Wellesley
Peaceful farmland and Mennonite heritage in Waterloo Region's northwest corner
Quick Stats
Nestled in the northwest corner of Waterloo Region, Wellesley Township preserves a simpler way of life. The rolling hills and quiet farmland are home to a significant Old Order Mennonite and Amish population who farm using traditional methods with horse-drawn equipment. The township comprises charming communities including Wellesley village, St. Clements, Linwood, Hawkesville, and Heidelberg.
Communities
Wellesley Township includes several distinct communities:
- Wellesley Village - The township's heart, home to the famous Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
- St. Clements - Historic village settled in 1840, featuring arena and community centre
- Linwood - Known for its Elvis Festival and Art Around the Pond gala
- Hawkesville - Charming village surrounded by sugar maple woods and the Conestogo River
- Heidelberg, Bamberg, Crosshill, Dorking, Kingwood, Wallenstein - Rural hamlets
Mennonite & Amish Heritage
Wellesley Township has deep Mennonite roots still evident today. Tour through the countryside and you'll see Mennonite families working on their farms and in their fields. Choosing to live a simpler life, they farm the old-fashioned way using teams of horses to pull plows and gather harvests. The Wellesley Amish Mennonite congregation was organized in 1859.
Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
Since 1975, the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival has been a highlight event in Waterloo Region. Held on the last Saturday of September, the festival attracts thousands of visitors for apple butter making demonstrations, cheese curd races, tractor pulls, farm tours, and delicious food including pigtails, spareribs, roast beef, and sauerkraut. All proceeds support community improvement projects.
Recreation
Despite its rural character, Wellesley offers recreation facilities including:
- Six-hole disc golf course at the Recreation Complex
- St. Clements Arena and Community Centre
- Linwood Recreation Complex
- Dog park with accessible paths
- Splash pad (open June through Labour Day)
Annual Events
- Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival - Last Saturday of September
- Wellesley Fall Fair - Second Tuesday/Wednesday after Labour Day
- Linwood Elvis Festival - August
- Art Around the Pond - Artisan exhibition and gala
- Wellesley Santa Claus Parade - Early December
Hawkesville
Charming historic village surrounded by sugar maple woods and the quiet banks of the Conestogo River. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Mennonite character.
📍 Hawkesville, ON
Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
Annual festival since 1975, held on the last Saturday of September. Features apple butter making demonstrations, cheese curd races, tractor pulls, farm tours, and delicious food including pigtails, spareribs, and sauerkraut. All proceeds support community improvement projects.
📍 Wellesley Village, ON
Wellesley Disc Golf Course
The first disc golf course in Wellesley Township! Six-hole course with long and short tees around the Recreation Complex. Short tees are great for beginners; long tees feature technical shots including water carries. Play the loop three times for a full 18 holes.
📍 1000 Maple Leaf St, Wellesley, ON
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