Coldwater – A Quaint Ontario Mill Town
This tiny village built on the banks of the Coldwater River and tucked away off Highway 12 is a pleasant surprise to all who have not had the pleasure of walking its streets. Renowned for its steampunk festival, historic mill and quaint shops, it is surely worth a visit – especially if you are doing the drive from Toronto to Sudbury along the 400.
Table of Contents
- Arrival in Town, Colwater Planet and Festivals (Witches Walk, Candlelight Walk and Steampunk)
- Main Street and the Town
- Coldwater Mill
- Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum
- Conclusion
Arrival in Town, Colwater Planet and Festivals (Witches Walk, Candlelight Walk and Steampunk)
When you arrive in town, make sure to grab a Coldwater Planet. This adorable town gazette published monthly over the summer will likely be given to you by one of the city residents on the main street or in one of the shops. Produced by the steampunk society it will give you an idea what is going on in town over the next while. Speaking of which if you have the chance make sure to come into town for the festival. The main street will be flooded with costumed people and it is just an all around good time.
For those more into Halloween and are of the female sex, you will be glad to know that Coldwater has a Witches walk over the fall months. Furthermore if you wish to have a wholesome Christmas experience
Main Street and the Town
As previously mentioned Coldwater’s main street is home to many unique businesses. These tend to be well decorated and worth a stop at if you have the time to look around. If you are an antique seeker, you will surely be pleased. If you are in town in the morning there is an old school diner as well as several cafe’s.
The street itself is pretty typical for one constructed in North America. The buildings are mostly of masonry, with a few trees to spruce up the streetscape.
While in town take a look for the statue dedicated to George Gray, an Olympic Shotput Champion as well as the adorable single story Severn Township Public Library, a small stone building on the main street. For those staying in town over night, there is also a Bowling alley!
Coldwater Mill
From the main street you can cross a bridge over the Coldwater River to get to the Coldwater Mill, the principle historic attraction in the town. On the white building ajoining the bridge you will find a portrait of what this area looked like back in the towns heyday.
From the opposite banks of the river you will find a parkette with great views of the mill.
Today the mill serves as a market with a special Christmas Market in the winter months, it is also a staging point for the Candlelight Walk and Santa Claus Parade. The distinctive red building dates from 1833 and is the still in good condition.
You will also find some heritage information on the Coldwater settlement, its main players and their significance within the history of the region.
Behind the mill you will find the musical barn, a public space dedicated to live music featuring the cupola of an old barn from 1866 that was central to the music community in town. Although the barn was lost in 1973, this miniature recreated bandstand still serves the community.
You will also find some of the mills old equipment.
Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum
A final attraction that you may want to visit is the Coldwater Canadiana museum. This museum is located on the 1840’s log Woodrow Homestead, located on an old stagecoach road. The museum is dedicated to what life was like in Coldwater in the 1830’s.
Conclusion
As short as this post is, do not let it dissuade you from visiting the area, especially in the summer and fall months. Not only is the town well decorated and festive but it is entirely full of life.
