Palgrave, Ontario is a compact rural community nestled in the Town of Caledon, within the Regional Municipality of Peel in the Greater Toronto Area. Located approximately 10 kilometres north of Bolton and 50 kilometres northwest of Toronto, Palgrave is a charming unincorporated place that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and community spirit.
Palgrave is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, a 160-kilometre long ridge of hilly terrain created by retreating glaciers depositing large quantities of sand and gravel sediments. This moraine is a primary source for many river systems in this part of Southern Ontario. The nearby Palgrave Moraine intersects the Oak Ridges Moraine, merging with it to the east, at the western boundary of King Township.
The Humber River flows west of Palgrave, and several creeks and swampy ponds are found in the area. A former mill pond lies to the northwest, and Mount Wolfe, one of the highest hills in the area, is located east of the town. The population of Palgrave has steadily grown over the years, with 1044 persons residing in 396 households as of 2016. The inhabitants of this charming community are known as Palgravians.
Originally known as Buckstown after Brian Dolan, nicknamed Barney or Buck, Palgrave was renamed by postal authorities in 1869. The Western Hotel, managed by Dolan, was built in 1846 and stands as a testament to the town's early days.
In 1877, the Hamilton & North-Western Railway was constructed through the centre of Palgrave, which was later taken over by the Grand Trunk Railway in 1888, and subsequently absorbed by Canadian National Railways. The railway was significantly damaged by flooding in 1954 as a result of Hurricane Hazel and had to be rebuilt.
Canadian artist David B. Milne lived in Palgrave from 1929 to 1932 and painted a number of scenes there. His work, Kitchen Chimney, depicts a view of the town's Elm Tree Hotel and is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
Palgrave is home to a number of attractions that cater to a variety of interests. The town is bisected by a line of the Hamilton & North-Western Railway, which has been rehabilitated and incorporated into a multi-use regional recreational trail. This trail is part of the Caledon Trailway, The Great Pine Ridge Trail, and the Trans Canada Trail.
The Caledon Equestrian Park, which hosted the equestrian portion of the 2015 Pan American Games, is located in Palgrave. The Albion Hills Conservation Area, located 2 kilometres south of the town, offers picnicking, camping, hiking trails, swimming, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
The Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area lies on the northwest periphery of the town and offers trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. In 1963, Walt Disney Productions filmed the family movie "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" in Palgrave.
Palgrave is home to the Rotary Club of Palgrave and the Palgrave Tennis Club, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents. The Palgrave Public School serves 462 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Caledon Hills Brewery, located in what was the Church Public Inn founded by Terence Cutts in 2010, is a popular local spot. This heritage site contains the 1865 St. Alban's (Anglican) church.
Palgrave is surrounded by several settlements including Castlederg to the southwest, Cedar Mills to the south, and Cedar Meadows to the southeast. Nearest communities include Bolton to the south, Caledon East to the west, Alliston to the north, and Schomberg to the east.
Discover the charm and history of Palgrave, Ontario, a compact rural community that offers a unique blend of nature, history, and community spirit.
