The Legendary Greenock Swamp

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Visit Southern Ontario's Single Largest Forested Wetland!

The Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex covers over 20,000 acres of land in the western portion of Brockton in southern Bruce County, presenting many opportunities for exploration.

Head to Schmidt Lake to check out the swamp yourself from the floating boardwalk, or sign up for one of two guided tours, "Legends of the Great Swamp" or "Bootlegging Lore of the Great 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. 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.

The Legendary Greenock Swamp and Historic Cargill Application

The Historic Village of Cargill

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.

Sketched Bird's Eye View of 1800s Cargill

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

Mayor Inglis poses in a cut-out of historic village character

Visit The Legendary Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre in the Historic Village of Cargill this summer to get a taste of everyday life in a southern Ontario village during Henry Cargill’s era.

Location: 203 Cargill Road

Open: July and August, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Visitor Centre will hold an Open House on Friday June 28, 2019 starting at 1:00 p.m. with free horse-drawn wagon rides, train rides, guided walking tours of Cargill, blacksmith demonstrations, a bbq and the opening of Margaret's Mercantile, a new pop-up store highlighting the work of local crafters and artisans.

Barbeque and Refreshments

Enjoy a fresh local beef burger straight from the BBQ!

Open: July and August, Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cargill Variety Store

Grab 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.

Period Themed Demonstrations and 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.

Hand painted life size characters and antique wagon in village

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 Demonstrations

Open: July and August: Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Train Tours

Red Dinkey Train in Cargill

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. in July and August.

Fare: By donation.

Click on our Dinky Train app for route and stops.

Cargill Dinky Train Tour App

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

There are two points of entry to access the Schmidt Lake area of the Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex.

Canoeing on Schmidt Lake, Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex

Organized Tours

Legends of the Great Swamp

This 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

Greenock Swamp Tour Participant Posing with Moonshine Jug

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.

2019 Tour Dates and Prices

Saturday, May 4: Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp

Saturday, May 11: Legends of the Great Swamp

Saturday, July 13: Legends of the Great Swamp

Saturday, August 17: Legends of the Great Swamp

Saturday, August 31: Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp

Saturday, September 7: Legends of the Great Swamp

Book early to avoid missing out! Tickets are $80.00 per person or $150.00 for two people. All tours are listed on eventbrite.ca, or call ahead to the Muncipality of Brockton at 519-881-2223 Ext. 131 or to Saugeen Conservation at 519-367-3040 Ext. 229.

Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex

Norther Pitcher Plant Flower

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

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!