16 Best Things To Do In Woodstock, Canada

1. Have a leisurely stroll on Charlie Tatham Peace Park

Named after a politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1987 to 1990, Charlie Tatham Peace Park is a small park perfect if you want to stroll casually in the mornings. To make the most of the destination, bring your picnic basket with your favorite snacks and find a table and bench to lounge on. Meanwhile, your children can run around and play games on the open grass area.

If you’re driving to this park, you can park your vehicle in the small parking lot.

Charlie Tatham Peace Park

Address: 121 Dundas St, Woodstock

Website: Charlie Tatham Peace Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Watch a horse race at Woodstock Raceway

Do you love horses and races? Then head to Woodstock Raceway and watch a horse race match. This establishment can accommodate up to 2,000 people, so you’ll feel the thrill as everyone cheers and screams for their favorite riders and horses. If you want even more thrill, you can place a bet on your favorite horse and hope you’ll win.

Woodstock Raceway also has over 100 slot machines, so feel free to pass the time by playing several fun casino games.

For guests with cars, there’s parking available in this establishment.

Woodstock Raceway

Address: 875 Nellis Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 7W8

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Catch a show at Theatre Woodstock

When vacationing in Woodstock, why not check out the local art scene? One way you can do this is by catching a show at Theatre Woodstock, a community theatre in the heart of the city. This theatre handles all kinds of productions — from famous musicals such as Guys and Dolls to kid-friendly shows such as Guys in a Garage. Because of this, you’ll be able to find a show that might pique your interest.

Best of all, the tickets are affordable: the lowest price for children starts at 12 CAD (8.99 USD), while adult tickets start at 25 CAD (18.72 USD).

Theatre Woodstock

Address: 22 Reeve St, Woodstock, ON N4S 8X8

Website: Theatre Woodstock

Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Fri: 1pm - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)

Price: from 12 CAD (8.99 USD)

4. Play some outdoor games at Southside Park

Filled with a variety of different amenities, Southside Park offers not only a place where you can rest but also a myriad of fun outdoor activities you can do with your friends and family. There is a volleyball court, a skate park, and three baseball diamonds where you can show off your batting skills.

The three playgrounds and splash pad offer a place for the kids to enjoy as they’ll find a saucer swing, swing set, sandbox, rock climbing structure, and many more.

Southside Park

Address: 192 Old Wellington St S, Woodstock, ON N4S 3L3, Canada

Website: Southside Park

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

5. Learn about Canada's cheese and dairy culture at Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese

Do you like cheese? If yes, then you should check out Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. Nestled in the hills of Oxford County, this family-owned cheese shop takes pride in the quality of their handmade artisan cheese that boasts Swiss influences, which makes for a mouthwatering experience. The owners also encourage customers and tourists to come and visit their farm and see firsthand how the operation is run as well as learn about Canada’s dairy and cheese production culture and history.

Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese

Address: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Rd, Woodstock, ON N4S 7V8, Canada

Website: Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

6. Visit Woodstock Museum National Historic Site

Woodstock is famous for having all of its original administration buildings. The Woodstock Museum National Historic Site was built way back in 1853 and comprises of the Town Hall and the Market House. It was restored in 1993-1995. Pay a visit to this historic building for checking out the original 1879 council chambers and the 1889 Grand Hall with its Victorian designs. There are many galleries, programs, and services too.

Woodstock Museum National Historic Site

Address: 466 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Woodstock Museum National Historic Site

Opening hours: Labour Day to Victoria Day: Tue to Sat: 10am - 5pm; Victoria Day to Labour Day: Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm

7. Enjoy outdoor activities at Pittock Conservation Area

Pittock Conservation Area is a multi-use conservation area in the Upper Thames River watershed. The 2,000 acres (809 hectares) outdoor playground is a popular spot for fishing, boating, camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, and bird watching. Other conservation areas in the region include Fanshawe CA and Wildwood CA.

Pittock Conservation Area

Address: 221 Pittock Park Road, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Pittock Conservation Area

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

8. Try your luck at Gateway Casinos Woodstock

Owned and operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, Gateway Casinos Woodstock boasts a total of 286 slots and games. There are popular ones such as Bonnie and Clyde, Golden Festival. Quick Hit and Hot Shot, 5 Dragons Gold, and more. Their Getaway Express is always open in case you feel like having a light meal, snack, or beverage.

Gateway Casinos Woodstock

Address: 851 Nellis Street, Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8Z9, Canada.

