West Montrose Covered Bridge

The West Montrose Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario and the second oldest surviving bridge in the Region of Waterloo. It was designed by a local contractor, John Bear, who, with his brother Benjamin, constructed the bridge in 1881 as a replacement for an earlier open bridge at the same location.

Originally, the bridge was constructed solely of wood. Over the course of more than a century, a number of improvements have been made to maintain the function and integrity of the bridge. The bridge materials today are a mix of wood, stone, asphalt, concrete and steel, representing not only the evolution of bridge technology but also the stewardship of the township, the region and the province. While the materials have been altered from the original, the form of the bridge designed by John Bear has been largely retained.

The 'Kissing Bridge', as it was appropriately nicknamed due to the intimacy and privacy that the covered bridge offered its travellers, is an iconic structure. It is a prominent and recognizable feature in arguably one of the most picturesque landscapes in Ontario. It is also representative of the early history of Woolwich Township and of an earlier time in the village.