Amanda traveled to Oakville from Toronto with VIA Rail. Photo courtesy of VIA Rail.

All Aboard for Ontario Culture Days with VIA Rail!

September 27, 2024

Journalist and ONCD board member Amanda Scriver went on a cultural journey by train.

The best way to understand a community is through its arts and culture. Exploring Ontario’s arts scene, from small towns to big cities, reveals the province’s diversity and creativity. That’s why Ontario Culture Days is vital—it brings people together to celebrate the artists and creators who make our province unique.

We are grateful that VIA Rail is a supporting partner with our non-profit organization. Travel on VIA trains is a key way that our team makes this province-wide festival possible! It is also an excellent way to connect with the province’s arts scene, and VIA Rail made it easy for us to experience these celebrations firsthand. With frequent departures to many cultural destinations in Ontario’s cities and towns, VIA’s train service is a convenient way to get to hundreds of festival events. We enjoyed comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and scenic views that made our short journey from Toronto to Oakville a delightful experience. 

 Connextions: Rainbow Connection by artist Erin McGean. Photo by Kaitlyn Patience.

Every year, the Oakville Festival Hub hosts a series of activities and events featuring local artists and creatives over the three weeks of the festival. It’s the perfect spot to experience Ontario Culture Days. On the first weekend of the festival, the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) played host to a packed lineup of events. Upon arriving at QEPCCC, we were swept up in the energy and excitement of the festival.

Our adventure began with a stunning visual welcome: the colourful installation Connextions: Rainbow Connection by artist Erin McGean, which celebrates inclusivity and community spirit. We were captivated by the grace and tradition of the Bharatanatyam performance from the Abhinaya School of Dance. We also participated in a yarn flower-making workshop hosted by the Oakville Chinese Network Society as part of Chinese Culture Demo: China Knot Handmaking and A Lion Dance – a collaborative, creative endeavour that brought a sense of joy to our day.

Hanging by a Thread Exhibition. Photo by Amanda Scriver.

At Upcycle Your Wardrobe: Workshop with artist Camila Salcedo, we were led through a sustainable cross-stitch project using scrap fabrics. The Hanging by a Thread: Exhibition and Artist Meet and Greet was another highlight, showcasing original pieces from the Oakville Fibre Artists that blended traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. The The Wonderful World of Wearable Art: Artist Meet and Greet and Artmaking Demonstrations  left us inspired, featuring fashion pieces that beautifully blurred the lines between clothing and artistry. 

On the train ride home, we reflected on how the day’s incredible experiences deepened our appreciation for Ontario’s arts scene. As a proud partner of Ontario Culture Days, VIA Rail champions the talent and creativity that enhance our province, helping us connect with more festival hubs and events. Plus, traveling by train to these celebrations was a breeze. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or a creative escape, it’s a fantastic way to kick off your cultural journey!

For More Info:

Visit the Oakville Hub
Find Events Across Ontario
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