Parkwood National Historic Site
Parkwood National Historic Site
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
An Autobaron's home of innovation and inspiration, and one of Canada's last grand estates. Immerse yourself in the era and lavish lifestyle of R. S. McLaughlin - founder of GM Canada. Beautifully preserved and so evocative of the jazz age & big band styles in automobiles, fashions, sporting life and garden parties. Get up close and personal with extensive access to historic spaces and fascinating stories of achievement and a life well-lived. Learn about the daily life of the large domestic staff that made this grand estate possible, and take a wander through the staff quarters to get a glimpse into the life of service.
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See what travellers are saying
- calgalmo hCalgary, Canada27 contributionsGreenhouse TourTook the greenhouse tour yesterday. What a lovely experience. Our guide Erica was fun and very well versed. Viewing the orchids are worth the trip. The gardens have some beautiful spring flowers blooming. Staff were planting summer annuals. There were 2 spots available for the Auto Baron Tour, Danielle was an informative and fun guide!Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten February 17, 2024
- Dianne A1 contributionExcellent experience at Parkwood National Historic SiteThis was my first time at Parkwood National Historic Site. It was a behind the scenes Movie tour as many movies and TV show are filmed there. Not only did we get insight into the movie making process, protocols and safety mechanisms, we also got a great tour of the main floor of the house. The home is beautifully preserved. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, a good speaker and engaged the audience really nicely. I will be going back to take another tour. Thank you to Parkwood staff for an excellent experience. Hope you have a great season this year with many visitors.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 14, 2024
- Meowlovr1Oshawa, Canada7 contributionsBehind the scenes tourWhat an awesome time visiting the estate. We seen the ins and outs if filing. The tricks of the trades. Rooms they use. What they’ve done for filing etc. even seen 3 short clips of movies that have been filmed at Parkwood. Susan was very informative and highly recommend her tours!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 14, 2024
- Steve B5 contributionsTips and filming at ParkwoodThe behind-the-scenes tour was excellent. We were surprised by how many TV shows and movies have been filmed at Parkwood. Our guide was knowledgeable and explained some of the processes of having a film produced in the house and the rules that go along with it. We would take the tour again.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 16, 2024
- PamelaBanff, Canada90 contributionsTake the Tours!Take the Tours! Just finished the Auto Baron Tour with Zoe who was an amazing guide. Parkwood comes alive when you go on a guided tour - and there are many to choose from - hearing about the McLaughlins, their family life, philanthropic work and legacy that has impact today. Highly recommend any, ok ALL, of the tours, taking a walk in the garden, shopping for a find in the Gift Shop and enjoying this oasis in the middle of Oshawa.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 19, 2024
- Tami MRegion of Waterloo, Canada6 contributionsParkwood Staff Go Above and BeyondVisited Parkwood today and had a wonderful morning and lunch. Staff went above and beyond by adding us to a tour that had already started since we couldn't stay for the afternoon! Tour was excellent. We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Tea Room. Would highly recommend viewing this historic site.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten June 27, 2024
- Andrea SWhitby, Canada3 contributionsLovely place to visit.The tour of Parkwood was wonderful. I had been several times in the past 20 years but the quality of the tour is much more informative now. Although we saw less of the house, I really enjoyed the greater level of detail. I will be looking into going to other specialty tours, like the WWII tour in November. I highly recommend seeing the house and gardens.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten July 1, 2024
- dave m1 contributionWell worth the visitThe Auto Baron tour was fantastic, and we learned a ton about the family history! Our tour guide was amazing,and could answer all of the groups questions. The house is very cutting edge in regard to the technology that was used for electricity and sound systems! They have the biggest billiard table I have ever seen!Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 11, 2024
- Donna H1 contributionA wonderful day trip.I have taken many Parkwood Tours. I recently did the tour of the basement then visited the Tea Garden for lunch with my friends. I always visit the gift shop as well. Parkwood is an iconic Canadian Treasure! Oshawa visitor.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten August 1, 2024
- SM6 contributionsDon't miss this experience!Incredible! As a family we did the Auto Baron tour which encompasses touring the main floor of the estate. I live in the area and haven't toured the house for about 20 years and forgot how rare, unique and beautiful it is. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and his love of the subject matter was evident. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves history, stories from the past or anyone who appreciates beautiful artwork and architecture.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
480 reviews
Excellent
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Kris H
Whistler, Canada157 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We had lunch on the grounds of Parkwood at their little Tea House. ( I have a separate review for that too!)
