Historically known as the Gateway to Glengarry and Ontario, the Raisin River at Lancaster provided a direct canoe route to the heart of Loyalist Ontario - Williamstown. South Lancaster became the transportation point for the back concessions, first with the building of a wharf for boats to carry potash and timber and then by steamboats, which arrived on Lake St. Francis in 1826. The "golden Age" came in 1855 when the Grand Trunk Railway opened a station a kilometre north of the waterfront, creating a new town and turning Lancaster into the commercial centre of South Glengarry.

Lancaster was incorporated in 1887. Conveniently located at the junction of Hwy 2, Hwy 34, and the 401, the main street offers a variety of restaurants and quaint country shops. The nearby St. Lawrence River provides recreational fishing and boating.

Lancaster is believed to have either been named after the County of the same name in England, or the Duke of Lancaster, King George III’s title before he was crowned. Charlottenburg was named in honour of Queen Charlotte, George III’s wife. The two Townships were amalgamated on January 1 1998 to create the Township of South Glengarry.

The town had an excellent location near the St. Lawrence River and it soon became a centre for a multitude of industry and commerce. Lancaster was the hub of an active stagecoach run. Farmers and businessmen from other villages delivered their products to Lancaster for export.

ATTRACTIONS

Cooper Marsh
Located just West of South Lancaster on Hwy 2, Cooper Marsh has a lot to offer including picnic area, trails, boardwalks, interpretive centre and much more. Open year-round. more info...
www.rrca.on.ca/COOPER_MARSH/cooper_marsh.htm

Lake St. Francis self-drive Nature Tour
Nature Watch - Charlottenburgh Marsh. Park 1.2 km West of Cooper Marsh on Hwy 2, and walk the 3km of well-vegetated dyke in this secluded marsh area.

Heritage Golf Club
Lancaster, ON, K0C 1N0
Heritage Golf Club

Camping and Parks
Glengarry Park in Lancaster. Waterfront and regular campsites. Swimming, picnicking, showers, food concession, trails, playground and interpretive programs.
www.stlawrenceparks.com/glen.htm

MacPine Farm's Bed & Breakfast
A great place to stop or holiday.
Box 51, Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-2003
www.bbcanada.com/688.html

Big Luke's Bar & Grille
152 Military Rd,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-1541

Donny O's
229 Military Rd,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-1133

Gail's Deli
115 Military Rd,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-3328

Lancaster Pizzeria
181 Military Rd,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-3644

Best Impressions Custom Engravers
189 Military Rd, Box 400,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-1158

Exclusive Art Forms
198 Military Rd,
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
613-347-7062

Marchand Art Gallery
Lancaster, ON, K0C 1N0
613-347-1240

Rob McIntosh Shops
20369 South Service Rd,
South Lancaster, ON K0C 2C0
613-347-2461

Canadian Boer Goat Association
Lancaster, ON
613-347-1103
613-347-1105
www.canadianboergoat.com
registrar@canadianboergoat.com

Knights of Columbus / Chevaliers de Colomb
Lancaster, ON

The Lancaster Optimist Club
Lancaster, ON
613-347-1417
www.optimist.org/default.cfm?content=clubdetail.cfm&club=47569&type=A

Lancaster Online
www.lancasteronline.ca