Out and About

The cornerstone of this grand structure which was laid in 1892, is one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County.

On Saturday, April 7th at 1:30 p.m. visitors on the 2018 Maple Run Tour are invited to take a guided tour of the Church. 

Please visit http://www.stpetercelestine.ca to learn more about this important Heritage landmark in Pakenham.  Donations are gratefully accepted for the ongoing maintenance of the Church.

Location:  139 Renfrew Street, Pakenham

The Church was constructed by many talented local crafts people and the construction lasted for nine years.  It is only one of three Canadian churches known to retain its remarkable Classic interior decoration, complete with robust statuary, elaborate painting, trompe l’oeil and faux marble finishes.  A striking feature of the nave is the original pulpit, built in the form of a huge, heavily ornamented chalice.

With its perch on a bluff, you can see far and wide across the Mississippi Valley from the silver bell tower. The architecture of St. Peter’s is quite unusual for the area, and is similar in style to churches in Quebec and southern Europe.

 

Not only will Pakenham Village be welcoming visitors to the 16^th annual Maple Run Tour, but the local businesses will be celebrating all things maple in Lanark County.

Pakenham Village invites you to visit their vibrant business sector and by shopping local, discover what makes their scenic community so unique. Fifteen businesses have joined together for a hunt for the ‘Maple Leaves’ contest. Visit a participating business, grab a ballot, and find the correct amount of maple leaves displayed in each business. While you search, each business is offering maple inspired treats – from in store discounts to food and drink tastings.

Enter your completed ballot for a chance to win a prize donated by the business community.

With so many things to see and enjoy in Pakenham Village, this is a Spring weekend not to be missed!

A stop at the Pakenham General Store for art, food AND heritage is always a highlight of the Maple Run Tour.

Established in the early 1840’s by Archibald McArthur and Robert Brown, the Pakenham General Store is considered to be one of the oldest continually operated general stores in North America.  It features both Regency and Classic Revival architectural styles.

The store is like a step back in time with its charming wood floors, displays of vintage grocery tins, and original wooden counters, and still sells a range of groceries, including freshly-baked bread, special maple baking, local cheese, and of course, local maple syrup and maple products. And not to forget – sticky buns!

As you wander the wonderful village of Pakenham, make sure to visit the Five Span Bridge at the ‘little falls’.  It is one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County.

 

This bridge is a favourite with artists and is the only bridge of its kind in North America.    An explanatory plaque at each end of the bridge provides more information.

The Fulton family has been making mouth-watering maple syrup for more than five generations.

Fulton’s Maple Syrup, Gourmet and Maple Luscious bath & body products are hand harvested and made in small batches on the family farm near Pakenham.  Guests can enjoy three walking trails, guided tours of aboriginal, pioneer and modern-day methods of sap to syrup and dine in the 120-seat cafeteria style restaurant where traditional pancakes, sausages, maple baked beans and more are served.

Enjoy horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides, taffy, face painting, live music, demonstrations and more on weekends and select dates throughout the season.  Fulton’s is an avid supporter of the Maple Run Tour and this ‘sweet’ destination is another reason to come on out and enjoy the twists and turns of the tour route!

http://www.fultons.ca

 

Steeped in a 70 year continuously-owned family history, Scheel’s Butcher and Furniture Store has been a landmark in the Pakenham area.

Starting with a horse and cart going door to door, Milton Scheel and his son Gary offered their butchery services to locals and then in the early 50’s, with his wife Lillian, built the present-day building located on the main street of Pakenham.  At a time when refrigerated lockers were the norm, the store offered fresh meat and storage.  Lockers were replaced with Frigidaire refrigerators and in the 70’s son Gary expanded into appliances and furniture.

Today, grandson Marc has taken over the reins.

Pictured above are Gary Scheel (Marc’s father), father Milton Scheel (founder of Scheels Butcher shop) and his father Les (three generations).

 

 

The first settlers came to this area in 1823, to clear land and build shanties, potash works and mills.  This set the stage, circa 1840, for the establishment of the village of Pakenham.

A Walking Tour of the Village of Pakenham is a brochure that has been produced by the township of Mississippi Mills.  We encourage you to pick one up along the tour route and relive life from the 1800s as seen through the heritage buildings and structures that still stand today.