors can explore the fully reconstructed mission community, visit the Church of Saint Joseph, and interact with farm animals. The site also features an interpretive museum and a gift shop. Admission includes access to the mission community, interaction with interpreters, audio tours, and the opportunity to shop for Indigenous crafts and souvenirs.
The site hosts daily on-site activities, guided tours, and demonstrations, making summer a great time to visit. Additionally, Sainte-Marie offers educational programs for students, both in-person and online, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Come back during the Christmas season to enjoy the site aglow in warm candlelight.
Where: 16164, Highway 12 East, Midland; 705-526 7838
Fort Henry National Historic Site (Kingston)
Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario, is a museum and historic site that offers visitors a journey into 19th-century military life. The site features English and French guided tours, where guests can explore the Upper Fort and learn about the rich history of the fortification. Through military drills, cannon firings, and reenactments by costumed interpreters, guests can witness the historical atmosphere.
They can participate in a Victorian school lesson, enjoy freshly baked goods from the fort’s historic ovens, and explore independently or join a guided tour with a Fort Henry Guard in English or French.
Fort Henry also hosts special events, including the Fort Henry Tattoo, a spectacular celebration of performance featuring music, dance, and fireworks. The fort offers a unique shopping experience with various stores and vendors, allowing visitors to purchase handmade crafts, souvenirs, and food.
Dining options at Fort Henry include the Battery Bistro, where guests can enjoy a meal on the stunning outdoor patio overlooking Lake Ontario and the city of Kingston. The Soldier’s Canteen provides fast food options, while the Garrison Restaurant offers fine dining.
Where: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston; 800-437-2233
Pickering Museum Village (Pickering)
Pickering Museum Village is located on the banks of Duffins Creek in Pickering. It features 19 heritage buildings from the years 1810-1920, as well as gardens and orchards.
Visitors can explore buildings such as a blacksmith’s shop, a general store, an inn, and a chapel, guided by costumed interpreters or through self-guided tours.
Recent additions to the museum include a new permanent exhibit at the Greenwood Blacksmith Shop, where students can engage in hands-on activities related to blacksmithing.
The museum has been offering education programs and is a popular field trip destination. Additionally, the museum offers special events, birthday parties, and private functions, as well as camps and programs for children. Visitors to Pickering Museum Village can enjoy guided tours, self-guided walking tours, heritage demonstrations, exhibitions, and various activities throughout the year.
Where: 2365 6th concession road, Pickering; 905-683-8401
Muskoka Heritage Place – Museum, Village & Train (Huntsville)
Muskoka Pioneer Village offers visitors the opportunity to experience life in Muskoka during the 1800s. Muskoka Pioneer Village was established in the 1960s and features authentic buildings donated from the area and recreations such as the trapper’s cabin and animal livery.
The museum collection includes objects, photographs, and archival material related to the history of the area. Visitors can tour the village and museum, explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area, and enjoy activities and demonstrations that showcase pioneer and Indigenous life.
Muskoka Heritage Place
Activities at the Pioneer Village range from school lessons and candle-dipping to blacksmithing and nature’s treasure hunts. The village hosts various community events throughout the year, and school programs are available, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and a glimpse into pioneer life.
Where: 88 Brunel Road, Huntsville; 705-789 -7576
Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site (Sault Ste. Marie)
The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site in Sault Ste. Marie offers a year-round cultural attraction for both residents and visitors. The site consists of the interactive Heritage Discovery Centre, the Ermatinger Old Stone House, and the Clergue Blockhouse. The Heritage Discovery Centre provides engaging exhibits and interactive features, offering a unique historical experience.
The Ermatinger Old Stone House has been fully restored to showcase the domestic and professional life of Charles Oakes Ermatinger and other notable residents from the early 19th century. The Clergue Blockhouse, originally a powder magazine, later became the home of industrialist Francis Hector Clergue. Visitors can tour both buildings and gain insight into the history of Sault Ste. Marie.
Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site (Sault Ste. Marie)
Additionally, the site’s gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs and locally made products. The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site hosts various events throughout the year, including festivals like the Lilac and Lavender Festival, Poutine Feast, Strawberry Festival, and Blueberry Festival, as well as themed events for Halloween.
