Category: Kissing Bridge

“The West Montrose Covered BridgeThis structure, the only…













“The West Montrose Covered Bridge

This structure, the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario, was designed by John Bear in 1880, on the authority of Woolwich Township Council, to replace an earlier bridge over the Grand River.  Built a year later by John and his brother, Benjamin, the 198-foot bridge was covered to protect the wooden flooring and frame against the elements.  Known locally as the “Kissing Bridge” it later came under the jurisdiction of Waterloo County. In 1937 the province assumed responsibility for the Guelph-Elmira Road, including the West Montrose Bridge, and its floor and sub-structure were subsequently rebuilt and reinforced.”

The Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sties Board recognized the West Montrose Covered Bridge as a historic site in 1960. In 1975, the bridge was designated as a heritage site.

Surely the most famous bridge in Waterloo Region is the “Kissing…



Surely the most famous bridge in Waterloo Region is the “Kissing Bridge” in West Montrose.  

It’s claim to fame is that it’s the last covered bridge in Ontario.  It made a lot of sense to cover a bridge this long in the days of horse and buggy travel. Like the Conestogo Bridge, this was only ever wide enough to accommodate a single car at a time.  

The highway bridge built as a car alternative bridge is quite a bit out of the way for the large Old Order Mennonite population who still get around by horse and buggy in Waterloo Region (particularly Woolwich Township).  I’m guessing that’s what saved this bridge long enough to become a landmark. This photo is from spring 2015.