Upper Mill Falls - Ancaster

The Upper Mills Falls  (also known as Ancaster Falls or Old Mill Falls) is situated beside the Ancaster Old Mill Restaurant and is about 7 metres high and 4 metres across.

It is considered a complex classic cascade, but I just consider it beautiful.  As in any waterfall picture, a tripod is necessary unless you can rest it steadily enough on a rock or ledge of some kind.  These two pictures are obviously taken a different times of day and from different vantage points.  

The waterfall is adjacent to the Ancaster Mill Restarurant which serves the classic fare that you can expect from an upper middle class menu.  A very popular location for wedding receptions because of its picturesque views from within the restaurant.   

Although the water treatment of the falls are man made outside the restaurant, the actual water source is taken from the Ancaster Creek and is an all-year-round flow (more or less) although it does sometimes freeze up in the winter.

Just a little background about the Old Mill Restaurant (Ancaster Mill).   In 1832 Harris and Alonzo Egleston who had once worked for the William Wiard's foundry had made enough money to eventually buy him out. 

They then expanded their own business and rebuilt the Grist Mill in 1863, which is now known as the Ancaster Mill on Old Dundas Road.  This was the 4th mill in Ancaster and the third to be rebuilt at the current location.  The originals were all destroyed by fire, one in 1812, the second in 1818, and the third damaged by fire in 1954. 

Scarlett Mills Park - (Humber River)

 In Toronto's west end about half-way between the Queensway and Hwy 401, there are a string of parks and trails to explore heading northwest from Eglinton Avenue west to Steeles West.

The first one located on the west bank of the Humber River is Scarlett Mills Park.  It's only about .9 miles long but it's got lots of nice little secret paths off the main trails.   Under a neat little cove surrounded by trees are clean and clear openings to the river, you can sit back and relax and try your luck on a line or two in the water or just enjoy the peace from the busy city.


Was funny to see an old black couch which has been meticulously placed by the river bank.  It looked a little worn, and probably used by many a ponderer or fisherman.  

Historically, the Scarlett family were early settlers in the area north of Lambton Mills where numerous members of the Scarlett family made it their home.  Father John Scarlett owned a sawmill and a distillery.  

Most of the Scarletts' estate is used today as a Golf and Country Club (Lambton Gold and Country Club).  

Another historical fact is that after the notorious Hurricane Hazel in 1954, many sources had contributed their time and money to restore the land and lives destroyed by this event to form the Scarlett Mills Park.



 







Further Notes:
The park can be entered by vehicle from Edenbridge Drive.  It is also accessible by TTC.  A special note to cyclists you can travel through the park along the Tommy Thompson Trail.