About
Celebrate Canada’s heritage with a day of timeless beauty at Parkwood National Historic Site, where history and horticulture come together in spectacular fashion. Once the grand estate of auto magnate Samuel McLaughlin, Parkwood’s European-style gardens—designed in part by the legendary Dunington-Grubbs of Sheridan Nurseries—are a late-summer spectacle of Arts & Crafts-inspired colour and design. Stroll through these vibrant landscapes at their peak, then step inside the 55-room mansion for a private tour showcasing exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture, original furnishings, and a rich art collection that vividly brings a bygone era to life.
After a delicious, locally sourced lunch at Berry Hill Bistro, we continue on to the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, an architectural treasure designed by Arthur Erickson and home to the groundbreaking works by artists collectively known as Painters Eleven. This beautifully curated day offers a perfect blend of lush garden elegance, artistic splendour, and Canadian heritage. Each stop provides an unforgettable summer experience that not only captures the refined lifestyle of the early 20th century but also honours the legacy of the McLaughlin Motor Car Company, Canada’s proud contribution to the birth of General Motors.
Highlights
Experience Parkwood’s magnificent gardens and a private tour of the mansion
Lunch at acclaimed Berry Hill Bistro
Tour the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and its Painter’s Eleven collection
Trip Details
Time
Departure 8:45 AM
Return 5:00 PM
Location
Meet and return to south exit of York Mills Subway Station, south of the Shell gas station on Old York Mills Road.
Be Prepared
Notes: Due to the historical nature of period construction, some areas of the estate and grounds have limited accessibility. Part of the walk will be on grass, flagstone and gravel and there will be multiple uneven transitions.
Lunch
Berry Hill Bistro
Address: 82 King St W, Oshawa
Dietary Options:
Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request. Kindly notify us at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Media Gallery
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Related events
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.