I have been visiting the Watson-curtze mansion for many years from when I was young till now…read more one great place to learn about loads of local history + they always have something history related when I visit there. I remember when I was younger they had a room with robots dressed as historic figures talking about all the historic battles going on like the war of 1812 I would tell anybody who hasn't been there you have to visit there lots of great history inside there

Located on the pier leading to the Port Dover Lighthouse, this monument stands on a two foot high…read moreplinth and is a grouping of three fishermen, working hard to pull in an obviously heavy net. The plaque at the base reads, "This monument is dedicated to those commercial fishermen who have lost their lives on the lake. It will serve as a lasting memorial celebrating the heritage of our fishing ports and the unique and hazardous way of life of our fishermen." It was erected in 2000 by the Eastern Lake Erie Fishermen's Association. There are a number of names and dates carved on the base. There is parking nearby at the beach. [Review 1428 of 2024 - round number 300 in Canada - 106 in Ontario - 22451 overall]

The lighthouse is located where the Lynn River opens to Lake Erie. There is metered parking nearby…read moreat the beach. You can walk all the walk out on the pier and get a full closeup of the lighthouse. This morning was super calm so it was a fabulous view. The nearby caption reads, "The first Port Dover lighthouse was a 7.3 metre (24 foot) high wooden structure built on the west pier at the mouth of the Lynn River in 1845 as a small harbour light for the active shipbuilding, square timber trade, inshore fishery and, later, coal and railway shipping. "It burned in 1846 and was rebuilt in 1847. Today's lighthouse is one of the oldest examples of pre-Confederation small harbour design surviving in Ontario. It is a simple wooden square tower, tapered slightly at the top, with a single entrance door, flight of stairs and a window. "Its fixed light with three burners provided visibility for 16 kilometres (10 miles) and functioned in conjunction with a back range light. Around 1900, modifications altered the top configuration of the tower and eventually the wooden structure was completely clad with metal sheets. The lighthouse was moved a number of times, reaching its present location in 1986." Fabulous to visit my first Ontario lighthouse in https://www.yelp.com/collection/GLWJhPZloUBCLUFSYgLw4g/! [Review 1427 of 2024 - 105 in Ontario - 22450 overall]

Time travelled back to 1914 one afternoon. So peaceful and serene looking at life in the early…read more1900s, especially the cool the artifacts. It takes about 2 hours to explore the grounds starting with the entrance from the Region of Waterloo Museum which is connected to the Doon Heritage Village on Huron Road. Staff are wonderful at answering questions and showing how the old tools and equipment were used back then. Some of the old tools are just rock solid and will last forever. Wood was the primary construction materials used for building. This explains why fire insurance was a fast growing business. Insurance companies in the Region thrived and made the economy grow in that sector for years to come. The Martin House is beautifully decorated inside and out. The family was of Old Order Mennonite religion. There were very conservative colour schemes used, and no mirrors were allowed in the home! The Old Post Office is connected to a custom tailor service in the same building. Our hostess explained how the one man operation (tailor and postmaster) was in charge of both businesses. Suits were made to order and were outfitted with ties and cuff links. It was a profitable venture until the Eaton's catalogue business became more popular. The Dry Goods Grocery Store is "stocked" with canned goods and non-perishables such as soap and laundry detergent. Brand names included McCormicks and Heinz. Homes were equipped with a cast iron stove that kept the premises warmer in the winter months. Check out the feet of the stoves which were designed like ones you would find on vintage pianos. Very enjoyable afternoon spent and we learned a lot about early life and hard work of the German community and how it all started in Kitchener (then known as Berlin).

From the owner: The year 1914 comes to life at Doon Heritage Village…read more Doon Heritage Village, located at the Waterloo Region Museum, is a 60 acre living history village that includes 23 historic buildings, and two farms with farm animals. Costume interpreters greet visitors in the historic buildings. Special events and activities throughout the village's May 1 to December 23 season. Doon Heritage Village is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 to Labour Day. Hours vary from Labour Day to Dec. 23 - check the museum's website for public hours in the fall. The village is closed from December 24 to April 30.

The first lighthouse was built here in 1830 and it continued to serve until decommissioning in…read more1916. It was sold to private hands and eventually the current owners completed a restoration. It remains private property but it is visible from the roadway. It is possible to get some decent shots of it from the public land (and possibly from the water), so please respect the owner and do not trespass. [Review 1431 of 2024 - 109 in Ontario - 22454 overall]

an early day off and a concert in Guelph lead me to come to this bridge, as i did my research in…read moreadvanced and i wanted to come to a park and get some photography in. this was a really smart move to come to this bridge and park. i was able to find parking in the area no problem, and i couldn't get over how in the middle of the day on a Friday, this bridge and the surrounding park was absolutely silent. in doing my research that i found out that this is one of only two covered bridges in our wonderful province, it wasn't on my bucket list to come here for this reason, but its off my list. a wonderful bridge to come and just disconnect from everything, seriously quiet here, even with all of the animals just flying around or swimming. this bridge is in good shape but has alot of graffiti as well. would come back if in the area.

Yaaay! I have officially visited the only two covered bridges in Ontario, Canada…read more Built in June 1992 as a foot/bicycle path along the river, it is also part of a12.5-mile network of six trails which includes the Royal Recreational Trail. The bridge is 144 ft long and crosses over the Speed River from the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club parking area into York Road Park. 400 volunteers help build this bridge making it the second covered bridge in the province of Ontario. There are miles and miles of greenways and trails here making Guelph a true walker/runner/bikers dream. During my visit the students from nearby University of Guelph seemed to be put the trails to great use. Ithiel Town (born in Connecticut) patented his Town Lattice truss design in 1820 and to this day it is still considered one of the most durable and longest lasting of all covered bridge truss systems. Not to mention the lattice design allows the bridge to have more natural light than any other truss design. FINAL THOUGHTS As a person who loves covered bridges, I was happy to see several new bridges using this proven truss design on my long road trip from Atlanta to Canada. If you happen to be in the area, or have never seen a covered bridge in person, let me assure you this design was quite popular in the 1800's and many of those old bridges are still standing throughout the United States. Great backdrop for special occasion photography. Enjoy!