Darling Dundas (Ontario)

Looking down on Dundas (hard to see in the trees) from the escarpment

Last weekend on a glorious sunny Sunday, I went, on recommendation from a friend, to a quaint little Victorian town in Southern Ontario called Dundas.  It had been an independent town but now it is considered part of Hamilton.

This old building from 1857 is on the main street west of the downtown. It looks to be residences now, but I do not know if it was always that.

Dundas was incorporated in 1847 as part of Wentworth County.  It was named by John Graves Simcoe, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time, for his friend Henry Dundas, who was the 1st Viscount Melville, a Scottish lawyer and politician who never visited North America.  Gotta wonder what their relationship was that he would name a town after him when the guy never even visited the place??  Prior to being called “Dundas” the town was called Coote’s Paradise, and renamed after 1814 to Dundas.(taken from wikipedia)

One of the many beautiful Victorian houses in fall colours

Dundas enjoyed economic prosperity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries,  through its access to Lake Ontario due to the creation and presence of the Desjardins Canal.   A number of Ontario cities (including Toronto) retain streets named Dundas Street, which serve as evidence of its onetime importance. Dundas was once the terminus of Toronto’s Dundas Street (also known as Highway 5), one of the earliest routes used by Ontario’s first settlers.

The old Post Office on the main street

So naturally given this type of history, and as many of you will know who have read my posts, that I am a history junky.  Can’t get enough.  And if Canada can only offer me history that goes back 200 – 250 years old, I’ll go for it.

They don't build them like this anymore

On this glorious sunny fall day, I drove there.  I had never been there in all my years living in Ontario.  I was greatly pleased by the descent from the top of the Canadian shield down into its pleasant valley.  And what a view from the top of the shield.  The fall colours, albeit starting to turn brown, were still gorgeous to look at.  Colours that are so indicative of autumn in Ontario.  I have not seen them for 16 years.

The brilliant colours of fall

The main street in Dundas is King St.  However there are only a few historical buildings that have been retained.  Most of the historical houses are found on the side streets.  Dundas has made an effort to mark those streets as well as the heritage streets.  On these streets you find the majestic Victorian red brick homes from the mid-1800s to early 1900s.  These are the homes I love.  Combine them with the fall colours and you have just a beautiful prospect.

My future home ... ya right

Dundas’ little historical museum was open as well which although small, offers a great overview of the history of Dundas from the times of native settlement to the present.  Even the original Doctor’s Office has been moved there and restored to its original state.  A fair bit of the original equipment used by the doctor is on display.  A bit primitive looking and you sort of shiver when you see the saws and forceps used in his practice, but fascinating nevertheless.

This amusing little poster was part of the special display in the historical museum which was showcasing the evolution of medicines

On the main street are some lovely stores and cafes worth visiting as well.  I must say that it was a very peaceful and enjoyable Sunday afternoon and I highly recommend it for a day trip.  What other gems in Southern Ontario will I discover next.  Come back and see from time to time.

The original doctor's office

One of the original churches. Congregation formed in 1795