Exploring Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg Ontario: A Journey to the 1860s

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Upper Canada Village, a living history site located just an hour south of Ottawa. This incredible site transports visitors back in time to the 1860s, depicting life in a rural Canadian village during the late Victorian era. Founded in 1961, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada, featuring over forty historical buildings that were moved to the site prior to flooding during the St. Lawrence Seaway development project.
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One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the diverse and fascinating historical trades. Watching the blacksmith, cabinetmaker, cooperage, printing office, and tinsmith shops in action was truly captivating. Each tradesperson demonstrated unique skills and specialized tools that contributed to daily life in the 1860s. I was able to ask questions and learn about their latest projects, gaining insight into the trades of the time.
In addition to the trades, visitors can experience traditional farming techniques through the growing of heritage vegetables and raising of heritage livestock breeds. I particularly enjoyed the ornamental gardens throughout the village, featuring flora fashionable in the late Victorian era. Weavers, spinners, and dressmakers demonstrated traditional handiwork, while knowledgeable staff dressed in clothing of the period discussed and demonstrated aspects of late 19th-century social life, music, religion, and politics.
Agriculture played a central role in daily life, survival, and progress in the 1860s, and Upper Canada Village provides visitors with an opportunity to experience life on the farm. I explored Louck’s Farm, which featured an impressive barn, livestock, and horse-powered machinery of an established prosperous farm. The Tenant Farm showed how a family leasing land worked with simpler tools and oxen, while the Ross Farm demonstrated a horse-powered drag saw and taught visitors about cordwood.
The ingenuity of the settlers who harnessed water and steam power at the Woolen Factory, Flour Mill, and Sawmill was also impressive to see. These early mills processed wool, grain, and logs harvested to provide valuable products such as cloth, flour, and lumber, while also providing employment.
Food and commerce were also essential in the 19th century, and Upper Canada Village brought that history to life. Many businesses, such as Cook’s Tavern, helped house and feed travelers and itinerant workers. Crysler's Store dispensed medicines and sold foodstuffs, hardware, tools, and household items. The Cheese Factory received and preserved milk by making cheese, one of Canada’s first major export products. The Bakery offered freshly baked bread from a wood-fire oven, and visitors could purchase a delicious loaf of bread or cheddar cheese made right at Upper Canada Village in the Village Store.
Visitors could also explore the working kitchens at Loucks Farm and Tenant Farm to see what was on the menu! Preparing meals and preserving food for the winter months ahead was a time-consuming but important part of daily life. Orchards and large kitchen gardens were essential to provide this food. Other heirloom gardens at the Robertson Home and Crysler Hall were grown for personal enjoyment, to celebrate the natural world, and perhaps to make a statement.
Finally, I was able to immerse myself in the history and heritage of the 1860s by taking a leisurely stroll around the village. Travel was often difficult in the mid-19th century, and people used available roads to walk, ride, or drive a horse-drawn vehicle. Visitors can keep an eye out for the variety of horse-drawn vehicles working from Cook’s Tavern.
Overall, visiting Upper Canada Village was a magical experience that transported me back in time to the 1860s. With so much to see and do, I highly recommend this living history site to anyone interested in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Canada.
Thank you for taking time to stroll with me, please feel free to Like & Subscribe and leave your comments! Your support will encourage me to make more videos. Most appreciated.
#uppercanadavillage #travelvlog #canada #museum #farm #history #morrisburgontario #Canadavillage #uppercanada #livinghistory
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[@Jayashuklagorakhpur]

You are a great person, I salute you ❤🙏. I am from India 🇮🇳

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching all the way from India! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@marcoprolo1488]

I went their once with my son's class when he was in primary school. It was very interesting. It reminded me of my great-grand-mother house in France when I was a kid. Same smell.

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience! I'm glad you found the place interesting. It's amazing how certain places can evoke memories, and it's wonderful that it reminded you of your great-grandmother's house in France. That connection through smell is indeed a powerful thing!

[@choudryashraf]

I like a village life I like your village thanks

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for watching! Glad that you liked it.

[@maliakamy9570]

I visited Upper Canada village last Saturday, very beautiful and impressed place, i love it.

[@WalkingAttractions]

It really is! Thanks for watching!

[@Explorer0106]

@@WalkingAttractions How much time does it take to discover whole place? Is there any specific time when we have to be present to see everything?

[@WalkingAttractions]

@@Explorer0106 Thank you for watching! To explore the entire Upper Canada Village, you should plan to spend about 3-4 hours. This will give you enough time to see all the historical buildings, participate in activities, and enjoy the exhibits. While there isn't a specific time you need to be there to see everything, I recommend arriving when they open to make the most of your visit. There are also special demonstrations and events scheduled throughout the day, so be sure to check their schedule for any must-see activities. Enjoy your trip!

[@mosesmuchina1308]

Wonderful video. I was there in 1986 and I enjoyed every moment. We learn a lot from History. I am in Nairobi Kenya.

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for the lovely comment! It's great to hear you enjoyed your visit in 1986 and agree about the value of history. Greetings to you in Nairobi, Kenya! Hope our video brought back fond memories.

[@smiththomas64]

I think I came here around that time (86 or 87) on a school field trip. I was in grade 3. I now live in Victoria BC, Canada.

[@WalkingAttractions]

@@smiththomas64 That's wonderful to hear! It must be quite nostalgic thinking back to your school field trip. Upper Canada Village certainly has a way of making lasting impressions. Thanks for sharing your story and for watching the video!

[@babarchishti4800]

Nice village, I'm enjoying

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the video. Upper Canada Village is such a fascinating place to explore.

[@Snackpaws]

my Brother worked there many years ago, I think he did either the bread or cheese making and explaining to folks. I can't remember was so long ago now.. Lovely video I think the tunes work well with it..

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for sharing! It's great that your brother worked there. I am glad you enjoyed the video and found the tunes fitting. Appreciate your feedback!

[@sweetslasherwalks]

I'd love to visit and wear a 19th century dress🥹

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thank you! Visiting Upper Canada Village in a 19th-century dress would be amazing! It's a great way to truly experience the 1860s. I hope you get to visit soon! 😊

[@steveatlas3492]

Thumbs up.

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for the thumbs up! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Stay tuned for more adventures!

[@paulagolddoorinn]

The music is a nice touch even tho it would be nice if you could tell us about it .

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the music.

[@gigsandhu9564]

How much is it cost to visit their?

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for your interest! The admission cost for Upper Canada Village can vary depending on the season and any special events. I recommend checking their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Hope you get to visit soon and enjoy it!

[@Kim-by1ct]

would be better without the music

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thank you for watching!

[@choudryashraf]

I come your village give me your permission Canadian government I coming your country I see you are village very nice culture we nice your horses

[@WalkingAttractions]

Thanks for watching! Visiting Upper Canada village is a magical experience.