Historic Galt Walking Tour

The Historic Galt walking tour in Downtown Cambridge tells the story of Galt’s rise from a small farm community in Dumfries Township called Shade’s Mills to an industrial powerhouse that would be nicknamed the “Manchester of Canada.” 

Learn about the history of the land, the first businesses built here and see the stone buildings that remain throughout the downtown core.
Have you ever wondered why the names Dickson and Shade are so prominent around Cambridge? This walking tour tells the story William Dickson and Absalom Shade, two of the earliest settlers who established and built the community, quite literally! Hear about their humble beginnings and the incredible wealth they would accumulate building the city that would be a large part of their legacy.  

Accessibility: Route follows paved surfaces on city sidewalks, including one sloped ramp. Accessible for scooters & wheelchairs. The walking tour does not enter any buildings.