Black Creek Pioneer Village is located in the north of Toronto and gives a glimpse into life in Ontario in the 1860s. The pioneer village consists of 40 historic buildings from around the province that have been relocated to the current site. The village is arranged and decorated much like it would have been in 1860s and includes a number of interactive demonstrations of pioneer life. The village changes with the seasons and during the holiday period the historic buildings are decorated in the festive spirit. The special event, Christmas on the High Street, allows visitors to walk the streets of the historical village and experience what Christmas was like for Canadian pioneers over 160 years ago.
Visitors to Christmas on the High Street are able to freely wander around and explore the buildings as the village pioneers prepare for the annual holiday celebrations. A ‘high street’ is a term commonly used in the United Kingdom for the main street in a town or city. The term was also adopted in the British colonies (Canada being one of them) although it is less commonly used in regular conversation today. Most of the activity for this event happens along the main street of the village where visitors can explore the decorated buildings, say hello to the animals, listen to Victorian Christmas carols, warm up by the bonfires or chat to the pioneer characters giving demonstrations.
I have always felt something magical about a 19th century Christmas. In fact, it is from the Victorian era in the United Kingdom (1837-1901) that many of our current Christmas traditions were popularized. The Christmas tree, originally a German tradition, was popularized by Queen Victoria’s husband, German-born Prince Albert. Christmas cards, Christmas crackers and the Christmas roast turkey also often have their origins attributed to 19th century Britain. And of course, who could forget probably the most famous Christmas novel, A Christmas Carol, published by Charles Dickens in 1843, that has had a profound effect on the way the holiday is celebrated in modern times. Visitors to Christmas on the High Street will be able to see how these traditions were also popular in Canada in the 1860s.
Another interesting aspect of visiting Black Creek Pioneer Village in the winter is that visitors can experience how pioneers survived the cold Canadian winters. You can see the types of sleighs pioneers would have travelled in as well as objects like snow shoes that were adopted from Indigenous peoples who first inhabited the land. I can’t imagine what the first winter would have been like for immigrants who were not used to such temperatures.
The 19th century buildings at Black Creek Pioneer Village are fascinating no matter what time of year you visit. In and around the buildings, there are also over 50,000 artifacts to be explored. There are also many interesting historical facts posted around the village and I would highly recommend talking to some of the characters who give a great insight into pioneer life and the history of the buildings.
One of my favourite buildings in the village is the Half Way House. The Half Way House is an inn that was built in the late 1840s and was located in Scarborough at Midland Road and Kingston Avenue. Its name comes from the fact that it was the ‘half way’ point for stage coaches travelling from the areas of Pickering and Dunbarton, to the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. Over the years the building has been a hotel, a store and an apartment building, but in 1966 it was literally picked up and moved to its current location in the village. Visitors can explore both the inside and outside of the house and during Christmas on the High Street, make sure to lookout for a special visitor in a red suit by the fireplace!
Black Creek Pioneer Village was a place I loved as a child and came many times on school trips. I can happily say that the village impressed me just as much, if not more, as an adult. It’s a great day out for the entire family and visiting during Christmas on the High Street adds that extra bit of magic for the season.
Tips for Visiting Christmas on the High Street at Black Creek Pioneer Village
How much is a ticket to Christmas on the High Street?
Ticket range from about $12 for children to approximately $24 for an adult. With the amount of things there are to see and do I think it is excellent value for money!
To learn more about up to date ticket prices visit here.
When does Christmas on the High Street take place?
The event took place across a few days in December. There was the option to visit during the afternoon (12-3pm) or evening (5-8pm). There are also other Christmas activities that take place such as Storytime with Santa or Christmas Dinner at the Village (which I am very much hoping to attend if running next year!). Before visiting, it’s best to check out the village’s calendar for any special activities taking place.
For all updated admission times visit here.
What is the best way to get to Black Creek Pioneer Village?
The village can be reached either by driving or by public transport. The village is located in North York (the northern part of Toronto) and takes about 40 minutes to drive from downtown. You can also take the subway to Pioneer Village Station, which takes about 50 minutes from the centre of the city.
How long is needed to visit?
I would suggest giving yourself about 2 hours to explore the buildings, see the animals and watch the demonstrations.
Is the village suitable for children?
Yes! It’s a very interactive museum which makes it great for the whole family.
Can you go inside the buildings at Black Creek Pioneer Village?
Yes, visitors are free to explore both the inside and outside of the pioneer buildings.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, parking is available with your ticket for approximately an additional $8.
To learn more about up to date parking prices please visit here.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.