Fergus Travel Guide

Welcome to Fergus!

Fergus plays an illustrious role in Canada's history as the first settlers to this area were freed slaves who formed the Garafraxa Township (also known as Pierpoint Settlement)—a black farming settlement and a terminus for the Underground Railroad—situated around what today is Scotland Street. The town of Little Falls was established nearby in 1833 by Adam Fergusson after the scenic waterfalls that are found downtown. It quickly became a predominantly Scottish community with settlers harnessing the power of the Grand River which today is a Canadian Heritage River for its part in establishing the area's industry.

Fergus is part of Wellington County, along with Elora, 25 km (16 mi) north of Guelph, Ontario. Turning 175 in 2008, its rich history is reflected by strong, Scottish-built stone buildings that are dotted throughout town, particularly on St. Andrew Street East. The Fergus Marketplace, another notable historic building and constructed as a factory in 1870, is popular amongst visitors and locals for its restaurants and shops. The Wellington County Museum and Archives lends insight into the region's past and is itself a national historic site as Canada's oldest House of Industry and Refuge, which was built in 1877 to provide shelter for the aged and homeless. It also hosts many events, from the Classic Car Show to the Christmas Festival. Fergus's Scottish Festival and Highland Games are renowned being the one of the largest Scottish celebrations in North America, attracting over 30,000 people annually—almost three times Fergus' population!

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