Where: 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie; 705-759-5443
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site (Hilton Beach)
Uncover the remnants of Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the War of 1812. Explore the ruins that bear witness to the strong alliance forged between the British and the First Nations People of the western Great Lakes region.
The Site offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors, including the interactive Heritage Discovery Centre, the Ermatinger Old Stone House, and the Clergue Blockhouse. The Visitor Centre provides information, exhibits, and a gift shop.
The site features several hiking trails, such as the Rains Point Trail and Lapointe Point Trail, which lead to Lake Huron and offer scenic views. The area is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 200 species of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
Daily heritage demonstrations bring history to life, showcasing the fur trade, military life, and frontier living. Visitors can witness demonstrations of skills, crafts, and pastimes of the time period. The site also offers a bake oven project, where traditional bread and treats are baked using historic techniques.
Kids can participate in the Xplorers program and Club Parka, engaging in educational activities and receiving souvenirs unique to Fort St. Joseph. Nature enthusiasts can explore the mature maple forest, observe wildlife such as white-tailed deer, moose, and black bears, and visit the migratory bird sanctuary.
Where: 185 Fort Road, Hilton Beach; 705-246-2664
John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area (Harrow)
The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area offers a captivating journey back to the 1850s, where visitors can experience the restored house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park.
Immerse yourself in the nineteenth century as you explore their beautifully preserved Classical Revival home built in 1842. Delight your taste buds with treats baked on the kitchen fireplace, or engage in play with wooden toys in the children’s bedrooms.
Witness the impressive workings of an 1885 steam engine-powered sawmill and visit the blacksmith shop to observe the craft of making small hardware and repairing farm tools at the coal-fired forge.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the functioning smokehouse, ice house, and barn.
Enjoy a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk, visit the gift shop, and experience a theatre presentation transporting you to the past. The conservation area also features a garden with heirloom crops and livestock during the summer.
The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is an educational hub, hosting thousands of school children on field trips annually, providing hands-on learning about pioneer life and heritage preservation. The site offers a range of special events throughout the year, so checking the events calendar is highly recommended.
Where: 915 County Road 50 East, Harrow; (519) 738-2029
Fort George National Historic Site (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Fort George National Historic Site offers an immersive experience of the War of 1812. The fort served as a crucial military post defending Upper Canada against American attacks. Eight restored buildings, including a historic powder magazine and blockhouses, provide a glimpse into the past.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history by witnessing live musket demonstrations, listening to the 41st Fife and Drum Corps perform military music, and exploring the fort’s beautiful surroundings along the Niagara River. Trained interpreters dressed in period attire share intriguing stories about British soldiers and their families and the fateful day when the fort fell to American forces.
Fort George offers a range of engaging programs, with daily programming in English and bilingual programs on Saturdays and Sundays. Private tours with knowledgeable staff members are available, including musket demonstrations. The site also features the 41st Band of Music, the only band of its kind in Canada, providing an authentic historical soundtrack.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Fort George offers heritage trails for walking, running, cycling, and dog walking throughout the year. Families can make use of the Parks Canada Xplorers program, designed to enhance children’s experiences. Additionally, Fort George is part of the Niagara 1921 designations trail, offering a road trip through history, connecting visitors to nine other National Historic Sites designated by the HSMBC in 1921.
Where: 51 Queens Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake; 905-468-6614
Fort William Historical Park (Thunder Bay)
Fort William Historical Park takes visitors back to 1815, showcasing Fort William, the headquarters of the North West Company, a prominent fur trading enterprise that served as a meeting point between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers. At Fort William, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the time, guided by costumed interpreters, and engage in daily activities.
The site offers self-guided experiences during the summer season, with French-guided tours also available. From September to May, guided tours led by Fort William’s inhabitants are offered, allowing visitors to explore the historic site.
In addition to the historical experience, Fort William Historical Park provides amenities such as a campground, the Cantine Restaurant, and educational programs, including artisan workshops and overnight programs. The site also houses the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, featuring a large telescope.
Where: 1350 King Rd, Thunder Bay; (807) 473-2344