After lunch, we wandered around the beautiful grounds and took some pictures of the gardens and flowers.
As the sky darkened, we headed into the gift shop and added ourselves to the 3:00 tour of the downstairs rooms at Parkwood.
You can book in advance for the tours, but we were lucky that the next one still had availability.
$15 for adults
$12 for seniors and it was free for my friend’s 6 year old.
Our tour guide was Vivian and I must say that she was absolutely fantastic!!
All of the facts and information that she provided us was so interesting to hear. She kept us all engaged for the tour ( it lasted about an hour and 20 minutes)
I will mention that we had misunderstood the duration of the tour and thought it would only be 15 minutes, which would be fine for a 6 year old’s attention span!!
We were so impressed with Vivian’s ability to keep our little lady engaged and interested.
In each of the rooms she had a task for little miss to complete and even asked her to push open some of the secret doors.
The kid was raving about Parkwood to her dad when she got home!!
My friend lives near Oshawa and is excited to return with her husband for more tours once the upstairs is available, or perhaps at Christmas time when the house is decorated.
If you visit on a hot day in the summer, bring some water with you as the house is warm inside.
Lastly, the gift shop has some great little skitchy things to buy and the pop/ water is reasonably priced at $1 .
After lunch, we wandered around the beautiful grounds and took some pictures of the gardens and flowers.
As the sky darkened, we headed into the gift shop and added ourselves to the 3:00 tour of the downstairs rooms at Parkwood.
You can book in advance for the tours, but we were lucky that the next one still had availability.
$15 for adults
$12 for seniors and it was free for my friend’s 6 year old.
Our tour guide was Vivian and I must say that she was absolutely fantastic!!
All of the facts and information that she provided us was so interesting to hear. She kept us all engaged for the tour ( it lasted about an hour and 20 minutes)
I will mention that we had misunderstood the duration of the tour and thought it would only be 15 minutes, which would be fine for a 6 year old’s attention span!!
We were so impressed with Vivian’s ability to keep our little lady engaged and interested.
In each of the rooms she had a task for little miss to complete and even asked her to push open some of the secret doors.
The kid was raving about Parkwood to her dad when she got home!!
My friend lives near Oshawa and is excited to return with her husband for more tours once the upstairs is available, or perhaps at Christmas time when the house is decorated.
If you visit on a hot day in the summer, bring some water with you as the house is warm inside.
Lastly, the gift shop has some great little skitchy things to buy and the pop/ water is reasonably priced at $1 .
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John O
11 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
I love gingerbread so I was thrilled to attend a historic gingerbread cake making workshop at Parkwood. The workshop was totally outstanding! The leader was excellent and started with a history of gingerbread from the Middle Ages. The leader had already prepared and organized the ingredients so we mixed the ingredients and then enjoyed gingerbread with whipped cream and tea around the kitchen table. The workshop had a friendly atmosphere and everybody had a lovely time. I brought the gingerbread home and my spouse loved it! I highly recommend a visit to Parkwood for everyone, especially if you like to take cooking workshops and enjoy historical houses.
Written December 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajpawson
Whitby, Canada5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Our young tour guide, Vivian, was interesting, knowledgeable and fun. She engaged with the very young, the teenagers and the oldsters. We started on time, ended on time and I felt very comfortable with the information I received. I would highly recommend the tour and plan to return in the fall with my husband.
The TEAHOUSE however I was extremely unempressed with. I found the service lacking, the table (for four) cluttered and unappealing, the food was mediocre (at best) and in my mind the cost exorbitant, again, keeping in mind my extreme disappointment. The only positive was my granddaughters had never experienced “High Tea” so they had no expectations. The garden was lovely but you can be assured I won't likely return.
