Travel back to 1917 with the Auto Baron Guided Tour at Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa. This 1.5-hour tour offers a vivid look at the McLaughlin family’s legacy and the estate’s grand entertaining spaces.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; light walking and standing involved.
Wildlife
History
The McLaughlin family were pivotal in developing Canada's early automotive industry and had a profound impact on Oshawa’s growth.
Conservation
Parkwood maintains preservation best practices to protect historic structures and integrate sustainable landscaping in its care of the grounds.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Travel back to 1917 with the Auto Baron Guided Tour at Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa. This 1.5-hour tour offers a vivid look at the McLaughlin family’s legacy and the estate’s grand entertaining spaces.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design.
Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff.
Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Location
Oshawa, Ontario
Located in Oshawa, Ontario
Experiences
58 listed experiences
Tours, workshops, markets and events
Seasonal Events
Holiday & seasonal programming
Markets, workshops, and tours
Designation
National Historic Site
Official historic site designation
Find upcoming dates for guided tours, seasonal markets, and hands-on workshops — reserve tickets early for popular sessions and holiday events.
Arrive Early
Tours start promptly, so plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
While the tour covers only the main floor, expect to stand and walk for 1.5 hours on hardwood and stone floors.
Photography Restrictions
Flash photography inside the estate is not allowed to protect artifacts; check with your guide for permitted devices.
Seasonal Weather Preparedness
The estate grounds extend outdoors; dress appropriately for weather if arriving early or staying afterward to stroll the gardens.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes will keep you comfortable during the 1.5-hour tour.
Weather-Appropriate Jacket
A light to moderate jacket is useful for outdoor garden areas before or after the tour.
spring|fall|winter
Camera (No Flash)
Capture memories but avoid flash to protect delicate interiors.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
summer