Time travelled back to 1914 one afternoon. So peaceful and serene looking at life in the early…read more1900s, especially the cool the artifacts. It takes about 2 hours to explore the grounds starting with the entrance from the Region of Waterloo Museum which is connected to the Doon Heritage Village on Huron Road. Staff are wonderful at answering questions and showing how the old tools and equipment were used back then. Some of the old tools are just rock solid and will last forever. Wood was the primary construction materials used for building. This explains why fire insurance was a fast growing business. Insurance companies in the Region thrived and made the economy grow in that sector for years to come. The Martin House is beautifully decorated inside and out. The family was of Old Order Mennonite religion. There were very conservative colour schemes used, and no mirrors were allowed in the home! The Old Post Office is connected to a custom tailor service in the same building. Our hostess explained how the one man operation (tailor and postmaster) was in charge of both businesses. Suits were made to order and were outfitted with ties and cuff links. It was a profitable venture until the Eaton's catalogue business became more popular. The Dry Goods Grocery Store is "stocked" with canned goods and non-perishables such as soap and laundry detergent. Brand names included McCormicks and Heinz. Homes were equipped with a cast iron stove that kept the premises warmer in the winter months. Check out the feet of the stoves which were designed like ones you would find on vintage pianos. Very enjoyable afternoon spent and we learned a lot about early life and hard work of the German community and how it all started in Kitchener (then known as Berlin).

When I am on vacation or am travelling, I try my best to visit a museum. I typically come to…read moreWaterloo either on business or to shop. I frankly don't know much about the history of the area. Since Canada Day landed on a Sunday this year, a lot of businesses were closed on Monday. However, Waterloo Region Museum broke out of this mode and was open. Perfect! This museum is in Kitchener. You can't miss the museum's colourful exterior and pleasing scenic view as you pull into the parking lot. I parked under a tree to provide some much needed shade for my car and walked in. Admission is $11 plus tax. The woman at the desk was kind to show me where everything was with the help of the map in the program guide. I walked over to the museum area and was greeted by an older gentleman. Everyone I talked to seemed so surprised that it was my first time at the museum for some reason. I looked like a complete tourist, armed with my digital SLR camera in hand. The man recommended that I go outside and explore Doon Heritage Village first. It has been hot outside these days and I showed up early, so the heat wasn't as bad as it could be. I spent nearly two hours exploring each building in the village and understanding how Mennonites lived in 1914. You see everything from the post office to the meat market. There are staff dressed up in clothing back in the day providing good information. There is also a farm with chickens, horses, and more. After I was done, I walked back into the Waterloo Region Museum. I looked like I had done an intense workout. I was sweating buckets, mainly because it was so hot and humid outside. I needed a towel and a shower! I sat down in the theatre to cool off and learn more about the lives of folks living in Kitchener (formerly Berlin) back in 1914. It was fascinating that I watched the whole slide show a second time before venturing into the exhibits at Waterloo Region Museum. The museum houses information and artifacts about the region, including a hall of fame on the second floor. You learn about the history of local industries, such as Schniders and Kuntz, with the latter becoming Carling and then Labatt's. I also learned about Abraham Erb, a Mennonite who settled in Waterloo from Pennsylvania, who is known to have founded Waterloo. The hotel that I am staying at is sitting on the street named after him. I loved my time here. I spent roughly 3.5 hours soaking up all the exhibits. I had a great time despite sweating so much. (250)

If ever traveling to Waterloo or Kitchner, this museum is a great place to visit. The first floor…read moreincludes the history of the area and the reasons why Europeans immigrated to the region, including great testimonials from people of various countries. There is a large collection of historic artifacts displayed documenting the community's heritage. The second floor displays Canada's Hall of Fame heroes, from military to government to sports figures; it is quite informative and impressive! Outside, behind the museum, one is thrust into the era of 1914, with a steam engine, historic buildings, and artifacts, including workers in period costume. Each worker has knowledge of the respective building. There is even a historic farmhouse that belonged to a Mennonite family. Out back there are chickens and a pig. Toward the front of the house are beautiful horses. It is well worth the time to visit this museum.

