Bonfield, Ontario, is a charming township nestled in northeastern Ontario, Canada. It lies on the Mattawa River in the Nipissing District, offering a serene environment for both residents and visitors. The township comprises the communities of Bonfield, Rutherglen, Blanchard's Landing, and Grand Desert.
Bonfield, Ontario, is a collection of four distinct communities. The community of Bonfield is connected to Ontario Highway 17 by Ontario Highway 531, providing easy access for travelers. Rutherglen is located directly on the route of Highway 17, while Blanchard's Landing and Grand Desert are situated on local roads within the township.
Bonfield, Ontario, was named after James Bonfield (1825-1900), a one-time M.P.P for South Renfrew in the Ontario legislature. The town and neighboring township were amalgamated on January 1, 1975.
The community of Bonfield was first settled in 1882 as a station on the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was originally named Callander Station, but after much confusion with the original village of Callander, the station was renamed Bonfield, adopting the name of the township in which it is located.
In 2007, Bonfield, along with the town of Mattawa and the townships of Papineau-Cameron, Mattawan, and Calvin, cooperated to create the newly branded Mattawa Voyageur Country tourist region to promote the area.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Bonfield had a population of 2,146 living in 889 of its 1,080 total private dwellings. This was a change of 7.8% from its 2016 population of 1,990. With a land area of 206.22 km2 (79.62 sq mi), Bonfield had a population density of 10.4/km2 (27.0/sq mi) in 2021.
Bonfield, Ontario, is also home to a world record holder. 'Jake' the cat, born in 2002, holds the record for the most number of toes. Jake has 7 toes on each paw, totaling 28, making him a unique attraction in this quaint township.
Discover the charm and history of Bonfield, Ontario, and experience the natural beauty of this part of Canada. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Bonfield, Ontario, has something to offer.
