Talbot Trail
Official Talbot Trail Web Page
The NEW Talbot Trail Signs: Follow the Talbot Trail to discover a vibrant heritage built on the challenging spirit of the early settlers. |
There were many roads built for Colonel Talbot by this region's settlers including Highway # 3 from Amhurstburg (Fort Malden) to St. Thomas and further east but we are focusing on Elgin's portion here in the heart of the Talbot Settlement. Look for our amber, emerald green and white signs as you trace the original route that much of southwestern Ontario was built around -- The Talbot Trail.
The Sign!
The Tourist Association has designed a new logo for the Talbot Trail that reflects the rich heritage and perserverance of the early settlers. The cabin represents the homestead's of the settlers. The pioneers of the Talbot Settlement had to build 1/2 of the road in front of their property. This was a condition Colonel Talbot imposed . . . no road . . . no land. The trees represent the thick woods that the settlers had to cut down to make the Talbot Trail, to make their grain fields etc. The Emerald green represents Ireland - Colonel Talbot's birthplace & the color of the forests of Elgin, the amber color represents the hundreds of acres of maize that the neutral Indians grew here before the advent of the Europeans and the amber fields of wheat that followed. The white lettering & smoke call to mind the plumes of smoke arising from the felled trees being burnt to accommodate the wheat fields & the roads. The fires were used to create potash, black salts for cash. These new logos of amber, green & white are installed along the Talbot Trail. In 2004 the Talbot Trail sign became a registered trademark.
Where is it?
Follow the new Talbot Trail Signs along the portion of the trails that runs through Elgin County.
Driving east, you'll travel:
- on Hwy #3 from New Glasgow to Wallacetown;
- then south on Currie Road to Fingal Line;
- east on Fingal Line to St. Thomas;
- through downtown St. Thomas and past several museums on Talbot Street (Hwy # 3);
- Follow Highway #3 from St. Thomas to Aylmer.
- East of Aylmer, you'll turn southeast onto County Rd. 38;
- and south on County Road 19 (Plank Rd.) which brings you to Port Burwell and Lake Erie.
The drive, without stops, takes about 90 minutes. All the roads are paved. Many historical places and attractions can be found along or just off of the Talbot Trail. A new map showing the Talbot Trail and the nearby attractions will be available shortly. Plan to spend a day or two this summer along the Talbot Trail.
visit our Cycling and Hiking Pages.
Support the Talbot Trail!
As residents and business owners in St. Thomas and Elgin County, we ask you to take advantage of this fantastic resource. We have a well-signed, historic trail that runs over well-maintained roads from the western boundary of Elgin County to the eastern boundary of Elgin County. Direct your customers to follow the high visible, emerald, white and amber signs to your home or business.
This trail has huge potential for drawing people to our area. Please help make it a success.
Events:
- Talbot Trail of Yard Sales - held the fourth Saturday of August annually
- Information is as follows:The Talbot Trail of Yard Sales will be held Sat., August 25, 2007. Sale starts at 8am and runs until at least 2pm but many vendors stay open longer if it is still busy. It is known as the longest yard sale in Canada or maybe the world. It covers and area of 100 kms. with everything from traditional yard sale items to farm fresh produce, BBQs, crafters, artisan displays, sidewalk sales, unique shops, museums, art galleries, wineries and much more. You will even see Jumbo the Elephant on the way.
- The Talbot Trail begins in New Glasgow in West Elgin and follows #3 Highway to Wallacetown then south on Currie Road to the Fingal Line through Fingal to St. Thomas along Old Talbot Street by Jumbo then on to Talbot Street to #3 Highway through Aylmer to Heritage Line to #19 Highway (Plank Road) into Port Burwell. You can start in the east or west or jump in the middle whatever is easiest for you.
- There are maps at some CAA offices (Woodstock, Cherryhill, London, Sarnia, Simcoe, Cambridge, Kitchener, Guelph, Chatham, Windsor and Leamington and of course St. Thomas), and there are maps along the way at the Lighthouse in Port Burwell; Aylmer Tourism Office and Aylmer Museum; Meadow Lane Winery on Highway #3 between Aylmer & St. Thomas; the Jumbo Caboose, Comfort Inn, Salt Creek Farms, in St. Thomas; Picards Peanuts, Talbotville, Lakeview Gardens at Eagle and Empire Valley Farm Market, Wallacetown as well as every library in Elgin County.
Want more information about the Talbot Trail or Talbot Trail of Yard Sales along the Talbot Trail, write to sightsee@elgintourist.com.
