About
Join Dr. Soren Brothers, the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at ROM, for an exclusive ROMBus day trip to Crawford Lake near Milton, Ontario. As you walk the lakeshore with Dr. Brothers, you’ll learn more about how the sediments beneath this quiet lake record humanity’s changing impact on the planet and inspired the original ROM exhibition Crawford Lake: Layers in Time.
The lake began to reveal its incredible story in 1970, when ROM curator John “Jock” McAndrews launched a research project there to study how 19th-century European settlement changed southern Ontario’s forests. More than five decades later, Crawford Lake made global headlines when an international team of scientists identified it as the best place on Earth to reveal evidence of humanity’s planetary impact.
Following the lake walk, we’ll enjoy lunch at Campbellville’s Risposta Italian Bistro before visiting a reconstructed 15th-century Wendat or Attawandaron village. Based on excavated foundations discovered in the 1970s, the village’s longhouses, artifacts, and living spaces bring to life the culture and daily life of the Indigenous communities who once called this area home.
Highlights
A globally significant research site: Scientists from around the world—and thousands of students each year—visit Crawford Lake to study its astonishing scientific record.
A remarkable discovery beneath the lake: Sediment cores from the lakebed revealed a significant layer of corn pollen dating to the 13th century—evidence of early agriculture and a powerful clue to the lives of the Indigenous communities who once lived here.
Indigenous art and archaeology: One of the reconstructed longhouses features an Indigenous art display alongside remarkable artifacts uncovered during the archaeological excavations.
Trip Details
- Depart at 8:00 AM from Yorks Mills Subway Station, South Entrance/Exit off Old York Mills Road.
- Please note: The Bus will be parked at the Passenger Pickup Area. Please exit the subway station at the south exit of the platform.
- Return at 4:30 PM to same location.
Be Prepared
- The day includes a good amount of walking outdoors with uneven ground, gravel and some slopes. There is limited seating on walks.
- We proceed rain or shine so please bring an umbrella.
Lunch
Risposta Italian Bistro 24 Crawford Crescent, Campbellville, ON
- Elegant, modern Italian restaurant with private area for our buffet style lunch
Lunch includes:
- Tomato Soup or Mista Salad
Choice of:
- Veal Parmesan
- Chicken Scallopini
- Penne Pomodoro Pasta
- Chef’s Choice Dessert
- Tea
- Coffee
Dietary Options:
Vegetarian and dairy-free options are only available upon request.
Kindly notify ROM Programs at programs@rom.on.ca of any dietary restrictions before June 10.
Media Gallery
Related Programs
ROMWalks
ROMTravel
Museum Tours
ROMBus is organized by ROM’s Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) to support the Museum’s mission.
Cost varies depending on the trip. Check individual ROMBus trip webpages for more details and to register.