Visited this museum in November and December. It's in beautiful downtown Oakville near the lake. It…read morewas the home of the Chisholm Family - Erchless Estate. When they moved to Barrie, the new owner had separated it into flats and rented them out. When that owner decided to sell, developers wanted to take it over for condos. Luckily, the Town of Oakville took it over and preserved it as a museum. It really is worth a visit. You could feel the history in this home. I'm grateful that Oakville has taken it over. There is lots to learn here. Don't forget to make a donation!

The museum is housed in the Erchless Estate, which encompasses the building itself but also the…read moresurrounding landscaped grounds. There are both permanent and special exhibits. When I visited, there was the "Preserving Peace: Souvenirs of Peacekeeping" exhibit with donated artifacts. Very educational and extremely well put together. Check the Town's website for any COVID restrictions.

I am a sucker for history. The Battlefield House is the location of a pivotal battle during the War…read moreof 1812. This is where the British repelled the Americans that had advanced into Upper Canada. They used a spy to get the password and some trickery to send the Americans back, despite being outnumbered almost four to one! The American invasion would never recover and they have never tried to invade Canada again. The park has an annual event with free admission during the anniversary weekend of the battle, so keep your eyes peeled for information. It happens during the first week of June. There are vendors, food, and free museum tours.

It rained today, so we needed something indoors to do. The tour of Dundurn castle was a great…read moreexperience! We especially appreciated how the tour guide Anna acknowledged the mistreatment of indigenous peoples of Canada and what conditions were like for the servants in a house like this.

This is an amazing place to visit. There is so much culture in Dundurn Castle and it would be…read moreamazing to visit the museum with one of the guided tours. It has a nice trail that joins the waterfront trail and you can enjoy both the view and the walk. When we got here, there was a large filming crew filming beside the castle which was interesting to watch.

I love this little gem of Oakville…read more Super cute and they change he inside exhibits pretty frequently. I wish they took advantage of the beautiful back yard the house has! I know some other places do High Tea and I think it would be perfect here for that! I'm hoping more people give his place a visit I learned a lot about Oakville I never knew and we've been coming here for years!

If, like me, you are into military history and military aviation, this is a wonderful place…read more Everything here is in flying condition and there is an incredible selection of understandably Canadian military aircraft. From WW2 era stuff right up to the present day. The facility is huge and comfortable. Fortunately for me the day I was there was temparate so I could spend plenty of time outside behind the museum with the birds stored there as well. Just the right mix of real planes and displays of artifacts and informative plaques. This would be an enjoyable visit for anyone even mildly interested in history, but if history is your passion? Buckle up for an incredible amount of fun!

We had a wonderful visit to the museum today. It's a must see for aviation enthusiasts, the…read morecollection is crazy (say my boyfriend who is obsessed with plane and is a pilot). They also have interactive elements like the flight simulator and VR experience (extra cost). A lot of the staff is made up of retired pilots and mechanics who are incredibly friendly and eager to share their knowledge. My brother and boyfriend loved getting to sit in the actual planes. There's even a small cafe inside with a great view of the runway. A perfect way to spend the day and pay tribute to our veterans as well. Even though it is a bit far from Toronto, it's definitely worth the visit. You can also stay as long as you want, go in and out for food breaks if you need.

A true hidden gem in the city…read more I bet most of you who live in Clarkson might not even know this place exists, but it does (and has been around for 50 years, no less!) Beautiful and picturesque, the Bradley House is one of the nicest museums in the city. Actually, I hesitate to call it a museum, as it's more a collection of historic properties that all have their own significance, including the Leslie Log Cabin (which was relocated from Port Credit to this site after nearly being demolished). There's a lot to love here. They just built a Native sweat lodge for traditional ceremonies, along with a decorative set of rocks and log seats that are part of class trips to the site. This is the site of some major festivals like Maple Magic, which is usually held every year and has lots of maple syrup-related activities, and the main house itself is filled with all sorts of artifacts and nifty antique items from around the area. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit here. Highly recommended.