Step Back in Time with a Historical Walking Tour in Prince Edward County
Want to learn more about the history of Prince Edward County? Why not add a historical walking tour to your weekend itinerary? This summer, these four historical walking tours will take you back in time, sharing incredible stories about people and events which have shaped local and Canadian history. These tours run through August, so be sure to book soon to enrich your County experience.
Photo by Robbie Garden.
Graveyard and Gallows Walking Tour
Presented by The County Museums
Departs from Macaulay Church, 23 Church Street, Picton
Fridays, 7-8:30 pm through
Explore the graveyard at the former St. Mary Magdalene’s church. Meet some of its notable residents, and spot our unusual tombstone once featured in Ripley’s Believe or Not. The tour then makes its way to the nearby Picton Courthouse. Here, while viewing the exercise yards, jail cells and gallows, your guide will tell the story of Peter Lazier’s murder in 1883, and the subsequent trial of the two suspects. The tale ends with an infamous double hanging based on what some say was dubious evidence…
Tickets for August 12 | Tickets for August 19 | Tickets for August 26 | Tickets for September 2
Image courtesy of Base31
Base 31 Site Tour
Presented by Base31, led by Jacqui Burley
Meet at the Main Entrance to Base31
Saturdays at 2-3:30 pm through Labour Day Weekend
Delve into the history and stories of Base31 with resident expert Jacqui Burley, the former Property Manager of the site when it was known as Loch Sloy. With 20 years of experience in managing the day-to-day business and hosting events onsite, Jacqui shares her knowledge on the history of the buildings, memorable moments, and notable people who make up the rich history of Base31.
Tickets for August 13 | Tickets for August 20 | Tickets for August 27 | Tickets for September 3
Image courtesy of History Lives Here
Picton Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour
Presented by History Lives Here
Departs from Picton Branch Library, 208 Main Street.
Saturdays, 10-11:30am through Labour Day Weekend
Take a journey through the past with a 90-minute walk in the Picton Heritage Conservation District. Re-live the heady days of tall ships, raucous taverns, railway hotels, and wealth when Prince Edward County was the “Garden County of Canada.”
Tickets for August 13 | Tickets for August 20 | Tickets for August 27 | Tickets for September 3
Image courtesy of History Lives Here
Glenwood Cemetery Walking Tour
Presented by History Lives Here
Departs from Glenwood Cemetery Chapel, 47 Ferguson Street
Sundays, 10-11:30 am through Labour Day Weekend
Designed as a garden cemetery, Glenwood’s 62 acres are set in rollings hills, with majestic mature forests, gardens, water features and winding walking paths. It has offered a serene resting place since 1873, and there are now over 15,000 interments. Notable burials include Wellington Boulter, the father of the Canning Industry in Canada, temperance pioneer Letitia Youmans, and 12 Commonwealth War Graves, six of whom were pilots killed during training exercises at Camp Picton.
Tickets for August 14 | Tickets for August 21 | Tickets for August 27 | Tickets for September 3
Image courtesy of Bloomfield Historic Walking Tours
Bloomfield Historic Walking Tour
Departs from Bloomfield United Church
Wednesday – Sunday, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm through August 21st
Discover true stories of the real people and events that shaped the village on a Bloomfield Historic Walking tour. Take a stroll with a friendly guide and hear about the houses, history, heritage – The Great Helicopter Heist – and more. Tours take place every Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. For the history buff the 10:30 am tour is 1.5 hours long, while the 1:30 and 3:00 tours are 45 minutes, a perfect break for your afternoon. These tours are free, and there’s no need to book in advance. Just show up with your group or just yourself, ready to absorb all you can about Bloomfield’s history.
