Iron Bridge

A nearly nondescript community in northern Ontario

Located on the bank of Lake Huron’s north channel, the little community of Iron Bridge is part of the Huron Shores township. Iron Bridge is small place and the entire village can be traversed on foot in about 15 minutes. I visited Iron Bridge earlier this year because my partner was performing there in a band.

↑ Tally Ho Park, Iron Bridge. Workers used to assemble here at the end of the day to tally their wages.

It’s a long 600km drive from Toronto, passing through Barrie, Parry Sound, the French River rest stop and Sudbury on the way. The nearest big town is Sault Ste. Marie, on the border with Michigan state of USA.

↑ Silently flowing Mississagi river at Iron Bridge. The river’s name comes from the Ojibwe misi-zaagi, “river with a wide mouth”.

Steel bridge or concrete bridge

The community was named Iron Bridge in 1886, two years after a steel bridge over the Mississagi River replaced a wooden one. I like steel bridges, they have character. In 1949, a newer concrete bridge replaced the old steel one and now its like just another bridge.

↑ Dam on the Mississagi river, Huron Shores

What to do

During winter, I was told, white tailed deer visit the community and people feed them with apples and carrots. In addition, a branch of the Trans Canada snowmobile highway passes through here. During other seasons, one can walk a trail along the banks the Mississagi river that leads to the dam and a hiking trail along the northern shore of lake Huron. The main purpose of the dam seems to be water regulation.

↑ Reservoir formed by the dam. The place must look stunning during fall.

But if you ever find yourself in the area between May and October, you ought to visit the Red Top Motor Inn for the excellent food they serve.

Iron Bridge is located at the mouth of the Mississagi which joins the northern shores of the Huron sea in a couple of kilometers from here.