History of Ferris Provincial Park
Website (705) 653-1900Stirling Road Campbellford K0L 1L0
Photo by William Stewart
The land where Ferris Provincial Park is was crown land until 1839. In 1892, the Ferris family purchased the property which remained basically untouched and natural. The unusual dry stone fences were built to clear the land and to serve as divisions for fields. The land was passed through three generations of the Ferris family until it was donated in 1960 on the condition that it remain in its natural state and be available to the public. In 1962, Ferris Woods, as it was then known was made a Provincial Park with additional properties being added in 1965.
The park was operated by the province until 1994 when they made a decision to close this park and seven others in Ontario. A delegation of concerned citizens from Campbellford/Seymour formed a group called `The Friends of Ferris` to help carry out the Ferris Family's wishes. Because of the effort of these fine citizens, Ferris Park reopened that year.
Presently, the park is run by the municipality of Trent Hills Recreation Department. The Friends of Ferris are a hearty bunch who work hard all year long to attract attention to our beautiful asset, Ferris Provincial Park. They are determined to keep it's natural beauty in tact and hold several events over the course of the year to support it.
In 2003 the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge was built linking Ferris Provincial Park to the Trans Canada Trail. Access to this great attraction will be through Ferris Park