A Storied Past
The Liberty Inn has stood as a cornerstone of Cataract for 170 years. Erected in 1855 — twelve years before Canada as we know it today officially became the Dominion of Canada. The original structure first served as a post office and general store, serving as the heart of the hamlet of Cataract.
In 1855, Richard Church (pictured above), purchased 200 acres of land for £429. Along with his sons, he built Caledon’s first brewery, two mills, and the original stone building that is now The Liberty Inn.
In the late 1870s, with the arrival of the Credit Valley Railway, a brick addition was constructed to accommodate the influx of travelers. Trains ran twice daily between Elora and Toronto (now known as the Elora-Cataract trail), bringing passengers to The Glenn Dew Drop Inn, a place of rest and refreshment for both visitors and local quarry and mill workers.
When Prohibition began in 1916, Mrs. Glenn sold her Dew Drop Inn to Patrick McEnaney for $800. The Temperance Act of 1916 outlawed the sale of alcohol, which had been a major source of revenue for the inn. Patrick gifted the property to his cousins, Mary and Kate McEnaney, who opened a general store and post office in the building. A speakeasy upstairs provided locals with refreshments and “medicinal” spirits, ensuring the inn’s survival during this challenging period.
In 1958, May and Jack Denreyer purchased the building, naming it the Horseshoe Inn after its old general store countertop. They continued to operate the property as a general store until the early 1970s, when they transformed it back into an inn. The Horseshoe Inn became a beloved destination, offering hearty meals, “reasonably priced” rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. Jack even built a shelter by the fire pit for hikers from the nearby Bruce Trail. May and Jack ran the inn until 1987, leaving behind many cherished memories.
In 1987, the inn became the Cataract Inn Restaurant, converted into a fine dining destination. Known for its weddings, special occasions, and patio dining, the restaurant served hundreds of happy customers before being sold in 1999. It operated under various owners until 2006, when the property was converted into a private residence. 10 years later the building was sold and was once again converted back into an Inn, called the Forks of the Credit Inn.
A Thoughtful Restoration
When we began restoring this historic building, we wanted to honour its past while creating a space that feels both historic and modern. Our in-house handcrafted tiles bring warmth and artistry to the suites, while original features—like the preserved post office door—anchor the inn to its origins.
One of the inn’s most unique features is a limestone fish tank from 1891, originally part of the McEnaney Junction Hotel, where trout from the Credit River were kept fresh for meals. Found under some old brush, the fish tank now serves as a water fountain in our courtyard, where guests can enjoy its beauty and its story.
From the serene Woodland Spa to the curated interiors, every detail has been designed to make your stay special. The Liberty Inn isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a space to connect, reflect, and create lasting memories.
With a very special thanks to Kingsgate Construction and Tiffany Leigh Design for pouring their hearts and expertise into this project and helping us realize the vision.
