Come Treat Yourself to What You’ve been Missing In Beautiful Ridgeway, Ontario

Come for the Charm…

Ridgeway is a close, proud community of people with respect for old-time values…
A nice place to live and visit – small by choice – where local history, charm and entrepreneurial spirit are all rightly woven into the fabric of everyday life.
We have worked hard to maintain what other villages have lost: that special ‘way things used to be’ atmosphere.

Through strong community involvement, we continue to offer a rare blend of old fashioned courtesy, quality, services…and family fun – in a relaxed picturesque setting.
We treasure what we have. It’s the way we want our home to be. And you’re invited to share the wealth!

Come for the Fun…

Visit our historic sites and museums. Come for a game of golf, boat launch or lazy lunch. Stroll along our quiet streets or sandy shoreline. Windsurf, water-ski or people watch. Take in a Sunday service, mid-week poetry reading…or performance by our internationally acclaimed Gypsy Theatre. All within a few short blocks.
Joiin in our Summer Festival street party (in early July) with Antique Car show, line dancing, sheep-herding…kiddy train, pony rides, bed races…baking & eating contests…arts & crafts, sidewalk sales…BINGO, street dance and live music.
“Feel the Spirit of Christmas” –when we invite you to help us decorate an outdoor trees, sing carols, drink hot apple cider and enjoy a leisurely sleigh ride with family and friends… And include out Dickens-style Open House on your Yuletide events list.

…And Discover our Shops

Stroll, Browse…Expect the Unusual. And Enjoy!

Over its 200 year history, Ridgeway has been – and still is – a diversified commercial village.

Most shops are owned and operated by local people with a variety of skills, creative talents, products and services to suit a cross-section of needs and tastes.

Visitors are welcomed with free parking, fair prices, genuine value and warm hospitality.

“Original, distinctive and quaint” applies to much of what you’ll find – inside and out – as you discover the romance of a village shop: the creaky wooden floors, eclectic décor, tinkling door bells…and friendly, knowledgeable help.

Browse artisans’ galleries and studios, boutiques, country and general stores – for giftware to hardware, antiques to appliances and future collectables.

Ridgeway is just the place to hunt for that ‘special something’: Custom pine furniture, window treatment, flooring, pottery or floral basket to decorate your home… A ‘classic touch’ to accent your wardrobe… Or ‘missing piece’ in your Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood China or porcelain doll collection.

Visit our specialty bake shoppe, ice creamery, tea room, café and gourmet food store. Stock-up on bread, wine, beer and chocolate making supplies.

Treat your taste buds to English, Chinese, Canadian… or pint and pizza. Eat-in or take-out to picnic in the park.

Ridgeway is sure to make a lasting impression… and bring you back again.

Come for the History…

Ridgeway is the famous site of an 1866 invasion by Fenians (Irish-American Civil War veterans) attempting to “liberate” Upper Canada from Britain and “barter” it for Irish home rule. We are home to two of Greater Fort Erie’s public museums and several historic sites.

Ridgeway Battlefield Museum (in a cabin restored to its 1860’s appearance) contains a prized collection of paintings depicting the Fenian Raids and Battle of Ridgeway.

Battle of Ridgeway Scenic Drive map-brochure (FREE) lets you retrace the invasion site-by-site.

Fort Erie Historical Museum (in former Town Hall, 1874) houses a permanent display of treasured artifacts and ‘Grandmother’s Attic’ heirlooms: plus a memory lane exhibit of Crystal Beach Amusement Park with 20 minute video.

We Look Forward to Seeing You…

Spend some quality leisure time exploring the charm, shops and history of Ridgeway.

Drop in for the day or make us your next weekend getaway.

We have bed & breakfast, hotel/motel and campground accommodations… And service centres for your car, boat, trailer or outdoor recreational needs.

Local tours and fishing charters are available.

For more information contact:
Ridgeway Business Improvement Association
Tel: (905) 894-6212 Fax: (905) 894-6214
Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
A Part of Greater Fort Erie

“Rich in more than just tradition!”