Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Tours: 11am - 4pm on-the-hour
Admission: A “give what you can” food donation per family, per location.

Embrace the magic of the holidays with a heartwarming day of history, culture, and community at two beloved heritage sites—Chiefswood Park and Ruthven Park. This unique seasonal event invites you to explore Victorian-era holiday traditions, family stories, enjoy festive activities for all ages, and support local families in need through a “give what you can” food donation.

Experience Highlights:

●      Chiefswood Park: Explore the 1850s home of the Johnson family, beautifully adorned in authentic Victorian holiday décor. Enjoy guided tours rich with stories of life along the Grand River and the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Children can join festive activities and enjoy sugar cookies and seasonal beverages in this riverside home “Where Cultures Meet.”

●      Ruthven Park: Discover the Thompson family's Christmas traditions inside a grand Greek Revival mansion. The main floor glows with generations of holiday décor, while the Victorian Parlour Exhibit showcases historical games and seasonal pastimes. Cozy refreshments and cheerful children’s activities await in the historic Coach House.

Your ticket includes:

●      Guided tours of both historic homes, on-the-hour 11am to 4pm.

●      Engaging children’s activities at each location

●      Seasonal treats: sugar cookies and beverages at Chiefswood, hot chocolate at Ruthven

●      Leisurely exploration of both sites throughout the day

Celebrate history, culture, and community in one joyful day—where every visit helps support local families in need.

Pre-registration is for the entire day. Please register for your preferred date below, and you may schedule your preferred tour time on site as you reach each location.

Saturday, December 6th 2025
6pm-8pm
SOLD OUT

Step back in time at Ruthven Park during our Victorian Christmas Tour experience! Experience the magic and wonderment of the the holidays through a special themed tour of the historic mansion where guests will be guided through a Victorian Christmas including an exclusive visit to the master bedroom decorated for the season! The experience will conclude with high tea in the historic Coach House. As guests sip their tea from a variety of tea options and enjoy the ambient sound of classical Christmas music, a set menu of delicious sandwiches, savoury bites, scones and sweets will be served making this evening an exquisite and unforgettable experience.

For questions and inquiries please contact info@ruthvenpark.ca

A Taste of the Holidays at Chiefswood & Ruthven Park
Saturday, December 6, 2025
$40 Per person

Step into the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with a guided tour through two cherished historic homes. Discover the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson at Chiefswood National Historic Site, and experience the festive traditions of the Thompson family at Ruthven Park. This immersive journey blends Victorian-era charm, cultural storytelling, and seasonal indulgence—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Grand River.

Experience Highlights:

At Chiefswood National Historic Site, guests will explore the beautifully preserved 1850s Johnson family home, adorned in Victorian-era holiday décor. The guided tour offers rich storytelling and cultural insight, complemented by sweet treats like mincemeat tarts and sugar cookies. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beverages including Riverside Blend coffee, Earl Grey tea, mulled cider, and hot chocolate in a cozy, festive setting.

At Ruthven Park National Historic Site, the Thompson family mansion comes alive with period Christmas decorations and the Victorian Parlour Exhibit, featuring historical games and holiday pastimes. The tour concludes in the historic Coach House with a comforting spread of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, paired with aromatic teas, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Purchase Includes:

●      Admission to Chiefswood National Historic Site

●      Admission to Ruthven Park National Historic Site

●      Access to Victorian-era holiday décor and exhibits

●      Seasonal drinks: coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate

●      Seasonal culinary offerings

*Pre-registration required for each locations time-slots.

For questions regarding this event, please contact info@ruthvenpark.ca or for more details.

Friday, December 5, 2025
5pm-7pm
$25 per person

Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of the Thompson family, as their traditions unfold across generations. Wander through the beautifully adorned halls of the historic mansion and immerse yourself in the charm of our Victorian Parlour Exhibit, where a display of family games, conversation pieces and holiday pastimes bring yuletide history to life.