The TEAHOUSE however I was extremely unempressed with. I found the service lacking, the table (for four) cluttered and unappealing, the food was mediocre (at best) and in my mind the cost exorbitant, again, keeping in mind my extreme disappointment. The only positive was my granddaughters had never experienced “High Tea” so they had no expectations. The garden was lovely but you can be assured I won't likely return.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avid Theatre Goer
Belleville, Canada2 contributions
May 2023
My Brother and I each have passed by Parkwood literally 100s of times...yet we had never visited. So on one of the nicest days in May, we stepped through the doors of this beautiful building, totally expecting to be stepping back in time. Yet to our disbelief, even though we now felt like we were in the early 1900's, we had also walked into a world of forward thinking, creativity, music and modern innovations. Our guide was "Joy" and her wealth of information was given with equal parts of love, respect and admiration for the McLaughlin Family, that once lived here. With "Joy" and everyone else, that we met in this remarkable place, I couldn't help but believe that they are all working together to celebrate, honour and keep the memories of this amazing Family safe. We will definitely be returning for the other tours, that this Estate has to offer, because this place is truly a treasure to be discovered over and over again.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet M
Oshawa, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
I have visited Parkwoods a few times for the variety of tours and highly recommend them all. It is a beautiful space and you can really go back in time to see what one of the most successful families in Oshawa built and how it has been preserved over the years. Their community market events are just as wonderful!!!
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth W
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
We booked the auto-baron tour and lunch at the Teahouse restaurant in advance . The staff were very friendly and helpful when we arrived. The gift shop has a lovely selection of items to browse while waiting for the tour to start. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the house and the McLaughlin family history. The house is much larger inside than it appears from the outside and contains the original furnishings. It is beautiful and there are surprises with discreet doors and innovations ahead of its time throughout. It was very interesting. Lunch was very nice at an outside table near the fountain in the beautiful formal garden. Service was good and the food delicious. After lunch we walked around all the gardens If there had been an an ice cream kiosk, we definitely would have bought one to complete our day out.
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd S
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Couples
The house and grounds are fantastic. There were many unique features and lots of technology in the home built in 1917! Our guide was full of details (even the 'discreet doors') and her enthusiastic storytelling made it all come alive. Make sure to take time and walk the gardens after your house tour. They are well taken care of and the variety and scale of plantings were great. You might end up with ideas for your own home.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy F
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
The formal gardens were absolutely stunning with manicured lawns, beautiful trees, flowers of every colour.... Inspiration around every corner!
High tea overlooking the reflection pool was served by a very gracious and attentive waiter. When he realized, the purpose of our trip was to celebrate my friend's birthday, she was even treated to a glass of sparkling wine. Everything was delicious! Don't miss out on a tour of the house! Our guide took us through each spacious, beautifully decorated room, and explained how the servants and owners would have interacted. The whole experience was educational and exhilarating. It makes you proud to be Canadian!
High tea overlooking the reflection pool was served by a very gracious and attentive waiter. When he realized, the purpose of our trip was to celebrate my friend's birthday, she was even treated to a glass of sparkling wine. Everything was delicious! Don't miss out on a tour of the house! Our guide took us through each spacious, beautifully decorated room, and explained how the servants and owners would have interacted. The whole experience was educational and exhilarating. It makes you proud to be Canadian!
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Parkwood Estate us a great tourist attraction. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the estate and the founder R.S. McLaughlin. My 9 and 11 grandsons asked many questions and all were answered. I recommend this tour heartily.
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Topolnisky L
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Sept 2022
What a beautiful venue with so much history! Our guide (Vida) was extremely knowledgeable and the tour was so informative and entertaining. There are chairs throughout the venue should anyone need to have a break and sit.
Don't miss visiting the grounds which are spectacular.
We also had lunch at the Tea Room. The food was very tasty and only surpassed by the excellent service (thank you Destiny and Bilal).
We had a 95 year old with us and Parkwood Estates drove her & 2 others in a golf cart from the parking lot to / from the Tea House which is a bit of a walk.
Angie at the office was extremely responsive and helpful when we had questions about our reservations and predicted inclement weather (which never happened).
Can't wait to go back to see the house when it is decorated for Christmas.
Don't miss visiting the grounds which are spectacular.
We also had lunch at the Tea Room. The food was very tasty and only surpassed by the excellent service (thank you Destiny and Bilal).
We had a 95 year old with us and Parkwood Estates drove her & 2 others in a golf cart from the parking lot to / from the Tea House which is a bit of a walk.
Angie at the office was extremely responsive and helpful when we had questions about our reservations and predicted inclement weather (which never happened).
Can't wait to go back to see the house when it is decorated for Christmas.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mable l
Toronto, Canada
I am ready to bring my mother to the Parkwood Estate tommorrow, but because we always bing my dog everywhere... Look like no dog allow to enjoy the beautiful park.... That's sad....
Is it really no pet allow? even with leash on?
Written October 6, 2023
No they don't want dogs making a mess. Suggest leaving the dog at home - once inside Parkwood a dog could damage the antiques.
