Cumberland, Ontario Area

Cumberland is a former township and community in eastern Ontario that now forms part of the city of Ottawa. It functioned as a distinct municipal township before being amalgamated into Ottawa at the start of the 21st century.

The area presents a mix of a small historic village centre and surrounding rural-suburban landscape, with local shops, community halls and recreational spaces. Outdoor opportunities include country roads and trails used for walking and cycling, and a largely low-density pattern of settlement rather than dense urban development.

Settlement in the area dates to the 19th century when it developed as a rural township with agriculture and small-scale local industry. The local municipal government was dissolved in 2001 when the township was merged into the expanded City of Ottawa.

Located in eastern Ontario, the former township sits to the east of downtown Ottawa and today is administered as part of the City of Ottawa’s eastern wards. The village core and surrounding communities are within commuting distance of Ottawa’s urban area.

• Amalgamation: In 2001 the township was merged into the City of Ottawa, changing local governance and folding the area into Ottawa’s municipal services.
• Historic village core: The village core contains several 19th-century civic and commercial buildings that form the local historic streetscape.

What to See#

• Cumberland Village: The historic village core with a provincial main street, community buildings and a small commercial centre dating to the 19th century; this area retains several older stone and brick buildings.
• Local communities (Navan, Vars and others): A collection of smaller rural communities that were part of the former township, many now functioning as suburban or commuter neighbourhoods within the City of Ottawa.

Cumberland is part of the Ottawa region; accessible via Ottawa’s city roads and regional highways. It is a short drive east from downtown Ottawa; local OC Transpo bus routes provide public transport to some parts of the former township.

• Visit the historical village centre in summer when local festivals and markets are more likely.
• If researching genealogy, check the small parish churches and municipal archives for 19th-century records.
• Combine a visit with a drive along the Ottawa River valley for scenic routes and heritage stops.