After a trip to Upper Canada Village, the Martin family travelled to Prehistoric World for the opportunity to see a life-size reproduction of dinosaurs and other pre-historic mammals. From the left: Jennifer, Cory, Colton, Oliver, and Hank are seen in front of a T-Rex at Prehistoric World.  Thompson Goddard Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – For those who love learning about dinosaurs, there is no better way than to visit Prehistoric World near Morrisburg, Ontario.

Owned and operated by brothers Serge and Paul Dupuis, Prehistoric World has been operating for almost forty-five years, with Paul mentioning they are now receiving visits from the children and grandchildren of people who had been some of the first to see the life-size dinosaur exhibits.

When entering the office of the business, one is immediately greeted by a life-size Sabre Tooth tiger in the lobby. Paul explained this was created in 1967 as a centennial project and was the first exhibit to be created. He mentioned it is hollow and couldn’t withstand the fluctuations in temperature so is located inside. The other exhibits are solid concrete and as such, can be located outside in the beautiful garden area.

After the brothers retired from their non-artistic careers, they decided to follow their creative abilities and create the park, which reflects their love of prehistoric creatures. Together they transformed the twenty-acre area of their backyard into a collection of beautiful plants, pathways and of course the main attraction of approximately fifty dinosaurs and period mammals.

Each animal reproduced in the park has been extensively researched, with modifications to teeth, claws, and other areas to ensure the safety of visitors. Paul mentioned how the Brontosaurus is the largest exhibit and took approximately two years to create.

The brothers are working to keep things simple at the site, mentioning they have reduced the number of annual flowers and increased the use of perennial plants. He noted how the ferns and other plants are quite realistic and provide visitors with a sense of the ‘Age of dinosaurs’ period.

One of the favourite areas of the park is the fossil pit, which Paul created many years ago for youngsters. He mentioned the recreated fossils are buried and the children eagerly become archeologists, turning the pit into a dig. He feels the pit and the concrete fossils allow the youngsters to use their imagination and have some fun.

There is a picnic area to the back of the fossil pit where a lunch or snack can be enjoyed. Paul commented how visitors are welcome to enjoy a bite to eat in the area but suggests visitors bring their own refreshments, as there is nothing available on site to eat or drink; dogs are welcome at the park, so long as they are on a leash.

Prehistoric World is open each day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the last entry at approximately 3 p.m., as it can take an hour to walk the trails. The season lasts until at least Labour Day and as there is no website or Facebook page for the business, more information can be obtained by calling them at 613-543-2503 or visiting the site during open hours located at 5446 Upper Canada Road near Morrisburg.

Paul Dupuis, who with brother Serge owns and operates Prehistoric World near Morrisburg, is seen with the first of approximately 50 exhibits or prehistoric mammals and reptiles. The sabre tooth tiger was created as a centennial project by Paul in 1967.