Chester The Bear

In July 2025, the Town unveiled a new public art sculpture along the Woodchester Storybook Trail — a carved wooden bear named Chester. Nestled along the trail, Chester’s location offers a perfect blend of art, nature, and storytelling. The trail winds through the parkland surrounding the historic Woodchester house, featuring eight storybook panels and a scenic lookout over the Muskoka River.

Originally carved during the Bracebridge 150 Community Celebration and Showcase at J.D. Lang Activity Park on June 7 and 8, 2025, the sculpture was generously donated by Seth Huggins of Precision Carvings. Chester depicts a bear holding the Silver Bridge, with “150” engraved at the base to commemorate the Town's milestone anniversary. Made from white pine and finished with Minwax stain and a Helmsman clear coat, the sculpture stands 56 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.

To celebrate the installation and engage the community, the Town held a naming contest inviting residents and visitors to submit creative name ideas. More than 60 creative submissions were received, highlighting the strong connection the community has to this new addition to the trail. Of all of the submissions, Chester proved to be a popular choice, with 10 people submitting that name for consideration. 

Seasonal advisory: In the cooler months, Chester is relocated to the Municipal Office to hibernate for the winter, but will return to the Storybook Trail when the seasons change and he emerges from his slumber in the spring.