Tourism

Backus-Page House Museum

The Backus-Page Museum is operated by the Tyrconnell Heritage Society.  Situated in picturesque John E. Pearce Provincial Park, just south of Wallacetown, Ontario, we consider this the heart of the Talbot Settlement, on the north shore of Lake Erie. Enjoy the Spicer Trail, Storey Wetlands Trail, heritage gardens, historic barn, outbuildings, Agricultural Centre, and our 1850's Georgian style house museum. Period room settings tell the story of the early settler families and changing exhibits showcase the rural communities of western Elgin County.  Check the museum's website for hours of operation, special events, admission rates, and how to get involved as a volunteer or member.

Backus-Page Website

Location: 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, phone: 519-762-3072 or send an email.

Wetland “Storey” Trail - John E Pearce Provincial Park

What is the Wetland?

A wetland is an area that is saturated with water long enough for the soil to become waterlogged. They support a variety of water-loving and water-tolerant plants and animals.

Some wetlands have water all year round, while others have water for only part of the year such as vernal pools.

At the John E. Pearce Provincial Park, the wetland is a marsh. Marshes are periodically or permanently flooded with water. Typical plant species include cattails and water lilies. Be on the lookout for turtles and herons. Although found throughout Ontario, the most productive marshes are located along the southern Great Lakes.

The Path to Healthy Wetlands

John E. Pearce Provincial Park has experienced a major restoration project including the construction of 3 wetlands, tallgrass prairie planting, plantation thinning and the creation of an interpretive trail. Tree plantings, invasive species removal and prescribed burns have also been among the restoration efforts onsite; all aimed at increasing biodiversity, connecting fragmented habitats and promoting climate change resiliency.

Parks and Trails

Dutton Dunwich Trail Map  Ontario Trails  Trans Canada Trail 

The 29 km Dutton/Dunwich section of the Trans Canada Trail spans the Municipality as a shared trail for walking, cycling and horseback riding.  Varied terrain in various bush lots going through private property adds interest.  History and culture are also incorporated as it passes the Backus-Page House Museum, John E. Pearce Provincial Park, the burial place of Colonel Thomas Talbot and the Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site.

Along the rural roads serene countryside, prime agricultural land, natural phenomenon and amiable facilities await trail users.  A dedicated committee (one councillor plus volunteers) manage this special trail as part of the Municipality's amenities.

For safety reasons, the Trans Canada Trail (that is not on the road allowances) will be closed during the 3 weeks of Black Powder Season.

Historical, natural and cultural features

• Portions of trail on private properties follow deep ravines with natural flora and cross streams, as well as, pass through hardwood forest.
• Backus-Page House Museum and Spicer Trail, 29424 Lakeview Line, County Road 8.  An 1850 brick house restored to reflect life in the Talbot Settlement is open Tuesdays to Fridays 10 am to 4:30 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and Holiday Mondays noon - 4:30 pm from May 1st to to Thanksgiving weekend. 
• Spicer Trail has two nature trails through fields and wooded area where trees and plants are identified by plaque. John E. Pearce Provincial Park located at 29551 Lakeview Line.
• Acres of undisturbed hardwood forest, 30 meter cliff overlooking Lake Erie with a steep twisting trail to the shore.
• St. Peter's Tyrconnell Anglican Church of Canada, 29596 Lakeview Line. This church was founded in 1827 in the midst of the Talbot settlement. Services held at 11 am from May to October.
• St. Peter's Cemetery, 29625 Lakeview Line is the burial place of early settlers and Colonel Thomas Talbot, Founder of the Talbot Settlement.
• Parks Canada - Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site,  7930 Iona Road.  Historical markers explain the palisade's remains and village of the Neutral Indians built in the year 1500 approximately.
• County and Municipal roads, with low to moderate traffic, accommodate trail users on the shoulders of the roads. Roads are either hard surface or gravel.
• An exceptional historical route, which also incorporates nature, views from the bluffs of Lake Erie's north shore, prime agricultural land, serene countryside and amiable facilities both on and off the trail, passes through the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich in Elgin County.

Other trail information

Facilities

• Rest Area, 27019 Talbot Line - seasonal washrooms, picnic tables
• Backus Page House Museum - permanent washrooms, picnic tables
• John E. Pearce Provincial Park - seasonal handicap washrooms, picnic tables
• Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site- permanent washrooms, benches

Food, lodging and other amenities

• Duttona Family Campground, 7728 Coyne Road - adjacent to trail seasonal use April - November, convenience store, picnic tables, bike stands, overnight camping, drinking water, recreation hall, washrooms, showers, laundromat, swimming pool, year round public phones
• Hamlet of Wallacetown - restaurant, post office, public phone, convenience outlet, gas bar
• Village of Dutton - shopping, groceries, restaurants, post office, public phone, gas bar, park, emergency services for 911

Degree of difficulty

Access is easy on road allowances or wherever road allowance crosses trail. Travel is easy on the trail with exceptions on private properties where more experienced trail users will enjoy the rugged natural terrain.

Heritage Sites

Dutton Dunwich is home to many heritage buildings, vistas and cemeteries, with hamlet signs that provide visitors with a brief history of each hamlet which will take you back in time. Learn more

 West Elgin Dramatic Society's Theatre

WEDS has a very dedicated group of community volunteers, actors, support crew, technicians, sponsors and patrons. No one person can do a production like WEDS!  The cast and crew help make the magic happen. Come and see for yourself and be a part of its magic.

If you’d like to participate in community theatre but the stage isn’t your cup of tea WEDS has openings for tech crew, front and back of house helpers, and administrative board members. Contact WEDS for more information.

WEDS is located at the Municipal Offices, Upper Level, 199 Currie Road Dutton, Ontario. Please contact WEDS for any enquiries and and ticket reservations 

The Arts

The Village Crier Art Gallery  The Elgin Arts Trail  Ontario Barn Preservation   Barn Quilt Trails

 Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

Pearce Williams summer camp provide campers with the opportunity to become part of a family, where they can take healthy risks, get rewarded for successes, develop self-esteem and life skills. In the meantime, learning about independence, interdependence, tolerance, responsibility, friendship and loyalty.  

Contact:  email or phone 519.764.2317

Location: 8009 Iona Road, Fingal, ON  N0L 1K0

 Agritourism

Autumn Olive Game Preserve 

For bookings and general inquiries, please contact April Mallon at: 519-851-7996 (text preferred) 

Palmer Woods Golf Course

Palmer Woods Golf Course is a challenging yet fun 9 hole course played from two different tee boxes. This allows golfers to play 18 different holes or play 9 as the way it was originally designed. It is 25 minutes southwest of London Ontario, just minutes off the 401.  The Meadows accept all levels of golfers from juniors and beginners to even the most competitive players.

Wallacetown Fair and Agricultural Society 

Community Events

Elgin County Tourism 

Discover all that is beautiful in Southwestern Ontario by exploring Elgin County Tourism's website.

Elgin County Tourism