We were blessed with yet another cool (45 degrees), sunny, but windy morning. The destination this morning was a visit to “Upper Canada Village” a living history village offering a collection of forty mid 1800s buildings that portray life in 1860 Canada. Normally it would be in full operation with people dressed in period costumes living as though it was 1860. Everything is done “real” time in the village-from milling the grain, to baking bread to making clothing, brooms, etc. Think of it as a Canadian version of our Williamsburg. Sadly we were visiting when the village was shuttered for the winter but there were costumed docents available to take us through the village visiting the various buildings, and discussing life back then. All the buildings which include homes, functioning mills, trades shops and even a church are original, having been disassembled from villages lost during construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, relocated here and reassembled to create this village. It was absolutely lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour. If we were ever in the area during summertime I would certainly want to see the village when it was in its “operating mode”.
Entrance to the Upper Canada Village, a living history park depicting life in 1860.
One of the docents who led us on the tour.
The other docents.
A real operating grist mill.
Note the stoutness of this structure. No nails were used in its construction.
Some grain that escaped being milled!
Milled flour that is used for baking.
A canal connecting the village to the river.
The village is active during autumn weekends.
The George Robinson home. He was an affluent member of the community as shown by the furnishings in his home and its yellow color.
The well furnished parlor in the Robertson home.
The general store.
Our docent showing us the general store, which sold almost everything.
It acted as a pharmacy.
Dry goods and clothing.
Popular drink of the day.
There is a small museum in one of the homes dedicated to the history of the African people who came here.
Shackles used on slaves being shipped to Canada from Africa.
Cook’s tavern and hotel. Probably one of the more popular places in town in 1860!
Sleeping area in the tavern. People shared beds with strangers to save money.
Dining area in the salon.
The docent showing us the original version of a rotisserie.
Brooms made in the village.
A door in colonial Canada.
The Anglican Church built in 1837.
Heating for the church. Had to laugh as I see some desirable pews located near it. I assume it was reserved for big donors!
Inside Christ Church.
Our docent sang God Save the Queen for us. She had a lovely voice and admitted to being a trained vocalist.
Returning to the ship around 11:30 we left port and began a leisurely afternoon sailing back upriver, retracing our steps towards our moorage for the night in Gananoque, where we docked earlier in the trip.
Quite a chore getting from your home to the water.
Peaceful setting.
Left over brownies from teatime.
The most modern design I saw on the river.
Alerted by fellow travelers I ventured out to the aft deck to catch this sunset glow.
Actually the sun was setting at the bow of the boat; we are simply seeing the reflections on the aft deck.
Canadian Highway 137.
Sunset from the bow.
I could grow to like this one!
Note the huge rock substructure to the island. It would give a new meaning to a “rock solid” home.
A modern condo complex in Gananoque.
Tonight was our last night on the ship so there was a single seating for our farewell dinner. The after dinner entertainment was a three piece band who played mostly good old rock & roll. We passed (but could hear the music from our room) as we had to pack and prepare to leave the ship the next day, some of us earlier than others, but more about that later!
Our farewell dinner companions-ladies from Alaska and Florida.
Another designer napkin fold.
We had fresh flowers on the table each day.
We both chose the salmon, which was excellent with the dill sauce.
One thought on “October 26, 2024: A Visit to the Upper Canada Village”
Fantastic pictures!