LAST DUEL PARK, CAMPGROUNDS AND CEMETERY
History:
Last Duel Park & Campgrounds is a 27-acre site located on the banks of the Tay River. The Park owes its name to infamous last fatal and most publicized duel to take place in Canada where, in 1833, law students Robert Lyon and John Wilson duelled over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughes.
The duel was fought on the banks of the Tay River where the Campground is situated. Although Lyon was considered a crack shot, both he and his opponent missed their mark. The two combatants were willing to give up, but Henry LeLievre, Lyon's second, would not agree to an amicable settlement. The pistols were reloaded and fired simultaneously. Lyon fell, mortally wounded, and was transported back to the foyer at Inge Va (66 Craig Street), where he succumbed to his wounds. He was buried in the cemetery adjacent Last Duel Park.
Wilson, and Simon Frazer Robertson (Wilson's second) were arrested by the Sheriff and tried in Brockville; both were acquitted.
John Wilson married Elizabeth Hughes in 1835 and they had three children. Wilson later went on to become a lawyer, judge and Member of Parliament. He died on June 3rd, 1869. Elizabeth Hughes lived until 1904, dying at the age of 93.
The actual pistols used in the Duel can be seen at Matheson House - The Perth Museum (11 Gore St. East).
Today
Last Duel Park & Campgrounds is a serene, lush green open space, offering 47 serviced campsites (with new upgraded 30 amp electrical service and water hook-ups), public walking trails including the new "WENDY LAUT RIBBON OF LIFE", a picnic shelter and picnic areas. The public docks are available on a first-come first-served basis (we do not take reservations for the docks) and offer three 30-amp marine grade outlets. See below for mooring fees.
Operations
From May to October, please call the Attendant on duty to make enquiries and reservations at Last Duel Park. You can expect to leave a voicemail message at this number, as staff are most often doing maintenance work or assisting campers in the field. Please call 613-812-0020 and be sure to include your name, phone number and date you would like to visit Last Duel Campgrounds.
If you are visiting Last Duel Campgrounds in person, please see the sign on the Gatehouse (adjacent the docks) for instructions.
Please click here to view a copy of the Last Duel Park Study
2013 Rates
SERVICED SITES, HST INCLUDED:
1 Night = $39.55
1 Week = $226.00
1 Month = $678.00
3 Consecutive Months = $960.50
Full Season = $1779.75
UNSERVICED TENT SITES, HST. INCLUDED:
1 Night = $22.60
1 Week = $141.25
1 Month = $423.75
3 Consecutive Months = $565.00
Full Season = $1017.00
MISCELLANEOUS:
Pump Station = $17.00 per use
Docks 21' + Under = $17.00 per night
Docks 21'1" + Over = $22.00 per night
Launch = $10.00 per use/$55.00 per season
Shore Power = $5.00 per night
Laundry = $5.00 gets you 1 wash and 1 dry
Longer periods of camping can be paid by cheque if the cheque is received 10 (ten) working days prior to the date of camping. Otherwise, all transactions will be BY CASH.
All campers should register with the Attendant on duty before selecting a site, where possible, and to make payment. Please call 613-812-0020 for assistance.
Town By-Laws
The Town of Perth has in effect an Animal Control By-Law #3557 which stipulates that owners must leash all dogs on public property within the limits of the municipality. Pet owners also must clean up any pet waste on public or private property, per the same by-law.
The Town's Noise By-Law #2137 prevents individuals from creating nuisance noise between the hours of 11:00pm and 6:00am.
The Town refers everyone to the 2011 Rules and Regulations for Last Duel Park Campgrounds, and encourages consideration among all campers.
Tourism Information: Perth!
We have a new kiosk adjacent the docks that contains lots of tourism information on Perth. If you're looking for something specific, please speak to the Park Attendant. If you're up for an afternoon stroll to downtown Perth, please visit the Perth Tourism Office, located at the back of the Perth Museum, 11 Gore St. East.
Don't forget that the Tow Path, on the east side of the Tay River, takes you on a short but lovely journey to the Basin in the heart of Downtown Heritage Perth. Perth has many unique shopping and dining opportunities, all within close range. Please check the kiosk for a copy of the BIA's 2013 Downtown Map to help guide you. Bell has provided a pay phone for public use at the corner of Craig Street and Cole Road, just a stone's throw from the docks.
To reach Perth Tourism please call 1-855-326-1947, or friend us on Facebook at Perth Tourism.
