Step into the past with a deep dive into early 20th-century hygiene and design at Parkwood National Historic Site. Discover hidden stories behind its unique washroom spaces in this exclusive tour.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking ability required, no strenuous activity involved.
Wildlife
History
Parkwood was built as a family estate in the 1910s and later became a public heritage site, showcasing architectural grandeur and social history.
Conservation
The site follows strict preservation standards to maintain the integrity of its historic fixtures and structures, promoting sustainable tourism.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Step into the past with a deep dive into early 20th-century hygiene and design at Parkwood National Historic Site. Discover hidden stories behind its unique washroom spaces in this exclusive tour.
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 for a guided start
Join the first tour of the day to enjoy a personalized experience and better photo opportunities.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a notebook or camera
Capture the intricate designs and take notes about the historical details shared.
Check the weather forecast
Outdoor portions of the tour may be affected by weather, so dress accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes
Suitable footwear for walking and standing during the guided tour.
Notebook or camera
To capture details and memories from the experience.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Be prepared for outdoor sections with suitable attire.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring the historic site.