Nestled in the Almaguin Highlands region of the District of Parry Sound, Callander, Ontario, is a charming township located at the southeast end of Lake Nipissing. Formerly known as the Township of North Himsworth, Callander adopted its new name in 2003 to better represent its major community.
The main community of Callander is situated in the northeast corner of the municipality, along the eastern shore of Callander Bay. The rural population of Callander, primarily located along Highway 654 West, encompasses the south shore of Callander Bay and Lake Nipissing. This area includes the communities of Wisawasa and Lighthouse Beach, adding to the diverse landscape of Callander, Ontario.
Callander Bay is a Proterozoic volcanic pipe formed approximately 500 million years ago. It is one of eight known volcanic sites in Ontario, including the Manitou Islands in North Bay. The first inhabitants of the Callander area were of Ojibwa and Algonquin descent, known today as the Nipissing First Nation.
In 1610, French explorer Samuel de Champlain sent Étienne Brûlé, a young apprentice, to live with the Huron natives at Georgian Bay. Brûlé discovered Lake Nipissing via the La Vase River Portage, establishing a major fur trading route linking the Ottawa River with the upper Great Lakes.
In 1880, George Morrison, a pioneer from Southern Ontario, established a Post Office in his general store on June 1, 1881, naming it after his parents' Scottish birthplace of Callander. The area attracted logging companies due to the abundant Eastern White Pine, with companies such as J.R. Booth Lumber Company, John B. Smith & Sons Lumber Company, Payette Lumber Company, and Thomas Darling & Sons Lumber Company establishing mills in Callander.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Callander had a population of 3,964 living in 1,636 of its 1,758 total private dwellings. This represented a 2.6% increase from its 2016 population of 3,863. With a land area of 102.98 km2 (39.76 sq mi), Callander had a population density of 38.5/km2 (99.7/sq mi) in 2021.
Callander, Ontario, is a community rich in history and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the volcanic sites, learning about the area's indigenous history, or simply enjoying the serene landscapes, Callander offers a unique experience for all visitors.
