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With wide open spaces, fresh country air and easy-to-explore towns and villages, your calming countryside drive awaits. Check out some of our favourite routes.
Driving routes:
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Driving routes
Travelling west from Niagara
The Haldimand portion of the Waterfront Trail takes you along the water's edge from Lowbanks (coming from Niagara) to Nanticoke (linking into Port Dover in Norfolk County).
Enjoy the view winding along quiet country roads lined by quaint waterfront cottages till you reach Rock Point Provincial Park, known for its exposed fossils of a coral reef, dating back to over 350 million years, embedded in limestone shelf along the beach. Rock Point has a scenic viewing platform, dunes, a beach, a hiking trail, camping/RV sites, and great birding.
Just a few kilometres past the park arrive at Port Maitland East, where the Grand River meets Lake Erie. You will find a small waterfront park here containing a historic Cairn celebrating the Commercial Fishing Industry, Feeder Canal and Lock, and the Grand River Naval Depot. A little further past the park, you can see the remains of the old Feeder Canal. There are no bridges here, so to continue your trip head into Dunnville, one of the larger Lake Erie Waterfront Trail communities. Dunnville has many accommodation options as well as places to eat. While in Dunnville get a picture with Muddy, the world’s largest mudcat before heading back down to Port Maitland West (the other side of the Grand River, where the river meets Lake Erie).
Just across the bridge from Dunnville, Byng Conservation Area on the Grand River, offers camping and loads of recreational activities including swimming in one of the largest pools in Ontario, kayaking, and canoeing amongst the large reeds (rentals available). It is the perfect spot to stir up a large mudcat or carp sitting on the muddy bottom.
Port Maitland Pier and Esplanade are a beautiful backdrop to any trip. Once a thriving fishing village, fishing roots run deep in this part of the world. The long picturesque pier reaches out into the lake and makes for a great spot to drop a line and see what you can catch, as well as great photo opportunities.
Both Haldimand Conservation Area and Selkirk Provincial Park offer camping. Selkirk is a quaint little village and has options for refuelling and dining.
The Trail east of Selkirk follows a beautiful country road with frequent views of Lake Erie before you cross over into Norfolk and head on to Port Dover.
Caledonia to Lowbanks loop
Not far from Hamilton and Highway 403, start your journey in Caledonia along the scenic Grand River, one of our few Canadian Heritage Rivers. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views of a waterway that is part of one of the few remaining pockets of Carolinian Forests and contains over 50% of all fish species found in Canada. Heading south on Highway 54 takes you past Ruthven Park National Historic Site, worth a stop for a photo op in front of the Greek Revival mansion built in 1845.
A little further south you will come into Cayuga, home of the Cayuga Grand Vista, a rail trail over the river with spectacular views. Park in the Courthouse parking lot for the trailhead. Treat yourself to local flavours as there are several dining options in Cayuga or continue the trip by turning left onto Highway 3 (Talbot Street).
The next village you will pass through is Canfield, which has a Black Settlement Marker commemorating Canfield’s history as a refuge for blacks fleeing slavery.
Just as you reach the hamlet of Canborough turn right continuing on Highway 3 (Dunnville Road) taking you into Dunnville, a popular tourist town. At the entrance to town, you will be greeted by Muddy, the world's largest Mudcat. There are a lot of great options for eating and unique shopping here.
As you continue to head out of town on Highway 3 (Broad Street East) turn right on Highway 65 (Hutchinson Road) and head south till the road ends, after a quick jaunt left and right again you come to the Lowbanks and shores of beautiful Lake Erie. There is a wonderful seasonal food truck right on the water that offers local fresh perch, which shouldn’t be missed if you are here. To start the loop back to Caledonia, head west on North Shore Drive. The road veers to the right to continue north through Stromness and back into Dunnville.
Cross the Dunnville Bridge over to Byng, and take a right on Highway 20 which is home to Byng Island Conservation Area, a great camping spot that also rents kayaks and canoes to enjoy an afternoon on the water exploring the river and lush marshes, it also boasts one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Ontario.
Continue on Highway 20 (there is a slight jaunt right and left at Hald-Dunn Townline but you remain on Highway 20 to Yaremy Road then head north (right) for a short distance before it turns into River Road which has lovely views of beautiful river scenery. Once back at Highway 3 you turn right and head back over the bridge into Cayuga and retrace your steps to Caledonia to complete your loop.
What to see
Selkirk, Nanticoke and Fisherville
Settled in the late 1700s near the Lake Erie shoreline, the quaint village of Selkirk is a great destination for a day tour. Just a short distance from Selkirk are the hamlets of Fisherville and Nanticoke.
The beautiful fields and proximity to the waterfront make for a relaxing visit.
History buffs and seekers of knowledge will love Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum.
Dunnville, Lowbanks and Port Maitland
Dunnville is a charming community located along the Grand River. The revitalized downtown offers many unique shopping and dining experiences.
Tuesday and Saturday mornings are market days at the iconic Farmers' Market building on the waterfront. The market has been in operation since 1860.
