This Ontario hamlet changed its name three times & it’s a hidden gem

This Ontario hamlet took the saying “throw it against the wall and see what sticks” literally when it came to finding its identity. Terra Cotta had its name changed three times before it settled on one. It’s now a hidden gem with a small yet charming local business to discover.

Next Stop: Terra Cotta, Ontario

About an hour’s drive northwest of Toronto is Terra Cotta, near Credit River and the Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

According to Visit Caledon, this charming area has undergone several name changes throughout its history. In its early days, it was known as Tucker’s Mills, a name that reflected its milling roots. However, when a man named Simon Plewes took ownership, the town was rebranded as Plewes Mills.

The transformation didn’t stop there. With the opening of its very first post office, the town adopted the name Salmonville, inspired by the abundance of salmon that thrived in the river running through the area.

“Industry began in the area with brickworks exploiting the local red clay and in 1891 the post office was renamed Terra Cotta,” shares the site. And it has kept this name for over 130 years.

What to do here?

When visiting the area, check out the Terra Cotta Inn, a fine dining Italian restaurant. Visit Caledon describes it as “one of the most spectacular dining locations in Caledon.”

You’ll also want to explore the Terra Cotta Country Store. It’s a one-stop shop for all your fashion and accessories, baked treats, coffee, tea, gourmet ice cream, and fresh fruit frozen yogurt.

If you want a blast from the past, make your way to the Mile 0 Marker of the Caledon Trailway. There’s a kiln chimney, visible to the north of the trailway, that is the last trace of the brickworks from the 1800s.

About a three-minute drive from the hamlet is the Terra Cotta Conservation Area, too. Here’s where you can enjoy hiking trails, bird watching, and photography.

Though it won’t take you long to explore this hamlet, it’s a charmer nonetheless and day trip-worthy.

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