Surrounded by rolling hills, streams and creeks which form the headwaters of the Humber, Credit, and Nottawasaga River’s make it a true, stunning addition to Dufferin County. 

History of Mono, Ontario

The Ojibwe and Mohawks were among some of the first peoples to make what is now the Town of Mono home. The area’s steep, hilly terrain made it a rather difficult location to farm or settle but Irish, Scottish and English settlers came to the area in the early 1800s to stake their land claims. 

It is unknown where Mono got its name from. It has been suggested Mono is a First Nation term for “let it be” or possibly a Gaelic derivative, “monodh” meaning hill. Another suggestion is that the Town was named by Sir Peregrine Maitland, who was the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada from 1818 to 1828. He is said to have had a fondness for foreign names – “mono” being the Spanish name for monkey.

The Township of Mono, which was originally part of the County of Simcoe was mostly settled by 1860. It joined Dufferin County at the time of its creation in 1881, and in 1999, became a town rather than a township. 

Lifestyle & Culture

Mono embodies rural living in every sense of the word. The majority of the Town’s relatively small population live on farms, rural estates, and in small settlements. If you are a fan of the outdoors, Mono is a beautiful place to live, or visit. It is home to the popular Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, which offers breathtaking hiking and scenic views (especially in the autumn season!) along the picturesque Bruce Trail. 

Just a hop, skip and a jump away, you will find the beautiful four-season Hockley Valley Resort where you can ski, golf, and even enjoy a trip to a winery! The nearby Hockley Village General Store is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a meal on a sunny Saturday morning before heading out for a walk on the trails.

This quaint little town is home to unique artists and artisans, small business owners, the longstanding farming community and attracts many visitors on the weekends looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It truly stands up to its reputation as the heart of the Headwaters.