Visit Southern Ontario's Single Largest Forested Wetland!
The Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex covers over 8,094 hectares (20,000 acres) of land in the western portion of the Municipality of Brockton in southern Bruce County.
Come explore this amazing wetland ecosystem and experience the intrigue of the Legendary Greenock Swamp.
This amazing ecosystem is noted for its ability to act as a giant sponge, releasing water during periods of drought and absorbing water during heavy rainfall. The swamp also boasts a diversity and abundance of wildlife and is home to a number of significant species from the carnivorous Pitcher and Sundew Plants to bald eagles and everything in between.
Enjoy a short hike through the forest and then experience bog life up close from the floating boardwalk or viewing dock on Schmidt Lake. Visit the Legendary Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre in the Historic Village of Cargill to learn more about this amazing wetland complex and the legends and lore that surround it. Step back in time through displays, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations from the era of Bruce County lumber baron, Henry Cargill.
The Legendary Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre in the Historic Village of Cargill was featured on CTV London News! Watch the full video to see all of the features the Visitor Centre and Greenock Swamp has to offer.
Visit our application for more information regarding Cargill and the tours being offered
The Legendary Greenock Swamp and Historic Cargill Application
The Historic Village of Cargill |
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In the late 1800s, Henry Cargill (August 13, 1838 – October 1, 1903) purchased much of the land that is now the Greenock Swamp which contained large stands of white pine. Cargill established mills to process the timber and also established a woollen mill and a general store. Cargill had canals cut to float timber out of the swamp to the sawmill and also to drain swamp land to be used for farming. The village of Cargill developed on the banks of the Teeswater River on the border of the former townships of Greenock and Brant. The area had also been widely used by indigenous people in the area and was also known as Yokassippi – a distortion of the term ‘Drowned Lands River’, which the Ojibway used to refer to the area.
Cargill became the first village of its size in this part of Canada to have its own electric power and fire protection. Cargill served as reeve for Greenock Township from 1884 to 1886 and also served as village postmaster. Cargill was also a Federal Member of Parliament of East Bruce for many years and died in the House of Commons in Ottawa in 1903. |
Step Back in Time – History Comes Alive in Cargill |
The Legendary Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre
Location: 203 Cargill Road Open: July and August, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Barbeque & RefreshmentsEnjoy a fresh local beef burger straight from the BBQ! Open: Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cargill Variety StoreGrab most anything you might need while you are on the run or out and about: snacks and cold drinks, ice cream, groceries, ice. The Variety Store also sells some local crafts. Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Period Themed Demonstrations & Vendors |
| Many of the buildings along the main street in Cargill have remained largely unchanged since they were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
This unique backdrop makes for a fun way to explore the 19th century themed displays, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations.
Have your photo taken among life-sized artwork - the Village is filled with 70 historic cut-outs painted by local artist Steve Mackie. Be awed by the working blacksmith shop then be sure to stop and admire the historic Henry Cargill House. Blacksmith DemonstrationsOpen: Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Train Tours |
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Hop aboard the Dinky Train, a tribute to the train that once travelled the rails through the massive swamp, to explore the Village, river views and historic points of interest.
Schedule: The Dinky Train runs as visitors arrive at the Visitor Centre, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fare: By donation.
Visit our Dinky Train Application for route and stop information. |
Visitor Information |
| The once bustling village is quieter now and is home to the Cargill Variety Store, Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, the Cargill Branch of the Bruce County Public Library and Cargill Park which features scenic millpond views, a playground, community centre and sports fields.
Explore these links for other exciting activities in our area: |
Self-Guided Tours |
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There are two points of entry to access the Schmidt Lake area of the Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex.
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Organized Tours |
Legends of the Great SwampThis tour encompasses the legends and lore of this incredible natural area. This swamp has always been a source of intrigue since the first European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. Legends abound about man-eating plants, quick sand and a mysterious green light that has driven even the most dedicated outdoorsman, running for his life. This tour features lots of legends and lore, as well as tours of local historic buildings, wine tasting, a walk along the floating boardwalk system, a full course meal and more! Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp
This tour highlights the prohibition days of Bruce County and the men who labored in the bowels of this 20,000 acre swamp, making moonshine in the dead of the night. Hear about their amazing stories, the hardships, the lure of fast money and the penalties that came with getting caught. The tour includes a visit to the Walkerton Jail, where you can retrace the footsteps of some infamous inmates and escape artists. Tour Dates & PricesSaturday, May 4: Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp – limited tickets available. Saturday, May 11: Legends of the Great Swamp – SOLD OUT Saturday, July 13: Legends of the Great Swamp Saturday, August 17: Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp Saturday, September 7: Legends of the Great Swamp
Book early to avoid missing out! Tickets $80 per person or $150 for two. All tours are listed on eventbrite.ca, or call ahead to Saugeen Conservation at 366-3040 ext. 229.
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Events |
Cargill Visitor Centre Open HouseDate: Friday, June 22, 2018 1:00 p.m. Location: 203 Cargill Road Help us launch our new Visitor and Interpretive Centre!
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Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex |
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The Greenock Swamp is truly a unique feature in Southern Ontario. Part of its attraction is the intrigue and mystery surrounding this 8,000 hectare natural area. Not only does the Greenock Swamp rank the top of the line in terms of its environmental importance and significance, but the role this wetland HAS played in local history is a key element to its popularity and ongoing attraction. Visit the Saugeen Conservation site to learn more. |
Press |
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Hanover Post - History and mysteries at Greenock Swamp (July 20, 2018) CTV News, London - Cargill Swamp Tours |
Partners
Thanks to the partners who have made this summer’s Cargill Visitor Centre possible!
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