Upper Canada Village is a tiny town that transports you back in time to the late 1800s: the buildings, the activities, and the people. It is amazing to see how people lived back then sans électricité, pas d’internet.
There was a mini train that tours you around the park.Grammy and Grampy took that ride……while we went inside to explore the village.At the lobby, you see the tools of the trade used in 1860s.The boys posed for a picture while I buy entrance tickets.The souvenir shop.Our first stop was the Asselstine Woollen FactoryIt transforms raw wool into yarn and blankets.This is the machine that they use, powered by water turbines and steam engines.Monsieur was kind enough to give wool samples to the kids. Gabby took home his sample.Wool yarnsThe boys and their friends.
Family picture
Inside Bellamy’s Steam Flour MillThe flour produced here meet the community’s requirements.The boys with friends Milton and KobeRiel and friend MonHeading to the SawmillThis muley saw is water-powered. It cuts lumber for the local market.Lumber ready for the sawCook’s Tavern and Livery.Posing with the performersInside the tavern.A signage…
…and a newspaper copy dated May 30, 1864
We peeked inside the tavern’s kitchen. This is where they get the term “femme au foyer” for housewife, since a big chunk of a wife’s tasks is done in the kitchen.
Still part of the kitchenRiel and Mon bought a bottle of sarsaparilla……it’s the same concoction they serve back in the 19th century. Best served cold, it was kept cool in the basement– there were no refrigerators back then!Outside the tavern, we took the horse-drawn carriage around the village.The boys fitting nicely at the back.Passing by the farm……and a farmer cultivating the land with the help of his horses. In the Philippines, farmers use carabaos to help plow the land.The village’s quaint church.Cheese factoryThe red barnA common house…A rich man’s house…Inside the rich man’s house with furniture circa 1860sPosing with the guide avec ma belle amie, JojieThe village grocery.Inside the groceryThe bakeryFreshly-baked breadFor sale at the shopThe village hotelOnly heritage meals served here.
The menu
Crysler Hall
The lady guide told us that Crysler Hall was built as a residence. It was owned by a timber merchant. The house was not typical of most houses during the period and was considered pompous by its neighbors back then.
“Sir, you look like someone… Tiger Woods.” (she said it for real!)A farmer and his wife tending the garden.The village schoolThe blacksmith shop.There were still plenty of places in the village to see, but it was difficult to explore the village by foot on a scorchingly hot day.Still, it was a lovely day for all. Au revoir.
