Town of Bracebridge unveils new Heritage Walking Trail signage

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (September 23, 2025) – Today, Mayor Rick Maloney unveiled newly updated signage along the Heritage Walking Trail as part of the Town’s ongoing 150-year anniversary celebration.

The Heritage Walking Trail, which winds through several notable historic locations in town, now features refreshed signage that tells the stories of Bracebridge’s rich past. Each sign includes historic images and detailed descriptions providing an engaging, self-guided walking tour that connects residents and visitors to the community’s heritage.

Originally conceptualized by the Bracebridge 100-year anniversary committee, and installed in 1981, the trail takes visitors along a path of 12 locations located throughout the downtown and waterfront on both sides of the Muskoka River, plus the historic Woodchester octagonal home. While walking the trail, visitors can appreciate and utilize the park lands and trails, visit downtown shopping and restaurants, and take in the view at the Woodchester observation deck.

The new signage highlights key locations throughout the trail and offers insight into the town’s early industries, architecture, transportation, and the individuals who helped build the community we know today.

Sign topics include:

• The Old Wharf and Boatworks;
• Bracebridge Falls Generating Station and Bracebridge Bay Park;
• Manitoba Street;
• Bird Woollen Mill Warehouse;
• Bird Woollen Mill and Bird's Mill Pumping Station;
• The Old Town;
• Woodchester;
• Railway and Bridge, Corduroy Road, and Log Chute and Boom;
• Grist Mill and Singleton Brown Shingle Mill;
• Queen of the Isles;
• Indigenous History in Muskoka; and
• Muskoka Falls.

The redesigned and revitalized signs were completed as part of a Bracebridge 150 legacy project and was supported through the Rural Economic Development Fund provided by the Province of Ontario.

For more information about the Heritage Walking Trail, visit bracebridge.ca/heritagewalkingtrail.

Quotes
“I am so pleased to see new, engaging signage along the Heritage Walking Trail. The updated signage is a meaningful addition to the trail and a lasting legacy of Bracebridge’s 150-year anniversary. I encourage everyone to explore the trail and discover something new about our shared history.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge