Daniel McLachlin Park & Bell Tower   The park was established in 1987 to commemorate the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the incorporation of Arnprior as a village in 1862. The bell in the monument came from the original town hall, constructed in 1888. The stone came from a grist mill (Baird's Mill), which formerly stood on this site. Constructed by Daniel McLachlin in the 1850s, the mill was lost to fire in the early 1970s.
Robert Simpson Park

Robert Simpson Park was the site of the 'Edgewood' residence, built by Jack Usborne of another Ottawa Valley lumber family, who married Jessie McLachlin, daughter of Daniel McLachlin. The land was given to the town and named after a former mayor of Arnprior who served from 1949 to 1962 and 1964 to 1965.

After following up the road from Robert Simpson Park, turn into 398 John Street North. Please note that this is private property, so treat with respect and peace.
Galilee/The Hill The stone mansion called "The Hill" was built by the first Daniel McLachlin in 1853, and was occupied by McLachlin families until 1933. It is now owned by the Oblates. The mansion along with other surrounding buildings - known as the "Galilee Community" - is used as a renewal and retreat centre.

The original gate and coachman's house separates the two roads around the Galilee buildings. The right approach towards the river leads to the original entrance of "The Hill" while the left fork leads to the entrance of the modern Galilee facilities.

The riverside road can be followed past the Galilee buildings to meet the left fork, or one can take the lower, more energetic route down the stairs, along the embankment
    Gillies Grove
Gillies Grove was originally recognized as a natural treasure by David A. Gillies in the 1930s when the land came into his possession as the McLachlin family began selling parts of its land during the Depression. Following his death in 1967 and that of his wife, Jessie, in 1980, it came into the possession of the Oblates, who also own the Galilee property. The Land Preservation Society of the Ottawa Valley (LPSOV) recently signed an Agreement of Purchase with the Oblates to preserve this old-growth forest.

Uniquely situated within the town limits of Arnprior, Gillies Grove is a rare remnant of the magnificent forest that once covered this region. Gillies Grove is recognized as one of the last old-growth forests in the province.

The size and the age of many of the trees are extraordinary. The largest basswood in Canada stood in this forest at one time. Trees to be admired include Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch, American Beech, Eastern Hemlock and Basswood. Most impressive is the stand of towering ancient White Pines.

Birds that inhabit the Grove include Scarlet Tanagers, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls, Cooper's Hawks and Eastern Screech Owls.

When venturing off the established paths, care must be taken not to disturb the vegetation, which includes Hepaticas, Spring Beauties, Violets, Red and White Trilliums, White Baneberry and Indian Pipe - not to mention Poison Ivy.  Truly a complex ecosystem worthy of being preserved!
 

Funding for the Millennium Trails was provided by the Canada Millennium Partnership Program and local service clubs and businesses.

Free maps and brochures for each of the Millennium Trails may be picked up at the Arnprior Public Library, The Nick Smith Centre or at Town Hall.

Return to Millennium Trails Page