WELCOME TO

THE BEAVER VALLEY

The Beaver Valley has had a few aliases; one being The Queen’s Valley, and of course the humorous name of Cuckoo Valley.  The moniker of Queen’s Valley may have erroneously derived from the Queen’s Bush, which was a tract of land lying beyond the western boundaries of the Artemesia, Euphrasia & St. Vincent townships.  The Cuckoo Valley name has a few possible origins. One reference suggests that it is mistakenly attributed to the North American Indians of the area.  A second notion for the Cuckoo Valley title is based upon the Fool’s Gold Rush of the 1850’s.  The third, and most likely root, is attributed to ornithologists (people who study birds) who recognized the Black-Billed Cuckoo bird that frequents this beautiful region. Bird watching is still a popular hobby for many people, as the valley is home to over 100 species of migratory and nesting birds. 

Bird watching, cycling, hiking, paddling, and skiing/snowboarding are some of the main recreational activities that the Beaver Valley is known for.  A 113 km section of the Bruce Trail referred to as the Beaver Valley Section, starts in Blantyre and ends in Craigleith.

Offering captivating views of the Niagara Escarpment, this trail brings you through such places as Old Baldy, local falling water, and other beautiful lookouts. The Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club has a Day Hike Map Kit for purchase, which offers 35 different hikes with maps, local botanists guide to wildflowers, as well as information and tips for hiking the area.  The kit cost a mere $12 and may be bought from local vendors, as well as through the mail and online.       

No matter how you refer to it, this valley has incredible richness in all of its corners.  Artists flourish in this area, creating beautiful masterpieces that area residents, as well as, tourists can appreciate and purchase.  Types of art include glasswork, woodwork, textile handiwork, paintings done in oil and acrylic, glass beading, and a wide spectrum of photography.