Website: Gateway Casinos Woodstock

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 8am - 4am

9. Browse through books at Woodstock Public Library

In 1835, a Reading Society was started in Woodstock by Bettridge, Nellis, and Perry, who were prominent men of the town. This society became what is now known as the Woodstock Public Library. The library building was opened in 1909 after it was constructed using a grant of 24,000 USD from the Carnegie Foundation. At present, thousands of Woodstock residents are members of this library. Quite an interesting place to visit, especially if you are an avid reader.

Woodstock Public Library

Address: 445 Hunter Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 4G7, Canada.

Website: Woodstock Public Library

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

10. Explore marvelous artworks at Woodstock Art Gallery

Displaying an impressive collection, the Woodstock Art Gallery is the largest public gallery in Oxford County. It is spread over three floors of the famous John White Building in downtown Woodstock and it exhibits work by both local and international artists. On the first floor, you will find works by renowned Woodstock artist, Florence Carlyle. The Woodstock Art Gallery is also popular for conducting classes, workshops, and art appreciation programs, and they have a gift shop with unique creations from local artisans.

Woodstock Art Gallery

Address: 449 Dundas St, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Woodstock Art Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

Price: Free

11. Sample craft beer at Upper Thames Brewing Company

The Upper Thames Brewing Company is the first and only brewery in Oxford County and is famous for its excellent craft beer, good music, and charcuterie platter. The company is the winner of the ‘Best Ale’ at the 2019 Forks and Barrels Tour and has also won a bronze in Sweet Stout or Cream Stout at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards. They brew using good quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Their popular products include Blonde Ale, Ontario Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and many more varieties.

Upper Thames Brewing Company

Address: 225 Bysham Park Drive unit 9, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Upper Thames Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 5pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

12. Shop farm-fresh products at Woodstock Farmers' Market

Woodstock’s farmers’ market dates back to the year 1853 when it was held in the Old Town Hall. It was in 1993 that the market was shifted from the downtown area to the Woodstock Fairgrounds. Currently run by the Woodstock Agricultural Society, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market is where you can find fresh local produce, honey, bakeries, butchers, maple syrup, fish and seafood, dairy and cheese vendors, chocolates, crafters, and florists.

Woodstock Farmers' Market

Address: 875 Nellis St, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Woodstock Farmer’s Market

Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 12pm

13. Browse through interesting things at One-of-a-kind-Antique Mall

Woodstock’s One-of-a-kind-Antique Mall boasts more than 500 booths with a wonderful selection of antiques, collectibles, good quality furniture, toys, old electronics, paintings, and much more. Located close to the 401 in Woodstock and nearby to most major centers in Southwestern Ontario, this mall is spread over three floors with over 80,000 square feet (7432 square meters) of shopping space.

One-of-a-kind-Antique Mall

Address: 97 Wilson Street, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: One-of-a-kind-Antique Mall

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

14. Visit the amazing Springbank Snow Countess monument

This popular monument is for all the people looking for a bit of history and a roadside opportunity for taking photos for Instagram. The Springbank Snow Countess monument is the life-size statue of a famous Holstein-Friesian cow known for breaking the world record for butterfat production in 1933 and holding it for 21 years. The statue was unveiled in 1937.

Springbank Snow Countess monument

Address: Corner of Springbank Ave & Dundas St, Woodstock, Ontario.

15. Enjoy the 'English-pub' vibes at Charles Dickens Pub

The Charles Dickens Pub in Woodstock is a family-run restaurant serving authentic English pub fare. Visit the place for grabbing a perfectly poured pint of Guinness and trying their fish ‘n’ chips, nachos, soups, greens, pies, burgers, or pub favorites such as the Southern-style battered chicken tenders and chips or the Indian curry bowl.

Charles Dickens Pub

Address: 505 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Charles Dickens Pub

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 11am - 11pm; Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 11am - 1am

Price: 11-30 USD

16. Savor sumptuous Canadian meals at Sixthirtynine

Opened in 2005, Sixthirtynine is a family-run restaurant popular for its commitment to Canadian cuisine. The restaurant boasts a wonderful contemporary dining room having 30 seats, seating for four guests at the chef’s table, and there is a patio too that is available seasonally. They offer locally sourced seasonal menus and the chef and owner Eric Boyar always makes sure that the dishes are both tasty and beautiful on the plate.

Sixthirtynine

Address: 639 Peel Street, Woodstock, Ontario.

Website: Sixthirtynine

Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 2pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 8:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Above 61 USD

Get ready for Woodstock

So, there you have it. We have done the hard work and found all the best things to do while touring Woodstock. Of course, you will probably find more interesting things about the city once you start exploring it. Packing your bags already? We wish you a pleasant journey!