Each 45-minute guided tour is a cozy blend of nostalgia and wonder, culminating in a warm gathering at the Coach House. There, you'll be treated to fresh-baked scones and your choice of tea, coffee, or rich hot chocolate, a perfect ending to a festive evening.

For questions and inquiries please contact info@ruthvenpark.ca

Sunday, November 30th, 2025
Tours: 11am - 4pm on-the-hour
Admission: A “give what you can” food donation per family, per location.
Drop-ins welcome!

Embrace the magic of the holidays with a heartwarming day of history, culture, and community at two beloved heritage sites—Chiefswood Park and Ruthven Park. This unique seasonal event invites you to explore Victorian-era holiday traditions, family stories, enjoy festive activities for all ages, and support local families in need through a “give what you can” food donation.

Experience Highlights:

●      Chiefswood Park: Explore the 1850s home of the Johnson family, beautifully adorned in authentic Victorian holiday décor. Enjoy guided tours rich with stories of life along the Grand River and the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Children can join festive activities and enjoy sugar cookies and seasonal beverages in this riverside home “Where Cultures Meet.”

●      Ruthven Park: Discover the Thompson family's Christmas traditions inside a grand Greek Revival mansion. The main floor glows with generations of holiday décor, while the Victorian Parlour Exhibit showcases historical games and seasonal pastimes. Cozy refreshments and cheerful children’s activities await in the historic Coach House.

Your ticket includes:

●      Guided tours of both historic homes, on-the-hour 11am to 4pm.

●      Engaging children’s activities at each location

●      Seasonal treats: sugar cookies and beverages at Chiefswood, hot chocolate at Ruthven

●      Leisurely exploration of both sites throughout the day

Celebrate history, culture, and community in one joyful day—where every visit helps support local families in need.

Pre-registration is for the entire day. Please register for your preferred date below, and you may schedule your preferred tour time on site as you reach each location.

A Taste of the Holidays at Chiefswood & Ruthven Park
Saturday, November 29, 2025
$40 Per person

Step into the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with a guided tour through two of Haldimand County’s most cherished historic homes. Discover the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson at Chiefswood National Historic Site, and experience the festive traditions of the Thompson family at Ruthven Park. This immersive journey blends Victorian-era charm, cultural storytelling, and seasonal indulgence—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Grand River.

Experience Highlights:

At Chiefswood National Historic Site, guests will explore the beautifully preserved 1850s Johnson family home, adorned in Victorian-era holiday décor. The guided tour offers rich storytelling and cultural insight, complemented by sweet treats like mincemeat tarts and sugar cookies. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beverages including Riverside Blend coffee, Earl Grey tea, mulled cider, and hot chocolate in a cozy, festive setting.

At Ruthven Park National Historic Site, the Thompson family mansion comes alive with period Christmas decorations and the Victorian Parlour Exhibit, featuring historical games and holiday pastimes. The tour concludes in the historic Coach House with a comforting spread of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, paired with aromatic teas, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Purchase Includes:

●      Admission to Chiefswood National Historic Site

●      Admission to Ruthven Park National Historic Site

●      Access to Victorian-era holiday décor and exhibits

●      Seasonal drinks: coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate

●      Seasonal culinary offerings

*Pre-registration required for each locations time-slots.

For questions regarding this event, please contact info@ruthvenpark.ca or for more details.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
12pm-3pm, every 30 minutes
Admission by Donation.

Ruthven Park will be offering a WWI Main Level Military Tour, featuring family artifacts from the first World War, in recognition of Remembrance Day.

Admission will be by donation, and visitors will also be able to view the special poppy display on the mansion porch, created to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers. Guests are welcome to visit the family cemetery, where the stones commemorating the military men of the Thompson Family can be seen.

Monday, November 10, 2025
11am-3pm, every 30 minutes
Admission by Donation.

Ruthven Park will be offering a WWI Main Level Military Tour, featuring family artifacts from the first World War, in recognition of Remembrance Day.

Admission will be by donation, and visitors will also be able to view the special poppy display on the mansion porch, created to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers. Guests are welcome to visit the family cemetery, where the stones commemorating the military men of the Thompson Family can be seen.

Sunday, November 9, 2025
11am-3pm, every 30 minutes
Admission by Donation.

Ruthven Park will be offering a WWI Main Level Military Tour, featuring family artifacts from the first World War, in recognition of Remembrance Day.

Admission will be by donation, and visitors will also be able to view the special poppy display on the mansion porch, created to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers. Guests are welcome to visit the family cemetery, where the stones commemorating the military men of the Thompson Family can be seen.

Saturday, November 8, 2025
11am-3pm, every 30 minutes
Admission by Donation.

Ruthven Park will be offering a WWI Main Level Military Tour, featuring family artifacts from the first World War, in recognition of Remembrance Day.

Admission will be by donation, and visitors will also be able to view the special poppy display on the mansion porch, created to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers. Guests are welcome to visit the family cemetery, where the stones commemorating the military men of the Thompson Family can be seen.

Thursday, October 30, 2025
6pm - 8pm
SOLD OUT

Set within the hauntingly beautiful historic Coach House building, we invite you to indulge in a unique and atmospheric Haunted High Tea experience. Serving delicious and savoury sandwiches, scones, sweets and selection of tea options. The experience will with a guided tour of the “Mansion in Mourning: Oddities, Curiosities and Haunted Cemetery Tour” on the main level of the historic mansion, exploring the strange and macabre curiosities from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. Guests will then be led by lanterns to the Thompson family cemetery to hear a haunting tale of mourning rites and rituals around death. The event will conclude with the haunted high tea held in the Coach House.

Dress in your finest Halloween attire or simply come as you are - but keep your senses sharp, you never know what might be lurking around the corner…

Pre-registration required.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

SOLD OUT

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Tuesday, October 28, 205
6pm-7:30pm

SOLD OUT

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Tours of the Thompson Family Cemetery have been cancelled for today and will resume Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

Monday, October 27, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

SOLD OUT

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Monday, October 27, 2025
1pm-5pm
By Donation

The Thompson Family Cemetery Tours run every 30 minutes and are offered by donation. Guests will hear stories of the Thompson family, discover the symbolism carved into historic gravestones, and learn about Victorian burial practices.

Perfect for the season, these daytimes tours offer history with just a hint of mystery.

Please visit the Welcome Centre to register.

Sunday, October 26, 2025
4pm-7pm

Join us for a special evening of ghostly fun at Ruthven Park! Special Halloween crafts and activities will be available in the historic Coach House for a howling good time! Then follow the lanterns to the front of the Mansion for a special treat!

Costumes Encouraged!

Admission is FREE!

Haunted Cemetery Tours by Donation will be offered every 30 minutes from 1pm to 5pm.

Sunday, October 26, 2025
1pm-5pm
By Donation

The Thompson Family Cemetery Tours run every 30 minutes and are offered by donation. Guests will hear stories of the Thompson family, discover the symbolism carved into historic gravestones, and learn about Victorian burial practices.

Perfect for the season, these daytimes tours offer history with just a hint of mystery.

Please visit the Welcome Centre to register.

Saturday, October 25, 2025
6pm - 8pm
SOLD OUT

Set within the hauntingly beautiful historic Coach House building, we invite you to indulge in a unique and atmospheric Haunted High Tea experience. Serving delicious and savoury sandwiches, scones, sweets and selection of tea options. The experience will with a guided tour of the “Mansion in Mourning: Oddities, Curiosities and Haunted Cemetery Tour” on the main level of the historic mansion, exploring the strange and macabre curiosities from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. Guests will then be led by lanterns to the Thompson family cemetery to hear a haunting tale of mourning rites and rituals around death. The event will conclude with the haunted high tea held in the Coach House.

