Woodstock is a charming rural city on the Thames River, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and history through regular artist exhibits and a national historic site. Woodstock is also home to a variety of summer festivals, fascinating historical landmarks, picturesque parks and a lively downtown dining scene.
Things to do in Woodstock
Discover more about the city’s past at the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, where you can explore old military weapons, recreated old-world rooms and old photographs. Afterwards, check out the Woodstock Art Gallery, which houses a range of ceramics, paintings and jewellery.
Looking for some family-friendly recreation? Head to Southside Park, which offers seasonal sports, scenic riverside picnic areas, a skate park and playground. The nearby Southside Aquatic Centre is a popular summer hangout, thanks to its water-based playgrounds. Spend a rainy day at Gallery Cinemas, an independently-run cinema that shows first-run films.
Downtown Woodstock is lined with centuries-old buildings that now house first-class restaurants and unique boutiques. Browse women’s fashion at Imogene's or beautiful necklaces and pendants at Wilson & Markle Jewellers. Charles Dickens Pub offers a British style with pies and fish and chips, while Union Burger is great for American-style burgers and Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine offers exceptional Thai dining.
Time your visit to Woodstock to coincide with one of the city’s regular events, such as the Woodstock Wood Show, Summer Streetfest or Woodstock Fair. You can also walk around the city while ticking off some of its historic landmarks, including the circa-1895 Market Building, Italianate-style Woodstock Jail and Woodstock Public Library.
Getting around Woodstock
Woodstock is about 30 minutes’ drive from London International Airport and is serviced by VIA Rail trains from Toronto and Quebec City. You can walk around Downtown Woodstock, but will need to use Woodstock Transit buses and local taxis to travel further.