The Mackenzie House (Doors Open)

During a very cold, windy and rainy day in May, while on our Doors Open tour, we checked out the Mackenzie House located on Bond street in Toronto.  It’s tucked back in and away from the main drag in Toronto and honestly if you aren’t looking for it, you may miss it.

Thankfully with all the destruction of many heritage places in Toronto (the MacLaughlin Planetarium, sadly being one of them), the Mackenzie House is one of the 10 historic museums owned and operated by the City of Toronto.   

I loved this place, there was a very lively focus and demonstration on the life and times of the Mackenzie family and Mackenzie's role as a newspaper editor and politician. The museum also depicts life in Toronto of the 1860s to the 1890s, including programs focused on Black Canadians and Mary Ann Shadd.

The interior of Mackenzie House is restored to reflect the urban Victorian lifestyle of the 1860s and is interpreted through the lens of the Mackenzie family. There were a few exhibits focusing on William Lyon Mackenzie’s political activism, his role as the founder of the Colonial Advocate newspaper, and his involvement in early democratic reform in Upper Canada.

I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that they have school tours, family-friendly events, and seasonal programming that highlight Toronto’s diverse and evolving historical narrative. The site also features a historical print shop with an operational 19th-century printing press, showcasing the tools of the trade that Mackenzie would have used as a publisher.

It is definitely worth checking out!!

What really stood out to me during this visit was how interactive and engaging the experience felt. It wasn’t just about looking at artifacts behind glass—it was about connecting with the stories, the struggles, and the voices that helped shape early Toronto. Watching the printing press in action was especially fascinating; it gives you a real appreciation for how much effort went into sharing news and ideas back then.

There’s also something quite special about finding a place like this hidden in plain sight. With the constant pace of development in the city, it’s easy to forget how much history still exists quietly alongside us. Mackenzie House feels like one of those rare spaces where the past hasn’t been completely overshadowed—it’s preserved, interpreted, and shared in a way that feels meaningful and accessible.

If you enjoy learning about Toronto’s roots or just want a unique way to spend an afternoon, I would definitely recommend adding this to your list. And if you happen to visit during Doors Open, even better—it makes the experience feel like a bit of a discovery.

Have you ever been to Mackenzie House, or is it on your list now? I’d love to hear what you think, or if there are other hidden historic gems in the city that you’d recommend exploring. Feel free to drop a comment below or share a link—always looking for the next spot to check out!

The Campbell House (Doors Open Toronto)

Doors Open really is the perfect opportunity to explore places like this. There’s something exciting about accessing spaces that are not always open to the public, especially when they carry so much history and character. If you’ve never taken part in the event, I would absolutely recommend adding it to your list—you never know what hidden gems you’ll discover next.

On a cold, windy and rainy day recently in May, I should say that I finally had the pleasure of visiting the Campbell House located in the northwest corner of University and Queen Street in Toronto. 

The Campbell House is an 1822 heritage home and museum that was built for the Upper Canada Chief Justice Sir William Campbell and his wife Hannah.  It was designed simply for entertaining and comfort.  Once Sir Campbell and his wife became empty nesters, and were both socially and economically established, they were able to settle in lovely Georgian style house also known as Palladian architecture.

The home is now owned by the City of Toronto government and operated by the Sir William Campbell Foundation. It remains an historic house museum and a former club for the members of the Advocates Society. The home has also displayed numerous exhibitions, including the 2013 show by Canadian contemporary artist Harley Valentine, titled Barbarians at the Gate.

Although, I’ve seen this house many many times before, it was never opened when I had the chance.  This day was different!  It was the Doors Open event which occurs every years for 2 days in Toronto.

I’ll limit the pictures so you can have the opportunity to check it out for yourself!

Stepping inside felt like slipping quietly into another century. Despite the grey skies outside, the interior had a warm, almost comforting stillness to it. You can almost imagine what daily life must have been like—guests being received in the parlour, conversations unfolding around candlelit tables, and the slow pace of early 19th-century living. It’s these small moments of imagination that make places like Campbell House feel so alive, even today.

What struck me most was how tucked away it feels, despite sitting right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Surrounded by modern buildings, busy traffic, and the rush of everyday city life, the house stands as a quiet reminder of how much the city has evolved. 

It’s easy to walk past it without realizing how much history is contained within those walls—which makes finally going inside all the more special.

If you’ve visited Campbell House before, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what stood out to you the most? And if you have recommendations for other historic spots in Toronto worth exploring, feel free to share them in the comments. You can also check out the official Campbell House website or Doors Open Toronto page for more details and upcoming events.

 

Glanmore National Historic Site in Belleville Ontario

Recently on Mother’s Day, I spent a really wonderful day with my two grown sons. 

