Township of Wellesley

Located in the north west corner of Waterloo Region and once part of a vast Clergy Reserve known as 'The Queen's Bush', Wellesley Township was only completely surveyed for settlement in 1843. To this day, productive farms cover most of the township where our people demonstrate thrift, hard work and an entreneprenurial spirit. Here you will discover cultural, historical and culinary experiences, often lost in today's fast-paced lifestyle. 'Catch the Culture' on our 60 mile (96 km) Culture Trail, or venture deep off the beaten track. You'll find down-to-earth folks farming in the traditional ways, or with the latest air conditioned farm equipment. Many also have farm-based shops in which a wide range of treasures can be found. Furniture, toys, fabric, quilts, tools, foods, clothes, kerosene lamps, shoes, and farm implements - wonderful reminders of your trip of discovery through Wellesley.

Our villages offer a friendly atmosphere where local people gather and exchange news, often in Deitsch, a German dialect that was commonly spoken by the many settlers of Germanic background. Although different in their religious affiliations, many descendants of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Amish and Mennonite settlers from the lowlands of Alsace-Lorraine, Bavaria and other German states, as well as Pennsylvania, still share language, culture, crafts and foods. Homemade summer sausage, maple syrup, shoo-fly pie, apple butter, cooked cheese, butter, bacon, and all the local treats will surely tempt your taste buds. Our famous Waterloo County quilts can be purchased right out of their makers' homes. Many others can be bought in shops, at auctions, the Mennonite Relief sale in New Hamburg, and the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.

From fun festivals, great food, and fine handmade furniture to tradition and culture, crafts and churches, our township is sure to fascinate you, whenever you choose to visit. Come and 'Catch the Culture'!