Discover the social history of 20th-century Canada at Parkwood. Join the Servant's Life Talk to uncover personal stories and artifacts from this fascinating era.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
All ages; casual walking and standing required
Wildlife
History
Parkwood was designated a National Historic Site in 2007, highlighting its importance in Canadian social history.
Conservation
The site actively preserves its historic buildings and artifacts through sustainable practices, ensuring heritage remains accessible for future generations.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the social history of 20th-century Canada at Parkwood. Join the Servant's Life Talk to uncover personal stories and artifacts from this fascinating era.
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 footwear
Walkable historic buildings and gardens require sturdy shoes.
Check tour schedules in advance
Book ahead to ensure availability for the guided talks and tours.
Bring a notebook or camera
Capture interesting artifacts and take notes during the tour.
Plan for weather delays
Outdoor areas and historic buildings may require weather considerations.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear suitable for walking through historic buildings and gardens.
Notebook or camera
Useful for jotting down notes or capturing photos during the tour.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Prepare for varying weather conditions, especially if outdoor portions are included.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sun protection or rain gear
Stay comfortable and protected while exploring the grounds.
summer|spring|fall|winter