Tourist in my own backyard #CanadianVisitList

by Karen Mahoney  | Cultural Landscape, Monument / Landmark, Museum/Gallery, Train Station

I always wanted to be a tourist in my own backyard.  I have travelled far to visit sites but this year I would like to do day trips and support sites close to me.  I think that visiting locations you get to remember why your area is so great and is full of hidden gems that sometimes we take for granted.  It also helps give you a deeper appreciation for what is close to you and the rolls in history that were played.  Playing tourist in your own backyard also helps to support your local economy.  My new favourite phrase is “travel isn’t about the distance – it’s about the discoveries you make”

Places

Sharon Museum and Gardens

East Gwillimbury, Ontario
  • Of all the historical buildings now on the Museum property, the Temple is the only one still in its original location.
  • The original 2952 panes of glass in the Temple windows were shipped from England in barrels of molasses.
  • William Lyon Mackenzie visited this community a number of times. On one partular visit in 1828, he described the Temple, still under construction, as “elegant and fanciful”.
  • The Sharon Temple sat empty and fell into disrepair until 1917 when the York Pioneers and Historical Society intervened, restoring the structure and opening it as a museum. This is one of the first instances of historic preservation in Canada.

Craigleith Heritage Depot

The Blue Mountains, Ontario

A historic railway station with interactive exhibits, viewing deck on the bay & trails

Collingwood Museum

Collingwood, Ontario

Explore over 170 years of Collingwood's vibrant history at the Collingwood Museum.

Historic Fort Willow

Minesing, Ontario

National and provincial historic site commemorating Willow Depot and the Nine Mile Portage

Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site

Leaskdale, Ontario

Former home of Anne of Green Gables author, Lucy Maud Montgomery from 1911-1926.

Leacock Museum National Historic Site

Orillia, Ontario

Summer home of famed Canadian author Stephen Leacock in Orillia, ON

Road Map

East Gwillimbury, Ontario to Orillia, Ontario

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