List of historic places in Central Ontario facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special spots in your town? Many places have a rich history, and some are so important that they are officially recognized as historic places! These sites help us learn about the past and understand how our communities grew.

This article is a list of some amazing historic places you can find in Central Ontario. These places are special because they've been chosen for their importance, whether by local towns, the province, or even the whole country of Canada. They tell stories of the people and events that shaped this part of Ontario.

Historic Places in Central Ontario
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Historic Places in Central Ontario

Dufferin County

In Dufferin County, you can find a significant building that has served the community for many years.

Dufferin County Court House

The Dufferin County Court House is located at 51 Zina Street in Orangeville. This building has been a key part of the local government and justice system for a long time. It's where important decisions were made and laws were upheld.

Haliburton County

Haliburton County is home to a unique historic site that shows how communities cared for each other in the past.

Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost National Historic Site of Canada

The Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost is a special place found at 2314 Loop Road (Highway 648) in Highlands East. This outpost was like a small hospital or clinic, providing medical care to people in the area when doctors and hospitals were harder to reach. It played a vital role in keeping the community healthy.

Hastings County

Hastings County has a wide variety of historic places, from military buildings to beautiful homes and important waterways.

Belleville Armoury

The Armoury in Belleville, located at Bridge and Pinnacle Streets, is a historic building that was used by the military. Armouries are places where soldiers train and keep their equipment. This one has been an important part of Belleville's history.

Belleville Railway Station National Historic Site of Canada

The Belleville Railway Station, also known as the Grand Trunk station, is at 240 Station Street in Belleville. This station was a busy hub for trains, connecting people and goods across the country. It's a great example of early railway architecture in Canada.

Government of Canada Building

At 11 Station Street in Belleville, you'll find the Government of Canada Building. This building has likely housed various government offices, serving the public and helping with important community services.

Bellevue Terrace

Bellevue Terrace, located at 10 Patterson Street in Belleville, is a historic residential building. It represents the architectural styles and living conditions of the past in the area.

Glanmore / Phillips-Faulkner House National Historic Site of Canada

Glanmore, or the Phillips-Faulkner House, is a beautiful historic home at 257 Bridge Street East in Belleville. This grand house offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families from long ago and is now a museum.

Historic Buildings at CFB Trenton

CFB Trenton in Quinte West is a large Canadian Forces Base. Several buildings on the base are recognized for their historical importance, often related to military aviation and operations. These include:

9 Hangar and 10 Hangar
Building 21, Building 22, Building 23, Building 29, Building 49, Building 56
Hangar 77, Hangar 78, Hangar 80, Hangar 81, Hangar 82
VIP Private Married Quarters at 18 Caribou Crescent
Lockmaster's House (Sidney Locks)
Officers' Mess and Officer's Quarters

These buildings show the history of the air force base and how it has changed over time.

Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada

The Trent–Severn Waterway is a famous canal system that stretches from Trenton to Severn. A part of this waterway in Quinte West is a National Historic Site. It's an amazing engineering feat that connects lakes and rivers, allowing boats to travel long distances.

Christ Church, Her Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawk National Historic Site of Canada

This special church, Christ Church, Her Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawk, is located on South Church Lane in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. It holds great historical and cultural importance for the Mohawk people and for Canada.

Kawartha Lakes

The area of Kawartha Lakes features a notable bridge that is part of a famous waterway.

Canal Lake Concrete Arch Bridge National Historic Site of Canada

The Canal Lake Concrete Arch Bridge is a historic bridge over the Trent-Severn Waterway on Centennial Park Road in Kawartha Lakes. It's recognized for its unique design and its role in the waterway system.

District Municipality of Muskoka

The District Municipality of Muskoka is known for its beautiful natural areas and also for some very important historic sites.

Beausoleil Island National Historic Site of Canada

Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay near Honey Harbour is a National Historic Site. This island is important for its natural beauty and its long history of human use, especially by Indigenous peoples.

Woodchester Villa

Woodchester Villa is a historic home at 15 King Street in Bracebridge. It's a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and tells a story about the early settlers and their lives in Muskoka.

Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada

The Bethune Memorial House is located at 235 John Street North in Gravenhurst. This was the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, a famous Canadian doctor who became a hero for his medical work in China. His home is now a museum.

Huntsville CNR Station

The Huntsville CNR Station at 1 Station Road in Huntsville is a historic railway station. It reminds us of the days when trains were the main way to travel and transport goods in the region.

Western Islands Lighthouse

The Western Islands Lighthouse is on Double Top Island in the District Municipality of Muskoka. Lighthouses are important for guiding ships safely through waters, and this one has been doing that for many years.

Northumberland County

Northumberland County has many historic buildings, especially in its charming towns.

Barnum House

The Barnum House is a historic home located in Alnwick/Haldimand. It's a significant example of early 19th-century architecture in Ontario.

Former Canadian National Railways (VIA Rail) Station (Cobourg)

This old railway station at 201 Third Street in Cobourg used to be a busy spot for trains. It's a reminder of the importance of railways in connecting communities.

Old Market Building

The Old Market Building at 201 Third Street in Cobourg was once a central place for people to buy and sell goods. Markets were very important for local economies in the past.

Poplars

Poplars, located at 18 Spencer Street East in Cobourg, is a historic residence that showcases the architectural styles of its time.

Second Street Fire Hall

The Second Street Fire Hall at 213 Second Street in Cobourg is a historic building that once housed the town's fire department. It's a cool example of how fire services used to operate.

Victoria College

Victoria College at 100 University Street East in Cobourg was an important educational institution. It played a role in the history of higher education in Canada.

Victoria Hall / Cobourg Town Hall National Historic Site of Canada

Victoria Hall, also known as Cobourg Town Hall, at 55 King Street in Cobourg is a magnificent building. It's a National Historic Site because of its grand architecture and its importance as a center for local government.

Historic Homes and Buildings in Port Hope

The town of Port Hope has many historic buildings, showing its long and interesting past. These include:

26 Barrett Street
34-46 Walton Street
50 John Street
Armstrong Cottage at 239 Ridout Street
Bank of Upper Canada at 86 John Street, an old bank building
Blackham's Hotel at 4345 Dorset Street West, a former hotel
Bluestone House, also known as John David Smith House, at 21 Dorset Street East
Cassie Cottage at 15 Julia Street
Chalk Carriage Works at 46 Cavan Street, where carriages were made
Charles Clemes Duplex at 57 King Street
Charles Wickett House at 55 King Street
Crawley House at 28 Bedford Street
David Smart House at 175 Dorset Street West
Elias Smith House at 168 King Street
Fairmont: The David Smith House at 172 Dorset Street
George Manning Furby House at 61 Bramley Street North
Henry Howard Meredith House at 47 Pine Street South
Hooey Cottage at 20 Ward Street
James Leslie Cottage at 118 Bruton Street
James Sculthorp Townhouse at 200 Walton Street
John, Ontario and Queen Street Heritage Conservation District, an area with many historic buildings
John Tucker Williams House: Penryn Homestead at 82 Victoria Street South
Joseph Clarke House at 13 King Street
Judson A. Brown House at 82 Augusta Street
Little Bluestone at 117 King Street
Little Station at 10 Hayward Street
Margaret and Charles Stuart House at 180 Dorset Street East
Penstowe at 98 Ontario Street
Pinehurst at 44 Pine Street North
Port Hope Capitol Theatre at 14 Queen Street, a historic movie theatre
Port Hope CNR Station at 20 Hayward Street, another old train station
Port Hope Registry Office at 17 Mill Street North, where important records were kept
Port Hope Town Hall at 56 Queen Street, the center of local government
Richard Trick Cottage at 254 Ridout Street
Robert Mitchell House at 8 King Street
Robert Youdan Terrace at 46 Baldwin Street
St. Lawrence Hall Block at 87 Walton Street
St. Mark's Anglican Church at 51 King Street, a historic church
Smith Cottage at 72 Augusta Street
Smith House at 92 King Street
Thomas B. Chalk House at 48 Bloomsgrove Avenue
Thomas Clarke House: The Cone at 115 Dorset Street West
Thomas McCreery House at 78 Augusta Street
Thomas White House at 22 Shortt Street
Turner House at 73 Mill Street South
Union Cemetery Chapel at 114 Toronto Road
Waddell Block at 1 Waddell Street
Walton Street Heritage Conservation District, Downtown Port Hope, another area with many historic buildings
William B. Cawthorne House at 64 Augusta Street
William Bellamy Cottage at 64 Charles Street
William Craig House at 42 Bedford Street
William Sisson House: Wimbourne at 89 Dorset Street West
William Skitch Cottage at 159 Bruton Street
William Trick Cottage at 9 Church Street

