The Nipissing road was completed in 1875. It twisted and turned over rugged rocks from Rosseau to Nipissing. The area was a great resource of lumber in those days and the lumber companies brought great prosperity to the folks who settled in the area. However, by the turn of the 20th century, the lumber companies had depleted much of the forest and they pulled out of the area. This left the settlers with no source of income from sale of produce and other products. Many of them began to starve and soon the area was deserted.
There are some very interesting sights along the Nipissing road, but the southern half, between Highway 124 and Highway 518 there are dozens of buildings that remain in the ghost town of Seguin Falls, which is located near the intersection of the Nipissing road and Highway 518. Here you will see the wooden replica of a mansion, worker’s cabins and the King George Hotel. Just a few miles to the north, stop by the Dufferin Methodist Cemetery. Here, living in the peace of the afterlife, you will read the tragic story of ten children on two separate tombstones. All of the children died in 1902, within two weeks of each other. This detailed gravestone is a testimony to the hardships experienced by the settlers of the area.
Be sure to travel on to Magnetawan, located between Highways 522 and 124 and explore the empty hotels in Bummer’s Roost, which was technically named Mecunoma. At Commanda, take in the living museum which gives a glimpse into the lives of the settlers in the area.
Today, the old road is paved for easy access of cottagers and tourists. This is a great adventure for those who wish to step back in time to learn more about the hardships of those who went before us.