Some places feel like they belong in another era, and Merrickville, Ontario, is one of them. As one of the only authentic preserved 19th-century villages in the province, this historic gem is not just beautiful, it’s like stepping straight into the past. You can thank its historically designated buildings or the lack of traffic lights.
About three and a half hours away from Toronto is where you’ll find this Victorian village. Merrickville is located in eastern Ontario on the banks of the Rideau Canal.
Thanks to its beauty and wonderful landscape, it is considered the “Jewel of the Rideau.” According to Merrickville’s town website, this lovely plot of land was also named Canada’s most beautiful village by the organization Communities in Bloom.
It had held onto its roots so much so that you won’t even find traffic lights in Merrickville. “You won’t find any parking meters or traffic lights here but you might find the Town Crier and very friendly villagers,” shares the site.
Merrickville & its history
The town was originally part of an Indigenous portage route along the Rideau River. It wasn’t until 1793 when it underwent significant development of the arrival of United Empire Loyalists Roger Stevens and William Merrick. “These entrepreneurs were granted land by the British government and set their sights on harnessing the river’s rapids to power mills,” shares the town.
“However, Roger Stevens passed away prematurely, leaving William Merrick as the primary settler responsible for completing Stevens’ mill and expanding with his own ventures.”
Merrickville then thrived as an industrial hub until the 1830s and even saw an economic boom in 1832, thanks to the completion of the Rideau Canal.
But with the first railroads in Smiths Falls years later, Merrickville’s prominence was diminished. Despite the favour over railroads versus boat, Merrickville “retained significance as a local commercial hub.”
Yet, while its role in transportation waned, its historic charm remained. The village has over 100 designated heritage buildings, more than any other of similar size in Ontario. Now that’s impressive.
You’ll truly feel like you took a step back in time, to a more simple and peaceful era. Explore the old stone homes and structures, go antique shopping, and pay the artist studios and artisan shops a visit, too!
So, if you’re looking for a getaway that blends history, heritage, and small-town magic, Merrickville is waiting to welcome you. And no traffic lights are required.
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