Westminster Ponds

Wetland nature reserve hiding the ruins of a WWII veterans' rehab village

A 250-hectare wetland and forest reserve on the south side of the city, with a network of boardwalks and looping trails through woodland, marsh, and four kettle ponds left by retreating glaciers. Tucked into the woods on the east side are the moss-covered concrete foundations of a post-war rehabilitation village built for soldiers returning from World War II.

Combine it with a visit to the small Westminster Ponds Centre at the trailhead. The forest is best in spring (warblers passing through) or October (sugar maple colour).

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A story
A village of small wooden cottages was built among the ponds after WWII to house veterans recovering from war trauma. Most were torn down decades ago, but concrete foundations, pathways and one small chapel still sit in the woods — visible if you take the trails on the east side of the reserve.

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