This day trip from Toronto should be at the top of your list if you’re interested in the prohibition history of Ontario. The Durham region is a short one-hour drive east of Toronto and lies right on the shore of Lake Ontario. I took a self-guided War on Whisky Tour of South Durham in collaboration with York Durham Headwaters to explore some of the key landmarks of the prohibition era. It’s one of four ready-made itineraries that are part of the Temperance and Temptation campaign. While you’re making your way between stops in your self-guided tour, be sure to check out the audio guide. This will give you additional context on the time period and notable events that took place the area.

Pickering Museum Village

To start off the day, The Pickering Museum Village is a great stop to learn more about what life would have been like for the population of Durham around the time of prohibition. The museum has a 1920s tour that will take you around the chapel, log barm and innkeeper’s parlour. They have even launched a prohibition-themed escape room. In this activity, you’ll be challenged to solve a variety of clues in order to catch an illegal speakeasy inside the historic Brougham Hotel.

In addition, the museum has a variety of attractions for every season and interest. Some examples include ghost walks and an Anne of Green Gables afternoon tea. As well, the museum village has acted as a set for many Anne of Green Gables productions throughout the years. The grounds of the museum would be the perfect place for a picnic lunch. The property of the museum has access to the Brougham Creek and the Bruce Trail, which runs from Niagara to Tobermory.

Canadian Automotive Museum

Next up, check out the Canadian Automobile Museum in Oshawa to learn about the biggest industry in the region. In the early 1900s, Samuel McLaughlin started McLaughlin Motor Car Company. This company later became General Motors Canada.

The original building that houses the museum has long ties to the automobile industry. In the 1920s, a car dealership was located in this exact location. The museum’s collection is home to some real gems, including Canada’s first hybrid vehicle, a DeLorean (the iconic car from Back to the Future), and a Bugati and Rolls Royce.

The museum offers both guided and self-guided tours. In addition, they also offer some walking tours in the community to explore more of the history of the automotive industry in Oshawa.

All or Nothing Brewhouse

For a refreshment break, check out All or Nothing Brewhouse in Oshawa. This brewery may look quite modern with its bright murals lining the walls, but there’s actually a deep history to this building. The brewhouse at All or Nothing was once home to a beer store that supplied to soldiers at Camp X, a secret military training base in WW2. They offer beer flights in their colourful taproom, or cans available for takeaway purchase. Their Fruit Stand Sour beer is definitely a hit for the Summer months!

More Ideas for your Day Trip from Toronto

Garden Day Trip from Toronto: Parkwood Estate

Lastly, If you have some extra time on your day trip from Toronto, check out Parkwood Estate. The estate was built in 1916 for Samuel McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors Canada. The 55-room home is now a National Historic Site. Many movies have been filmed on the premises. One of these being Chicago – the famous broadway musical adapted for the big screen detailing the stories of the 1920s jazz scene.

The McLaughlins were avid gardeners and employed a team of 24 staff to maintain the grounds. The 11-acres of gardens are still as impressive today, with garden tours available throughout the Summer on Wednesday and Friday mornings. As well, Parkwood has a magnificent tea house located on-premises. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the garden like you are a guest at a 1920s garden party.

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Garden Day Trip from Toronto: Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

In Addition to Parkwood Estate, The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens are a must-visit if you’re interested in gardening. The gardens are home to magnificent peony and daylily collections. If you’re visiting in July (peak-bloom season), you might be just in time for their annual Peony Festival.

The gardens are a recent addition to the city of Oshawa. They opened in 2001 but would be the perfect setting for a 1920s garden party.