Cambridge Ontario - Quick Guide

Cambridge Ontario is a city located on the Grand and Speed rivers in Southern Ontario. It is made up of three towns; Galt, Preston and Hespler. As of 2006 Cambridge had a population of just over 120 000.

It is one of the few cities outside of The Greater Toronto Area that has the 401 highway running right through it, as opposed to along its edges. Although that is an interesting fact, there are far better reasons to visit Cambridge than the 401 highway. Here are 3 reasons to visit scenic Cambridge:

1. Wings of Paradise: No this is not the name of a bad 80's hair metal band. It is one of Cambridge's most popular attractions. Opened in 2001, Wings of Paradise is one of the largest butterfly conservatories in Ontario. On the 117 acre site is a 10 000 sq. foot indoor tropical garden. This garden is home to thousands of butterflies as well as 75 different varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams, tropical finches and chinese painted quail.

Wings of Paradise gives back to the community with it's Wings of Paradise Fund. This fund is used to establish butterfly gardens in places like seniors' homes or day care centres. They also provide transportation and free visitations for seniors and residents of chronic care facilities.

2. The Mill Race: The Mill Race is an European style folk music festival. The European styling means that the day's events are held on numerous stages within the town's core. The Festival has been successfully running for over 16 years.

Traditional styles of folk dance and music are on display during this 3 day event. Special emphasis is placed on the various cultures that are present in Cambridge. The festival is full of great food and performances. There are also handy workshops that can teach you the basics of unique instruments like harps and bagpipes! World renowned folk artists can be found performing each year in Cambridge.

3. The Cambridge Farmers' Market: Farmer's markets are all the rage these days. Even small towns are beginning to set up fresh markets. With people being interested in eating organic and locally, farmer's markets will continue to grow. Cambridge's has already had time enough to grow and mature.

This Farmers' market has been in operation since 1830! That officially makes it Canada's third oldest farmers' market. Best Health magazine recently labeled it one of the ten best farmers markets in the country. It is no wonder - the Cambridge market puts out an impressive spread of organic fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses and arts and crafts. Eating locally is becoming a trend - and the Cambridge market is once again ahead of the pack. All the vendors in the market come from within a 100 km. radius.

Cambridge has a rich history and is a beautiful place to visit. It is interesting to see how three, once separate, towns have grown into one spectacular city. Check out Cambridge today, because a one page article certainly can't do it justice!

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