West Montrose Kissing Bridge | In My Own Backyard

The West Montrose Kissing Bridge is one of the most instagramable spots in Ontario. It is a hidden gem that is not know about by many people, however, it is an historic site that should be visited by all.

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Visiting the West Montrose Covered Bridge (Kissing Bridge)

History of West Montrose Covered Bridge 

West Montrose Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario.  It was built in 1881 and spans 198 feet across the Grand River, connecting Hill Street, Covered Bridge Drive, and Rivers Edge Drive.

The original bridge was constructed solely out of wood, however, it has since been rebuilt with wood, stone, concrete, asphalt, and steel. The original design from 1881 has been maintained.

The Kissing Bridge is still used today by horse and buggies, pedestrians, and vehicles  weighing less than 3 tonnes, which allows them to cross the Grand River.

West Montrose Covered Bridge: An Historic Landmark

In 1960, the Province of Ontario declared the West Montrose Covered Bridge as a Provincial archeological and historic site. It can be found on Canadian Register of Historic Places.

In 2007, the bridge was designated by the Township of Woolwich as an historic landmark, signifying the significance of the structure that remains today.

How To Get To West Montrose Covered Bridge 

The Kissing Bridge is located in the Village of West Montrose, in Waterloo Region. This small obscure village has a population of 257.   West Montrose is 112.7 km from Toronto, and a short drive from St. Jacobs, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Guelph.  It is worth a visit to the Kissing Bridge if you want to grab the perfect instagram shot and see one of Ontario’s hidden gems.  You might even get lucky enough to come across a horse and buggy, which still frequent the area to this day.

How West Montrose Covered Bridge got its Name “Kissing Bridge”

Back in the day the Mennonites would sneak a kiss while travelling through the covered bridge. This is how the West Montrose covered bridge became fondly known as the “Kissing Bridge”.

Lost Acre Variety Store in West Montrose, Ontario

When visiting the West Montrose Covered Bridge, I highly recommend that you stop in at the Lost Acre Variety Store. The store is the only “grocery” store in the area, but it offers an abundance of products, especially for bakers.

Grand Valley Trail – West Montrose to Middlebrook Road

The Waterloo Region is stacked with great hiking trails. The Grand Valley Trail can be accessed directly from the Kissing Bridge. The trail is a moderate 4.5 km out and back trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

The West Montrose Covered Bridge – Conclusion

In conclusion, when you are visiting the Waterloo Region, a stop at the West Montrose Covered Bridge is a must to put on your list of places to see. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of getting the perfect picture at the Kissing Bridge!

SAFE TRAVELS 🙂

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