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Unique Uxbridge

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History lessons in architecture are free when you make your way downtown Uxbridge to view the historic buildings, many of which house independent shops and boutiques. And while you may be seeking that small town feeling, restaurants offer a range of edibles for the most discerning palette. So whether you fancy a lobster feast or seek organic, gluten-free options, Uxbridge dining fits the bill. Plan for dinner at the Urban Pantry, a contemporary Canadian farm-to-table restaurant which features menu items with ingredients grown and raised on farms in the Uxbridge area.

Retrace Lucy Maud Montgomery’s steps yourself and head down to the historic train station site in Uxbridge, where the author used to board for her frequent trips to Toronto. Or act out your favourite scene of “Road to Avonlea,” the TV series based on the books and filmed in the outdoor surroundings of Uxbridge. York-Durham Heritage Railway is where you and your travel companions can jump aboard a vintage heritage coach and cross the beautiful rolling landscape of Oak Ridges Moraine.

Known for its superior acoustics, the Uxbridge Music Hall is a thriving cultural centre. Used by many theatrical music and choral groups, the Music Hall is an outstanding example of local heritage. Check out their website for an schedule of productions to experience this summer.

Finally, the Uxbridge Historical Centre is home to some of the oldest buildings in Uxbridge. Pop by for some beautiful scenery and one of the many tours they offer.

York Durham Headwaters - Ontario's Central Counties

Exploring Beyond

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Tracing its roots back to the early Quaker settlers, Uxbridge is a township rich in history. A visit to the Uxbridge Historical Centre located on none other than Quaker Hill has on display many artifacts related to the founding of the area. Guided tours are available during the summer months. Pick up printed trail maps, brochures, and local info here as well. Don’t worry if you’ve missed their ‘open’ hours; there will be info inside the mailbox hanging on the front door.

A small collection of clay and stone artifacts can also be seen at the museum, as well as an interpretive display dedicated to iconic Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of the very popular Anne of Green Gables book series.

Thomas Foster Memorial –Foster was raised in north Uxbridge, where his father ran the Leaskdale Hotel.  After visiting the Taj Mahal in India in this seventies, Foster was inspired to build a memorial temple in his boyhood community. The memorial was erected in 1935-36 and cost $250,000. It contains three crypts for Mr. Foster, his wife, and his daughter. The interior of the Temple is awe-inspiring, with four great arches supported by marble columns.

Leaskdale holds the key (literally) where, in this house the author of “Anne of Green Gables” lived for fifteen years and here wrote eleven of her twenty-two novels. A very important part of L.M. Montgomery’s life began in 1911 when Maud married Rev. Ewan Macdonald and came to live in the Manse in Leaskdale. Rev. Macdonald, also from P.E.I., had become the minister of St. Paul’s.

York Durham Headwaters - Ontario's Central Counties