With the Summer Solstice comes the anticipation of all things amazing we can pack our vacation time with here in southern Ontario. The warm, breezy days ahead bring out the best in us. Experience all there is to see and do on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory before the warm days dwindle. See below for great accommodations, authentic experiences, and excellent summer memory-making opportunities to make the most of your time in the community!
Chiefswood Park is an accommodations and cultural heritage destination located on 20 acres on the banks of the Grand River. It has become a place where community members and visitors alike can experience the rich Haudenosaunee history of the area, and not only features beautiful, rustic-style, year-round cabin accommodations but also seasonal glamping, trailer, and tent camping sites. Coupled with rental and planned amenities and events like paddling and archery, cultural programming, and tours throughout the Park and the adjacent Chiefswood National Historic Site (CNHS,) it will quickly become a summer family getaway favourite!
Chiefswood National Historic Site and museum has reopened for visits and tours on the Victoria Day long weekend, officially launching its season on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The historic site is the birthplace and childhood home of renowned poetess E. Pauline Johnson, of Mohawk and English lineage. Her creative professional successes and the amazing story of her parents’ secret courting and marriage are brilliantly told in the uniquely curated original family home. The grounds also feature historic plaques in recognition of her contributions to the poetry and writing world, in addition to beautiful walking trails through the neighbouring natural tall grass prairie.
If you’re struggling to interest the younger crowd with respect to the site, stop into the Six Nations Tourism office (located in the log cabin at Chiefswood Park’s main gate) and purchase tickets for the augmented reality (AR) experience! Using an iPad, visitors to the Park and CNHS can explore an interactive journey incorporating 10 stops throughout the property, 3 of which relate to Pauline’s family, the Johnson homestead, and the activities or items that were part of their everyday environment. It’s a journey through time that allows visitors and guests the chance to connect with the past through modern-day technology!
For those interested in a faster pace, the boating season is in full swing with the opening of the community launch and boat ramp to the Grand River, on the lower grounds of Chiefswood Park. Small fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and paddlers alike are welcome to make use of the facility for a gorgeous summer day spent out on the water with family and friends! For launch information, rates, and further details, contact the Park office by calling (519) 752-3969.
Likewise, with the warmer weather comes the much-anticipated racing season at the Ohsweken Speedway! A 3/8-mile dirt track in the village of Ohsweken, this facility hosts weekly Friday night race schedules from May through September, annually. Thunderstocks, 360 Sprint Cars, Crate Sprints, and Mini Stocks are just some of the high-speed family fun that can be experienced here! Recent track upgrades include reserved seating, enhanced concession and souvenir space, and an AR racing experience the younger kids will love. Pit passes, driver meet-and-greets, and special community giveaway nights are all par for the course at Ohsweken Speedway.
The Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow is also being held on the grounds of the Ohsweken Speedway. This annual event is now in its 41st year, scheduled for July 22nd and 23rd, 2023. A one-of-a-kind Aboriginal Multicultural event, this year’s pow wow will continue on in the “Grand” tradition of showcasing our community’s rich cultural and art heritage through song, dance, authentic crafts, and food!
While visiting Six Nations, trying new foods should be high-priority on your itinerary. From outstanding Haudenosaunee fusion cuisine to mainstays from the Canadian, Asian, and Italian influences, our local restaurants are here to serve. Yawékon By Chef Tawnya Brant, the Burger Barn, Erlind’s, Village Café and Village Pizza & Wings are all great at what they do – serving fine food in a friendly atmosphere with authentic flavours and inspirations.
And a visit for some local summer fun would not be complete without a round of golf, a walk on our nature trail, some fishing, or simply spending time together around a campfire. Whatever your fancy, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory has what you’re looking for. From grass-roots experiences, history, modern art and dance, to water sports, tournaments, and team play, rest assured you can also find some rest and relaxation in the process!
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