Campbellford, Ontario, is a charming unincorporated place nestled in the heart of Northumberland County. Formerly a town, it now forms part of the township municipality of Trent Hills. Conveniently located midway between Toronto and Ottawa, Campbellford is easily accessible from Highway 401 and Highway 7. This quaint community is surrounded by prime agricultural land, home to a variety of farms, and is a hub of activity on both the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Trans Canada Trail.
The history of Campbellford dates back to 1834 when the first settlers arrived. The town's rich past is evident in its many well-preserved Victorian homes. Campbellford officially became a town in 1906, a status it held until its amalgamation with Hastings and Warkworth in 2001 to form the Municipality of Trent Hills.
The town's name has an interesting origin story. In the early 19th century, the British government granted 1800 acres of land to two brothers, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Campbell and Major David Campbell. The Trent River, which flowed through their property, had a shallow crossing point that came to be known as "Campbell's Ford." This name eventually evolved into Campbellford.
Campbellford, Ontario, is a vibrant community with a lot to offer both residents and visitors. The Campbellford Memorial Hospital, the largest employer in the area, is the only hospital located between Belleville and Peterborough. It also serves as a teaching practice affiliated with the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.
In the summer, the town's population swells as tourists flock to enjoy the local lakes, waterways, trails, and camping areas. Winter brings its own charm with snowmobiling being a popular attraction. Ferris Provincial Park, located on the Trent River just south of Campbellford, is a must-visit.
Campbellford is a key stop on the Trent-Severn Waterway, an important inland water transportation network. It is situated between the Ranney Falls Flight Lock (Locks 11 and 12) and the Campbellford Lock (13) of this system.
The town is also home to the radio station CKOL-FM and boasts a 27 ft (8.2 m) high statue of a toonie, designed by local artist Brent Townsend. The town's farmers market, open two days a week in the summer, is a testament to the area's rich agricultural heritage, which includes traditional farming as well as non-traditional ventures like bison and rare breeds farming.