Historic plaques and monuments
For many years Port Maitland was used as part of the Welland Canal’s lock system. The remains of this lock are located on Feeder Canal Road. Travel a short distance further to Port Maitland East Park at 628 Feeder Canal Road and view the memorial cairn commemorating the rich history of the Grand River Navel Depot, Feeder Canal and Lock, Commercial Fishing Industry and the Naval Depot Cemetery. On the west side of Dunnville, you can find a relief sculpture in Centennial Park (near Muddy). This sculpture was completed as part of the Centennial Park Fountain rehabilitation project in 2017. In Wingfield Park you can learn about the founding of Dunnville from the memorial plaque.
Don’t miss
A great stop for deli favourites is Werger’s European Delicatessen, then walk down memory lane at Sweet Retro-Spect and feel like a kid in a candy store all over again.
Photo Op:
Muddy the Mudcat – you can’t miss this fishy landmark in Centennial Park (Highway 3 and Robinson Road)
What to see
As Haldimand’s largest town, incorporated in 1853, Caledonia boasts a large number of shops, restaurants, and trails.
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, along with the 112-year-old Grand Trunk Railway Station. The renovated Railway Station operates as a museum and the office of the Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce (seasonal).
Historic Plaques & Monuments:
The Caledonia & Seneca Cenotaphs, located on Edinburgh Square, stand as a memorial to the men and women of Caledonia who made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country.
Don’t Miss:
Jones Bakery is an iconic local favourite with sweet and savoury goods to satisfy your taste buds. Facets Jewellery offers an excellent selection of gifts and jewellery, including custom and distinct pieces.
Photo Op:
Grab a selfie on the 1km Kinsmen Park Trail that hugs the Grand River and view the reconstructed Old Mill.
Hagersville is a bustling, community-oriented town. Home to the iconic Hewitt’s Dairy, in operation since 1887, this local favourite produces a variety of dairy and goat milk products, including 60 flavours of ice cream that can be found at Hewitt’s Dairy Bar just north of Hagersville on Highway 6.
Interesting facts, Hagersville was the birthplace of Neil Peart, drummer of the Canadian rock group Rush, and Jay Silverheels, who played Tonto in the 1950s television series The Lone Ranger.
Historic Plaques & Monuments:
Just outside of town, at 211 Army Camp Road, you will find a historic plaque honouring the No. 16 Service Flying Training School – RCAF Hagersville, which trained twin and single-engine pilots from 1941-1945.
Don’t Miss:
My Sweet Sweet World, a micro chocolate factory and retail facility with a focus on providing artisan, hand-crafted small-batch quality chocolates.
Photo Op:
The Grant Kett Memorial Park is a hidden gem in the community with a natural amphitheatre and striking views of the nearby quarry.
Jarvis is a quiet community featuring some intriguing brick architecture and unique downtown shops, located at the crossroads of Highways 3 and 6. It is home to Haldimand’s first brewery – Concession Road Brewing.
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.
Historic Plaques & Monuments:
The No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School - RCAF Jarvis was used in WWII and operated five bombing ranges, a marine section and two gunnery ranges. Visit the historical plaque at Concession 2 Walpole (at the Imperial Oil Refinery) to learn more.
Don’t Miss:
Luxe & Company is a one-stop-shop for all of your personal care needs equipped with Estheticians, salon, nail technicians, yoga, tattoo artistry, laser, and Botox, as well as a full-service café. Michaud Toys is a local favourite, providing handmade wooden board games, perfect for gifts or the cottage; now open for curbside pickup. Nice Old Stuff is a great source for rustic antiques, country decor, architectural, and nautical salvage pieces for your home. While out and about in Jarvis, stop at Concession Road Brewing, Haldimand's first brewery.
Photo Op:
The restored Jarvis Train Station on the grounds of the Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association, is a small museum that is open during WAFMA events. Grab a selfie in front of this iconic building.
In the centre of the county, nestled on the banks of the Grand River, is Cayuga, home to the historic Cayuga Courthouse and the new Haldimand County Administration Building.
The Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre features historic exhibits and holds Haldimand County’s archives for anyone interested in genealogy. Learn about Haldimand as well as the history and architecture of the courthouse. Ask about visiting the 1835 Nicholas Log Cabin, which is open by appointment. While visiting Cayuga, enjoy a picnic in the pavilion next to the river or take a relaxing stroll along the river’s edge at Bob Baigent Park. An interesting fact – Harriet Tubman's nephew Lorne Barnes was once the town barber.
Historic Plaques & Monuments:
“Haldimand Grant” Plaque located on the grounds of the Cayuga Courthouse has details on the origin of Haldimand County.
Don’t Miss:
Sweet treats at Cravings By Brittany – a bakery that showcases treats as beautiful as they are delicious.
Photo Op:
The Cayuga Grand Vista trail leads you across a rail bridge over the Grand River. This location is the best place to watch a sunset or just grab a few incredible pictures. Park at the Cayuga Courthouse (55 Munsee Street North).
Worth a short detour along Highway 3 is a Black Settlement Marker that is located in Canfield. More than 150 years ago, the tiny community of Canfield welcomed slaves who were fleeing from the United States through the Underground Railroad, providing a haven and freedom.
There are two historic plaques in the York. One is located at a scenic lookout and is dedicated to The Youngs – United Empire Loyalists.
The second plaque is located on the grounds of St. John's Church, Highway 54 and Nelles Road. The plaque is in honour of the "Nelles Settlement" which contained about thirty families in 1828.
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