The Legendary Greenock Swamp

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.

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 Cargill Visitor Centre

Stop by the Cargill and Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre & Museum 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, Thursday to Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm. 

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, and houses the village post office. 

Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Explore the Village on Foot

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 town. Admire the huge mural by Walkerton artist Steve Mackie, depicting the Cargill dam on the Teeswater River. 

Pick up a walking tour brochure to tour the village on your own, enjoying the mill dam, blacksmith shop, church and Henry Cargill House.

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.

In summer, be sure to check out the privately operated Cargill and Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre & Museum, The Mill Pond Gallery, the Bruce County Bookstore, and a small cafe, The Dam Ice Cream Bar, with artisan ice cream and other treats. They're all open Thursday to Sunday from 12-5 pm, from Canada Day to Labour Day. 

Keep an eye out for special events each summer such as book readings at the Bruce County Bookstore, demonstrations of barrel making and other crafts, and opportunities to meet the artists behind the stunning works on display in the Mill Pond Gallery. There are many activities for kids as well, such as wagon rides and ice cream cones overlooking the Teeswater River.  

Self-Guided Tours

There are two points of entry to access the Schmidt Lake area of the Greenock Swamp Wetland, and many looping trails within the complex, which is managed by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. Find trail maps and more information on the Saugeen Valley Conservation website. 

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! For more information, please email greenocktours@gmail.com.

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. 

For more information, please email greenocktours@gmail.com.

Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex

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 also its historic significance. 

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