Come Treat Yourself to What You've been Missing in Beautiful Ridgeway, Ontario
The Shops...
Stroll, Browse…Expect the Unusual. And Enjoy!
Over its 200 year history, Ridgeway has been - and still is - a diversified commercial village.
Most shops are owned and operated by local people with a variety of skills, creative talents, products and services to suit a cross-section of needs and tastes.
Visitors are welcomed with free parking, fair prices, genuine value and warm hospitality.
"Original, distinctive and quaint" applies to much of what you'll find – inside and out – as you discover the romance of a village shop: the creaky wooden floors, eclectic décor, tinkling door bells…and friendly, knowledgeable help.
Browse artisans' galleries and studios, boutiques, country and general stores – for giftware to hardware, antiques to appliances and future collectables.
The Charm…
Visit Ridgeway's historic sites and museums. Browse in our many downtown shops. Stroll along our quiet streets or sandy shoreline. Windsurf, water-ski or people watch. Take in a Sunday service, mid-week poetry reading, weekly farmers market or a performance at The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts – Ridgeway is fast becoming Fort Erie's cultural capital, with big name bands, art exhibitions and performance art on an ongoing basis throughout the year at The Sanctuary and at other local restaurants and venues and through the Fort Erie Arts Council.
Join in our Summer Festival street party (in early July) with Antique Car show, line dancing, kiddy train, pony rides, arts & crafts, sidewalk sales, street dance and live music.
Visit Ridgeway's ever-growing farmers market. Locally grown fruit and produce, fresh baked sweets and bread products and artisan wears abound every Saturday morning throughout the summer right across the street from the areas new central square and splash-pad.
"Feel the Spirit of Christmas" –when we invite you to help us decorate an outdoor trees, sing carols, drink hot apple cider and enjoy a leisurely sleigh ride with family and friends.
The History…
Ridgeway is the famous site of an 1866 invasion by Fenians (Irish-American Civil War veterans) attempting to "liberate" Upper Canada from Britain and "barter" it for Irish home rule. Ridgeway is also home to the seat of government for the former Bertie Township.
Ridgeway Battlefield Heritage Park contains outdoor interpretive panels that depict the story of the Fenian Raid in Fort Erie. This battlefield saw action that prompted the Confederation of Canada and has since been designated a National Historic Site. Itis located on Highway #3 just east of Ridge Road.
The Fort Erie Historical Museum is housed in the former Bertie Town Hall that was built in 1874. The Museum contains a permanent display entitled "A Community of Communities", temporary changing exhibitions, a local history archives and gift shop.
Welcome to Ridgeway, Ontario.
We have bed & breakfast as well as hotel/motel and campground accommodations in Ridgeway or very nearby.
Local tours and fishing charters are available.
Ridgeway is sure to make a lasting impression… and bring you back again…maybe for good, as Ridgeway is a community with adult lifestyle residential developments and upscale lake-front retreats available should you wish to make Ridgeway your permanent or summer home!
For more information contact:
Ridgeway Business Improvement Association
Tel: (905) 894-6590
www.historicridgeway.com
Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
A Part of Greater Fort Erie
Ridgeway, Ontario, "Rich in more than just tradition!"
Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism Services - 1 Municipal Centre Drvie, Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 2S6Phone: (905) 871-1332 Fax: (905) 871-1077 Tourism Fort Erie/Niagara: 1-888-270-9151 General Inquiries: edts@forterie.ca
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