Cannington Historical Society

Cannington Historical Society & Museum is just a short jog off highway #12 and it is a great place to visit.

Follow the signs to Cannington turning east onto Regional Road 12. Follow the road into the quaint village of Cannington and just before you exit the town, you will see a sign to MacLeod Park where the museum complex is located pointing to the right. Follow that road to the museum which is set off on some lovely grounds on the banks of Beaver River.The museum complex is made up of several heritage buildings including a rail car and some original log homes. The whole park offers a wonderful outing for families, for picnics and long walks in the several trails along the Beaver River. 

Cannington was first settled in 1833 by the McCaskill family who opened a mill there. It was known as McCaskill's Mills at first, and attracted people to settle there and build many large and beautiful homes. The town started by opening a post office in 1849. Later it was re-named Cannington after former British foreign secretary and Prime Minister George Canning (1770-1827). Cannington is now part of Durham Region in the Township of Brock which consists of Thorah Township, Cannington and the Village of Beaverton.

Cannington is a hub for the picturesque farm area as well as being home to the Brock Township municipal offices.
Residents enjoy a connundrum between the tranquility of country life and the active local culture. Very near ‘cottage’ country, Cannington has a lot to offer tourists in all seasons. The museum complex in MacLeod Park offers summer things to do and see and in winter Cannington, is home to the famous Cannington Dog Sled races, which draw visitors from all over North America.
 

Find out who lived in Cannington in the 1800's, visit the Cannington Historical Society and Museum and learn about the people who built Cannington. The above photograph is from the Whitby Historical Society Collection of old photographs. The names of the people are not known but the photographer stamped the back so that we know where it was taken. Photographs tell quite a story. Make sure you name your family photographs. Did you know that some digital photographs printed on special printers will last 200 years?

What a legacy we could leave if we planned today!

Looking for more to tour and see? If you love walking through nature trails you will enjoy the trails throught the Beaver River Wetlands. Or perhaps a jaunt into town for an ice cream cone or some shopping is more to your liking. Whatever your interests Cannington may surprise you with what it has to offer.