The wetlands and West Perth
Thames Nature Trail are paradise for nature
photographers and bird watchers. Catch a glimpse of the heron, West
Perth’s
favourite bird, either in real life along the river, or in wood—carved
versions are placed strategically around town. Splash pads, an outdoor pool,
a petting zoo and playground will keep the younger set amused, while the
grownups can plan a picnic or relaxing walk along the area’s parks
and trails.
Highlights of the local celebrations include Spring Flings, fashion shows,
and Staffa’s Maple Syrup Festival in the spring, Mitchell’s
Cornfest and Classic Car Show in the summer, with the Mitchell Fall Fair
heralding in the harvest season. In June, Mitchell’s Fiddler’s
and Steppers Jamboree will see fiddlers and dancers of all ages take to
the stage. Listen to the sounds of folk, country, and bluegrass music at
Open Mic Jams at Schinbeins’ Random Acts of Music in downtown Mitchell
during the summer months.
Merchants in Mitchell and area
offer a unique assortment of furniture, crafts, home décor items, clothing
and quilting supplies, bicycles and motorcycles. Each summer, a large
quilt show is held at the Crystal Palace. Just 5 minutes from Mitchell is
the
small village of Dublin, known as ‘Ontario’s Furniture Village’,
boasting a broad selection of furniture, antique, and home décor shops.
A drive through the smaller communities of Fullarton, Bornholm, Staffa
and Brodhagen will give the chance to try local produce and flowers at various
farm gate stands.
West Perth Thames Nature Trail offers
exquisite views of the Thames River valley landscape and features over 10
km of varying levels of difficulty within 3 natural areas including wetland,
upland, and aquatic sections. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible.
The trail is a great location for cycling, hiking, jogging, geocaching,
bird watching, photography, and canoeing or kayaking on the millpond. Visitors
to Mitchell can enjoy picnic areas
at the Lions Park by the Thames River, as well as a walking trail, an aquatic
education station, an animal zoo and a free splash pad.
Mitchell is home to many heritage homes in a variety of styles – from
Ontario Cottages to Gothic, Queen Anne Revival, and Italianate. The title
of founder of Mitchell was given to John Hicks, who came to Canada from
Cornwall, England. In 1872, fire destroyed his original Commercial Hotel
on Ontario St., and it was replaced by the current building, known since
as Hicks House. Like many heritage buildings, it has gone through many changes
over the years, and today houses stores on the first floors, and residences
on the upper floors. The Thames River flows through West Perth and has been
designated a Heritage River by the UTRCA. A Heritage Walking Tour guide
is available that features some of the other prominent private homes and
churches in Mitchell. The Mitchell Archives is also a great stop to learn
more about the area. For tour information call 519-348-8429
For more information about West Perth visit the following
pages:
