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Toronto…Many adults have fond memories of visiting Black Creek
Pioneer Village as a child, and growing numbers are
rediscovering the many activities and experiences available to
them today. From heritage homes and gardens, to forgotten arts,
such as typesetting or spinning, to beer brewing, Black Creek
Pioneer Village has something for everyone. This year, the
beautifully recreated 1860s Village is offering more hands-on
programs and opportunities for visitors than ever before.
“I remember visiting the Village when I was a student,” said
Chris Bagley, general manager of Black Creek Pioneer Village.
“It was a vivid introduction to Canada’s early days and the
impression has stuck with me. For adults, the Village really is
one of the few places in the city where history comes alive.”
Open from May to December, Black Creek Pioneer Village offers
visitors an immersive experience of life in early Ontario.
Lively guided tours, historical events, hands-on experiences and
apprentice workshops are offered throughout the year. “There is
something to appeal to just about every taste,” explained
Bagley.
“We all had a great day,” said Sandy Michelle, who recently
visited the Village with her family. “I was never bored, as I
can be with some children’s outings. I loved the gardens, and
the beautiful buildings. I got a lot of great pictures. My
husband and I are planning to visit again on our own soon for
the brewery tour.”
The Village has long been a popular destination for amateur
photographers and camera clubs, with landscapes, early Ontario
architecture, historical artefacts, animals and costumed staff
offering numerous photographic opportunities through the year.
More and more of these photographers are posting their images on
social media sites such as Flickr (http://bit.ly/jAMjuA)
and Facebook (http://on.fb.me/jKTAUg).
“The historical gardens are a big draw for many visitors,” said
Sandra Spudic, head gardener at Black Creek Pioneer Village, “We
have eight different gardens including flower gardens, vegetable
gardens, and even medicinal herbs. Visitors are keen to learn
about the history of gardening, as well as the techniques we use
here, such as growing plants without pesticides.”
The Black Creek Brewery, which first opened in 2009, is another
attraction. “Our brewery is so unique, being the only working
brewery using 1860’s methods to make beer,” said Blythe Haynes,
one of the beer experts at Black Creek Pioneer Village. “The
brewery tour is a very interactive experience. For those who
don’t know much about beer there is always some surprise when
they see how it is made. For a beer enthusiast it’s a great
experience because they can really identify with the brewing
process.”
The Village also offers hands-on opportunities for visitors to
get involved, such as apprenticeships, where participants spend
a day working with a craftsperson in one of the shops.
Apprenticeships with the Tinsmith, Printer and Harness Maker are
available this year. In December, Christmas baking workshops
will be presented in which participants will be able to learn
about traditional seasonal recipes, and get a head start on
their own holiday baking in the process.
“Friends of mine had visited recently, and knowing I was a huge
history buff, they recommended I come and see it for myself,”
said Jenn Thomas on a visit to Black Creek. “I didn’t realize
the Village had so much to offer for just adults. I thought it
was a great outing!”
Black Creek Pioneer Village is open daily from May 1-Dec. 23
2011. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for children ages
5-15. Memberships are available. Special events may require
advance ticket purchase. Visit
www.blackcreek.ca/whats-on/ for more detailed event
information.
Black Creek Pioneer Village is located at 1000 Muray Ross
Parkway, one block east of Jane St., south off Steeles Avenue,
next to York University. The Village is south east of Hwy 7 and
Hwy 400. Parking is available for $7 (free for members). Black
Creek Pioneer Village can be reached by public transportation
from the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West route,
or from the Jane Station using the Jane 35 route.
About Black Creek Pioneer Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto’s premier outdoor living
history museum. Visitors can explore 40 heritage homes, shops
and buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village.
Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers
lived, worked and played. The Village hosts learning programs
and special events that highlight local heritage and culture.
The tranquil setting, rural landscapes, heritage gardens and
period farm animal breeds make Black Creek Pioneer Village the
perfect place to break out of the modern world and journey into
the past. Located in north Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village
is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA).
For more information please visit
www.blackcreek.ca.
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