Tillsonburg, ideally located midway between Hwy.401 and the beaches of Lake Erie, is a thriving community just as George Tillson intended when he founded the settlement in 1824. Initially called Dereham Forge, the community quickly became known as Tillsonburg and in 1872 was officially incorporated as a town. Whether you are in a hurry or have time to spend, Tillsonburg is the place you want to visit.
SPEND AN HOUR...
If you're on the way to the lake and need to stretch your legs, have a bite to eat, fill up the cooler or just let the kids run off some steam, our many attractions and various businesses are here to serve.
SPEND A DAY...
If you're looking for that perfect day-trip destination, not too far from home, easy to find and filled with enough unique attractions, interesting shops, good restaurants and great parks to keep you busy - Tillsonburg has what you need.
Although a small town, there is nothing "small town" about our many attractions like the Lake Lisgar Water park (open summer months); the local craft guild's Shop & Gallery at the Station Arts Centre; amateur theatre at the Otter Valley Playhouse; and the town's nationally designated museum, Annandale National Historic Site. Spend several hours touring this restored 3-story Victorian home with its hand-painted ceilings, stained glass and ornate woodwork.
More hours can be whiled away shopping on Broadway, our 100-foot wide main street (did we mention FREE PARKING) bustling with both well known chain stores and local family businesses, as well as, a centrally located downtown mall Town Centre Mall.
Enjoy lunch or supper at one of our friendly restaurants and just like our shops, you'll find both recognized names and local family operated eateries, from fast foods to charming bistros, your appetite will be satisfied.
If quiet solitude is what you seek, then pack your lawn chairs a good book and head for one our scenic parks. Or if you're looking for a little more activity, throw in your golf clubs and come and play on our courses, where the holes are challenging and the fees are just right.
Don't worry if the day has slipped away, one our charming Bed & Breakfasts will gladly supply a room or book in at our local lodgings for a restful night in our town, where the days are busy, the nights are quiet and the people are friendly.
SPEND A LIFETIME...
Don't be surprised that after a visit to our town, you'll want to live here - it's happened to many others. Tillsonburg is known throughout the area for the quality of the services enjoyed by it citizens. From our fully accredited hospital and award-winning Customer Service Centre to our modern Community Centre and its two ice pads, Junior Olympic sized pool and Senior's Citizen wing, Tillsonburg has all the amenities that make its residents proud to call Tillsonburg HOME!
EXPLORE
Explore our nationally designated museum, Annandale National Historic Site, our local Craft Guild's shop and Gallery at the Station Arts Centre, our amateur theatre at the Otter Valley Playhouse (Theatre Tillsonburg) or our seasonal Lake Lisgar Water Park. Whether you choose an activity-packed weekend, or a relaxing getaway, your stay will be memorable here in Tillsonburg.
EXPERIENCE
From stunning architecture at our Annandale House museum to our pristine Lake Lisgar and many parks scattered throughout the town, Tillsonburg offers a range of experiences that keeps visitors coming back again and again.