Why you should visit Petrolia, Ontario

Petrolia, Ontario - Where the Past is Preserved

It is true the Langan family started off with my great grandfathers farm in nearby Bunyan, Ontario and he is buried in the Catholic cemetery. Then the Langans moved into Sarnia. I always knew about Petrolia but never visited there. My dad had a connection there, that unfortunately, time has erased.

Historic downtown Petrolia Ontario

So when the Victoria Playhouse had a musical on the music of the Beach Boys I thought it was time to visit. How glad I am we went. I love heritage and Petrolia has done it right. Their historic downtown buildings have not only survived but have been maintained. Then there is their library, located in the original 1903 Queen Anne style majestic Grand Trunk Railway Station. Stunning to say the least.

Original Grand Trunk Railway Station Petrolia, Ontario - author's photo

Then the miracle survival and comeback of the Victoria Opera House.  A grassroots school project in the early 1970s successfully reignited community pride and prompted local citizens to establish the Victoria Playhouse Foundation, rescuing the historic hall from disrepair. Then after a major fire in 1989, the community came together with government and private interest to create a beautiful performing venue inside the walls of the original building.   

The Victoria Playhouse then and now

The Victoria Playhouse now houses a professional theatre putting on an average of 6 different shows each season. 

How was the Performance

After being wowed by the heritage buildings in the community and the playhouse itself, we sat down in our front row seats to watch the performance in the beautiful venue. I am happy to state the vocals and overall performance was topshelf. One of the singers sang effortlessly some of the hardest Beach Boys songs, including their version of  The Ronettes, "I Can Hear Music".

Would we go back to visit Petrolia and attend a performance at the Playhouse? Absolutely and so should you! Here is their website. https://thevpp.ca/