Kilby Historic Site — Attraction in Kent

I participated in the “en plein air” painting event. While Kilby is undoubtedly a beautiful place I have visited for over 50 years now, I find the way this center is being run right now to be a bit odd. First, the artists should be paid and not the artists who should pay. Artists were required to pay $20 which is more than the price of admittance. I should point out that some artists drive quite far, such as myself from Surrey and one lady drove all the way from White Rock. $50 stipend for fuel would be a minimum courtesy to people who drive all the way to Harrison Mills. Second, as the artists are there helping to generate publicity for the center, they should at least have a basic meal provided for them. At the outset, we were told “not this year” which again I found very odd. It’s not asking a lot for a bottle of water and a sandwich. Instead, we had to pay out of our pocket. Third, when the scheduled clean up time arrived at 3:00, I had to ask them to unlock the gate at 3:15 so I could pull my supplies out. I had about 100 lbs of gear to carry to my vehicle. The gate was opened briefly but locked so remaining artists had to cart their belongings thru the lobby and contend with baby carriages and toddlers. Where was the appointed coordinator? She could have easily watched the gate as artists moved thru Fourth, I had to temporarily position my vehicle for loading. This resulted in my expulsion from the grounds by one of the managers as well as verbal abuses from an artist whose scene my vehicle was supposedly blocking. No, I won’t hand over my painting to you lady, because you had to wait 15 minutes for me to get loaded. Quite rude.

I will state clearly a caution to artists and painters. If you want to be welcomed in the morning with words sans recompense for your own expenses, but later treated as a nuisance, this is the place for you. If you have dignity and value your artistic output time and watch your budget, steer clear of this place. They will USE you. After returning to our art from the dining room we were harassed for paying admittance. “Why when we are artists and already paid?” I objected, and was met with a frown. The people who run this park clearly don’t appreciate paying customers. I sincerely hope they will get new management because I will not deposit another dollar into their coffers. Kilby is an important historic site and it deserves way better...

I've been visiting Kilby Historic Site for several years. Initially we came here for the Tourism Pass, then started taking my daughter here. I think it's a well preserved piece of history located near Harrison Hot Springs. So if you're on a day trip, and you like artifacts and history, I think it's definitely worth checking out. Upgrades and additions in recent years have been nice. Although I think a few more animals would be perfect, since that's my daughter's favourite part!

On my most recent trip (May 21, 2021), I got there 20 minutes before closing, and were rushed the visit the animals and feed the chickens. The staff were kind enough to let us stay and visit with the animals, even after they closed, and my daughter had a wonderful time. However, since we were rushed, I forgot they close the café at 16:00. So, as we went in at 16:05, the lady told us they had closed their till and cashed out. When I told my daughter that there's no more ice cream, and she was greatly disappointed (the body language only a disappointed toddler can make). I think the lady saw how disappointed she was, so she offered us ice cream, but only if we paid in cash and that she wouldn't be able to give us change. I had no problem with that as long as my daughter got her ice cream, because it's a BIG part of her experience there! She truly looks forward to visiting the animals and having pie or ice cream with me. The lady gave us a MASSIVE portion of (DELICIOUS) ice cream, which then delighted my daughter even more. Because of what she did for us, and how friendly and welcoming the rest of the staff were, they really made what could have been a mediocre experience, into a spectacular one. I ended up making a small donation and the lady was grateful.

I've worked in hospitality and the service industry for 20+ yrs, and I sometimes forget to do the little things that matter. It's gestures like this that warms me and remind me to be better. I will definitely be coming back here as long as my daughter wants to, and I will definitely be making regular donations and visits to the café!

Well done, and I'm very grateful for the...

Fairly small historic site, but nicely maintained, with surprisingly knowledgeable guides. The lady in the general store was helping curate an upcoming feature exhibit on a talented scientist from the area.

The store itself is remarkable, with everything from fashion and footwear, electrical and plumbing, pharmacy and lending library, grocery, dairy, deli and bakery and more in one large, very well organized room. Behind, through separate access, you can see the tiny post-office, kitchen and dining/parlor. Upstairs are exhibits on packaging, local history and fashion, as well as some example bedrooms. Below are storage, garage and other basement/workshop space, with a seriously intimidating old boiler.

Another guide maintains the outdoors space, giving guided tours, answering questions, and taking care of the many assorted and very friendly animals, including rabbits, goats, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, and apparently, some cows. An orchard on one side has cherries and super old apple trees.

The old barn, now gift shop and restaurant, houses a 50 seat dining area with simple offerings, takeaway drinks and snacks including fresh baking and ice cream, and washrooms.

At $10 for an adult ticket, the price is a bit high, but probably necessary to maintain the place. Check the calendar for their frequent special events.

Visiting on a cloudy Thursday in June, it wasn't too busy at all, but I'd imagine things would pick up on weekends and sunny summer days when kids are...