Petrolia

Petrolia brings together the history of oil production, theatre, historic buildings and outdoor experiences. On a guided tour, you can explore an oil field from the 1860s that is still in operation; at Victoria Hall, theatre and local history take centre stage. There is also a seasonal farmers’ market and green spaces to explore. What you’d like to experience can help you decide whether Petrolia is right for your stay and choose the vacation rental that suits your trip.

Oil history and historic buildings

At Petrolia Discovery, a guided tour takes you through the world’s only publicly accessible oil field from the 1860s that is still in operation. The site includes historical exhibits and an authentic oil field that continues to operate. One notable detail is the Fitzgerald Rig: it has been running continuously since 1903 and still provides power to oil wells connected by a rod line. If you’re interested in the technical side of local history, you’ll find more than an exhibit here—the operation of the field is part of the experience itself.

History also takes different forms around town. Victoria Hall in Petrolia is a National Historic Site and a provincially designated heritage building. The upper floor once housed an opera house with seating for 1,000. The Little Red Bank preserves the vault and teller window from its time as a bank. Sunnyside, a mansion in Petrolia, has 22 rooms, including a billiard room, a ballroom and rooms for domestic staff. Interpretive signs are on site at the Petrolia Standpipe Water Tower.

Theatre and events

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia is a 400-seat theatre in historic Victoria Hall, in Petrolia’s Victorian-style downtown. The VPP Summer Festival features six different productions each year. Each runs for three weeks, and the festival spans mid-May to mid-September. This gives you a specific seasonal timeframe to plan a stay where theatre plays an important part. Art in the Park Petrolia takes place on the second full weekend in July at Victoria Park in downtown Petrolia.

Market, trails and green spaces

The Petrolia Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturday mornings from May to October and offers a wide selection of locally grown produce. It is located just behind the Petrolia Library. The library itself is housed in a former Grand Trunk railway station built in 1903. You can include a market visit and a look at another historic building as separate stops on your trip.

For time outdoors, the Petrolia Trail provides a useful reference: the trail is approximately 6 km long and runs through the northern part of the Bridgeview Conservation Area. Its approximate length can help you plan your day without suggesting a specific walking time. The Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area is also nearby, a family-oriented campground with wildlife ponds and nature trails. Petrolia’s parks have playgrounds, trails, picnic areas and playing fields, giving you options for both outdoor activities and breaks during your stay.

Considering Petrolia as a vacation destination

Petrolia’s Town Walking Map gives residents and visitors an overview of the town’s attractions and can help you find your way before setting out on a walk.

If you’d like to explore more places: Sombra, Lambton Shores, Point Edward and Sarnia.

For the broader travel overview: Lambton County.