Since they were coming from Ottawa and we were driving in from Toronto, we decided to meet in the middle and spend the day together in Belleville. It turned out to be the perfect choice.

After brunch, we decided to visit the Glanmore National Historic Site , located at 257 Bridge Street East. The last time I had been there was during COVID, on a solo little day trip of my own.

The home is absolutely stunning. Every room feels warm, elegant, and full of history without feeling cold or untouchable. At one point, one of my sons looked around and said, “I bet this is exactly how you’d want your home to look,” and honestly… he wasn’t wrong. I laughed because he knows me so well. The character, the details, the charm — it felt like stepping into another era in the best possible way.

At that time, the house was closed down to visitors, so I only got to admire it from the outside. I remember thinking then how beautiful it looked, and I had hoped someday I’d get to actually see inside.  Well this time I finally did - and it didn't disappoint!

I don’t want to share too many photos because I genuinely think this is one of those places that’s better experienced in person. Sometimes showing everything online takes away a little bit of the magic, and this place deserves to surprise people.

The admission was only around $8, and you can easily spend the afternoon wandering through the rooms and taking it all in at your own pace. If you ever find yourself in Belleville looking for something a little different to do, I’d definitely recommend stopping by. It ended up being one of those simple, meaningful afternoons that I know I’ll remember for a long time.

One of the things I really enjoyed at Glanmore National Historic Site was reading about the history behind each room as you wandered through the house. It made everything feel much more personal instead of just looking at beautiful furniture and décor.

The Front Hall especially made an impression on me. The home itself was considered incredibly grand for its time, and even the suspended walnut staircase — which cost only $62.50 back in 1883 — was treated as a major feature of the house. I loved seeing how carefully the hall has been restored over the years, right down to the original wall colours and ceiling details. Standing there, you could almost imagine guests arriving for an elegant evening over a century ago.

The Dining Room was just as fascinating. Many of the original pieces are still there, including the massive dining table, chairs, and fireplace mantle. Reading about the formal dinners once hosted in the room made it easy to picture what life must have been like during that Victorian era — servants being summoned by bell, candlelight dinners, and long evenings spent entertaining guests. It’s the kind of place where history suddenly feels very real instead of something trapped behind glass in a museum.

Make it one part of your next road trip!

Jazz Night at Ripley's Aquarium

I wouldn't say I'm an avid jazz fan, but I do enjoy it as background music while I'm writing, reading, traveling, chilling. On a Sunday afternoon while listening to JazzFM on the radio I caught the buzz about a contest to win free tickets to Jazz Night at the aquarium..without a second thought I picked up the phone dialed the number - after a call back we won tickets for 2 on the day of my birthday the following Friday night to check it out. 

Located right next to the iconic CN Tower in downtown Toronto, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Whether you’re visiting during one of their fun themed events or just stopping by on a regular day, it's always such a joy to see what's happening inside.

If you’ve checked out my blog before, you might have seen my post about a friend attending the aquarium’s “Aqueerium” themed night — one of the many special events they host throughout the year. My husband and I have also visited on a regular day, and even without a special theme, it was still a great experience.

Happily the Aquarium is always busy with tourists and locals. Honestly, that support is important because it helps maintain an aquarium and caring for so much aquatic life takes an incredible amount of work and money! Thankfully, people continue to show up and enjoy everything the aquarium has to offer.

 

click on the video to hear some of the jazz we enjoyed.  Whether your a traveller or a local looking for something to do on a date or just to feel like you are a little closer to the ocean any time of the year, this place is worth the venture.

 

John Schneider Haus (Kitchener)

On a beautiful November afternoon, after indulging in an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, we decided to walk a few kilometres to explore John Schneider Haus, located at 466 Queen Street South in Kitchener-Waterloo.

This historic site includes the original Haus, along with five outbuildings and two charming heritage gardens. Each structure offers a glimpse into what daily life looked like in the early 19th century.

The outbuildings include the Spring House, Wash House, Bake House, Woodshed, and Privy—each serving a very specific purpose back in the day.

We arrived in late fall, so a few buildings were already closed for the season. One of those was the Wash House (also known as the Summer Kitchen), which was typically used from spring through fall for messier tasks that were better kept outside the main living space.

The Spring House was especially interesting—it was used to protect water sources and even acted as an early form of refrigeration. The Bake/Smoke/Dry House was another highlight, featuring three distinct areas: a bake oven, a Schnitz House for dehydrating food, and a smokehouse. There’s even additional space at the back that now serves as a garden shed.

I’ve held back from sharing too many photos because it’s truly something worth experiencing in person.

If you’ve been—or decide to go—I’d love to hear what you thought of the site!

