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The vision for the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden (O.V.B.G.) is to develop a unique botanical garden attraction in Oshawa. This is to be done by incorporating the nationally designated gardens of Parkwood, The R. S. McLaughlin Estate, with a series of modern feature gardens linked by the parklands and the natural terrain of the Oshawa Valley Creek trail system. The first garden opened was the Peony Garden. It was started in the fall of 2001 with 100 peonies donated by the Canadian Peony Society. Further donations from peony breeders and suppliers across North America have led to the entire collection, more than 300 varieties, becoming one of the largest modern collections of peonies in North America. The one of a kind collection of locally hybridized daylilies addition to the already beautiful gardens was made possible by the generous donation from Henry Lorrain and the late Douglas Lycett, founders of We’re in the Hayfield Now. The 265 daylily collection was established in 2017 and can be found on the east side of the Oshawa Creek directly across from the Peony Garden with access to the Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path. https://www.oshawa.ca/things-to-do/oshawa-valley-botanical-gardens.asp

The RMG houses a permanent collection of over 4,500 works, The Thomas Bouckley Collection, an outdoor public sculpture and 4 galleries of changing exhibitions, an art library and archives. Each of these collections tells the continuing story of Canadian modern and contemporary art. The Thomas Bouckley Collection was donated to the RMG by the late Thomas Bouckley, collector and history enthusiast of Oshawa. The computerized collection comprises over 3,000 historical photographs of Oshawa and Durham Region, spanning over 100 years. The collection is a remarkable resource for understanding and engaging with Oshawa’s local history. The RMG Library is the largest library in Durham Region devoted to fine art and the history of visual arts, and the largest and most comprehensive art library located between Toronto and Kingston. It is available to those interested in art for pleasure or serious research. Library resources include art books, artist monographs, artists’ files, clipping books, Canadian exhibition catalogues, slides, auction catalogues and an extensive journal collection. http://rmg.on.ca/about/

Step back in time and experience the home of the late R.S. McLaughlin, Canadian auto baron and founder of General Motors of Canada. Inspired by early 20th century Beaux-Arts design, this 15,000 square foot, 55-room mansion was built between 1915 and 1917. The art, architecture, gardens, landscaping and original furnishings are all faithfully preserved in this National Historic Site. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this National Historic Site through daily site experiences, a variety of special learning opportunities, and events that will engage your senses. From Mansion & Garden experiences to afternoon teas, there’s always something unique to experience at Parkwood. https://www.parkwoodestate.com/

Oshawa Little Theatre provides an increasingly diverse audience and its theatre practitioners with consistently high-quality, excellent-value live performances, education and mentoring in an outstanding performing arts facility. http://oshawalittletheatre.com/about/

For over 60 years, the Oshawa Museum (OM) has celebrated its City’s history with engaging events, inspiring exhibits, and an immense collection of archival materials. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario in beautiful Lakeview Park, the OM tells the story of Oshawa from Indigenous inhabitants to present day. Home to Oshawa’s history, the OM is managed by the Oshawa Historical Society. OM collection is diverse and highlights include a photograph/postcard collection from the late Thomas Bouckley, newspaper microfilm dating to 1862, reference library featuring local history books, artifacts from the Henry, Robinson and Guy families and other early settlers, medical instrument collection, extensive camera collection, 7,000 item Grandview artifact collection and vast photograph collection depicting Oshawa events, places and personalities. The Oshawa Museum is an important heritage resource in Oshawa. As one of the few remaining heritage districts and Oshawa's only community museum, the four buildings that comprise the Museum are ideally situated to tell the story of Oshawa from its earliest native occupation to present times. http://www.oshawamuseum.org/index.html

Witness the social and mechanical life of Canada’s early industrial revolution. Housed in a 150-year-old Waterworks, this National Historic Site preserves two 70-ton steam powered water pumping engines, perhaps the oldest surviving Canadian-built engines. The historic Hamilton Waterworks is a Civil and Power Engineering Landmark. The museum offers guided tours, various permanent and changing exhibits, and features special events for the whole family https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-museum-steam-technology-national-historic-site

McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is named after the automakers' founder, Col. Sam McLaughlin, the Reserve has become a popular attraction for lovers of nature and peaceful surroundings. The Reserve occupies in excess of 41 ha (108 acres) of land owned and operated by General Motors of Canada Limited. An additional 40 ha of the same tract has been set aside for the office complex, parking and services, along with adequate buffer zones. Home to almost 400 different varieties of plants, trees, shrubs and wildflowers, as well as a great number of native birds, mammals and fish, the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve features a number of walking trails, viewing platforms for photographers and birdwatchers as well as the Dogwood Trail, for use by partially-sighted or visually-impaired visitors. It is open to the public seven days a week, year-round, free of charge, and is wheel-chair accessible. A series of 11 trails in network of McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve - connected to Second Marsh Wildlife Area and Darlington Provincial Park - part of provincial waterfront system. https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/index.php?url=trails/view/mclaughlin-bay-wildlife-reserve/

Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the largest in the world. It is a National Historic Site, and registered charitable organization with a mandate to bring together people, plants and nature. Royal Botanical Gardens is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Within its 60 documented collections approximately 40,000 plants are displayed in five major garden exhibition areas; the Arboretum, Hendrie Park, Laking Garden, RBG Centre and the Rock Garden. https://www.attractionscanada.com/Ontario/Hamilton/Royal-Botanical-Gardens.asp

Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830’s on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813. Once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas (1854-1856) and his family, today Dundurn Castle tells the story of the family who lived above stairs and the servants who lived and worked below stairs to support their affluent lifestyle. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is the museum’s Patron and the great, great, great granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site

Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum now stand, was occupied by the British military from 1813 -1815. Built as a gate house by Sir Allan MacNab in the late 1830s atop a battery from the War of 1812, This building known as Battery Lodge, now houses The Hamilton Military Museum. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-military-museum

Founded in 1914 the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in southwestern Ontario with a permanent collection that is recognized as one of the finest in Canada. Embracing Canadian historical, international and contemporary art, the collection consists of more than 10,000 works. You can see superb pieces by Alex Colville, Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, James Tissot, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Gustave Doré, Norval Morrisseau, Keith Haring, Edward Burtynsky, Kim Adams, or Tyler Tekatch, to name a few. Whether you’re looking for a specific artist or spending time in one of our galleries, you’re sure to find works that inspire, intrigue, challenge and engage you. The AGH is renowned for presenting outstanding exhibitions and complementary programming for visitors of all ages. There is so much to see and do! In addition to AGH Tours and AGH Talks, the Gallery offers studios for adults and kids , family activities, school programs, film programming, performances and more. https://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/about-the-agh/from-the-director/

Discover one of the finest examples of an intact historic home in Canada during a guided tour with a costumed interpreter. Three generations of the McQuesten family lived at Whitehern from 1852 until 1968. Among the last generation were six children who never married. In 1959 the three surviving members of the family bequeathed the home to the City with all its original contents. It contains elements from many time periods – Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian – dating up to 1939 when the Honourable Thomas McQuesten was Minister of Highways. Explore the heritage of Victorian ideas and possessions that influenced life at Whitehern on the eve of World War II. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/whitehern-historic-house-garden-national-historic-site

Fieldcote is a cultural heritage centre with an emphasis on the collection, preservation and exhibition of local history, the promotion of fine arts and the celebration of natural heritage through beautiful landscaped gardens and walking trails. Explore ‘Stories From the Edge’, an exhibition celebrating the history of Ancaster. Set on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, with a bounty of water and resources, Ancaster has attracted humans since the retreat of the last glacier over 10,000 years ago. Using 31 stories and artifacts, one for every year the museum has been open, this exhibition offers snapshots of Ancaster’s history from the earliest human occupants to present day. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/fieldcote-memorial-park-museum

Visit this preserved early 19th century home, set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Dundas Valley. Explore the history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers, and enjoy a walk along nearby trails. Griffin House host a variety of events, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/griffin-house-national-historic-site

Niagara Reservation State Park, which surrounds mighty Niagara Falls, is the oldest state park in the United States. The park is made up of numerous islands, as well as the famous Prospect Point area. The magnificent Great Lakes Garden greets visitors entering the park. The visitor centre offers information and exhibits about the park’s history, geology and technology. The Niagara Scenic Trolley provides three-mile guided tours, stopping at the park’s most scenic vistas and at such facilities as the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, which tells the story of the creation of the falls with exhibits and a multiscreen theatre presentation. The Observation Tower has elevators that take visitors 180 feet down to the base of the tower for a close-up view of the American Falls. While in the park ride the world-famous Maid of the Mist Boat and get wet while at the Cave of the Winds attraction. Visitors can also hike, bike and fish. Open year-round. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/niagara-falls-state-park/

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum welcomes the young at heart! Housed in the National Register-listed Allan Herschell Carrousel Factory building, this attraction has exhibits, demonstrations, two antique carousels, a children’s gallery, gift shop and more. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum/

When you explore Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, you travel back to a time when life moved at a gentler pace, when families shared work and played together, when the proud heritage of our region was just beginning. You can experience that heritage as it comes to life on our beautiful 35-acre grounds. Enjoy interactive local history exhibits, including a replica canal packet boat and port town. Tour 11 historic buildings from the Buffalo Niagara region and interact with life as it was in the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the excitement of special events that celebrate the culture and history of the Buffalo Niagara region. Engage in the immersive programming of our robust educational events. Join a Guild and dive into our many maker arts opportunities in brewing, blacksmithing, woodworking, quilting, lacemaking, weaving, and music. Register for hands-on workshops in time-honoured trades and bring history to life with your very own hands. And more! Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village’s mission is to preserve and interpret the story of Buffalo Niagara for the people of today and the community of tomorrow. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-niagara-heritage-village/

This National Historic Landmark building was built in 1901 during the Pan-American Exposition, and now houses The Buffalo History Museum (renamed in 2012). Research library includes a repository of genealogical information; the museum features exhibits and an extensive collection of artefacts, manuscripts, books and photographs chronicling the development of Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier. http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/the-buffalo-history-museum/

In December 1962 the city of Buffalo joined the United States Sister City International initiative by connecting with Kanazawa, Japan and a wonderful history of sharing resources has grown. In 1996, Kanazawa was largely responsible for the major renovations to the Japanese Garden of Buffalo providing trees, shrubs, paths and the unique stone lanterns. Located behind The Buffalo History Museum in the Olmsted Conservancy’s Delaware Park, the lush gardens and serene lake provide a contemplative refuge for all of Buffalo to enjoy. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/japanese-garden-of-buffalo/

An outstanding center of modern and contemporary art, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery has a 150-year tradition of collecting, conserving, and exhibiting the art of its time, giving rise to one of the world’s most extraordinary art collections. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery has temporarily closed its Elmwood Avenue campus to begin the construction phase of its AK360 Campus Development and Expansion Project. As part of the project, the museum will construct a signature new building on the north side of its campus and renovate its current facilities. Albright-Knox Northland, a new project space at 612 Northland Avenue in Buffalo, will open on January 17, 2020. The new Buffalo AKG Art Museum is expected to open in Spring 2022 on the Elmwood Avenue campus. http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/albright-knox-art-gallery-3

The Rose Garden is one of the main focal points of Delaware Park, featuring varieties from the All-America Rose Selections. There are 33 beds, allowing for several combinations and arrangements of spectacular rose bushes in bright purples, pinks, reds, yellows and whites. At the eastern end of the garden is a prominent pergola, dating to 1912. The Rose Garden sits beside the historic Marcy Casino, site of the Terrace Restaurant, and is maintained by the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/delaware-park-rose-garden/

Theodore Roosevelt began his presidential journey here. All new state-of-the-art exhibits and a dramatic guided tour offer a museum experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and emotions surrounding this pivotal moment in our nation’s history and learn how the enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents affects our lives today. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/theodore-roosevelt-inaugural-national-historic-site-2/

From the architects George J. Dietel and John J. Wade, Buffalo City Hall was built between 1929-1931. Buffalo City Hall is an Art Deco masterpiece with outstanding murals depicting the city’s history and industry. Common Council Chamber with exquisite skylight and sculptures are a must-see. Observation Tower gives a spectacular view of the waterfront and the Ellicott radial street design for Buffalo. Closed weekends and holidays. http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-city-hall/

Located at the mouth of the Buffalo River at the north entrance to Buffalo Harbor. Grounds with historic artefact displays and cell phone tour open to the public during scheduled daylight hours. Tower open on scheduled tour days posted on Facebook or by appointment, for per-person or group fees. Group tours may be scheduled at buffalolightshines@gmail.com, subject to availability on days the tower is not open for general admission. Groups tours have more time to view the panoramic Buffalo waterfront vista from the premier view atop the 1833 lighthouse. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-lighthouse/

This Buffalo waterfront attraction is the largest inland park of its kind in the nation. All branches of the Armed Forces are represented in the park’s exhibits. Tour the decks and hulls of a guided-missile cruiser, destroyer and WWII submarine. Inspect uniforms and memorabilia in the museum and exhibits aboard the ships. See planes, a tank and more! https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-and-erie-county-naval-military-park-2/