These places show the rich history and beautiful architecture of Port Hope.

Parry Sound District

The Parry Sound District is known for its beautiful waterways and the lighthouses that guide ships.

Pointe-au-Baril Lighthouse

The Pointe-au-Baril Lighthouse is located in The Archipelago near Pointe au Baril. Lighthouses are important landmarks that help boats navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather.

Lighthouses in Carling

In Carling, you can find several historic lighthouses:

Lighttower; Jones Island Front Range at Gordon Rock
Lighttower; Jones Island Rear Range on the West side of Jones Island
Snug Harbour Rear Range Light Tower at the southern tip of Snug Island

These lighthouses were crucial for safe passage on the water.

Commanda General Store

The Commanda General Store at 4077 Highway 522 in Nipissing (Commanda) is a historic general store. These stores were once the heart of small communities, selling everything from food to tools.

Belvedere Heights Lookout

The Belvedere Heights Lookout in Parry Sound offers great views and is recognized as a historic spot. Lookouts often have historical significance, perhaps as a strategic point or a popular gathering place.

Canadian Pacific Railway Station (Parry Sound)

The Canadian Pacific Railway Station at 1 Avenue Road in Parry Sound is another historic train station. It played a big role in connecting Parry Sound to other parts of Canada.

Lighthouses in Parry Sound District

More lighthouses in the Parry Sound District include:

Lighttower; Byng Inlet Front Range
Rear Range Light Tower on Badgeley Island
Lighttower: Lighthouse Shoal on a shoal in northern Lake Rousseau
Lighthouse and Dwelling on Gereaux Island in Unorganized Centre Parry Sound District
Red Rock Light Tower on Red Rock Island in Unorganized Centre Parry Sound District

These structures are important parts of Canada's maritime history.

Peterborough County

Peterborough County is home to ancient Indigenous sites and many historic buildings in the city of Peterborough.

Canadian Pacific Railway Station (Havelock)

The Canadian Pacific Railway Station at Ottawa Street (Hwy No. 7 at Orange St.) in Havelock is a historic train station. It's a reminder of the railway's impact on the development of towns like Havelock.

Peterborough Petroglyphs National Historic Site of Canada

The Peterborough Petroglyphs are an amazing National Historic Site located in Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Otonabee–South Monaghan. These are ancient rock carvings made by Indigenous peoples, telling stories and showing their beliefs from thousands of years ago.

Serpent Mounds National Historic Site of Canada

The Serpent Mounds are another important National Historic Site in Otonabee–South Monaghan, found near Roach's Point and East Sugar Island in Rice Lake. These are ancient burial mounds shaped like a serpent, built by early Indigenous communities.

Historic Buildings in Peterborough

The city of Peterborough has many historic buildings, including:

