Discover Oshawa’s rich history at the Parkwood National Historic Site with the Autumn Heritage Hat Show and Talk. Enjoy exquisite hats, storytelling, and seasonal treats in a historic setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors, no special fitness required
Wildlife
History
Parkwood was designated a National Historic Site in 1990, preserving the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture and design.
Conservation
Efforts are focused on maintaining the historic landscape and educating visitors on local preservation initiatives.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover Oshawa’s rich history at the Parkwood National Historic Site with the Autumn Heritage Hat Show and Talk. Enjoy exquisite hats, storytelling, and seasonal treats in a historic setting.
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 to secure a good seat
Seats are limited, so arriving early ensures you get a prime spot for this popular event.
Dress for fall weather
Layer up as outdoor conditions can vary in October; a hat and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Join the guided tour for extra insights
Participate in a guided tour to learn about the Lovell family and the estate’s architecture.
Enjoy the gardens after the event
Take a stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens to extend your visit.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking around the estate and gardens comfortably.
Hat and sunglasses
Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor portions of the event.
spring;summer;fall
Layered clothing
Prepare for varying weather conditions during the outdoor event.
spring;fall;winter
Tea mug or water bottle
Bring your own reusable mug or water to stay refreshed.