Step Into the Past, Shop Local, and Celebrate Free Admission for Mom on Mother’s Day
MORRISBURG, ON – The gates are opening, the ovens are warming, and history is coming back to life! Upper Canada Village, operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, officially reopened for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 3, welcoming guests daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Step back in time to the 1860s, immerse yourself in village life, and discover one of Eastern Ontario’s best day trips, with a uniquely Canadian shopping experience that’s perfect for Mother’s Day.
At the heart of the entrance is The Village Store, the largest gift retailer between Brockville and Cornwall, and you don’t need an admission ticket to shop. Open to the public, the Village Store offers ample free parking, is fully accessible, and is the ideal place to find thoughtful, locally made gifts and goods while enjoying lunch or a snack on-site.
This year, Upper Canada Village has expanded its commitment to showcasing Canadian-made products and small businesses. From sweaters and t-shirts printed locally, to plush stuffed animals from Canadian suppliers, nearly every item tells a story of Canadian creativity and community. With a large selection and prominent store placing this year, Native Northwest, a proudly Indigenous brand, from British Columbia, designed and developed in Canada showcases Indigenous art created by Indigenous artist.
“Our goal is to support and spotlight small businesses locally, throughout Ontario and even Nationally,” says Tiffany Montroy, A/ Manager, Retail Operations. “This season, you’ll find handcrafted products from Lyn, Casselman, South Mountain, Kingston, Waterloo, London and beyond.”
And don’t miss the famous Village-made goods: fresh bread baked daily is available in The Village Store around 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., along with bricks of cheese made the 1860s way, produced Tuesday through Friday and often selling out within hours.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan your visit. All moms receive free admission on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 11, 2025. Whether you’re shopping for a meaningful gift, enjoying a day immersed in Canadian heritage, or sitting down for lunch with a view of the St. Lawrence River, Upper Canada Village offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Support local, celebrate tradition, and start your season with a step into history at Upper Canada Village.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.UpperCanadaVillage.com.
Purchasing tickets prior to arrival is recommended, especially for dates with special events.
About Upper Canada Village
Depicting life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history museums in Canada. It was founded in 1961 and features more than 40 historic buildings, many of which were moved to the Village from the “Lost Villages” to preserve them prior to the flooding for the St. Lawrence Seaway development project. Talented historical interpreters bring these buildings to life every day, recreating traditional trades, farming, music and 19th century social life – creating an immersive guest experience that makes every visit to the Village different from the last.
Media Contact
Amanda Liebeck
Communications and Media Relations
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
613-217-4028
Amanda.liebeck@parks.on.ca
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