Today was day 1 of what I am calling Ottawa Family Fun Week. The purpose of Family Fun Week is to dedicate a week to spending time as a family and enjoying the activities and attractions that the Ottawa area has to offer.
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We started off today by realizing that this long week-end will provide no sleeping in for anyone in this family. By 8:30 we were out the door. First things first though these parents needed coffee. So we stopped at our nearest Tim Horton’s and loaded up the caffeine. Then we were on the road to Upper Canada Village. Upper Canada Village is about an hour drive from Ottawa. Just the perfect amount of time for the kids to pipe up once or twice with “Are we there yet?”.
About Upper Canada Village
Upper Canada Village brings you back to the 1860’s. A key part of the experience is the authentic buildings that make up the village, the activities that each housed, and of course, the people who lived there. My favourite part about Upper Canada Village is that the staff is dressed in time period costumes and playing their roles in living every day life in the 1860’s. You see them setting up the horse and carriage and driving around the village picking up community members for appointments and even picking up visitors for a tour of the village while giving your feet a break.
When we entered the tin makers shop we got to watch a tin maker crafting a cup. We got to enter another building to find two ladies sitting there talking who welcome us and explained everything about the building. We then got to venture upstairs to find two men in the dancing room singing period piece songs. You truly do get immersed into life in the 1860’s.
[Tweet “Go back to the 1860’s at @UpperCandaVill #FamilyFunWeek”]
To my surprise Big Brother had an amazing time. He loved checking out each and every building and asking questions about everything. I was not expecting him to show much interest but he loved it. We had a great time and will have to go back.
Nolie’s Tips for Upper Canada Village
[Tweet “5 Tips for visiting @UpperCanadaVill #FamilyFunWeek”]
- Plan to spend an entire day. The place is huge. We only saw about half of it then had to leave as Little Brother got very tired and meltdowns commenced. We were there for 2 and a half hours.
- Bring water! We all went through our entire contigo bottle of water. It was a hot and humid day. Bright side the building are actually nice and cool which surprised us.
- Pack a picnic. The one thing that is not time period-esque is the food prices. At the front of Upper Canada Village you can buy grilled cheese and the cheapest one was $5. Lunch for our family cost us $37
- Bring actual cash. There are place you can eat in Upper Canada Village in time period buildings but you will need physical cash to pay for your meal. Again prices are that of 2014 not 1860.
- Wear comfy shoes, light clothing and bring sunscreen. You will be doing lots of walking and everything is outside so dress for the weather.
Upper Canada Village Visitor Information
Regular Season
May 7 – September 1 Upper Canada Village is open daily from 9:30 am – 5 pm.
September 3 – September 21 Upper Canada Village is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 am-5 pm
Admission Prices
Adult (13 -64 years) $18.00
Senior Citizen – 65+ $16.00
Youth (6 to 12 years of age) $12.00
Child (5 years and under) FREE
Reciprocal Program
When you visit Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, Ontario) and Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (Kingston, Ontario). With each paid admission, you will receive a free gate admission to visit the other heritage site or to use to visit one of the day-use parks or beach areas, absolutely free.
The reciprocal program is valid for the regular day program during the regular operating season.
Special Events
There are special events through out the year. Visit Upper Canada Village to see various events and their admission prices.
Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a family 4 pass courtesy of Upper Canada Village.
*Disclaimer: My family was provided with passes to visit Upper Canada Village. As always all opinions are my own.