Upper Canada Village — Attraction in South Dundas

Title: A Step Back in Time: Exploring Upper Canada Village

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Visiting Upper Canada Village is like stepping into a living history book. Nestled along the picturesque St. Lawrence River, this open-air museum offers a captivating journey back in time to the 19th century. As a history enthusiast, I found this immersive experience both educational and enjoyable, making it a perfect destination for families, students, and anyone seeking to delve into the past.

First and foremost, the attention to detail at Upper Canada Village is truly commendable. The historical authenticity of the buildings, crafts, and people, dressed in period clothing, transport visitors to the 1860s. Walking through the quaint streets, one can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the perfectly recreated village life, showcasing the daily activities and challenges faced by the settlers of that era.

The interpreters at Upper Canada Village deserve special praise for their passion and knowledge. They are not merely reenactors, but rather, they embody the roles they play. Engaging in conversations with them provided valuable insights into the historical context and the intricacies of early Canadian life. Whether it's chatting with the blacksmith, watching a cooper craft barrels, or discussing farming techniques with a knowledgeable farmer, every encounter felt authentic and enriching.

The variety of activities and demonstrations throughout the village was extensive. Witnessing traditional trades and crafts, such as weaving, woodworking, and candle-making, was a highlight. Moreover, the working farm and its animals added a dynamic touch, bringing to life the agricultural essence of the time. The horse-drawn carriage rides provided a relaxing tour of the expansive village, giving visitors a chance to soak in the idyllic surroundings.

The village's scenic location along the St. Lawrence River adds another layer of charm to the experience. The breathtaking landscape, coupled with the serene ambiance, creates an atmosphere that complements the historical journey.

However, there were a few areas where improvements could be made. While the majority of the buildings were accessible, some lacked adequate ramps or had steep staircases, which might pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues. Additionally, the dining options were somewhat limited, and it would have been nice to see a more diverse range of food choices.

In conclusion, Upper Canada Village is an outstanding attraction that offers a unique and immersive glimpse into Canada's past. The dedication to historical accuracy, the knowledgeable interpreters, and the diverse range of activities make it an enjoyable and educational experience for people of all ages. With a few minor improvements to accessibility and dining options, this living history museum would undoubtedly be a five-star destination. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an unforgettable day trip, Upper Canada Village should be high on your list of...

My family and I travel 2 hours yearly to see the festival of lights. This year unfortunately we were treated by a not so friendly staff member. As we proceeded indoors to the check in area we were abruptly stopped and asked how we got inside. The staff member then explained they were not open yet. We understood and waited to the side. She then told us to leave and go back outside. As we returned outside the doors she followed us and sternly directed us to move another 5 feet further outside behind a rope that was not in place as we proceeded inside earlier. She then spoke to a young gentleman that was outside saying you cannot let guests past this rope until after 5pm which was in 10 mins or so. Which I might add the website states to arrive early. He replied to her with I know they must have snuck by. She then stated I know it's annoying that they do that but you may have to be rude to them in order to have them stay outside. My family and I found it alarming that a staff member would encourage another to be rude to guests. I can understand having guests proceed too far before the park is open. Although this whole situation could have been handled with grace and kindness. I have seen cattle treated better than my family or other guests were as we weren't the only ones to travel indoors. After the park opened we came inside and the lady that had been rude before was simply directing guests to the next open kiosk which I found funny that the rude staff member could easily be replaced with a well worded sign.

My family and I have been coming for years and will continue to do so. The park was beautiful and well kept. I think a little more focus on customer service would...

We visited w two kids aged 6 and 9 on a summer Saturday. We are big history buffs and hoped to learn something specific to the Loyalist experience around Confederation. Overall, we were not impressed compared to similar historical villages like Black Creek in Toronto or Lang at Peterborough or The Ukrainian Village in Alberta. The main reason was the staff: we encountered several who were poorly trained or unenthusiastic or both. The first two we met were confused about what to charge us (we paid at the railroad station by the parking lot which at $8/person was overpriced considering we couldn’t hear the narration on the speaker and it doesn’t tour the village at all but goes around the grounds and by the lake). Then we entered several buildings where the costumed staff didn’t greet or engage with us at all, preferring to just chat with each other about topics outside their characters. Finally we were given wrong information about the wagon ride and waited more than 20 minutes in the wrong place and ended up having to chase the carriage to hop on when it finally stopped. The driver didn’t bother checking to see if there was room, when really there were just a few passengers taking up space with their bags on the seats, etc. This guy couldn’t have cared less. There were a few staff who were more knowledgeable and aware, but overall not a great experience. They could also add a few picnic tables for those who bring their own food. The Black history exhibit was very interesting, so that was a highlight. But would I go out of my way to pay $120 for 4 people...