Historic Plaques and Photo Ops Road Trip

Settled in the late 1700s, the quaint village of Selkirk, located near the shoreline of Lake Erie, is a great destination for a day touring the county. 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 >a href-"https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/heritage-culture/wilson-macdonald-memorial-school-museum/">Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum

Dunnville is a charming community located along the Grand River on Highway #3. The revitalized downtown offers many unique shops and dining experiences.

Tuesday and Saturday mornings are Farmers Market days at the iconic Market building along the waterfront in the downtown core. The market has been in operation since 1860.
Historic Plaques & 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 which commemorates 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)

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 (open by appointment), 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:

Shopping at The Coach Pyramids – a unique women’s boutique featuring Canadian clothing designers for sizes XS to 5XL. 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:

Jepson’s Fresh Meats, a local butcher shop, features the finest cuts of local beef and pork. Try their handmade sausage or their own unique steak spice. Dinger’s Taps & Grill uses local fresh foods wherever possible to create a unique dining experience. In the mood for something sweet? Head to 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. The park is also the home of Hagersville Rocks summer concert.

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 and MC’s Outback takeout all under one roof. 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.

Photo Op:

The restored Jarvis Train Station is now on the grounds of the Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association and is a small museum (not currently open), but 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 – and Shoes on the Grand, featuring Reiker and other quality brand shoes.

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.