West Montrose Spring, West Montrose, Ontario, Canada

## Overview West Montrose Spring is a constantly flowing natural spring located in the charming village of West Montrose, Ontario — a community perhaps best known as the home of Ontario's last remaining covered bridge, the "Kissing Bridge," built in 1881. The spring sits along Line 86, directly across from the West Montrose Family Campground, and has been a locally popular water source for many years. While the exact type of spring (artesian, gravity-fed, etc.) is not formally documented, its steady, year-round flow suggests a reliable underground source. West Montrose itself is nestled in the rolling countryside of Woolwich Township within the Region of Waterloo, an area underlain by glacial deposits that feed numerous groundwater springs throughout the Grand River watershed. The spring has no official signage, so it remains something of a local secret — but those who know about it return regularly to collect water. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Visitors have historically used this as a drinking water source, though water quality has not been independently verified, and conditions can change over time. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of West Montrose, Ontario, along **Line 86** (also known as Woolwich-Guelph Townline in some mapping apps). 2. Look for the **West Montrose Family Campground** at approximately **6344 Line 86**. 3. The spring is located **directly across the road from the campground entrance**, on the north side of Line 86. 4. Keep to the **right** as you approach and travel north — the spring will be visible from the road. 5. There are **no signs** marking the spring, so watch carefully for a small pull-off area. 6. **Parking is very limited** — space for only 2 to 3 vehicles at a time. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking the roadway. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.590115, -80.473694 ## What to Expect The spring flows constantly and is accessible right from the roadside, making it an easy stop without any hiking required. The surrounding area is quintessential rural Ontario — lush farmland, quiet country roads, and the scenic Grand River valley nearby. The village of West Montrose is small and peaceful, and a visit to the spring pairs nicely with a walk to see the historic covered bridge, located just a short drive or walk to the east. Because there are no signs or formal infrastructure, first-time visitors should rely on the GPS coordinates and the campground as a landmark. The pull-off area is small, so during busy times you may need to wait briefly for a spot. Bringing your own containers for water collection is recommended. The spring is popular among locals who have been visiting for years, and it flows reliably through all seasons, including winter — though icy conditions on the roadside pull-off may require extra caution during colder months.