Caledonia Stroll

3 KM – 45 MINUTES 

START: Kinsmen Park Parking Lot – 49 Caithness Street West

The beauty of this trail is not only in the scenic vistas, but the serenity it offers when walking alongside the flow of the Grand River. Soak up the views and enjoy the splendor of the outdoors. This route is pedestrian and bike friendly.

Begin this short stroll at the Kinsmen Park Parking Lot (1) where you can park your car. Walk upstream along the Kinsmen Park Trail. As you walk, take in the view of the historic bowstring bridge that crosses the Grand River. With its 9 concrete arches, the Caledonia bridge is the longest of about 70 distinctive bridges that were designed by architect Charles Mattaini in the early 20th century. Many have been replaced, but several remain along the Grand River, from a 1-arch span moved to the Elora Cataract Rail Trail, to the 5 arches of the Bridgeport Bridge and the 7 arches of the Freeport bridge, both in Kitchener.

Take some pictures of the river and the bridge (tag us @Grand_Trails so we can share the love) and then walk west towards the Caledonia Dam (2) and the railway bridge. Once you reach the canoe launch, just beyond the bridge, turn around and make your way back to the trailhead on Argyle Street North.  Cross to the middle of the Argyle St Bridge (3) on the protected sidewalk and take some more photos.

Then turn around and return along Argyle St N. Continue to the main intersection in town, Caithness St, and turn R. Walk along Caithness St E to Edinburgh Square. The building in the centre of the square is the former Caledonia Town Hall and jail. It is now the town’s Heritage and Cultural Centre, holding the town archives and hosting special historical and art exhibitions. You can also visit the town’s original jail cell.

Walk up Edinburgh Square W to Sutherland St W and return to Argyle St N. Now it’s time for a snack or some lunch! Visit the bakery for a snack or choose one of the restaurants along Argyle St N for a more substantial meal.

Then head south towards the bridge. Turn R under the River Walk archway and return to the parking lot.