Dundas, Ontario – My Top 6 Picks
Dundas was originally known as Cootes Paradise, named after Captain Cootes of the Kings Royal 8th Regiment and was incorporated as a town in 1847. Its tree lined streets, heritage homes and picturesque downtown reflect the nostalgic quality of the past. Businesses, found in renovated Victorian buildings, were mostly built of limestone or brick after a fire in 1881 destroyed original wooden buildings. Downtown consists of two blocks along King Street West with specialty stores. Fran White, the owner of Heirlooms Bridal Saloon, says the building used to be Hugh Walker’s Hardware Store built in 1883. They renovated the building in 1987 but kept the original 14-foot ceilings, wooden floors, long counter and sliding rail ladder. Mickey McGuire’s Cheese Shop offers a wide selection of cheeses from around the world. Inside the Ukrainian Store there are pirogues, traditional meats and delicious biscuits. The arts helped shape the destiny of Dundas which is home to many artists who have achieved international fame. Off the main street is the Dundas Valley School of Art set in an 1830s one-time munitions factory on Ogilvie Street. Learn more Dundas history at the Dundas Museum and Archives on Park Street West. Drive slowly down Victoria Street to admire gorgeous stately historical homes. Taylor’s Tearoom is a great place to have lunch or afternoon tea. The Keeping Room is a fabulous kitchen shop.
