Visit Cargill

Greenock Swamp 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

This tour highlights the prohibition days of Bruce County and the men who laboured 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. 

Margaret's Mercantile

One of the most charming new shops in Bruce County, this pop-up artisan's market is filled to the brim with crafts, handiwork, art, baked goods and other delightful finds from over 30 local vendors.

Best of all, it's staffed by the very people who are selling their creations, so feel free to ask questions, explore, and learn about what inspires them. Many of the artists are also involved in the  Paisley Christmas Market in December.

Margaret's Mercantile is named after Margaret Cargill, the wife of village founder Henry Cargill. She was very fond of gardening and handicrafts.

Take advantage of the opportunity to bring home a little piece of Cargill when you visit Margaret's Mercantile.

Location: 207 Cargill Road

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

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.

Visitor Centre

Visit the 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 includes large storyboards depicting the history of the area, and maps and guides covering attractions throughout the region. Knowledgeable staff will help you make the most of your stay and ensure you get a ride on the Dinky Train to tour the village.

If you'd like to explore the Greenock Swamp as well, staff will point you in the right direction. 

Enjoy a fresh local beef burger straight from the BBQ, just across from the Visitor Centre,  from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday during July and August. 

Living History 

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 historic characters painted by local artist Steve Mackie. You'll find dozens of his murals and cut-outs throughout the village, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the adventure!

Be awed by the historic Henry Cargill House and other sites in this once bustling village. Self-guided walking tours are available, or you can take a ride on the dinky train. 

Explore the Greenock Swamp at the edge of town to gain an appreciation of the work involved in lumbering the area. 

Train Tours

Hop aboard the Dinky Train, a tribute to the train that once travelled the rails through the massive Greenock Swamp.

Our train will take you through the Village of Cargill and offer river views, with commentary about historic points of interest.

Schedule: The Dinky Train runs as guests 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

Cargill and Area Attractions

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.

Grab almost anything you might need while you are on the run at the Cargill Variety Store, which offers snacks and cold drinks, ice cream, groceries, ice and some local crafts. It's open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

You might also want to check out the beautifully refurbished Chepstow Inn, the oldest operating hotel in Bruce County, built in 1869 and featured on the Legends of the Great Swamp and Bootlegging Lore of the Great Swamp tours. 

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 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