Trail Description:

The Ewen Trail covers a variety of countryside and urban scenery in a 3.4km loop. It includes three ponds, a section through Elgin Park, a route through thickly wooded areas, and a walk along streets containing some of Uxbridge’s most historic homes.

The trail winds through a wooded section at the south end of Elgin Park, then along a delightful grassy path and around Bass Pond (yes, there are bass in it), which is a stormwater holding pond for the Wooden Sticks area.

Enjoy the history and educational plaques as you walk this trail.

Elgin Park is Uxbridge’s main municipal park, where there are public washrooms and a play area for children close to the trail route. A wonderful addition of an inclusive play area donated by The Lion’s Club of Uxbridge.

The history of Elgin Park goes back to the 1860s when folk from the hamlet of Uxbridge went for picnics in what was then known as the “South Woods”. It became a public park in 1873, named after Lord Elgin, James Bruce, Governor General of Canada from 1846-54. More land was purchased in 1877 and 1888 to enlarge the park, and a half-mile racetrack was built in 1881. In 1876, a campaign picnic in connection with a byelection in the area was addressed by Sir John A. Macdonald; it was so successful that he organized similar picnics elsewhere and won the byelection.

A picturesque park has been established around another holding pond at the foot of Ewen Drive, with benches where you can relax. This whole area was farmed by the Ewen family (Rae and Marion) in the mid-1900s. Hence the names of Ewen Drive and Marion Drive.

Capstick Lane, named after Lloyd Capstick, a local barber for many years who was named Citizen of the Year in 1992 for his many volunteer activities.

Bonner Fields, named to honor Brent Bonner, an ardent sports lover and coach, who died in a car accident in 2003.

The Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court has been generously donated by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the local Uxbridge Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity. The multi-sport court is part of the Jumpstart Charities’ Inclusive Play project, which focuses on inclusive infrastructure and programming to help give Canadian kids of all abilities access to sport and play.

Third Avenue towards Planks Lane, you will see two streets of “wartime housing” at the southeast corner, built in the late 1940s. Note the lack of roof overhangs, etc. as a saving on materials. Along Planks Lane are some of Uxbridge’s fine old houses, many from the 1800s. Planks Lane is named after John Plank who acquired 100 acres there around 1825. He built a tavern across from the present Music Hall, and sold lots to many businesses, making the street the main street (hence the name) of the town at that time.

Main Street, note the third house on the east side. It was originally built as a Methodist Episcopal Church on Bascom St. and was moved to its present location in 1878. It became the Free Methodist Church and was closed as a church in 1976 when a new Free Methodist Church was built on Reach Road. Notice that the house still retains the look of a church.

Note that the route through the park is closed four times a year for major events (Fall Fair, Highland Games, etc.).