Discover the art of stained glass at the historic Parkwood National Historic Site. Join Emilie and Meghan for a hands-on workshop and craft your own sparkling gnome to take home.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, just patience and attention to detail.
Wildlife
History
Parkwood National Historic Site was established in 1954 and has a rich history of preserving regional craftsmanship and architecture.
Conservation
The site promotes sustainability by maintaining natural habitats and minimizing environmental impact through eco-friendly practices.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the art of stained glass at the historic Parkwood National Historic Site. Join Emilie and Meghan for a hands-on workshop and craft your own sparkling gnome to take home.
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.
Choose your colors thoughtfully
Select contrasting or harmonious colors to enhance your stained glass piece.
Take your time with soldering
Ensure precise, steady movements during soldering for a professional finish.
Wear protective gear
Use gloves and eye protection when handling glass and soldering materials.
Schedule in advance
Workshops may fill quickly; booking ahead guarantees your spot.
Apron
Protects your clothing from glue, solder, and glass shards during the workshop.
Safety glasses
Necessary for eye protection when soldering or handling glass.
Comfortable clothing
Wear layers and clothing that can get slightly stained or soldered.
Gloves
Protect your hands from sharp glass edges and solder.