Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back to the 1800s? Located along the stunning banks of the St. Lawrence River is a small town with a hidden gem that transcends time itself. Make your way Morrisburg, Ontario and there you’ll find Upper Canada Village – a world where history comes to life. Here’s what to know about this quaint town and charming experience.

Located within the municipality of South Dundas is Morrisburg, Ontario – about an hours drive east of Toronto. Though small, the town is known for its charming beach, golf course and the Lock 23 dive site, built in the 1800s.

It won’t take you long to explore the town but you’ll surely find yourself lost in time once you embark on the journey that is Upper Canada Village. Ontario’s very own time capsule, where every cobblestone tells a tale and every doorway leads to a bygone era, is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada, according to the site.

As you wander through Upper Canada Village, prepare to be transported back to the 19th century, a time of pioneering spirit and rural charm.

This living history museum recreates the daily life of early Canadian settlers in 1866, offering visitors a glimpse into a world no longer our own.

From the bustling marketplace to the peaceful serenity of rural farms, every corner of Upper Canada Village offers a lovely experience of the past – a time travelling adventure.

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There are over 40 historical buildings that were moved prior to flooding of the “Lost Villages” during the St. Lawrence Seaway development project, according to Upper Canada Village. You’ll find historic homes, functioning mills and trades workshops.

“Touring Upper Canada Village is a magical experience, transporting you back in time to the 1860s. A key part of the experience is the authentic buildings that make up the village, the activities that they each housed, and of course, the people who lived there.”

There’s a bakery that makes bread twice a day – authentic to its time, a cheese factory, a hotel, a woollen factory, a chapel, a shoemaker, and much more.

Curious about the art of candle-making or how to churn butter? At Upper Canada Village, you can roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the daily rituals of the pioneer days.

But Upper Canada Village isn’t just about the past – it hosts a number of events and festivities throughout the year, especially during Halloween and Christmas.

So whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, step travel back in time and experience the wonders of Morrisburg’s living past at Upper Canada Village.

Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Netflix, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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