Exploring the Past and Looking into the Future at Parkwood Estate via Oshawa Tourism

Will McGuirk December 18, 2022

By Will McGuirk

Parkwood Estate is the crown jewel of Oshawa. The former home of GM Canada president, Col. Sam McLaughlin, looks like it could have even been featured in the Netflix series, The Crown. The building and grounds are sumptuous in their elegant simplicity. Parkwood has, of course, been featured in many many films and series, including most recently, Culprits, Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, Paranormal Hotel II, and Star Trek – Strange New World.

The historic McLaughlin family home is maintained with full regard for its heritage status as the founding story of the city. But like many historically significant places in Oshawa, this home is very much about the present and the future, as well as the past.

Exploring Local History with Lisa Terech from the Oshawa Museum

Will McGuirk December 9, 2022

By Will McGuirk

The Oshawa Museum is located in Lakeview Park, but its purview is the history of the entire city. The museum offers tours of its three buildings by the lake but also buildings downtown. The tours become a chance, says Lisa Terech of the Community Engagement office, to engage the attendees in the four corners’ foodie scene now happening on those historic streets.

“When we deliver our popular Downtown Walking Tours, inevitably, I end up talking to our guests about food, and other favourite spots of mine including Pizza Munno, Bollywood Taco, Spicy Affairs and Cork and Bean. All of the above, though, is by no means an extensive list of the gems just waiting to be found downtown,” she says.

The Theatre Scene is Alive in Oshawa!

Will McGuirk December 9, 2022

By Will McGuirk

Look for One Eyed Jacks, says Alexandra Lembo, Director of Community Outreach for the Oshawa Little Theatre (OLT). The restaurant located near the OLT is a cast favourite she says, and a place worth seeking out either prior or post-show.

Could be something in the wings we suggest.

For over 60 years the OLT has been performing shows from their community-built auditorium at 62 Russett Street in what was then north Oshawa. As the city has grown the theatre has become part of the neighbourhood, surrounded with opportunities not just for visitors but for staff and actors.

History in Motion at the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum - via Oshawa Tourism

Will McGuirk November 30, 2022

By Will McGuirk

“There is such a passion for our history in our Region,” says Jeremy Neal Blowers, Executive Director for the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum. The military history of Oshawa is mapped out across the City, from the museum located in the north end of Oshawa beside the airport, to the secret spy school of Camp X by Lake Ontario, to the Armouries right downtown on Simcoe Street, named for the British Army general and the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada.

Theatre and Orchestra Performances in Durham Region - Downtowns of Durham

Will McGuirk November 30, 2022

By Will McGuirk

Live performances are returning to theatres across Durham Region. Although concerts and plays have been opening throughout the past year, this is the first festive season—post-most restrictions—for artists in the area.