Even though the Rideau Canal was constructed some distance away, its development brought dozens of quarrymen and teamsters to a camp nearby where they quarried thick strata of Cambrian sandstone. These ashlars were transported to Jones Falls for the construction of the great dam and locks, as well as the locks at Davis and Chaffey’s. In 1850, a post office was established, and the community was officially named after the Eighth Earl of Elgin, James Bruce, Governor General of Upper Canada, 1847–1854. Situated just off Highway 15, in the heart of corn country, Elgin remains a thriving village. Visit the Rideau Lakes Public Library for information, public washrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Pick up your Picnic
- Gordanier Freshmart
- Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage
- Crosby Cookhouse (nearby in Crosby/ seasonal)
- Forfar Dairy and Sunflower Bake Shop (nearby in Forfar)
- Jeannie’s Fries (nearbyon Highway 15/seasonal)
Shop
- Cannabis Fields
- Elgin Auctions
- Elgin Drugs
- The Barn at Elgin
- The Tipped Ship
- Re-new Creation St. Luke's Leeds Thrift Shop & Ministry Centre
Outdoor Activity
- Roller Skating events / Ice Skating at Heritage Park
- Self-guided Heritage Walking Tour of Elgin
- Self-guided Heritage Driving Tour: Crosby to Salem
- Maples Golf & Country Club, 305 Coons Rd. (613) 359-1174
- Sand Lake Park Beach (nearby)
Points of Interest
- Elgin Bowling Lanes
- Red Brick School (1887) - Historical Exhibits commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Elgin & Area Heriatge Society (EAHS) in 2023
- Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque: The Red Brick School in Elgin is a premier example of a late 19th century campaign by Egerton Ryerson to improve public education through the building of more stimulating environments for learning.
- Storyboards: Three pictorial storyboards located on the main street, “Historic Elgin”, The Artistry of Clifford Pennock”, and “The World of Clifford Pennock" illuminate the history of the village.
- Rue Royale (nearby in Phillipsville) - Stone sculpture, Open on occasion or by appointment
- Moon Valley Farms Apple Orchard (nearby in Crosby/seasonal)
Picnic Areas
- Davis Lockstation (nearby)
Stay
- Battams Camp
- Green Valley Cottages and Campground (nearby)
- Harlem Stonegate B & B (nearby)
- Lloyd’s Cottages (nearby)
- Pine Glen Lodge (nearby)
- Rideau Lakes Cottages
- Sand Lake Campground & Cottages
Events
- Elgin Days (July 12-13, 2025)
- Doors Open Rideau Lakes (August 16-17, 2025)
Did you Know?
The secret is in the stones...it was the magnificent sandstone found on Halladay’s farm that was selected to build nearby Lockstations along the Rideau Canal, resulting in the founding of Halladay’s Quarry, and present-day Elgin.
Tip: At the corner of Highway 15 and County Road 8, a rock cut can be found that characterizes the area’s sandstone.
Listen to the “Story of the Elgin Quarries” podcast episode by Small Halls Stories on Spotify to hear about the secret in the stones.
Watch the Documentary
In early 20th century Elgin Ontario, Clifford Pennock was a much beloved figure in his community. But he is also remembered today for his photographs. Using a handheld camera and glass-plate technology, he left a vast collection of images, both as an amateur and a professional photographer. He practiced at a time when camera technology was changing rapidly, and there was a great debate over what made a photograph an “artwork.” So, was Pennock a Pictorialist, a Documentarian, or a Realist photographer?
Learn more at rideaulakes.ca/Elgin
