Why is Bowmanville called Bowmanville?
I should probably start with the most pressing question…why is Bowmanville called Bowmanville? Well, it was initially called “Darlington Mills” and was re-named to Bowmanville in the 1830’s after the original land owner Charles Bowman. I would assume they added the “ville” because they had a dream of it becoming the beautiful village it is today.
Downtown Bowmanville
When I lived in Bowmanville, I think my favourite thing was the fact it had a historic downtown mixed with some new school living. You can stroll through historic downtown with all its charm and then head over to numerous big box stores like Canadian Tire just up the street. It really is the best of both worlds.
Downtown Bowmanville is home to almost 200 shops, restaurants and services. The Bowmanville Mall is home to 20+ stores including a grocery store, gym, pharmacy and dollar store (includes free parking). Right across from the mall is the Bowmanville Health centre for all your medical needs (you guessed it, parking is not free). For more information about each business you can have a look at the Discover Downtown Bowmanville website. You can spend the day shopping and eating or head over to different events throughout the year like Applefest or the Bowmanville Santa Claus parade. Two of the best events of the year that include free parking and admission!
Not quite downtown but the Bowmanville Farmers Market is too good not to mention. It runs every Friday from May to October and includes numerous local vendors. This is truly one of the best ways to support your local community and get fresh delicious food at the same time!
Things to do in Bowmanville
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (formerly Mosport)
Located North of downtown, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is home to a race track, camping, special events and even weddings. If you are into car races, this is the place to check out.
Cedar Park Resort
Also located North of downtown, Cedar Park Resort is a great place to bring the family for the day or even for a few days of camping. It has a waterpark including waterslides (my fav), mini golf, picnic areas, camp grounds and much more.
Archibald’s Estate Winery
Now I can’t attest to this personally since I am not a wine drinker, but I do hear great things about it from people who do enjoy visiting wineries and orchards. Archibald’s Estate Winery is family owned since the 1960s and started as an apple orchard. You can head over there to visit, drink some wine, pick some apples (during apple season) and even look for different events.
Long Sault Conservation Area
If you are into nature and the outdoors, this is a great place to go. At 400 hectares, Long Sault Conservation Area is the largest conservation area in the oak ridges moraine managed by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority. It includes 18km of marked trails, mature forest, plantation, wetland and meadows. You can do everything from hiking, biking. bird watching, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Shopping
Demographics
- Population is approximately 57,000*
- Average age is 38 with 64% being aged 15-64 years old*
- 70% of homes are single detached with an average household of 2.7 people*
- Average home price is around $850,000^
^CLAR as of August 2024