Towns & Villages
Caledonia is a picturesque community on the Canadian Heritage Grand River, just 15 minutes south of Hamilton and less than 10 minutes from the Hamilton International Airport.
A nine-span bridge, the only one of its type in Canada, links the whole community.
Incorporated in 1853, Caledonia’s historic sites include the old Town Hall, known as Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre which preserves and profiles the history of the community and the 100-year old Grand Trunk Railway Station, built in 1908. The renovated Railway Station, open five days a week, operates as a museum, office of the Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce and Travel Information Centre.
Caledonia’s parks and green spaces provide a place to enjoy a range of activities: fishing, walking, picnicking and bird watching. The Caledonia Kinsmen Park is a great family escape with a pool and splash-pad, and Riverwalk to the downtown. The Rotary Riverside Trail is a beautiful 6 km off-road trail along the Grand River.
Notable events include the Caledonia Canada Day Celebrations and the Caledonia Fair which takes places on the 4th weekend after Labour Day. Located downtown and along the river, the Caledonia Fair has been delighting attendees for over 140 years.
Cayuga is located on the banks of the Grand River between Caledonia and Dunnville. The town of Cayuga offers unique shopping and dining opportunities, access to the Grand River, beautiful parks and many events for the whole family.
While visiting Cayuga, be sure to enjoy a picnic in the pavilion next to the river or take a relaxing stroll along the river’s edge. Boaters can launch from the public boat ramp on the river located in Bob Baigent Park beside the bridge.
Located on the edge of town, the 1,500 acre Ruthven Park National Historic Site is a must visit with abundant natural beauty and historic coach house and Mansion. Ruthven Park National Historic Site offers spectacular bird watching and is home to a bird banding station.
Cayuga is a great home base for those thrill seeking lovers of car racing with 2 world class racing facilities located within a few minutes drive. Both offer hands-on experiences and special events. Toronto Motorsports Park in nearby Kohler is a destination for it’s dragstrip and closed road course. Jukasa Motor Speedway halfway between Cayuga and Hagersville features a 5/8th mile oval track.
Dunnville is a charming community located along the Grand River on Highway #3, between the Niagara and Hamilton regions, and less than an hour away from the U.S. border.
The revitalized downtown offers many unique shops and dining experiences. Tuesdays and Saturdays are Farmers Market days.
The Grand River and nearby Port Maitland on Lake Erie offer a host of water activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and features prime locations for fishing.
Nearby Dunnville are Rock Point Provincial Park and Byng Island Conservation Area, which are popular waterfront destinations for campers.
In June Dunnville hosts the annual Mudcat Festival, held to celebrate one of the Grand River’s most well-known inhabitants. The festival includes a parade, strongman contests, midway, fireworks and more. Visit “Muddy” the worlds largest mudcat and get a selfie.
Another popular event is the Dunnville Agricultural Fair, held in late August, which includes heavy, light and miniature horse shows, sheep and goat shows, midway and much more. Dunnville is also the home of the Annual Dunnville Grand Tour cycling event in August and the Mudcat Marathon held on Mother’s Day weekend.
If you love the history of aviation, visit No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum. This little gem of a museum features artifacts from WW2 Flight Training School and displays some pretty impressive aircraft.
Located along Highway 6, Hagersville is a bustling, community oriented town.
The heart of the community is the Hagersville Farmers Market founded in 1892. The market runs regularly on Wednesday mornings April – October. The local urban community is surrounded by prime agriculture land, creating an abundant supply of fruits, vegetables, flowers and even baked goods at the market.
The Grant Kett Memorial Park is a hidden gem in the community with a natural amphitheatre and striking views of the nearby quarry, the park is home of the popular Hagersville Rocks summer concert.
Enjoy cycling the scenic Hagersville Area Tour (pink route) and refuel at one of the many local restaurants.
Jarvis is a quiet community featuring some intriguing brick architecture and downtown shops, located at the crossroads of Highways 3 and 6.
The Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association (WAFMA)restores, maintains and has established a permanent educational and historical site about the rich agricultural history of the Walpole region. They hold many events and open houses to view their collection and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage. WAFMA is also home to the Jarvis Train Station, which has been preserved and serves as a small museum with railroad artifacts.
Nearby Townsend features some stunning scenery with Nanticoke Creek flowing through the community and a pond in the village centre. The paved trail through the community offers great scenic walking trails and bird watching.
Settled in the late 1700s, the quaint town of Selkirk, located on the shoreline of Lake Erie, is an ideal destination for those seeking a family-friendly getaway.
Every August the Selkirk Gas Fest celebrates the town’s natural gas heritage with live music, children’s activities food and no shortage of community spirit.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Selkirk Provincial Park is a sensational spot to pitch a tent, enjoy a picnic, stroll along Wheelers Walk Trail (a long wooded boardwalk over a marsh) or cast out a line for some renowned sport fishing.
History buffs and seekers of knowledge will have their thirst for thought quenched at local heritage attractions: Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum, an 1872 red brick School Museum; the Canadian Drilling Rig Museum, a source of natural gas history; and Cottonwood Mansion, a 19th century Italianate-style brick mansion that is open for tours.
Our villages and hamlets are charming places to slow down and enjoy rural Ontario at it’s best.
Noteable Places to Visit
Canfield
While travelling through this small community, visit the Canfield Black Settlement Marker. The marker is in recognition of Canfield as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and was also home to one of the first black settlements in Ontario. The first black settlers arrived in Canfield in 1837 after fleeing slavery and by 1851, there were 137 black residents identified in the North Cayuga census. Behind the numbers was a story of integration. In Canfield, black and white residents worked and worshipped side by side, and their children went to the same schools. Located in the North Cayuga Canfield Park.
Port Maitland
At the mouth of the Welland Feeder Canal at Port Maitland is a little park known as Port Maitland East Park, where a commemorative Cairn is located. It is a great place to sit and look at the beautiful view of the most southern part of the Grand River where it meets Lake Erie. The Cairn recognizes the importance of the Feeder Canal and Lock, the Commercial Fishing Industry and the Grand Navel Depot and Cemetery. Also nearby, view what remains of the Welland Feeder Canal, Port Maitland Lock.