Dress in your finest Halloween attire or simply come as you are - but keep your senses sharp, you never know what might be lurking around the corner…

Pre-registration required.

Saturday, October 25, 2025
1pm-5pm
By Donation

The Thompson Family Cemetery Tours run every 30 minutes and are offered by donation. Guests will hear stories of the Thompson family, discover the symbolism carved into historic gravestones, and learn about Victorian burial practices.

Perfect for the season, these daytimes tours offer history with just a hint of mystery.

Please visit the Welcome Centre to register.

Friday, October 24, 2025
6pm - 8pm
SOLD OUT

Set within the hauntingly beautiful historic Coach House building, we invite you to indulge in a unique and atmospheric Haunted High Tea experience. Serving delicious and savoury sandwiches, scones, sweets and selection of tea options. The experience will with a guided tour of the “Mansion in Mourning: Oddities, Curiosities and Haunted Cemetery Tour” on the main level of the historic mansion, exploring the strange and macabre curiosities from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. Guests will then be led by lanterns to the Thompson family cemetery to hear a haunting tale of mourning rites and rituals around death. The event will conclude with the haunted high tea held in the Coach House.

Dress in your finest Halloween attire or simply come as you are - but keep your senses sharp, you never know what might be lurking around the corner…

Pre-registration required.

Thursday, October 23, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

$25 per person

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
6pm - 8pm
SOLD OUT

Set within the hauntingly beautiful historic Coach House building, we invite you to indulge in a unique and atmospheric Haunted High Tea experience. Serving delicious and savoury sandwiches, scones, sweets and selection of tea options. The experience will with a guided tour of the “Mansion in Mourning: Oddities, Curiosities and Haunted Cemetery Tour” on the main level of the historic mansion, exploring the strange and macabre curiosities from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. Guests will then be led by lanterns to the Thompson family cemetery to hear a haunting tale of mourning rites and rituals around death. The event will conclude with the haunted high tea held in the Coach House.

Dress in your finest Halloween attire or simply come as you are - but keep your senses sharp, you never know what might be lurking around the corner…

Pre-registration required.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

$25 per person

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Sunday, October 19, 2025
1pm-5pm
By Donation

The Thompson Family Cemetery Tours run every 30 minutes and are offered by donation. Guests will hear stories of the Thompson family, discover the symbolism carved into historic gravestones, and learn about Victorian burial practices.

Perfect for the season, these daytimes tours offer history with just a hint of mystery.

Please visit the Welcome Centre to register.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
1pm-5pm
By Donation

The Thompson Family Cemetery Tours run every 30 minutes and are offered by donation. Guests will hear stories of the Thompson family, discover the symbolism carved into historic gravestones, and learn about Victorian burial practices.

Perfect for the season, these daytimes tours offer history with just a hint of mystery.

Please visit the Welcome Centre to register.

Friday, October 17, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

$25 per person

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

Thursday, October 16, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

$25 per person

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion

RUTHVEN PARK WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY OCTOBER 16TH FOR A PRIVATE EVENT.

THE PARK WILL RE-OPEN FOR OUR REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF 10AM TO 6PM ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 17TH

THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
6pm-7:30pm

$25 per person

Enter a mansion draped in mourning, where superstition, sickness, and sorrow linger in the shadows. Discover strange practices and macabre curiosities born from the Victorians’ fascination with death and illness. From the mansion, follow a lantern-lit path to the haunted cemetery, where the grave digger shares grim tales of burials, mourning rites, and the rituals around death. The experience lasts approximately one hour and concludes in the Coach House for refreshments.

Disclaimer: This tour involves content around death, illness and disease that may not be suitable for all visitors. Please purchase tickets at your own discretion.

*Please note: The cemetery walk involves uneven ground and is roughly a 5 minute walk from the mansion