Featuring automobiles made in Western New York including Pierce-Arrow and Thomas Flyer. Cars from 1903 to 1960s, muscle cars, etc. The museum offers a unique venue for parties, business meetings and social events. 2011 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed 1927 Filling Station. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-transportation-pierce-arrow-museum/

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is the latest attraction in the rapidly developing Cobblestone District along with Buffalo, N.Y.’s Inner Harbor and is located just minutes from the Peace Bridge to Fort Erie, Canada, and a half-hour from Niagara Falls. The property is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Guests can enjoy more than 800 slot machines and 20 table games, The Creek, The Creek Stop, Stixx Sports Bar and WD Bar & Grille. Exit 6 offers Tax-Free retail shopping with all your favourite brands including local Buffalo and sports team apparel. More information is available by calling or visiting the website. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/seneca-buffalo-creek-casino/

Frederick Law Olmsted’s design for Buffalo’s South Park included a conservatory and surrounding formal gardens. In 1894, Professor John F. Cowell was appointed as the first Director of the conservatory. He gathered plants, trees and flowers from every corner of the world and his expertise and guidance allowed for many successful years for the conservatory. While South Park was being constructed, Lord & Burnham Co. was busy designing the South Park Conservatory. The tri-domed Victorian design was modelled after the beautiful Crystal Palace in England and was built by a Buffalo construction company, George P. Wurtz & Son, of wood, glass, iron and steel for a total cost of $130,000. Upon opening in 1900, the conservatory was the third-largest public greenhouse in the United States and was ranked as the ninth-largest in the world. The South Park Conservatory continued to grow throughout the early 1900s and six greenhouses were added in 1907. Over the years, extensive renovations and upgrades have been made, including restoration of many of the gardens, replacement of the outdated heating system, renovation of the main palm dome and greenhouses and more. Today, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens attracts more than 100,000 annually to enjoy the amazing architecture and the indoor and outdoor garden sanctuary. It is a gathering place where visitors can find peace and harmony and enjoy the simple power of the natural world. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/botanical-gardens-2/

Sports and entertainment facility. Host of family shows, professional sports, and concerts. Meeting rooms and catering available. http://www.visitrochester.com/listings/blue-cross-arena-at-the-war-memorial/513/

Founded in 1972, Geva serves up to 160,000 patrons annually, including more than 16,000 students. Geva’s productions are created and rehearsed in and for Rochester. https://www.gevatheatre.org/about-us/

Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center is the site of popular concerts and entertainment. 5,000 covered seats, lawn seating for 10,000 +, new state-of-the-art lawn video and sound system, expanded stage and concessions. Photo by Brian Richardson http://www.visitfingerlakes.com/listings/cmac-(performing-art-center)/190/

As a Father of Confederation and Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald has had a direct impact on how Canada has grown from a small colony into a world leading democratic country. Tour the gardens of historic Bellevue House knowing that seeds were planted there for the birth of a country. Sir John A. Macdonald, and his family made Bellevue House their home from 1848 to 1849. Wander through the family’s preserved kitchen garden to help the costumed gardeners, watch them wielding scythes to cut the lawn in the method of the 1840s and bite into an apple in the heirloom orchard. Be escorted on a journey back in time, following a maid on an Estate Tour to hear tales about the past at Bellevue House and its most famous residents. Explore the juicy deets of Canadian history through an interactive discussion led by an interpreter, while jumping on an Alternative Facts Tour or simply sip a cup of tea relaxing on the grounds and enjoying the view. https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingston-members/bellevue-house-national-historic-site-of-canada/

Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a research‐intensive art museum located on the historic campus of Queen’s University. It illuminates the great artistic traditions of the past and the innovations of the present through year-round programs of exhibitions and outreach activities staged across eight beautiful galleries, the Biéler Studio, and assorted public spaces including the gracious period rooms of the historic Etherington House. As a space of display, innovation and exchange, the Agnes is an experiential learning space for diverse disciplines at Queen’s, and the public gallery for Kingston region. Its superb collections—numbering over 17,000 works―include cutting edge contemporary art and fine examples of Canadian historical art, Indigenous art and artifacts, and material culture including an unusual collection of Canadian Historical Dress and the Lang Collection of African Art. The Bader Collection, focusing on Rembrandt and his school, centres on more than 200 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including one portrait and three beautiful character studies by Rembrandt. https://agnes.queensu.ca/about/profile/