This Ontario village is a historic gem considered the ‘Jewel of the Rideau’

Merrickville, Ont., is a beautiful, historic village, often considered the “Jewel of the Rideau.” Home to quiet, cozy streets, stunning architecture and natural beauty, here’s what to know about the Ontario village.

You’ll find this Victorian village about three and a half hours away from Toronto, just one hour outside of Ottawa.

Merrickville is located in eastern Ontario on the banks of the Rideau Canal. As previously mentioned, it’s been deemed the “Jewel of the Rideau,” thanks to its beauty and wonderful landscape.

History

According to Merrickville’s website, the village was originally part of an Indigenous portage route along the Rideau River. It underwent “significant development” in 1793 with the arrival of United Empire Loyalists Roger Stevens and William Merrick.

“These entrepreneurs were granted land by the British government and set their sights on harnessing the river’s rapids to power mills,” reads the website. “However, Roger Stevens passed away prematurely, leaving William Merrick as the primary settler responsible for completing Stevens’ mill and expanding with his own ventures.”

Through this time and into the 1830s, Merrickville saw success as an industrial hub. It would facilitate the shipment of goods and materials by road to Ottawa, Brockville, and the United States.

“The completion of the Rideau Canal in 1832 marked a turning point, catalyzing Merrickville’s economic boom,” adds the website.

But it wasn’t until the 1870s, with the arrival of the first railroads near Smith Falls, that Merrickville declined.

Despite all of this, Merrickville kept its significance as a local commercial hub, even though it dealt with reduced profits. Now fast forward to today, after amalgamating the Village of Merrickville and the Township of Wolford in 1998, the municipality maintains a blend of both rural lifestyle and village living.

Exploring the village

It holds to its authenticity so much that you won’t even find traffic lights in Merrickville. However, the village did add a few pedestrian crossings recently in order to keep walkers safe.

In addition to maintaining its historic charm, the village has over 100 designated heritage buildings, more than any other of similar size in Ontario.

You’ll truly feel like you took a step back in time, to a simpler and more peaceful era.

Explore the old stone homes and structures, go antique shopping, and pay the artist studios and artisan shops a visit, too! And of course, no trip is complete without navigating its hiking and walking trails.

It’s an all-season adventure.

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