Norway Bay’s 19th century pier was southern Bristol’s ferry link across the Ottawa River to Sand Point, Ontario, providing a connection to the transcontinental railway until 1963. Many settlers moving to western Canada used this route.By the 1850s, summer cottages had begun to spring up along the shores of this inlet on the Ottawa River. Cottagers came from Ottawa and even Montreal, and by the 1890s, Norway Bay was a thriving resort area. Several Scottish families of Bristol had a tradition of holding a “clan picnic” here, where they hosted numerous activities. The Bay is still home to both cottagers and permanent residents. The old pier is a place for an enjoyable walk, and even romance.