Experience Different Transportation Modes at the Village

Visitors looking to “transport themselves back in time” will find no better place this summer than Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario, just 45 minutes south of Ottawa. The Village now has a complete range of old-fashioned modes of transportation for visitors to try, part of the Village’s efforts to offer hands-on activities as guests learn more about life in the 19th century.

Visitors can also explore the Village’s Transportation Museum, where they can learn about the progression of various modes of travel, housed in one of the barns at Loucks Farm. The museum has a fascinating collection of historic vehicles, including a 19th century hearse and two Penny Farthing bike artifacts. While exploring the rest of the Village, visitors will be able to witness the transportation and community life of a 19th century rural community in action.

New --- Penny Farthing bikes – both two and three-wheeled versions
Visitors can try maneuvering reproduction Penny Farthing bikes, the late 19th century-style bicycle, seated high above (helmets provided). The Penny Farthing earned its name because its large front wheel looks like a British penny leading a smaller farthing coin (the tiny back wheel). As the two-wheeled Penny Farthing replica can be quite a challenge to ride, there is a three-wheeled version on hand to make the experience easier for visitors to try. Cost to rent the Penny Farthing is $5. Visitors can rent a Penny Farthing at the front gate of the Village.

New ---- Classic Coach Quadracycle Carriages
Also new and just in time for the Antique Car Show, the Village is now offering rides on a new “Classic Coach Cycle”, a quadracycle custom-built in the style of an old-fashioned carriage. This eye-catching, eco-friendly and healthy form of transportation is fun to ride, and visitors can take it for a half-hour or full hour tour around Crysler Park for $10 or $15 respectively. The Classic Coach Cycle is constructed from two adjoined bicycles, with a fibre-glass carriage-style canopy overhead, and a seat for a child in the back.

New this summer --- Oxen Cart Rides
Children 12 and under can hop onto a wooden wagon being pulled by the Village’s own gentle giants, “Buck and Barney.” These oxen cart rides are only $3 for a short trip around the farms.

New this summer --- Pommier Carriage Rides in Style
A favourite of Alight at Night, the Pommier Carriage can now transport visitors in style throughout the Village. Delight to the royal treatment or your own covered horse-drawn carriage for only $10 per person for up to four riders.

Kids’ Favourite --- The Miniature Toy Train
Visitors can take in the beauty of the St. Lawrence River as they hop on board the Toy Train for a round trip through Crysler Park to Crysler Beach and back. Round trip fare is only $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for youths and $2.50 for children.

Horse-drawn Carry-All Rides for All
All visitors can tour Upper Canada Village on a horse-drawn carry-all, FREE to all visitors. This large covered wagon provides comfortable seating for up to 20 people at a time, and is the ideal way of getting from one end of the Village to the other. Rides run regularly throughout the day, and are included in the Village admission fee.

Horse-Drawn Tow Scow Rides
Ride at a more leisurely pace on the horse-drawn tow scow along the Village canal. Seating up to 60 people at a time, the tow scow is a flat hulled barge that is drawn along the canal several times each day by a horse walking along the bank. Two villagers (one at the bow, and one at the stern) help steer the scow using long poles.

Voyageur Canoe Experience --- A Step Back in Time
For a very special experience sure to be a lasting memory, guests can book a Voyageur Canoe Experience. This replica canoe seats up to 20 and provides a unique view of the St. Lawrence River via its informed interpreter guide. Trips are booked on an as-needed basis, with a minimum of 12 persons needed to man the canoe.

Call 613-543-3254 for booking information.

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