Come visit Chesley this spring

Chesley is one of Bruce County’s charming small riverbank communities referred to by locals as  “The Nicest Town Around."

We have the beautiful Heritage Trail, which can be enjoyed year round as a hike or, walking trail that is surrounded by wonderful scenery.  

We have a Community Park for families with outdoor seasonal swimming and splash pools, a skateboard park, boat launch, picnic pavilion, and plenty of places to use that fishing pole.  There's even a paved boardwalk for easy walking next to the river. 

Make time to visit Klages’ Mill & Garden while in the area.  This lovely spot is a privately owned park that is FREE for visitors to enjoy although donations are gratefully accepted to help with the costs of upkeep.  Bring a picnic, take a walk through, sit next to the river or enjoy a little fishing.  Be sure to visit the Swan family that makes the Mill their home "No dogs please, sorry."  

Don’t forget to take a photograph of Big Bruce, the statue of a giant bull standing at the north end of the town. 

If you're looking to enjoy a nice meal in a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere please stop by the Bread & Water Bistro (519-363-2000).   Another place that is a treat to eat at is Ernie’s Famous Fish & Chips (519-363-3474). Both restaurants are conveniently located in downtown Chesley.





While visiting our downtown core be sure to visit some of our locally owned shops. A Little of Everything (226-668-3072) has exactly that, a little of everything.   Also, the White Butterfly also offerssomething unique for those with a discerning taste, that seek to find things they wouldn’t normally find elsewhere. 

If you are looking for an overnight or weekend away about a 5-minute drive outside of Chesley is the wonderfully peaceful Cedar Rail Campground (519-363-3387). Close to everything and yet you feel like you are completely away from it all.  You can bring your trailer, tent or rent a cottage already on the premises. 

We have a directory of Chesley Bed & Breakfasts which you can contact by phone or email for dates of availability.


History of Chesley 

Chesley, was originally known as Sconeville, took its name from Solomon Yeomans Chesley, an obscure government official in Ottawa.   Developing around mills built on the North Saugeen River in the 1850s, the community grew rapidly when the Grand Trunk Railway built steel rails through the village in 1881.  Like many other 19th century Bruce County villages, most of Chesley’s homes and stores were made of wood.   A great fire swept through the downtown in 1888, burning many original buildings to the ground.  Replaced by brick and stone, they are a reminder of the architectural heritage of the county where, unlike other parts of Ontario, buff bricks outnumber red ones.  Once a centre for furniture making, Chesley now is home to a Wood Working museum downtown that makes for an interesting walk through history.

Fun Fact

The Chesley Citizens Band, founded in 1887, was chosen by the 32^nd Bruce Regiment as their regimental band in 1911.  When the First World War broke out, all 22 members of the band enlisted, parading through Bruce County towns playing military music and performing drills in an effort to increase recruitment.  Sent to Europe, the Chesley Citizens Band was disbanded overseas.   

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