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Backroads Tourism Routes to the Kawarthas and Haliburton Ontario

One of our favorite routes to Haliburton involves a route via Orillia, to the Monck Road (Country Road 45). Hwy 400 past Barrie to Hwy 11, take the Hwy 12 exit through Orillia, to Hwy 45 across to Norland to Hwy 35. Go north on Hwy 35 to Minden. Look for county road 21(formerly 121) to Haliburton Village.

History of the Monck Road An Important Event leading to Confederation

A Favorite Stop on Monck Road - Quaker Oaks Farm

One of the oldest provincial roads north of Toronto was built as an East-West Military Road after Charles Stanley Monck who was Governor-in-Chief of the Canadian provinces from 1861. Lord Monk presided over confederation with distinction and became the first Governor General of Canada 1867-1868. The purpose of the road was to provide an alternative route to the Great Lakes for the Military, if they had to fight the 50,000 Fenians, who planned to conquer Canada in 1866.

On the North East junction of the Rama Road and the start of the Monck road is a historical plaque, erected by Simcoe County Historical Association.

"With the reduction of Montreal, a demand will be made upon the United States for a formal recognition of Canada, whose name will be changed at once to New Ireland."
Fenian Manifesto

These Irish Born veterans of the American Civil War were going to use Canada to ransom Ireland from the British. However, as the threat of the Fenians declined so did the interest in the Monk Road. The building of Monck road was a major contributor to the development of Haliburton. Norland and Kinmount, Furnace Falls, Irondale, Gooderham and Bancroft developed as the road construction progressed.

Today the Monck road is a secondary county road (45), which is mostly located in the Kawarthas. It is a scenic route with a number of interesting strops.

One of the most eclectic is the Quaker Oaks Farm, with its selection of memorabilia, stuffed olives, and fresh fruit tarts, wandering chickens and geese and a variety of other barn-yard animals. You will know you are getting close when you see the "Tim Who" sign. And depending on the weather you may see a statue of Betty Boop standing out front. You can also buy a "Tim Who" mug. Mark, Judy Spurr and Family will welcome you to their very special place.