Written December 3, 2023
I visited this site many years ago and am interested to know if it is still available for a tour and if so the dates and times.
Written September 27, 2020
Yes. Tours are available. You need to register ahead of time as tours are timed and scheduled to manage capacity and to adhere to Covid guidelines. I went in September and was delighted both with the tour and the property which I found was carefully and nicely maintained. I was hoping to attach a link which can help you plan your visit. but was unable to do so. Please check the website which is quite easy to navigate. Good luck and enjoy.
Written September 28, 2020
Is the site open on Sunday and is there any entry fees
Written May 24, 2019
Hello. parkwood is open from 1:30-5:00 this Sunday. Starting June 1, we will be 7 days a week from 10:30-5:00. There is no fee to visit the 12 acres of grounds but there is a fee for the guided house tour. If you visit our website you will find different tours and tour costs. Enjoy!
Written May 25, 2019
I was on a tour of the Parkwood estate just a short while ago with my daughter. We both enjoyed the tour very much. But I had a question that could not be answered by tour guide. The question is...
Why is Parkwood called "Parkwood"?
Written August 15, 2018
The designation refers to the estate, its built and landscaped components, as well as the period contents.
Written August 11, 2019
We were having a discussion about the lawns/gardens at Parkwood. I said that part is owned by the city and can be used freely like a park. The house is owned by the hospital and has tours that there is a charge for. My friend had never heard that about the lawns/gardens. I believe that was a fact we were given while on a tour there many, many years ago. I tried to find the answer by googling it but have had now luck. Could you tell me if this is true. Mary
Written October 12, 2017
The Parkwood estate has free entry to the grounds. If the front gate is open, wander in and enjoy this spot of serenity. You can roam around, sit under a tree on a bench, photograph the fountains or pose at the reflecting pool. It is administered by Parks Canada and is a designated National Historic Site. There may be times when access is restricted for the shooting of films and the website always lists the days that are affected.
What I do not know is whether a large group could be accommodated. It might be best to call ahead for something like a family reunion or a convoy of bus tourists.
It is the mansion itself that a fee must be paid to tour through.
Written October 13, 2017
Can I walk my dog through Parkwood? I have gone many times and have never seen any posts about this. I am very respectful and obviously understand poop and scoop. I have just not been able to find anything definitive as to let me know if I would have security ask me to not bring him, I would not want to leave him in my car and this would mean I would have to leave. Hoping I can find out about this as I bring him everywhere and would love to walk him through the gardens, one of my favourite places in Oshawa. Thanks.
Written July 1, 2017
Service dogs and other service animals are welcome.
Written August 11, 2019
Hi . I ried emailing parkwood last week but never received a reply . I was curious if the grounds ( gardens ) are also open to the public to walk through
thanks
simone
Written June 8, 2016
The gardens outside are free to enjoy with no admission cost, but the gates are locked at 5 p.m.
Written August 11, 2019
ParkwoodNHS_ta
Oshawa, Canada
Yes! The gardens are open to view spring, summer and fall. Parkwood’s gardens are of national architectural significance, and represent some of the finest and rarest designs by prominent landscape architects of the early 20th century in Canada.
There is no admission fee to access the gardens, greenhouses or seasonal food services – greenhouse Tearoom or Garden Teahouse restaurant. Starting June 1 you may also enjoy a personally-guided garden tour with your mansion tour, as part of the House & Garden Experience (all for just $ 10pp). Garden viewing times: weekdays – 9am to 5pm, weekends - 1:30pm to 4pm to May 31, then 10:30am to 4pm to Labour Day.
Written April 27, 2015
We bought several things from Parkwood many years ago at an auction in Toronto.Do you have records of their china services, mirrors or furniture?
Thank you
June
Written April 2, 2015
ParkwoodNHS_ta
Oshawa, Canada
You pose a very Interesting question June! To our knowledge, The Parkwood Foundation has never offered any items at auction, and we are recognized for the quality and quantity of the original furnishings, decorative & fine arts in our collection. Parkwood was a private residence until 1972, so it’s entirely possible that items originally here were given by Sam McLaughlin to family and friends, and eventually found their way to auction. We would not likely have records for those items as they would not be part of the museum collection that was established by McLaughlin’s heirs.
That said, our Curator may still be able to answer questions about our collection and we invite you to make contact via our website or by telephone 905.433.4311.
Written April 2, 2015
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