Between the oldest bridge in Ontario, and the historic one of its kind five-arch bridge, our province has no shortage of interesting historic structures. And another one to add is the West Montrose Covered Bridge, Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge.
Known as “The Kissing Bridge,” this one is located in Woolwich Township, and spans 198-feet across the Grand River, according to Explore Waterloo Region.
The historic bridge was built back in 1881, and apparently got its nickname due to “early horse and buggy drivers would sneak a kiss while driving through the sheltered bridge.”
The bridge is a designated Provincial Historic Site, and is also listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
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Besides it being one of the eight recognized under the region’s Heritage Bridge Recognition Program in 2018, the following year, the West Montrose Covered Bridge received its own stamp, issued by Canada Post.
Around that time, it was also being featured in a major Hollywood film production.
Stephen King fans may be aware that the West Montrose Covered Bridge provided the backdrop for several scenes in the 2017 horror movie It.
According to the region, the “scenes shot in West Montrose mainly featured the film’s child actors; ‘Pennywise’ the scary clown didn’t make the trip.”
If you are curious, it’s the location where Ben gets bullied and chased, as well as in the final scenes.
But, “In real life, it’s a popular tourist spot for a little smooch,” states the Explore Waterloo Region.
According to The Region of Waterloo, as of November 2023, it is looking to rehabilitate the West Montrose Covered Bridge through a major structural upgrade.
It is also asking for public input on whether signage should be posted to restrict motorized vehicles from using the bridge, stating that “Horse and buggies, pedestrians and cyclists would still be permitted across the bridge.”
For now, if you’re looking for a historic spot to visit this season, and one with a covered bridge that you can cycle through, you know where to go!
