About the Route

The discovery that changed the world…. The Oil Heritage district is the location of North America’s first commercial oil well. The great oil rush of the 1800’s  was a major drama staged in three Ontario towns – Petrolia, Oil Springs and Bothwell and it’s “black gold” enticed men by the thousands. This tour will give you a brief overview of the important areas in the Oil Heritage District, and also allow you to experience the boom atmosphere of the early days. You will be able to experience early Queen Anne Style Architecture such as the Victoria Playhouse and walk the grounds of a fully restored working 19th century oil field. Today, the Oil Museum of Canada helps visitors uncover the birth and growth stories of this industry, as well as the social aspect of life in the early oil boom town of Oil Springs.