Holland-Landing.ca

 Holland Landing has deep historical roots, once envisioned as the capital's inland naval base during the War of 1812. Remnants of this rich past still echo through the landscape—most notably at the Holland Landing Historical Society and Anchor Park, where the famous anchor monument commemorates its role in early Canadian transportation and trade.  Holland Landing can lay claim to having had four historic names over its history.  During the early years, there were three separate names for the community that appeared on official documents, Gwillimbury Town, so named by John Simcoe, St. Albans, chosen they say because it sounded aristocratic, and Beverley, named by Peter Robinson to honour his brother Beverley Robinson.   Holland Landing is best known today for its local relic of the War of 1812, an anchor said to be capable of holding the largest ocean frigate. I have heard several stories about this anchor over the years. The district of Penetanguishene was a strategic point on the Upper Great Lakes and was chosen as the site of a naval yard. Iron ships were constructed there and anchors at that time were not being made in Canada, so military authorities sent one forged in the dockyards at Chatham in England.   The location of this early North West Company fort on the Holland River has been virtually lost to history. The only clue we have is that it was located along the river seven miles and 53 chains south from the entrance to Lake Simcoe.   The community remains proud of its heritage, which is reflected in its well-preserved landmarks, tight-knit feel, and intergenerational pride among longtime residents. 

 Beyond its natural beauty, Holland Landing is home to several charming and unique attractions. The East Gwillimbury Public Library – Holland Landing Branch serves as a cultural hub, offering everything from children’s programming to digital innovation labs. Local farms, markets, and seasonal events (like outdoor movie nights and holiday parades) add colour and community spirit. And being just a stone’s throw from Upper Canada Mall, Sharon Temple National Historic Site, and Newmarket’s Main Street means there’s always something interesting to explore. Holland Landing also has its own private airport, where many local pilots keep their small planes, its a tough little airport with a single short, sloped runway, so best bbe an experienced pilot

   Strategically located near major highways like the 404 and Highway 9, Holland Landing is an ideal home base for commuters heading to Toronto, Markham, or Barrie. The GO Transit system (via nearby East Gwillimbury and Newmarket stations) enhances accessibility while minimizing stress. East Gwillimbury is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, and Holland Landing stands to benefit from planned infrastructure, residential, and commercial development—without losing its village charm.  

If we were to draw a line from what is now Holland Landing southeasterly to the mouth of the Rouge River, along the shore of Lake Ontario west over to the Humber and back north to Holland Landing, this wedge of enclosed land would represent a uniquely historic region containing three major trails all conversing at Holland Landing — the Humber, the Don and the Rouge.  

These trails were not merely haphazard paths through the forest; they were the highways, the carrying places, that connected Lake Ontario with the lands lying beyond Lake Simcoe, that vast uncharted wilderness known by the Indian name Toronteau. At one time this name applied to all the area between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.  

This new road Simcoe would name Yonge Street in honour of Sir George Yonge, minister for war. Lake la Claies was renamed Lake Simcoe in honour of his father, and the river was to be called the Holland River after Major-Gen. Samuel Holland, surveyor general of Quebec.