Ontario Together
Next Stop? Paisley, Ontario.
Thousands of visitors come to the Bruce Peninsula every Friday from May until December. A great percentage of you drive up Bruce County Road 3, right through the artistic village of Paisley, and this year, you will cross over our brand new bridge. The historical features in this village prove that artists have lived here as long as the village has existed and the spirit of survival was the first to arrive, beginning with the Ojibway people. I wish I could tell you more about that part, but alas, I do not know. Perhaps one day, this story will get properly rounded out. But for today, let me invite you to one little shop in the heart of the village where artistic ideas are growing daily. Immigrants have been in this area for longer than 170 years, and recently, Paisley celebrated its 150th year of incorporation. In 1851, two young men in their 20s, Simon Orchard and Samuel Rowe (and let’s not forget their young wives and children) paddled up the river from Walkeron. You can too, but lucky for you, when you get here, you will find 32 lovely little shops to greet you, indoor plumbing and internet service.
In one little shop, at 486 Queen South, called Orchard’s Landing Paisley (OLP) you will find a book; a fairy tale about those days way back when. It is a little historical fiction novel about two children, Jenni & Peter; tourists. They visit their grandparents in Paisley and go to the Treasure Chest Museum (which is open for the season, May 17, 2025). I don’t want to spill the beans, but the children have a very nice adventure when they find a portal into the past to meet Simon Orchard and his little family. You and your children will love reading this book together.
Orchard’s Landing Paisley is a space where dreams grow. You can grow your dreams there, too. Many people have had idea seeds planted and nurtured there over the years. Orchard’s Landing Paisley is a creative community hub, and there are many events held there during the year. The biggest events are the Locally Grown Produce Market from April to Oct and the Paisley Christmas Market from Nov and Dec. This timing is intentionally chosen to compliment YOUR visit to The Bruce. If you stop nowhere else on your journey north, stop at Orchard’s Landing Paisley. We have a public washroom and snacks for the kids. We love your kids, so book it into your timeline. We will stay open until 7 on Thurs & Friday nights and Sat mornings. . . just for you. And if nothing else, pick up some Saugie Seed Surprise – a nutritious and delicious snack for the rest of the trip. Who is Saugie, you ask? Ha ha. Well, you will just have to google it or come in and find out. I can’t wait to meet you. See you soon.
PS. We are not open 24/7 because our manpower is low and we bring in produce from local farms so it might be wise to give us a text if you are coming at a time other than Friday or Saturday. We are real people and will do what we can to accommodate your schedule. If you visit one of the other awesome shops in Paisley. . . you just tell them, Sandra sent you. Ok? 519-379-7284.