Historic Fort York - Toronto

 Exploring Toronto’s Fort York: Where the City’s History Comes Alive

Tucked between the modern condos and bustling streets of downtown Toronto lies a surprising pocket of history  https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/fort-york-national-historic-site/

It’s here that the story of Toronto truly began. Built in the late 18th century, Fort York guarded the entrance to the city’s harbour and became the stage for one of the most dramatic moments in Canadian history—the https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-york Battle of York in 1813, when American forces invaded and set the town ablaze.

Today, the fort stands as a beautifully preserved time capsule amid the city’s ever-changing skyline. As you wander through its original War of 1812-era buildings, you can almost hear the echo of soldiers’ boots on the wooden floors and smell the faint smoke of musket fire. Costumed interpreters bring daily life in the garrison to life—sharing stories of defense, resilience, and the beginnings of a growing city that would one day become Toronto.

Fort York isn’t just for history buffs—it’s for anyone who loves discovering the layers that make a city what it is. Whether you’re walking the ramparts, exploring the officers’ quarters, or snapping skyline photos framed by 200-year-old walls, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the city’s roots.

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Visitor Tips: Plan Your Fort York Adventure

📅 Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays except holidays). Extended hours and special programming often run in the summer—check the official https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/fort-york-national-historic-site/ City of Toronto Fort York page before you go.

🚗 Parking: Paid parking is available on-site and at nearby lots along Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard. 

💲 Pricing & Deals: Admission is affordable (typically under $15), with discounts for youth, seniors, and families. Check online for heritage-event bundles that include Fort York and other local attractions.

📸 Best Photo Spots:

• The south ramparts for a blend of heritage buildings and modern skyline.

• The Union Jack flagpole for classic historical shots.

• The parade grounds at sunset, when golden light spills across the red-brick walls.

💡 Pro Tips:

• Visit during a reenactment or guided tour for musket demos and historic cooking sessions.

• Bring sunscreen and water—there’s little shade on the open grounds.

• Pair your visit with a stroll or bike ride along the nearby Waterfront Trail.

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Why You’ll Love It

Fort York is more than a museum—it’s a bridge between Toronto’s past and present. Standing inside its wooden gates, surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic, you feel a unique sense of time travel. It’s peaceful yet powerful—a reminder that every great city started as something small, scrappy, and full of spirit.

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🎖️ Your Turn!
Have you visited Fort York? Did you catch a reenactment, find a great photo spot, or learn something surprising about Toronto’s early days? Share your stories, tips, or favourite moments in the comments below—I’d love to hear how this historic gem made an impression on you!

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Exploring the Eramosa Karst

Visiting the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in Stoney Creek was unplanned, but I admit I found it an interesting place.  I knew next to nothing about karsts before coming here.

I guess before I go on about some of the karst features like caves, sinking streams and dry valleys, I might as well tell you that I did not enter any one of them.  

inviting bridge

I was surprised that all of the caves were in the ground.  When I saw the map at the entrance to the conservation site, it indicated 'caves' and so I expected to be able to stand up into them, not crawl or climb down to them.  The karsts were very shallow and seemed tiny from up top, so I was surprised to learned that Eramosa has the 10th longest cave in Ontario, which is something like 335 metres! 

So what is a karst? Think of a soluble bedrock that acts like a sponge absorbing the rain (rain that contains carbonic acid, which gets picked up from the carbon dioxide in the ground...come on you remember how the rain cycle works right?) 

...and over thousands of years, the bedrock starts becoming porous as it dissolves creating crevices, creeks, and caves.  Of course eventually when the ground above gets wet from heavy rains, it will start flowing and sometimes flooding into these cracks and crevices which will add to the development of sinking streams and at the same time abandon existing creeks elsewhere creating dry valleys then.  It's really quite fascinating, but like biology, geology is not my thing either.

This place tries it's best to offer the learning experience from the karst and some really lovely trails making it a great hike even if you aren't that keen about exploring underground.  

Part of Nexus Cave

 

Potruff Spring

 The Eramosa Karst is one of Ontario’s most fascinating geological sites, filled with sinkholes, underground streams, and limestone caves formed over thousands of years. It’s a great mix of science, scenery, and serenity—perfect for hikers, families, and curious explorers.

Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round.

Parking: Paid parking is available at the main lot off Upper Mount Albion Road (Credit Valley Conservation or Hamilton Conservation Authority pass holders park free).

Best Photo Spots: Capture the winding trails through tall grasses, the sinkholes near Nexus Cave, and the wooden bridges crossing the streambeds. Early morning or golden-hour light highlights the textures of the limestone beautifully.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes—the ground can be uneven or muddy after rain.

• Bring a flashlight if you plan to peek into the cave entrances.

• The site is dog-friendly, but pets must stay leashed.

• Pair your visit with nearby Albion Falls or Devil’s Punchbowl for more stunning geology.

