Campbellford Ontario Visited

                                 

by Gary McWilliams (Festival Nomad)

You’ll Find It All Here
The following is an excerpt from the Campbellford BIA website – “Campbellford is a beautiful riverside community nestled along the banks of the Trent Severn Waterway in the rolling hills of Northumberland. Almost centrally located between Ottawa and Toronto via Highway # 30 – north of the 401 at the Brighton exit or south of Highway 7 at the Havelock exit. Campbellford is approximately one days journey by boat from Quinte Country northwest & about the same from the Kawarthas southeast.“

“The following description of Campbellford is base on our many visits to the town.”

Fortunately for Judi and me, Campbellford is only an hour’s drive away! This is one of the most picturesque towns along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

As you enter Campbellford from the south on County Road 30, you encounter a long park strip that is nestled between the county road and the waterway.

Follow the park (Old Mill Park) far enough and you come to the downtown area plus you will be greeted a giant replica of the Canadian “Toonie” (two dollar coin).

Campbellford was the hometown of the Toonie’s creator, internationally collected artist, Brent Townsend. In the summer, the park is a beautiful place to stop and have a picnic lunch! Judi and I try to do this a least twice a year.

As you can probably tell from my enthusiasm, Campbellford is a wonderful place to visit (and live)! There are lots of interesting shops in the downtown area including Bennett’s Furnishings and a “to die for” bakery!

I can still feel the “sugar rush” from their decadent donuts! So far Judi and I have visited two of their annual events, the Polar Bear Plunge (January) and their Canada Day Celebrations (July 1). Other annual events make Campbellford a great place to visit and explore.

Nearby, “must see” attractions include Westben Arts Festival Theatre and Ferris Provincial Park.

Westben Arts Festival Theatre is renown for its “World Class Music and its Wide Open Countryside”. The following is an excerpt from their website. “Bringing culture and nature together in perfect harmony, the magnificent 400-seat timber-frame barn opens onto a lush meadow, surrounded by the gently rolling hills of Northumberland County.”

and “The stage hosts an incredible array of renowned Canadian and international artists, from full symphony orchestras & choruses to chamber music and soloists.”

Ferris Provincial Park is located just outside of Campbellford. It’s trails are open summer and winter. The 300 foot long suspension bridge, 30 feet over the Ranney Gorge, gives all its visitors an adventure to remember!

 

So, whether it’s picnicking along the waterfront, shopping in the downtown or visiting on of the town’s terrific festivals or attractions, Campbellford is a “must” visit!