Waterford (Ontario)

Waterford is a community of about 3,100 people (2016) in Norfolk County, in Ontario. The area surrounding the town is primarily agricultural land, with tomatoes, tobacco and corn among the chief crops. Area farmers generally suffered from the decline of the tobacco industry, but natural health and organic crops are being explored, such as ginseng, as well as lavender and wine grapes.

Understand

It's a rural community, with elementary schools, a high school, several cafes, restaurants and bars.

History

Waterford's earliest known inhabitants, from around the year 1000 until approximately 300–350 years later, were the Algonquin nation. They were noted flint-workers and evidence of their skill in crafting arrowheads is still to be found in open worked field areas surrounding the village. The next wave of inhabitants were the Attawandaron nation, the Neutrals, who occupied the region from about 1350 until their absorption by the Iroquois 300 years later. The last significant native nation to occupy the area was the Mississaugas.

Founded in 1794, this community was established as a saw and grist mill community. Settlement of this area, with rich soil and large forests, within Townsend Township, started in 1794, and by 1782 Paul Averill was operating saw and grist-mills on Nanticoke Creek. By 1851, Waterford contained the Township Hall and many industries, including a large agricultural implements factory built by James Green. The railway arrived in 1871 and helped increase growth.

Get in

Waterford is 60 km southwest of Hamilton (Ontario): follow Upper James St (Highway 6); at Hagersville, turn right onto County Road 9.

Ride Norfolk operates bus service from Simcoe on Monday: Simcoe, Delhi, Windham Centre, Waterford.

The fare is $6 for an adult, $4 for a senior (55+) or student (6-18 with school ID). A day pass provides unlimited trips within the county. Children ages 5 and under ride free. Fares as of June 2020. Exact cash fare is required. Bus drivers do not carry change. Tickets can be purchased for cash only at any Norfolk County Public Library.

Get around

On foot.

See
  • 🌍 Waterford Deer Park, Mechanic St E, Waterford. A fenced in park with deer. Open year around. Free. (updated Nov 2022)

Do
  • 🌍 Pumpkinfest, Lions Community Centre, 53 West Church Street, ☏ +1 519-443-4944, . Mid-October 18, 19 & 20. A huge "pumpkin pyramid" of 1500 carved pumpkins is an annual tradition for this autumn festival. A car show and a soap box derby are some of the other attractions at Pumpkinfest. (updated Mar 2019)
  • 🌍 Waterford Heritage Trail. A well-maintained 15-km trail along the former Lake Erie and Northern Railway through pumpkin fields, alongside ponds, and over an old railway bridge from Waterford to the beach. It's mostly flat, and suitable for walking or biking. For cyclists (or more adventurous hikers) the north end of the trail connects to the LE&N Rail Trail which leads to Brantford (about 28 km (17 mi). To the south, the trail connects to the Lynn Valley Trail which leads to Port Dover (about 22 km (14 mi). (updated Sep 2023)
  • 🌍 Waterford North Conservation Area (Waterford Ponds), 226 Concession 8 Townsend, ☏ +1 519-443-0571, toll-free: +1-877-990-9930. May 1 – October 15. The three ponds at Waterford North Conservation Area are home to an array of fish species including largemouth bass, northern pike and a variety of panfish. Pickerel Lake, Willow Pond, and Bass Lake, the three ponds in the conservation area, are the result of gravel pit rehabilitation, with deep rocky bottoms and pronounced shorelines. 47 of its 100 campsites have 30 amp service. It offers shady picnic areas, a small sandy beach with unsupervised swimming, and canoe and kayak rentals. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 🌍 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM), 159 Nichol St W (From Old Hwy24/Main Street, West on Nichol Street), ☏ +1 519-443-4211, . W-Sa 10AM to 4PM. Located in one of Waterford's best known industrial landmarks "The Pickle Factory", once the largest canning factory in Canada, the museum presents objects, stories, and special exhibits related to the agricultural history of the town and county. Also hosts special events throughout the year, such as a night at the museum, a garden party, and haunted tours. By Donation. (updated Sep 2023)

Buy

Eat

Drink
  • The Gibbled Goose, 22-26 Main Street, ☏ +1 519-443-4442. Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM, kitchen closes at 9PM, F Sa late night menu 9-11PM. English-style pub. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Swazees, Old Hwy 24, ☏ +1 519-443-4004. Daily 11:30AM-midnight. (updated Jul 2019)

Sleep
  • The Butter Barn Bed and Breakfast, 98 St James St S, ☏ +1 905-515-2528. Sitting room with fireplace, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast (included) or hot cooked brunch (extra), outdoor spaces, lots of parking. $95-110. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Cedar Cottage B&B, 146 St James St S, ☏ +1 519-443-5743. $140. (updated Jul 2019)

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