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.
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.
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 🙂
Kelly xoxo
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JUST ONE PASSPORT 
kwt27@georgetown.edu
I love covered bridges! Where I live in Vermont we have so many! They are so quaint and cute. So cool that it’s the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario!
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Just One Passport
That is one of the reasons I want to visit Vermont! I love little finds like this and I know Vermont has so many.
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Brian
Such a cool spot to have locally! It’s a goal of mine to get out to the east coast and see some of the covered bridges of New England! Would love to also get up to the eastern side of Canada and explore as I’ve only been to the western side thus far. Thanks for sharing!
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Just One Passport
You HAVE to come to Eastern Canada. It is so different than Canada’s west coast. It’s much more laid back with lots of little fishing villages.
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Brian
It’s definitely on my list! The west draws us in, and it’s closer, but we will get to the East at some point!
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Just One Passport
I didn’t make it West until 2 years ago and I live here lol. I can certainly see why it draws you in. I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen.
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Sarah Camp | In Search of Sarah
Yesss I have this bridge marked for our next trip when we go to St Jacobs! Thanks for sharing these spots because honestly I didn’t know some of these existed and I’ve lived here my whole life hahahah!!!
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Just One Passport
Me too and I’m also just finding them
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Florin 🌍 (@FlorinSuciu)
Love it and I love even more the fact that you share this kind of hidden gems, looking forward for your next posts. I added your blog to the recommendations page on my blog, it’s super inspiring!
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Just One Passport
Thank you!
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Kelly
I have never seen a covered bridge like this and I love the story and history behind it! Such fun hidden gems all over Ontario and can’t wait to explore this one day too 🙂
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Just One Passport
There really is a lot in Ontario that I didnt know about. I guess COVID has been good for something.
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carolcolborn
Great to see. Is it the longest covered bridge and is that why it’s called the Kissing Bridge?
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Just One Passport
It is called the Kissing Bridge, because the Mennonites would sneak a kiss while travelling through it.
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Agnieszka
I love covered bridges. I visited a lot of them in the US, especially in Oregon and Iowa. I did not hear about West Montrose Kissing Bridge. It looks beautiful. I add it to my list!
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Just One Passport
I would love to visit Oregon and Iowa one day to explore the covered bridges. There aren’t many of them left here in Canada
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Digitaldaybook
This is the side of Canada most people don’t see or imagine! Thanks for sharing!
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Just One Passport
No it isn’t. Most people go west or further east and think of Ontario as only having Toronto, when in fact there is so much more!
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Caitlin
I see the comments above about Vermont. VT is where I am from and I so often forget how lucky I was to grow up amongst this beauty – we have multiple covered bridges within a few miles radius. So many tourists are always coming and snapping photos!
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Just One Passport
I would love to take a Fall roadtrip down to Vermont one day!
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travelsandwandering
I love these kissing bridges they are so quant. Are they an a American or Canadian thing? We don’t have them here in the U.K. but I have property in New Brunswick round the courner from one and I don’t know why but I just love them.
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Just One Passport
You can find them in Canada and the U.S., although the U.S. has a tonne more of them than we do here in Canada.
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myrestingbeachface
There are so many beautiful places out there, and so little time! Thank you for sharing this wonderful location!
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Just One Passport
I completely agree!
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Anuradha
The bridge does look unique and very instagrammable. I have not been to Canada yet, but when I go, I want to make sure I visit places like this! As I have a thing for bridges too!
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Just One Passport
hopefully you will get to canada. There is so much to see and do!
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Aradhana
The West Montrose Kissing bridge does look unique, covered bridges have a distinct charm. Would love to check it out when in Canada!
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Just One Passport
They are pretty cool. We don’t have many of them left in Canada unfortunately.
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GGeorgina
I think when I visit Ontario next, I shall be stopping at the Kissing Bridge of West Montrose – I have a list of covered bridges to tick off.
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Just One Passport
It is pretty. If you do visit, be sure to also visit St. Jacobs!
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GGeorgina
I sure will1 🙂
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Michelle
This is so great. I love these bridges
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Just One Passport
I do as well and I had know idea it was a 10 minute drive from my house
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Pamela Drager
I love your hidden gems! They’re always so great 🙂 Though whenever I see a covered bridge I think of Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp haha.
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Just One Passport
🤣🤣🤣 thank you. I have fun searching for my hidden gems
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Stephanie Amb
How cute, I LOVE the story behind this bridge! I wonder if this was before or after the Mennonite couple was married? This covered bridge is so idyllic, and with a horse and buggy driving by, I’m sure it’s even more so!
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Just One Passport
good question…although I know Mennonites don’t show affection in public. Yes day i was at the bridge, I was lucky to see a horse and buggy come through. It was so cool.
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