Vankleek Hill: You will love our town!

Vankleek Hill is the best of both worlds! There is always something happening! Whether it is one of our special events, or the many vibrant groups where you can relax your mind and body or give them both a workout, or you want to enjoy the best side of friendly, small-town life, Vankleek Hill is it! Those of us who live here call it the busiest little town in Ontario! But yes, we know how to relax and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of our small town.

Visit the Events page to find out more about upcoming fun in Vankleek Hill. But you can also choose to visit historic Vankleek Hill in person and stroll along our quiet streets, lined with historic brick homes. While we have the best of the old, we also have lots of new things to celebrate! Vankleek Hill is the proud home of the award-winning Beau’s All-Natural Brewing Co., open seven days a week for taste-tours. Enjoy a meal at the renowned Vert Fourchette (open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays til 9 p.m. for evening dining), visit our gift & clothing shops, or take in an auction at Pridham’s Auction House, located just on the outskirts of town! Visit Arbor Gallery to see the latest exhibit or buy some hand-crafted items in the gallery’s gift shop! You’ll find the best pizza in town at Nicko’s Resto Bar and for a special experience, enjoy a light lunch and a hearty soup at the Trillium Tea Room.

Vankleek Hill’s historical murals are still the most-photographed subjects in town! Two historical murals are located on the corner of Home Avenue and Main Street. Visit a third historical mural called “Community Patchwork”, located at Vankleek Hill’s main intersection. This historical mural, along with “Going to the Fair”, located on the side of Wagar and Holland’s building at 28 High Street, feature scenes from Vankleek Hill’s past. All four historical murals were painted by artists Liz Skelly and Odile Têtu.

Vankleek Hill has been proclaimed as the “Gingerbread Capital of Ontario”. It exhibits stunning examples of Victorian-era houses which still boast the original wooden gingerbread ornamentation. All it takes is a stroll down any streets in the historical part of town to see what we mean. If you are looking for information about events, click on the Events tab in the menu at the top of this page.

More than 250 homes in Vankleek Hill pay homage to its Victorian history with its gingerbread-style architecture. “Gingerbread” is often used interchangeably with Victorian; a style named in honour of Queen Victoria, and was introduced as a way to decorate buildings.

At the turn of the 19th century, several brick factories flourished in Vankleek Hill, and the town’s beautiful brick homes still give you the feeling that you are taking a walk through history. The many homes and buildings have charming, elaborate porches and peaks where “gingerbread” emphasizes these architectural features. BTW: if you want to eat some gingerbread, visit the Trillium Tea Room for gingerbread with hot lemon sauce!

Vankleek Hill has always been a busy crossroads for travellers and today is no exception! Travellers note: Herb’s Travel Plaza is just a few minutes outside of town and it is open 24 hours a day! You’ll find a restaurant, a convenience store, gas and more! Right in town, our Foodland grocery store is open 24 hours a day, with a great selection of groceries and ready-to-eat meals and prepared foods.

You won’t want to miss a visit to Vankleek Hill and experience some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture still in existence.

For more historical facts check out our local history page !