Founded in 1961, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada, and is home to two major one-of-a-kind outdoor events, PumpkInferno and Alight at Night.
From May to mid-September, guests can see what life was like in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866. Featured are over forty historical buildings, many moved here prior to flooding of the “Lost Villages” during the St. Lawrence Seaway development project. These include homes, functioning mills and trades workshops. Touring Upper Canada Village is a magical experience, transporting you back in time to the 1860s. A key part of the experience is the authentic buildings that make up the village, the activities that they each housed, and of course, the people who lived there.
Each fall season, Upper Canada Village transforms the site into magical nighttime walk-through experience where thousands of hand-crafted pumpkins come to life in a spectacular display of artistry and creativity along the streets and paths of Upper Canada Village’s historic landscape. Perfect for all ages, PumpkInferno is a trailblazer event of its kind in Canada, originating right here at Upper Canada Village in 2012! This multi-award-winning event continues to captivate visitors with its innovative and breathtaking displays that range from whimsical, enchanting, and mysterious.
When the fall season wraps up, Upper Canada Village transforms into another spectacular display of glowing lights for a beloved event that has become a family tradition for thousands over the holiday season. Alight at Night Festival takes place each year from late-November to early-January where guests can bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting with over one million lights illuminating Upper Canada Village, creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop – a true winter wonderland! This event is jam-packed with activities for families of all ages to enjoy; visit with a jolly Victorian St. Nick, snap photos at the many insta-worthy photo opportunities and interactive activities along the route, participate in festive carolling at Christ Church, enjoy food and drinks inside the historic Cook's Tavern or Willard's Hotel, and much more!