"Character and a strong sense of community are Canton’s distinctive traits" begins a piece on the town in The Valley Book.

"Its residents seem intensely connected with a past that is the embodiment of Yankee ingenuity. Their pride seems only natural," reads an article on Canton’s Collinsville section in American Heritage magazine.

"Drive north of Route 44," according to the Hartford Courant, and "you’ll discover quiet country streets and winding valleys".

Unique. Different. Distinct. Beautiful. Every description of Canton begins with a similar adjective. Canton has a strong character.

And despite its small size of about 8,500, Canton is noted for its diversity geographically, economically and residentially.

Canton’s four sections include the well-preserved 19^th century mill town of Collinsville, the rural North Canton, the historic village of Canton Center, and the primarily commercial section and main transportation route known simply as Canton.

Locally famous for its hills, you’ll notice that many street names include the words "hill" or "mountain". Yet, the topography varies from the height of West Mountain to the valley where the Farmington River flows through Collinsville.

Canton’s population is more socioeconomically diverse than other Farmington Valley town; it isn’t quite affluent and isn’t quite blue collar. Its home prices cover a broader range than most area towns, and there are many unique or historic homes.

The town is famous as an antiques and art center, with many antique stores, an auction gallery and art galleries and shops.

People also visit Canton for its recreation, either hiking at the Roaring Brook Nature Center or on Canton Land Trust properties, or enjoying the Farmington River by canoe, tube or water skis.

Canton is a dream-come-true for history fans; a lot has happened since Canton Center was settled in 1738. The Canton Historical Museum, located in what was once a bowling alley used by Collins Company Ax Factory employees, has a large and remarkable collection ranging from farm implements to Victorian housewares to products made by the Collins Company.