Bird Festival Schedule- May 3rd, 2025

Admission $20 per car

Additional Event Details

7:00am - 10:00am - Early Birds: Bird Banding

Pre-registered Rooftop Birdwatching Experience
8:00-8:30am
9:00-9:30am
10:00-10:30am

*Drop in Bird Rooftop Birdwatching available on a first come first serve basis at 11am and 1:30pm.
Please note all participants must be aged 12+ to participate in rooftop birdwatching.

Historic Mansion Tours

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO MANSION TOURS SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 2025

Weekends
April-May
11am-2pm on the hour

Please see the welcome centre to register for a tour.
Tours are first come first serve with up to 20 guests per tour.
Please call in advance to register tours for large groups.

NEW Exhibits Coming Soon!
June 2025

ON THE MENU

From open-hearth cooking in the 19th century to the rise of electric appliances in the mid-20th century, this tour exhibit explores how food was prepared, preserved and served in Canadian homes.
Ploughs, Predictions & Progress

Explore the world of 19th century farming through engaging displays
and historical artifacts. Learn how early farmers used traditional tools, relied on animal power, and observed nature’s signs to cultivate the land and sustain their communities.

Upcoming events

Ruthven Park's Bird Festival

Saturday, May 3rd 2025
10am - 2pm
$20 per car
Calling all bird enthusiasts! You wont want to miss the excitement at this year’s Bird Festival! Join us for an unforgettable day of birdwatching, banding demonstrations, raptor show with Wild Ontario, Little Tracks Petting Zoo, guided hikes, craft activities, concession stand and more!

Learn more
Bird Festival Rooftop Bird Watching

Saturday, May 3rd 2024
$15 per person
Ages 12 & Up
What better way to get a bird’s eye view than by the top of Ruthven Park Mansion? This exclusive guided experience takes guests to the top of the historic mansion to learn more about the amazing species that call Ruthven Park home.
Limited time slots and spots available.
Ticket Includes entrance for 1 person. Rooftop ticket purchase does not include admission for event
Please note: Access to the rooftop is only by staircase*
Limited First come first serve time slots will also be available in person for 11am & 1:30pm

Pre-register
Secret Garden Experience

Saturday June 21, 2025
Step into a world of beauty, creativity and charm with our
Secret Garden Experience—an enchanting escape that blends floral artistry, delicious indulgence, and history!
Registration is open for the following two workshops:
Bouquet Workshop & Cream Tea
10:00AM- 1:00PM
Floral Arrangement Workshop & Cream Tea
2:00PM -5:00PM
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience of floral artistry, delicious treats and historic charm!
Limited spots available. Pre-registration required.
Image is not a direct representation of what will be offered.

Learn More
Garden Afternoon Tea

Saturday, July 19, 2025
11am-1pm
$55 per person
Enjoy an afternoon tea in the beauty of Ruthven’s picturesque landscape! Overlooking the grand river, savour sandwiches, sweets and fine tea among the vibrant blooms set before the Historic Mansion.

Reserve your Spot
Wellness Retreat

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
10am - 4pm
$140 per person
Nestled in the serene Carolinian forest with sweeping views of the Grand River, this exclusive retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself. Join us for a soul-nourishing day at Ruthven Park, where nature, creativity, and mindfulness come together in a restorative wellness experience.

Learn more

NOTICE

Use trails at own risk during inclement weather.

Trails are closed on Tuesday April 29, 2025 due to high wind conditions.

Trails are subject to intermittent closures.

TOURS & EVENTS

CALENDAR

Ruthven Park National Historic Site is pleased to announce our successful application through the Haldimand County Rural Business and Tourism Community Improvement Plan Financial Incentive Program. Under the Building Restoration, Renovation and Improvement and Development Charge, Planning Fees and Building Permit Grant programs Ruthven was approved for $15,379 in funding for internal building works. The Coach House kitchen restoration project will enhance our event and rental offerings, improving customer service during programs and special events, and contributing to the area’s vibrancy.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site is proud to announce that our application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant was approved. We will be receiving $136,300 towards the restoration of the historic carriageway building. The funding will be used to increase educational program offerings and exhibition space for the enjoyment of the community and public at-large.

BIRD BANDING

Click below to learn more about our bird banding program, migrating seasons and ways to get involved!

In order to avoid disappointment please contact the banding station in advance to ensure that there are no other special events or education program bookings running on the day you plan to attend! Dates in the calendar are also subject to change due to inclement weather.

Contact banding@ruthvenpark.ca

Learn More

Land Acknowledgement

Ruthven Park National Historic Site Inc. gratefully acknowledges that Ruthven Park is established on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia. As Canadians, we are thankful for the opportunity to live, work, and play here and we thank all those who have served and continue to serve as stewards of this special place. Recognizing the important contributions of Indigenous peoples is consistent with our commitment to making the promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities.