Coldwater Village is a place set outside of time with its small town charm and historic roots in the Township of Severn. Sitting alongside the Coldwater River to Matchedash Bay, the village is more than just a great place to stop en route by paddle, bike or drive, it is a destination filled with personality and soon-to-be memories.
Travel Back in Time
Part of Coldwater’s charm is the true feeling of entering another era as you roll into town. Just off of Hwy 12, turn in to the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum where you can explore the grounds of rural farm equipment and learn about the people and tools that built this village.
In the downtown, visit the Historic Coldwater Mill where the original mill has been preserved, telling the stories of the settlers and the original Indigenous stewards of the land. The Mill’s second includes an Indigenous Art Gallery, and historic galleries. A local artisan market provides hand-made items highlighting the culture of the area. The mill is open on Saturdays in September and there is live music on Friday nights until September 20th.
Dining & Treats
Head out of the museum and hop over to the other side of the river to Coldwater Ice Cream for a sweet treat served up with retro-style flair. Grab some grub to go at the roadside fries stand in the summer months as well.
Fuel up at Em’s Café on the main street with a delicious roast and treat to start your day. Take in the rustic red-brick building or walk down the alley by the café to enjoy their riverside picnic tables. It’s also a great stop for paddlers and cyclists. We’ve heard there’s even a chance you might see a friendly beaver on the shore during your visit!
Sit down for lunch at Coldwater’s family-style restaurant, The Tiffany, where you get all the flavours of a home-cooked meal while on your trip. Stop in for a pint at The Old Familiar, where the name rings true with this classic style pub and restaurant. A perfect spot to catch up with friends on your travels. Evenings are often filled with live music to entertain you!
If you’re feeling a bit peckish for some snacks for the road, don’t miss stopping in at Copperpot Nuts. Just around the corner from the main downtown stretch, let your nose lead the way with the smell of freshly roasted nuts. See the process happen before your eyes, and maybe try a sample or two, before browsing the shop with all kinds of flavours and nut pairings to choose from.
Look up
Walking down the main street can feel like entering a life-sized Eye-Spy book. Storefronts and alleyways are filled with eclectic gems from antiques to public art and everything in-between. Sides of buildings and store canopies are even decorated with vintage signs, antique trinkets, and memorabilia.
Coldwater is in no shortage of a bustling art scene. Many talented artists call Coldwater home with public art and featured gallery space around town. See installations from previous Streets Alive productions, a fairy garden full of wall art and sculptures (you may even stumble upon a friendly guardian named Quercus), and community art pieces on display. There is no denying the creativity and inspiration for so many artists in Severn!
Festivals and Fairs
Coldwater knows how to throw a festival! Throughout the year you can often find something special happening around the village. Be sure to check back for innovative ways in which Coldwater will keep you coming back for more.
As farmers bring in their harvests, the Coldwater Fall Fair is a great way to welcome the fall season. A local agricultural celebration held in the last full weekend in September, the fair is full of rides, games, contests, and exhibitors.
Rounding out into peak autumn season, the witches of Coldwater come out to play with the popular Witches Walk, in mid-October! Find your finest pointed hat and broomstick to take part in activities and discounts throughout the Village.
Outdoor Recreation
There is no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities available in Coldwater. Launch your canoe or kayak to paddle the winding Coldwater River and immerse yourself in the calming natural habitat found along the waterway . For cyclists the Uhthoff Trail provides the perfect opportunity to peddle through an idyllic landscape of woodlands and fields.
Coldwater is place that sticks with you as a village with the best in hometown charm. Start planning your visit today.
Extend your stay! Severn offers a number of resort, cottage, RV and camping accommodations where you can relax and rest your head after a full day of activities.
