Discover Woodstock: Trails, Art and History

Woodstock combines historical discoveries with trails through the landscape of Oxford County. You can focus your stay on self-guided walking tours and museum exhibits, or explore different kinds of outdoor trails: the Hickson Trail follows a former railway line through woodland, while the Brick Ponds Trail is a short walking path to a viewpoint overlooking a historic wetland. These different options give you concrete starting points for deciding which experiences will shape your stay in Woodstock.

History reflected in the townscape and museum

Woodstock Town Hall was designated a National Historic Site in 1955 and retains many of its original features. At the Woodstock Museum, the “History of Woodstock” gallery displays more than 400 artifacts and 125 images across 1,200 square feet. These figures give an idea of the collection’s breadth, while the gallery title focuses on the history of Woodstock. You can combine a visit to the museum with an interest in the town’s historic sites when planning your trip, without having to make a single theme the focus of your stay.

Another specific detail can be found in the Council Chambers at the Woodstock Museum: they still look just as they did when the building was constructed in 1879. Woodstock therefore brings different historical perspectives together—a gallery of artifacts and images, and rooms whose appearance reflects the period when the building was constructed. If you are particularly interested in architectural history and historic interiors, you can take these aspects into account when choosing your activities.

Trail options: from a short walk to a 10-kilometre trail

Woodstock’s trail network is suited to hiking and cycling. One short walking option is the Brick Ponds Trail: this easy 0.33 km path ends at a viewpoint overlooking a historic wetland. This means you can choose a trail with a clearly stated short distance as well as longer routes. The distance describes the trail, not a walking time; plan your visit according to your own schedule.

The Hickson Trail follows a former railway line from Woodstock to Hickson and passes through the woodland of Oxford County. It is 10 km one way, is not a loop, and has an access point in Woodstock at Frederick Street. When planning your day, take both the trail’s length and the fact that it does not return to the starting point into account. Its route along a former railway line also gives the trail a distinct historical connection, while the woodland shapes its character.

Self-guided exploring and Art Gallery programs

Several self-guided historical walking tours pass grand homes, the old jail and the County Courthouse. The Courthouse is still in use. The tours offer an independent way to explore Woodstock through its historic buildings; you can choose this focus or include museum visits and trail experiences in your stay. A holiday rental in Woodstock may be particularly suited to your plans if you want to make time for different experiences in town.

The Woodstock Art Gallery offers courses, PA Day programs and holiday camps for children up to and including age 12. Courses and workshops are available for teens and adults aged 13 and older. These age groups help families consider suitable activities for different generations. If you are travelling with children, you can consider these programs as a cultural focus alongside historic walking tours and trails; the Gallery also lists courses and workshops for older participants.

Planning your stay

Woodstock is located at the junction of Highways 401 and 403. This location provides geographical context alongside the specific attractions in town. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on history and art, on walking and hiking, or on a mix of these interests.

More places to explore: Thamesford, Embro, Ingersoll, Norwich, Burgessville, Tillsonburg, New Hamburg.

Return to the main travel overview: Oxford County.