Clinton (Ontario)

In World War II, the CFB Clinton, a base for Canadian Forces, was located just out of town. Large radar antennas still remain in the town centre. The village was established in 1831. Today, some 3100 people live here, and the town is part of the Central Huron municipality.

History

Clinton was established in 1831, when Jonas Gibbings and brothers Peter and Stephen Vanderburg cleared out a small area to start. Clinton started to grow in 1844 when William Rattenbury laid out the plans to begin making a village.

Clinton lies at the junction of Highways 4 and 8 and County Road 4. It's a 2hr 20min drive from Toronto, and 1hr 15min from London, Ontario.

• School on Wheels Railcar MuseumThe permanent display of the School on Wheels is the main sight in town. The story behind it is a remarkable one. For some 39 years a train car was set up as a school environment, moving from one remote village to the next. It would stay for a week at a time before moving on and was the only access to education for many settlers and rail worker's children in the area. Some of them would travel long distances to reach the School on Wheels, follow classes for a week and then take enough homework for self-study until the train's next visit. Teachers would live on board, for example Mr. Sloman with his family of five children, who served as a teacher for 39 years. Seven such cars existed in Northern Ontario and served children in remote areas from 1926 and the mid-1960s. There's no admission fee for the museum, but voluntary donations are appreciated.

• Radar screenThe large radar screen in the town centre really can't be missed. The village became known as Canada's centre for radar through the RCAF Station nearby.

• Bannockburn Conservation Area

  address: 76249 Bannockburn Line
  Home to six natural communities: wet meadow, eastern white cedar, deciduous forest, old field and mixed scrub and marsh. Hunting and motorized vehicles are not permitted. The trail starts with a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible. The popular Bannockburn Fall Hike is held annually each autumn. Early morning walks will reward you with sightings of deer, grouse and numerous songbirds.

• Clinton Raceway

  phone: +1 519-482-5204
  address: 147 Beech Street
  1/2 mile horse-racing track, stabling for 32 horses, and paddock for 100 horses on race days. The grandstand seats 1500, and has fully accessible washroom facilities. Picnic areas, swimming pool, cafe, over 100 of slot machines. The fully licensed Raceway Cafe is open 365 days a year, serving home cooked meals.

• Willy's Burger Bar

  phone: +1 519-606-0040
  address: 267 Huron Street
  This places serves ice cream and a couple of warm dishes that can serve well as a simple dinner.

• Bartliff's Bakery

  phone: +1 519-482-9727
  address: 46 Albert St
  This bakery has a small restaurant in the back. It's cheap and simple but the food is very tasty. It's also an excellent place to have breakfast.

• Kate's Station

  phone: +1 519-233-3222
  address: 76988 London Rd
  A family-run business offering home-cooked meals, friendly service, a welcoming family atmosphere, and affordable prices.

• China Palace

  phone: +1 519-482-3323
  address: 80206 Baseline Rd

• Parker House Motel

  phone: +1 519 482-3469
  address: 77575 London Rd., Bluewater Township
  A 15-room motel in a quiet rural area just south of Clinton on Highway 4. Clean spacious rooms at reasonable prices, Wi-Fi internet, and LED TVs in all the rooms.

• Kildonan House B&B

  phone: +1 519-482-1163
  address: 71 Kirk St
  Central air-conditioning, private bathroom, satellite with flat screen TVs, and Wi-fi.