Seven Things You Should Know About Cornwall

The train journey from London to Cornwall, with possible stops in Truro, Penzance, or St. Ives, takes approximately five hours. That’s in England, of course.

To make that trip, you would have needed to fly to the UK in the first place, which would have added many extra hours to the scenic excursion. There are no direct flights from Cornwall City, Ontario, to Cornwall County in Southwest England, but once there, connections by rail or road make for a journey of a lifetime. Walking its coastal path is a trek that will leave you yearning for more.

However, turning our attention to Cornwall, Ontario, here are seven fascinating facts that you might not know.

1. What’s in a name?

Cornwall, Canada, is situated on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River and boasts a rich history. In 1784, settlers relocated from the battlegrounds of the American Revolution to the vast, open areas north of their New York City garrison. These groups of Loyalists were granted territories as rewards for their services to the Crown of England. Initially, New Johnstown, the settlement, was renamed Cornwall in honour of Prince George, Duke of Cornwall in the UK.

2. A great city with room to breathe

Almost 250 years later, the City of Cornwall is a thriving center for tourism, manufacturing, leisure, and wellness pursuits. Its position on the river has given it the enviable advantage of being a major centre for commercial traffic to Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and, of course, to the USA. It is an excellent destination for outdoor activities, including water sports, cycling, walking tours, and access to some top-notch golf courses. Cornwall is ideal for taking in the air and having moments, surrounded by nature in all its grandeur.

It is a place where visitors and locals alike have fun. With its extensive waterfront and numerous historical buildings now repurposed as cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment venues, the choice of how to spend time exploring is truly exciting.

3. Culture is king

Cornwall is also a francophone community. Early in the 19th century, at a time when textile mills were expanding production in the area, French incomers arrived. They and others blended a thriving community alongside the native inhabitants, the Akwesasne Mohawk. Despite Ontario being a predominantly English language province, Cornwall is a bilingual City with French culture being a great contributor to the arts, gastronomy, and atmosphere. It is also a fine example of how diverse people with distinct ethnic characteristics have chosen to live together in harmony.

4. Ancient tradition very much in the modern world in Cornwall

The Mohawk Akwesasne Nation Territory crosses the borders of Canada and the United States, with the St. Lawrence River flowing in between. There is obviously a political separation, but the Mohawk community is a powerful group wishing to keep the idea of free movement alive. Cornwall and the Mohawk people share a significant joint interest in the city’s best future. Founded around 1750, the Akwesasne community originated from a Catholic Mohawk village located south of Montreal. This vibrant history is a significant attraction for visitors to Cornwall. Mohawk Cultural activities take place on Cornwall Island, set in the St. Lawrence River, which is connected to the central City by a bridge.

5. All sorts of fun

For those who enjoy a spin of the wheel or the shuffle of a card, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort is located approximately 9 miles away in Hogansburg, USA. However, as online casino gambling (and all forms of gambling) are legal and regulated in Ontario, residents can play from the comfort of their own homes.  A list of curated and ranked outlets can be found at Casino.ca Ontario for discerning residents and visitors. However, if players want even more, the brick-and-mortar venue across the national border also offers dining, a social atmosphere, and hotel options. Multi-game tables, spins, and private rooms are a part of the services in the updated setting, and there are great incentives to play.

6. History is alive and up to date!

A curious note and one that is special to Cornwall is that the great inventor of the commercially viable incandescent light, Thomas Edison, visited in 1883. He was there to witness the installation of his system at the Canada Mill. By extinguishing the gas and then switching on the electric power, the very first factory in Canada was illuminated.

History has been given new energy and can be experienced by visiting the Cornwall Community Museum, which is located inside the Wood House, a fine building on Water Lane in Lamoureux Park. The archives and collections of themed artifacts connected to the City and its environs are here, carefully protected and preserved for future research and education. Easily accessible to visitors, with or without younger family members, the Museum holds a collection of photographic materials, maps, documents, and other heritage items that have been accumulated since 1784. The Museum was established in 1920 and is situated in a beautiful park setting.

7. Wide open parks, inviting shops, music, fine food…and an amazing River!

Cornwall is a friendly place that shares its warm energy with anyone who lives here or visits. The riverside shops and restaurants are a part of the Waterfront Trail. Walking and cycling here are pure joy.

Lamoureux Park is very popular and is definitely the place to go for smoke-free activities, dog walking, boating, and significant event festivities like Canada Day. The Aquatic Centre offers swimming facilities, children’s play areas, and the Marina 200 boat launch facility. The park is renowned for its exceptional music and arts, with the Lions Park Bandshell venue hosting acts from around the world. Something for everyone throughout the summer. It is a picnic and family-friendly place with the Soundshore Music Festival being a big attraction. All with the great St. Laurence River as the backdrop!

So much more than these magnificent seven

Cornwall City, Ontario has at least these seven things you ought to know about it, but these seven could be nearer seventy. No mention has been made about Downtown, Le Village, the Old Jail House, the Speedway, or the Cline House Art Gallery.

The surrounding countryside is a treat in Spring and Summer. Then in Winter, there is the snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice fishing, and charming, snowy strolls, wrapped up warm and cozy, to the Blue Anchor riverside restaurant.

The tourist information people are keen to let visitors know that they are welcome anytime, but the locals already know that!