Walking Tour of Paris
6 KM – 1½ HOURS
START: 28 Mechanic St, Paris (Public Parking Lot)
The picturesque little town of Paris, Ontario, straddles the Grand River. The town gets its name, not from the other Paris in France, but from the gypsum deposits nearby used for making plaster of Paris. It is known for its distinctive cobblestone architecture and stunning views of the Grand River
Explore the many unique shops in the centre of Paris. Later enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in downtown Paris.
Park at the municipal parking lot (1) on Mechanic St, across from the Paris Wincey Mills, an indoor market set in a renovated former textile mill, which was powered by the river.. Fuel your trip with coffee and snacks from the café on the ground floor of the mills.
Turn west onto Mechanic St and walk towards the bridge, which crosses over the Nith River, a major tributary of the Grand. Cross the bridge to Lions Park.
Turn L onto Distillery Lane (the first trail after the bridge). Continue on Distillery Lane to Grand River St S. Cross the street and turn L onto Grand River St S. Continue over the bridge which takes you back over the Nith River. Look over the bridge parapet and see where the Nith River meets the Grand River.
Continue up Grand River St N. You pass 2 Rivers Restaurant and Stillwaters Plate and Pour which serve lunch and dinner, and both of which have patios overlooking the Grand River. There you can watch the paddlers and rafters drift downstream on the river while you eat.
Cross William St at the lights. Turn R and cross the bridge over the Grand River. Stop to admire the old stone buildings that back onto the river. Immediately after the bridge (2), turn L onto the trail that runs along the Grand River. Note Penman’s Dam across the river on your L. Take the stairs just before the dam, which descend to Elm St.
Turn L onto Elm St and walk up to Walnut St and turn R. Almost immediately turn L onto Portland St, which is a gravel laneway. Continue to where the lane meets the SC Johnson Trail. Turn R and proceed under the railway bridge. Continue on the SC Johnson Trail, making sure to stop at the lookout and admire the view across Paris. Continue until Curtis Ave N.
Turn L on to Curtis Ave N (3) and walk up to the trailhead for the SC Johnson Trail (4). Turn L onto the trail. When you reach the main trail, turn R.
Continue on the SC Johnson Trail to the trailhead kiosk (5). Then turn sharply to the L, down the hill to William St. Stop off at the Paris Museum and Historical Society inside the Syl Apps Community Centre. Explore the exhibits and learn more about the rich heritage of the town of Paris.
Continue along William St and cross the bridge back over the Grand River. There are a number of businesses at the corner of William St and Grand River St N. Stop for a coffee at the Dog-Eared Café, a combination second hand bookstore and café. Next door is Grand Experiences, which offers guided tours and self-guided paddling trips on the river. Or for a pub lunch, try Cobblestone Public House. On the other side of Grand River Street North is the historic Arlington Hotel built around 1850, now a boutique hotel. In the evening, enjoy small plates in the Library Bar in the hotel.
From William St and Grand River St N continue along William St to Broadway St W. Note the Paris Bohemian Gallery, an art gallery featuring local artists. which is on the south side of the street. Turn L onto Broadway St W at the Baptist Church and continue back to Wincey Mills.
View of Penman’s Dam and Town of Paris
