Packenham and the Arched Bridge – An Afternoon in a Picturesque Town
Eastern Ontario’s western extent is home to sleepy little towns forgotten by time. One of these, Packenham, is worth a visit. Named after a brother-in-law to the Duke of Wellington, Sir Edward Michael Pakenham, its claim to fame is a stunning stone bridge that spans five majestic arches, the only five arched stone bridge in North America. One could call Packenham a one-horse town but I’d affectionately change that to a one bridge town 😉
History
Founded in 1829, as a post office, the town was a center for timber and agriculture. It grew into a lively village by the late 19th / early 20th century when the majority of its iconic structures, St. Peter’s Celestine Catholic Church and the five-arched bridge were constructed.
Exploring the Town
Despite the advancing years, the town has survived almost intact with its character. Most skip it for the nearby Packenham ski hill, but they would be missing out. You should probably start your visit to the riverfront park, by the stone arched bridge. Here you will find the Mississippi river rapids running along bedrock and lovely views of the stone structure. It was designed in 1903 by O’Toole & Keating, Scottish masons from the city of Ottawa. Its dimensions are an imposing 82m (268 feet) long, 6.7m (22 feet) high, and 7.6m (25 feet) wide.
The town is home to many lovely churches, the most impressive being St. Peter’s Celestine Catholic Church. The massive stone building was completed in 1892, and can be seen from all parts of town. It is one of three churches in Canada that still has Classic Italianate decorations in its interior.
On the main street, you will find many lovely businesses, the best known of which is a stone building home to the 1840s General Store & Bakery dating from 1840. It is Canada’s oldest general store continuously operating at its original location.
Conclusion
I hope that you enjoyed your stay in Packenham. Although it is not the most know of Ontario’s attractions it is however a worthwhile stop.