Penman's Dam Park — Attraction in Ontario

Penman’s Dam Park – A Peaceful Scenic Gem in Paris, ON I recently visited Penman’s Dam Park and it was a lovely experience. The dam over the Grand River is both historic and beautiful, especially in the evening when it’s lit up. The area is peaceful, with benches and walking paths that make it perfect for a relaxing visit or a casual riverside stroll. The nearby train bridge adds a charming, photogenic touch. It’s a great stop for tourists exploring the town of Paris or anyone looking for a quiet break surrounded by nature and local history.

If you're coming from Waterloo, it's about a 40-minute drive. Just take Highway 8 → Highway 24 South → Highway 403 West, and exit toward Paris. Follow the signs into town, and Penman’s Dam is right near downtown, close to the river and pedestrian bridge.

Important tip on parking: Parking near the dam is limited and street parking can be tight. Avoid parking on the side roads, especially where it's not marked for public use. A better option is to park on the other side of the Grand River, where there's a larger public lot and easier access to the walking trails and footbridge that lead right to the park.

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, definitely add this stop to your list. It’s scenic, peaceful, and full of local charm—just be smart about parking and...

We are in love with the quaint little town of Paris, Ontario and how cute the main street is with it's restaurants, sweet shops etc no wonder we keep coming here for a stroll and on this occasion we decided to cross the main bridge and found this alley leading to the Penman dam: warm day, weekday lunch time hence not many people around but just a few walking their dogs and that quiet beauty you love even more when you can inhale the air in peace....... with no screams from little kids or large families.

The water was very clear and could see the stones in the water while somebody was fishing right near the dam, so probably there are some fish in this area. This is the water that passes near Brantford finding it's way into lake Erie and then Niagara Falls, although anybody still practices 'message in a bottle' (maybe plastic bottle) these days. I also loved the foam forming right near the dam, we will check in the future if this is a common occurrence.

A very beautiful area indeed with the little town of Paris to your left, looking a bit like Seine near Notre Dame used to probably look many hundreds of years ago, so most surely we will be back...

Penman’s Dam Park Location: 116 Willow Street, Paris, Ontario. Built: Originally constructed in 1918 by the Penman clothing company to power textile mills 1. Today: A scenic destination for walks, photography, and quiet reflection. Highlights Scenic Beauty: The dam creates a faux waterfall effect, especially striking at night when it's lit up in vibrant colors—known locally as the Lighting of the Paris Falls Walking Trails: There are trails nearby for short strolls and nature appreciation Picnic-Friendly: Small parking lot and picnic benches available for visitors Fishing Spot: Clear waters and visible stones make it a peaceful place for fishing Historic Vibe: The surrounding town of Paris is full of cobblestone buildings, boutique shops, and riverside charm reminiscent of old European towns Activities Paddling: Popular launch point for canoeing or kayaking on the Grand River. Portage access is available just before the dam Photography: The dam and nearby train trestle are favorites among...