While rural in geography, it encompasses a number of different neighbourhoods, like Laurel and Waldemar and hamlets, and makes up the very center of the County, bordering on all the other municipalities in Dufferin.

History of Amaranth, Ontario

Similar to the neighbouring Township of Mulmur, the history of Amaranth is an amalgamation of the villages and hamlets within its borders. It was and continues to be a large farming community, though. Settlement began in the area in the 1840s, with the arrival of settlers from the Niagara District. 

Roads gave access to the Township in the mid-1800s, and when the Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway was constructed through the area, residents suddenly had access to markets in not just Orangeville but Toronto as well. The Township is said to have hit its peak population in 1881 before it started to decline again. But, it wasn’t all bad news for Amaranth. The Township’s agricultural economy continued to thrive through both World Wars. 

Migration following the Second World War brought many new families to the area, particularly from the Netherlands, which saw the agricultural economy take another positive turn toward specialty markets like dairy, beef, and cash crops. The Township’s character has continued to be modified slightly, but it holds onto its country roots to this day. 

Lifestyle & Culture

A reasonable drive to the GTA and just a few minutes from the nearby communities of Orangeville, Shelburne, and Grand Valley, Amaranth is a wonderful place to call home for those who are striving for a country lifestyle that is close enough to amenities. 

Golfers can enjoy a few rounds at the nearby Meadowland Golf Club or Lynbrook Family Golf Centre, and gardeners will be pleased to get to know the fine folks at establishments like GGG Greenhouses or Laurel Forest Farms.

Similar to its surrounding neighbours, Amaranth is an ideal place to call home for those who love the outdoors. The unique geographical features of Amaranth and beyond include large swathes of forest, farmland, wetlands, rivers, and meadows. What was once the Canadian Pacific Railway is now a 47 km long trail that is used exclusively for outdoors activities like hiking, biking, and more.