Dunkeld

Introduction

Photo of church
The former Presbyterian Church
©Jeri Danyleyko

Dunkeld was a small farming hamlet in Bruce County that thrived from the mid-1800s to early 1900s. During its best days it included a hotel, school, Orange Lodge, two churches and a store.

The community was fortunate in having a rail line, siding and a small flag station. Over the years it boasted a number of small industries including a cheese factory, flour mill, cider manufacturing and timber shipping. Its population ranged from 75 to 100.

Dunkeld was located just north of Walkerton, which had the added advantage of being the county seat and the hub of business in Bruce County. By the early 1900s, its population began to fall as residents moved either to Walkerton or to other larger centres nearby.

Today Dunkeld, although still very much a rural community, is part of the municipality of Walkerton. A number of early buildings still stand. The school house is now a private home. The Presbyterian Church, served as a mortuary for a number of years until the service moved to Walkerton. The building still stands but is no longer in use. The old stone hotel survived for many years as a popular restaurant and banquet facility. Sadly, in March 2013 while the owners were away, fire destroyed this wonderful historical structure. Learn more

How to get there

Dunkeld can be found in Bruce County at the corner of County Rd. 3 and Concession 4W, just north of the town of Walkerton.

View Ontario Ghost Town Map in a larger map

Nearby centre: Walkerton, 6 kilometres

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