Step into history and horticulture with a guided tour of Parkwood Gardens. Discover floral artistry and historic charm in this captivating estate outside London, Ontario.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, light walking involved
Wildlife
History
Parkwood was designed as a grand estate in the early 20th century, reflecting the wealth and taste of Ontario’s prominent families.
Conservation
The estate actively maintains native plantings and employs sustainable gardening practices to protect the site's ecological integrity.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Step into history and horticulture with a guided tour of Parkwood Gardens. Discover floral artistry and historic charm in this captivating estate outside London, Ontario.
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.
Wear comfortable shoes
The gardens include walking along paved and grassy paths, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring your camera
Capture the beautiful landscapes and historic structures during your tour.
Check tour times in advance
Tours are scheduled on Wednesday and Friday mornings, so plan ahead.
Plan for weather
Bring sun protection or rain gear depending on the forecast.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking on various garden surfaces comfortably.
Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay protected during sunny days.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the stunning scenery and architectural details.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress for the weather to ensure a comfortable visit.