Absalom Ingram House at 309 Engleburn Avenue
Auburn Mills Cottage at 205 Lisburn Street
Bonner Worth Mill Administration Building at 544 McDonnel Street
Burnham Mansion at 760 Lansdowne Street East
Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 316 Hunter Street West, a beautiful and historic church
Central School at 90 Murray Street, an old school building
Confederation Park at 501 George Street North, a historic park
Cox Terrace National Historic Site of Canada at 332-344 Rubidge Street, a row of historic houses
The Dixon-Stevenson-Bradburn Building at 379 George Street North
Dumble-Hinton House at 607 Stewart Street
Eastland House at 273 Hunter Street West
Engleburn House at 260 Engleburn Avenue
Fair-Bierk Building at 383 George Street North
Former Peterborough Post Office and Customs Building at 191-201 Charlotte Street, an important government building from the past
George Street United Church at 534 George Street, another historic church
Grover-Nicholls House at 415 Rubidge Street
Hamilton Carriage House at 478 Downie Street
Harstone House at 565 Water Street
Hay-Smit House at 155 Hunter Street East
Henry Calcutt House at 73 Robinson Street
Henry Myers Cottage at 538 Harvey Street
Hutchison House at 270 Brock Street
James Menzies House at 279 Sherbrooke Street
James Miller House at 565-569 Harvey Street
James Reid House at 1154 Armour Road
John Britton House at 533 Harvey Street
The Lundy Building at 285 George Street North
Malcolm House at 488 Aylmer Street
Malone at 62 Dunlop Street
Marchbanks at 361 Park Street North
Market Hall and Clock Tower at 360 George Street, a historic market building with a clock tower
Merino at 17 Merino Road
Morrow Building at 442-448 George Street North
Old Pump House at 1230 Water Street, an old building related to the city's water supply
Pagoda Bridge at 610 Parkhill Road West, a unique bridge
Pappas Building at 407-409 George Street North
Peck House at 183 Mark Street
Peterborough CPR Station at 175 George Street North, another historic train station
Peterborough Drill Hall / Armoury at 220 Murray Street, a military training hall
Peterborough Family YMCA at 475 George Street North, a historic community building
Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada on the Otonabee River, a famous and impressive boat lift
The Pines at 266 Burnham Street
Pioneer Park at 51 Hilliard Street
Robert Graham House at 547 Water Street
Sadleir House at 751 George Street North
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church at 118 Hunter Street
St. Peter's Bishop's Palace at 350 Hunter Street West
St. Peter's Cathedral Centre at 317 Hunter Street West
St. Peter's Rectory at 411 Reid Street
Smithtown Hill House at 269 Edinburgh Street
Sutton-Deyman House at 82 Dublin Street
Verulam at 236 Burnham Street
Weller-Boucher House at 548 Weller Street
William Blackwell House at 84 Benson Avenue
William Dixon House at 661 Park Street North
The Yelland Building at 464 George Street North

These buildings showcase Peterborough's development and architectural heritage.

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is known for its beautiful landscapes and important historical connections.

Carrying Place of the Bay of Quinte National Historic Site of Canada

This historic site is located at the intersection of the Trenton and Carrying Place Roads in Prince Edward (Carrying Place). It's a significant spot because it was a traditional portage route for Indigenous peoples and later for European settlers, connecting the Bay of Quinte to Lake Ontario.

Lighthouses in Prince Edward County

Several lighthouses in Prince Edward County are important for maritime history:

Lighthouse on Main Duck Island
Scotch Bonnet Island Lighthouse on Egg Island (also known as Scotch Bonnet Island)
False Duck Island Lighttower on False Duck Island (also known as Swetman Island)

These lighthouses helped guide ships safely along the coast.

Simcoe County

Simcoe County has a rich history, from railway stations to military bases and ancient Indigenous sites.

Canadian National Railways Allandale Station at Barrie

The Canadian National Railways Allandale Station at 285 Bradford Street in Barrie is a historic train station. It was a key part of Barrie's transportation network for many years.

Barrie Public Library

The Barrie Public Library at 37 Mulcaster Street in Barrie is a historic building that has served as a center for learning and community for a long time.

Master Mechanic's Building

The Master Mechanic's Building at 205 Lakeshore Drive in Barrie is a historic industrial building, likely related to the railway or other mechanical works.

Mulcaster Street Armoury

The Mulcaster Street Armoury at 36 Mulcaster Street in Barrie is a historic military building, similar to the one in Belleville.