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Would love to hear about your adventures! 

Cheltenham Badlands - Ontario’s Red Rock Wonder

Well I wanted to find some interesting geographical pictures, while feeling like I wanted to see something different while trail blazing.

This certainly did the trick, and it's located right here in Ontario so no need to look way out west in Alberta for our version of the Badlands.

These are called the Cheltenham Badlands and I think you'll agree its a very mars-like and bizarre sight, with its' barren and windswept red hills and gullies which are so very similar to our western friends.  This area is hidden in the valleys and peaks of Caledon Hills.

If you are wondering what makes the Queenston Shale ground so red, it's caused by iron oxide, while the narrow greenish bands show us where the groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide.

The real cause behind it just isn't science, this phenomenon was created by poor farming practices over 80 years ago sometime during the 1930's which caused overgrazing of the land, and the result as you can see is the exposure of the Queenston Shale that supports little or no vegetation at all.

If you are inclined to come here with your camera, don't do after a rainfall or when the ground appears soft.  It spans a vast area, although I found the best location to get the easiest and quickest access is along Old Base Line Road, just east of Creditview Road.

You'll notice some parked cars along the side of the road with eager visitors stopping by for a peak. 

Just outside Caledon, the Cheltenham Badlands are a striking natural site of rolling red shale hills and ridges that look like they belong on another planet. It’s a quick but unforgettable stop for nature lovers and photographers.

Hours: Open seasonally (typically spring through late fall) from morning until dusk. The site is gated in winter—check ahead on the Credit Valley Conservation website for current hours.

Parking: Paid parking is available directly across the road. On busy weekends, spots can fill quickly, so aim for mornings or weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds.

Best Photo Spots: The boardwalk offers excellent panoramic views without damaging the fragile landscape. Sunrise and late afternoon light bring out the rich red tones of the hills.

Tips:

• Walking on the badlands themselves is restricted to protect the ecosystem, but the boardwalk and viewing areas give plenty of angles for photos.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore nearby trails.

• Combine your visit with a scenic drive along the Forks of the Credit for a perfect day trip.

Cheese Boutique - Toronto's Culinary Wonderland

                  The Cheese Boutique is an example of a successful family business that was passed down for 3 generations! The boutique opened its doors in 1970 and since then has delivered every imaginable cheese under the sun from all over the world.  These guys really know their stuff.  Even if you are vague in your description of what you like, you know " its kind of crumbly and tangy,..." well you get the idea, the staff are all knowledgeable and they have to be! They serve local chefs who apparently come here for their ingredients, such as proscuito, foie gras? , truffles and of course.. cheese!! :P

It's also way more than just cheese here, they have prepared foods from all over the world, lavender bread..(which I've never tried, but sounds so inviting!) Who doesn't love the smell of lavender? White asparagus? There are fresh produce and candied flavoured strawberries from the local farmers.  There are tarts, pies, meat pizzas (oh so delicious!), expresso to go and just in time I noticed from the wrap around counter, the deli meat that hangs above the busy employees and not one of them are standing still for a moment!  

There's a cheese cave too! Oh did I mention, there is cheese here? No touching in here, but the staff are happy to let you in to take a peak.  Within seconds you smell the aromas of cheese filling your nostrils in every unimaginable shape and size.  It's perfect.  When you come out you will find spices, and condiments from every part of the world, and a whole section just dedicated to chocolate truffles!  

What I love about this place is the stacks of toothpicks for all of your sampling desires! Every where you turn there is a sample or two to nibble on.  There are often demos which will offer tastes of local wine and crackers to go with any kind of cheese you love.
 
I never spent a dime, but was so overwhelmed to take pictures that I couldn't decide anyways on what I wanted, and for some time I felt like a tourist in my own city!  Next time, I'll do my homework, so I'll be more prepared to take home more than just pictures :)

Cheese Boutique – Toronto’s Culinary Wonderland
Toronto’s famous Cheese Boutique isn’t just a store, it’s a foodie destination. Home to over 500 varieties of cheese, imported delicacies, cured meats, baked goods, and fine wines, it’s worth planning a visit.

Hours: Open daily, usually 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sundays slightly shorter; check before you go).

Parking: Free on-site parking is available, but weekends can be busy. Arrive earlier in the day for easier access.

Best Photo Spots: Snap a shot by the iconic cheese vault, the beautifully stacked aging rooms, or the European-style displays of hanging prosciutto. The colourful produce section also makes for a vibrant backdrop.

Tips:

• Try the samples—staff are friendly and love sharing their knowledge.

• Don’t miss the upstairs section with specialty goods and the café.

• Bring a cooler bag if you’re traveling far—cheese and charcuterie are too tempting to pass up!