They don’t call it the “kissing bridge” for no reason. The West Montrose Covered Bridge, also known as the Kissing Bridge, has a pretty cool backstory. The structure is found in Woolwich Township, spanning across the Grand River. Plan a visit, and you can claim that you’ve seen the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario.
Getting to the West Montrose Covered Bridge
The street name on which the bridge resides is pretty fitting. Yes, the West Montrose Covered Bridge is found on Covered Bridge Drive.
If you’re driving from Toronto, getting to the historic spot will take you just under two hours.
The history
The covered wooden bridge was built in the late 19th century, connecting Hill Street, Covered Bridge Drive, and Rivers Edge Drive.
Spanning just over 200 feet in length, you won’t be able to miss it as it stands out with red-painted wood panelling.
Designed by a local contractor, John Bear, the structure was built by him and his brother in 1881 as a replacement for another bridge that opened years before at the same location.
The roof over the bridge is what led to the bridge’s iconic nickname. It is believed that the “Kissing Bridge” was used by early horse and buggy drivers who “would sneak a kiss while driving through the sheltered area” – too cute.
Because of its history and how well it has been preserved over the years, the West Montrose Covered Bridge was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1960. and the bridge is also listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Adding to its list of honours, the structure was one of the eight recognized under the region’s Heritage Bridge Recognition Program in 2018.
Presently, the bridge is used by pedestrians, buggy traffic, and vehicles weighing less than three tonnes to cross the river.
The more you know, Ontario.
Where: 1 Covered Bridge Dr., West Montrose, Ont.
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