In a very small area, the downtown of Cambridge, Ontario, has quite a lot to offer. There are murals, a museum, a heritage location, history, sculptures, interesting shops, an art gallery and even was the filming location of a popular series. All of this is within reasonable walking distance of each other.
We first saw this area because of the sculpture garden. I really like art. I wish I was more creative and talented to come up with the ideas and create something that others will enjoy. This is a new endeavour by the city; there are only a few pieces, but I feel that this collection will expand over time.
Connected to this garden is a small home. Called McDougall Cottage Historic Site, it offers tours inside of the people who lived there and, more importantly, the art. Ages ago, the French perfected a painting technique that made things look real. The painting would stand out and appear to almost be 3D. This style of painting is called “trompe l’oeil” (to deceive the eyes). Painted from 1906 to 1907, these have stood the test of time and all the other owners of this home. It is a rare surviving example of how some people decorated their homes from a by-gone era. The admission was a small fee but well worth the lesson in history.
As we walked from one location to another, we appreciated a growing trend that many towns and cities are doing: murals. To stop graffiti and vandalism, large artworks are painted on the sides of buildings. It covers up the graffiti there previously and effectively deters more vandalism. Plus, it does make the area more beautiful, and it is fun finding all these large street art displays. Located within the downtown core, just how many exciting stores and restaurants are in downtown Cambridge became noticeable. Unlike other downtown areas where everything is on one street, this core is three streets wide with the river in the middle. It lends itself to an excellent walking tour of the buildings and the area.
Mill Race Park is a popular attraction that is a local gathering place. Various events happen here during the year. Most of the mill is gone, but a few parts of the walls remain. It is the best conversion of a ruins to a modern, usable space. It is from Mill Race Park that there is access to the river.
I had brought my son on this trip to downtown Cambridge because he was a fan of Handmaid’s Tale. He did find it fun to be able to spot key locations that were featured in this series. We would walk along the river along the wide sidewalk. We had learned that the berms and walls were created after a devastating flood in 1974 from our tour of the McDougall Cottage. This walkway was used in Handmaid’s Tale as a place to hang traitors. I was a bit on the nervous side taking Corey here to see this location. As a youngster, he was convinced that movies were real, and when an actor died in a movie, he really died. Or if dragons destroyed a city, that city was really destroyed. It took a while to explain this was all make-believe and longer for me to be convinced that he outgrew this thought. We could see other landmarks used in the series from this river walk. It was indeed a memorable trip for him.
At the old fire station is the Fire Hall Museum and Education Centre. This location has limited hours so if you decide to check out this exciting piece of history, be sure to check out their website for their hours. Beside this building is the new city hall for Cambridge. This area is decorated during Christmas and includes a few interactive displays. Recently they added a light show on the side of the Old City Hall. I hope that they continue this as it is a nice treat for the eyes during the evening.
One of the events that bring us here time and time again is the animated light show at the Old Post Office on Water Street. This is a free view that is projected onto the building from the parking lot across the street. It is sponsored by the city and the majority of the shows are done in the fall and winter. Whenever we are out touring, and we happen to be coming home during the evening, I will check the website to see when their next show is, and I will make an effort to bring my wife to see this. It is worth detouring if you are in the area. Shows can last from 10 to 20 minutes in length. There is the option to sit in the car and listen to the radio broadcast that corresponds to the show or sit on the benches facing the old postal building. We always choose the benches; much easier to snuggle on the bench than in the car with seat-belts and the console in the way.
A visit to Downtown Cambridge will take much of the day, especially if you stop and shop. Parking is ample on the street or in one of the many lots. The area is relaxed and lacks the chaotic feel of big urban areas. Plenty of places to eat and try something new. Be sure to check out Queen’s Square on Main Street across from the bridge. Also, the Grand River Pedestrian Bridge which is lit at night.
To see the map that I created that shows the locations featured in this article, click HERE.
I have also created a map of murals that can be seen in other cities and towns. To view this map, click HERE. It is continually being updated since it is the map I use when I am on my own personal trips.
The official city of Cambridge tourism website is found HERE.