Fort Sainte Marie II National Historic Site of Canada

Fort Sainte Marie II is a National Historic Site on the southern shore of Christian Island near Christian Island 30A. This site is important for understanding the history of early European settlement and Indigenous relations in the area.

Tower (Hope Island)

A historic tower is located on the Northern tip of Hope Island in Christian Island.

Claverleigh National Historic Site of Canada

Claverleigh is a National Historic Site located 3.2 km west of Creemore in Clearview. This site holds historical significance, though its specific details are not provided here.

Collingwood Heritage Conservation District

The Collingwood Heritage Conservation District covers the historic town core of Collingwood. This means that many buildings and the overall look of this area are protected because of their historical value.

Federal Building (Collingwood)

The Federal Building at 44 Hurontario Street in Collingwood is a historic government building.

Lighttower (Nottawasaga Island)

A historic lighttower is located on Nottawasaga Island in Collingwood.

Historic Buildings at CFB Borden

CFB Borden in Essa is a large military base with several historic buildings, including:

Barrie Armoury on Park Street
Building A-74 (Maple Mess) at 51 Maple Leaf Drive
Building A-78
Building E-108 at 18 Waterloo Road
Building O-102
Building O-109 (NCO Building)
Building P-148 (School)
Building S-136
Croil Hall (Building A142)
Hangar 3, Hangar 5, Hangar 6, Hangar 7, Hangar 10, Hangar 11, Hangar 12, Hangar 13 at Hangar Line
Junior Ranks Quarters (Building T-114) and (Building T-115)
Royal Flying Corps Hangars National Historic Site of Canada

These buildings are important for understanding the history of military aviation and training in Canada.

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Mission National Historic Site of Canada

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Mission is a National Historic Site on Highway 12 in Midland. This was a 17th-century French Jesuit mission, an important site for understanding early European and Indigenous interactions in Canada.

Canadian National Railway Station (Orillia)

The Canadian National Railway Station at 170 Front Street S in Orillia is a historic train station that served the town for many years.

Gribbin (McMaster) Building

The Gribbin (McMaster) Building at 45 Mississaga Street East in Orillia is a historic commercial building.

Kean's Block

Kean's Block at 19-27 Mississaga Street East in Orillia is another historic commercial building, showing the architecture of past businesses.

Stephen Leacock Museum / Old Brewery Bay National Historic Site of Canada

The Stephen Leacock Museum / Old Brewery Bay at 50 Museum Drive in Orillia is a National Historic Site. This was the home of Stephen Leacock, a famous Canadian humorist and writer.

Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church National Historic Site of Canada

The Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church is a National Historic Site at the intersection of Oro Sideroads 10 and 11 in Oro-Medonte. This church is incredibly important as one of the earliest Black communities in Ontario and a symbol of their history and faith.

Ossossane Sites National Historic Site

The Ossossane Sites are National Historic Sites located on the shore of Nottawasaga Bay in Ossossane Beach. These sites are important for understanding the history of the Huron-Wendat people.

St. James-on-the-Lines Anglican Church

St. James-on-the-Lines Anglican Church at 215 Church Street in Penetanguishene is a historic church with strong ties to the early military and settlement history of the area.

Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada (Port Severn)

Another part of the Trent–Severn Waterway is recognized as a National Historic Site in Port Severn. This section is important for the waterway's role in connecting the Great Lakes to Georgian Bay.

Mnjikaning Fish Weirs National Historic Site of Canada

The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs are a National Historic Site located at the bottom of the Narrows between Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching in Ramara. These ancient fish traps were built by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago and are still visible today, showing clever engineering and a deep connection to the land.

Strawberry Island Combined Lighthouse and Dwelling

This historic lighthouse and dwelling are located on Strawberry Island in Ramara.

Glengarry Landing National Historic Site of Canada

Glengarry Landing is a National Historic Site on Highway 26 in Springwater. This site is important for its role in early transportation and settlement in the region.

Mission of St. Ignace II National Historic Site of Canada

The Mission of St. Ignace II is a National Historic Site located in Tay. This was another important Jesuit mission site from the 17th century, providing insights into early European and Indigenous history.