Interpretive Sign Walk
Looking for something to do outside? Interested in learning a bit more about the history of your community? Take a small stroll around the area of Mackin House Museum and check out our Interpretive Signs! This project was undertaken to share the history and heritage of French-Canadians in Maillardville, the establishment of Heritage Square, and the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early days of the town.
We have created a route that tries to make the most sense narratively and directionally. It may look a little funny, but try following along and check out all 14 of our interpretive signs along the way! You are also welcome to walk your route around our signs and take them in at your leisure. Our route will take approximately 20 minutes.
First Sign: The Interpretive Sign Walk Project
Start at the bottom edge of Heritage Square near the train station. To the left of the Fraser Mills sign, you will find the first sign, called “The Interpretive Sign Project.”
Second Sign: CPR Shapes the Community
Turn to your left and head to the left side of the Fraser Mills train station. Along the side amongst the bushes you will see the 2nd sign, called “CPR Shapes the Community.”
Third Sign: Fraser Mills Station
Head towards the train wheel and axle on display behind you and find the next sign, called “Fraser Mills Station.”
Fourth Sign: Ryan House
Continue walking up the sidewalk toward Brunette Ave. Find the next sign about halfway up the sidewalk, called “Ryan House.”
Fifth Sign: An Historic Journey Through Maillardville
Continue walking up the sidewalk toward Brunette Ave. At the top, find the next sign, called “An Historic Journey Through Maillardville.”
Sixth Sign: Old City Hall
From this point, you are going to leave Heritage Square. Walk towards the corner of King Edward and Brunette and, using the lights, cross Brunette Ave. At the end of the crosswalk is a little concrete area with a bench. In this alcove you will find the 6th sign, called “Old City Hall.”
Seventh Sign: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
The next sign is in front Our Lady of Lourdes on Laval Square. Head east on Brunette Ave toward Begin St. Head up Begin St (on the way you can take a look at all the Heritage Homes!) and turn right on Cartier Ave. You should be able to see the Church now. Head towards the Church and at the main staircase turn right. On the side of the Church on the grass is the next sign, called “Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.”
Eighth Sign: Station Agent's House
It’s time to start heading back to Heritage Square. Walk down Laval St and cross to the other side of Brunette at the lights. Walk along the sidewalk on Brunette Ave towards Begin St. On the corner of Brunette and Begin there is a little concrete alcove: here you will find the 8th sign, called “Station Agent’s House.”
Ninth Sign: Heritage Square Story
Now continue west along Brunette Ave towards Heritage Square. At the front of Places des Arts, on the right side of the main entrance, there is a sign nestled amongst the foliage. This is the 9th sign, called “Heritage Square Story.”
Tenth Sign: From Log to Lumber
From here, walk all the way to the left side of Mackin House. Near our garden bed you will find the next sign, called “From Log to Lumber.”
Eleventh Sign: Fraser Mills' Sawmill
Just a few steps down from there is the 11th sign. This one is called “Fraser Mills’ Sawmill.
Twelveth Sign: Life Back Then
Now you are going to head to the other side of Mackin House. You can choose to go up the sidewalk along King Edward St, or you can take our back stairs up and check out the little garden we have on our back porch. Regardless of your route there, when you get to the corner of King Edward St and Brunette Ave, turn right and walk through the trellis towards our garden on the side of the house (past our side porch). On the left side of the path you will find the next sign, called “Life Back Then.”
Thirteenth Sign: The Community of Maillardville
Just a few steps further, on the right side of the path, in front of the chimney, is the 13th sign, called “The Community of Maillardville.”
Fourteenth Sign: Mackin House
The very last sign is nestled in the lavender at the base of Mackin House’s front steps. To get there, keep walking down the path toward the archway, walk down the few steps and turn right. The 14th Interpretive Sign is called “Mackin House.”