Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Spriet Family Visitor Centre, inside of, 1424 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5X 4A1, Canada
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is one of London’s most fascinating historical attractions, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into 19th-century life in rural Ontario. Located within the scenic Fanshawe Conservation Area, this open-air museum recreates the experience of a pioneer community through a collection of more than 30 historic buildings and engaging costumed interpreters.
Established in 1959, the village serves as a living history museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of early settlement and development in the London region. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, with authentic homes, shops, and workshops illustrating daily life from the 1820s to the early 20th century.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village features a variety of restored structures, including a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, church, general store, and farmhouse. Each building is furnished with period artifacts and staffed by interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts, trades, and domestic skills. Visitors can watch blacksmiths at work, observe spinning and weaving, and learn how early settlers built communities in the Canadian wilderness.
The site also includes a Museum and Archives, which preserves thousands of artifacts and documents that tell the story of Middlesex County’s history and the evolution of rural life in southwestern Ontario.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village beautifully brings history to life, offering an authentic and educational experience that connects visitors to Ontario’s pioneer heritage. It’s one of London’s must-see attractions for anyone interested in culture, history, or family-friendly exploration.
