Alton

Home

>

>

>

Alton
Previous
Next
Click the image to see more of our gallery!
Previous
Next
Click the photos to see more of our gallery!

      History:

      Alton was originally settled in the 1816 by Martin Middaugh Jr. a United Empire Loyalist who received a 200 acre land grant from the Crown, likely for military service. In the ensuing years a hamlet emerged thanks to a prosperous milling operation on Shaw Creek a tributary of the Credit River.. In 1852 with the population growing this community needed a post office and therefore an official name. A town hall meeting was held to  come up with a name. John Meek, son of Robert Meek who owned the popular general store in the village suggested the name Alton, as he held in hand a newspaper from Alton, Illinois. Everybody agreed Alton was easy to spell and would make an excellent choice for the community. The new post office opened in 1854. Soon after Meek opened Alton’s first hotel. Alton prospered thanks to the mills which powered a number of different industries over the year. Alton was built up largely between the 1850s and early 1900s. A remarkable amount of Alton’s historical landmarks and homes have been preserved so that todays generation can step back in time and get a glimpse of what it was like to live in a small Ontario hamlet back in the 1800s.

      Overview:

      Alton is situated in the north part of Caledon. Alton is best known for the Alton Mills Arts Centre on Queen Street and the Millcroft Inn and Spa on John Street. Both of these destinations have repurposed old mills with a cascading waterfall and stunning waterscape views of Shaws Creek which meanders through this village. Alton is one of Caledon’s largest communities.with lots of amenities. There are shops and restaurants at Queen and Main Streets, a public school, a fire station, a public library and a greenhouse and garden centre. The popular TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has not one, not two but three 18 hole golf courses that have all received top reviews. Alton is just minutes from Orangeville to the north, Caledon Village to the east and the Forks of the Credit to the south.

      Lifestyle:

      The historic downtown area of Alton along Queen Street features a cluster of boutique shops, cafes and a bakery. The main draw is the Alton Mills Arts Centre on Queen Street. Situated on the banks of Shaw’s Creek in a wonderful heritage building the Alton Mills Centre will delight you with its in house artists studios, boutique shops and cafe. If you are looking for a relaxing day or overnight retreat with excellent food and spa like amenities then head on over to the Millcroft Inn and Spa at 55 John Street.

      Homes:

      Alton has a large collection of houses with heritage homes in town and ranch style bungalows, cottage style homes and some newer infill houses. Some of the houses at the north end of town enjoy scenic views of Shaw’s Creek.

      Recreation:

      Hikers will enjoy the Grand Valley Trails system that spans 275 kilometres between Rock Point Provincial Park on Lake Erie all the way to the Town of Alton. There are numerous trails nearby for cyclists and cross-country skiing. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy three highly acclaimed 18 hole golf courses at nearby TPC at Toronto Osprey Valley. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is a wonderful spot for a picnic or a hike. This is also a popular fishing spot.

      Arts:

      Alton Mill Arts Centre located in beautiful downtown Alton is one of the premiere arts centres in the Greater Toronto Area and the heart and soul of Caledon’s vibrant arts community. Located on picturesque Queen Street the Alton Mills Arts centre is situated inside a historic mill building on the banks of Shaw’s Creek. This arts centre includes 25 studio artists, multiple galleries, a heritage museum, cafes and shops. Alton Mills Arts Centre hosts year round art exhibits, events, art classes, and workshops.

          Alton Stats

          Walkability:

          High

          Bikeability:

          High

          Public Transit:

          Medium

          Affordability:

          Medium

          Greenspace:

          High

          Recreation:

          High

           

          Legend: Low, Medium, High

          Commute Times

          Time to Closest Shopping Mall:
          30 Minutes
          Time to GO Bus or Train Station:
          30 Minutes
          Time To Hospital:
          45 Minutes
          Time to Toronto Pearson International Airport
          45 Minutes
          Time to Closest Highway:
          15 Minutes

          * All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.