Designated a Canadian Heritage River in 2000, the Thames is more than the watershed running through the heart of Middlesex County. Its natural heritage is intertwined with our area’s history as well.

There are some amazing stories about the river, serving as a backdrop for hundreds of thousands of residents over the past years. From stories long cherished by the First Nations peoples to romantic tales of sneaking off to the river for a midnight rendezvous. Without the Thames, there wouldn’t be the dramatic rescues from several disastrous floods, the wreck of the Victoria, Dragon boat races, or oarsmen and women  practicing for the Olympics.

How many of us caught their first fish in one of its many tributaries, or floated a boat down a stream until it disappeared out of sight? Canoe trips, hiking trails and conservation areas depend on the Thames for a starting point.

From playing host to invaders during the War of 1812 to witnessing a recreation of artist Paul Peel’s trip down the Thames in 1877, the river plays a key part of Middlesex County’s history, now and in the future.

For more about the Thames start with this weblink: http://www.thamesriver.on.ca/About_Us/heritage.htm