OntariosWestCoast.ca

HURON COUNTY SPEND THIS SUMMER in your backyard! ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA Welcome ...... 3 INDEX Our Communities ...... 4 Accommodations ...... 6 Restaurants ...... 7 Patios & Decks ...... 8 Drive-in Dining ...... 9 Beer & Wine ...... 10 Fresh from the Farm ...... 12 On the Water ...... 13 Beaches ...... 14 Trails ...... 16 Golf ...... 17 Cycling ...... 18 Fishing & Paddling ...... 19 Outdoor Recreation ...... 21 Indoor Recreation ...... 22 Museum & Historic Sites ...... 23 Heritage Walking Tours ...... 24 Art Galleries ...... 25 Family Friendly ...... 26 Sample Itineraries ...... 27 Tour Operators ...... 30 Tourism Partners ...... 31 IT’S TIME TO EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD

This summer provides a Things are constantly changing perfect opportunity to explore this year and it is impossible to Huron County. Use the stay up-to-date with a printed information provided in this guide. Please be sure to guide as your starting point to always check online for the plan a day out, a weekend most up-to-date opening getaway, or as a reminder of information for any businesses all of the great outdoor or places you wish to visit this amenities, amazing food, arts summer. and culture, and recreational activities available on Enjoy your summer and be ’s West Coast. There is amazed at what you’ll find in so much more than can your backyard! possibly fit in one guide.

#OntariosWestCoast

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 3 EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITIES Tour Huron County’s scenic agricultural landscape and stop to visit our lively towns and charming villages. Here are just a few of the communities ready for you to discover: BAYFIELD Known for its boutique accommodations, charming coastal style and artistic vibe. Visit the sandy beach, or take a stroll down Main Street, a Heritage Conservation District, to enjoy the many shops, artists’ studios, and award-winning restaurants.

BLYTH The historic village of Blyth exudes Victorian charm. Stroll down Queen Street to feel the history and make your way to the world-famous Blyth Festival Theatre, the heart of the village. The southeast corner of Blyth is where you’ll find the distinctive architecture of Cowbell Brewing Co.

BRUSSELS Visit the idyllic Village of Brussels and appreciate the beautiful heritage homes and buildings located throughout its historic downtown. While there, stop by the Four Winds Barn, a 160 year-old masterpiece that has lovingly been recreated to host a variety of special events.

CLINTON Known as ’s Home of RADAR due to its association with the RCAF Station during World War II. Clinton offers a broad range of recreational opportunities that include the CNR School Car on Wheels Museum, Clinton Raceway, Gateway Casino and the Clinton Conservation Area.

PAGE 4 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD EXETER At the southern end of Huron County lies the town of Exeter, home to a wonderful selection of restaurants and shops. History buffs will enjoy strolling Main Street, lined with beautiful 19th century buildings, while nature lovers can spend the day on the Trail in search of a local curiosity – the white squirrel!

GODERICH Nicknamed the “Prettiest Town in Canada,” Goderich is the largest centre in Huron County. The town sits atop the bluffs overlooking and is renowned for its beautiful heritage architecture, breathtaking sunsets, and unique downtown Square that’s actually an octagon. The largest salt mine in the world extends under Lake Huron from Goderich harbour.

SEAFORTH Seaforth’s bustling Main Street features a mix of locally-owned small businesses. While shopping, take some time to admire its beautiful heritage buildings and 19th century façades. This year will launch the makeover of Seaforth’s Downtown Back- alleys with their beautiful art displays and wall murals.

WINGHAM The town of Wingham is located along the scenic banks of the . This small town has played a large role in Canadian arts and culture. It is the birthplace of Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, Alice Munro and serves as a backdrop to some of her famous stories. It is also the home of CKNX Radio (founded in 1926) the station’s Saturday Night Barn Dance was one of the most popular and influential radio programs in Ontario.

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 5 ACCOMMODATIONS Whether it’s an overnighter to visit friends, a romantic weekend getaway, or a week or two of rest and relaxation, Huron County offers a variety of accommodation options for everyone of your getaway needs, budget or travel style. BOUTIQUE HOTELS & INNS Quaint luxury accommodations in the heart of heritage downtowns, our boutique properties are sure to provide the ultimate relaxing getaway.

MOTELS Looking for an affordable getaway at the lake? Our roadside motels are a great place to stay while taking advantage of all the fun family things to do on Ontario’s West Coast.

BED & BREAKFASTS Staying in bed and breakfast accommodations connect you with knowledgeable hosts that are ready to provide a local touch – adding a small town concierge approach to your visit.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS Looking to get away for a few days or a few weeks? Rent a single room in someone’s home or an entire Lakefront cottage for your family. HURON COUNTY OFFERS GREAT CAMPING Canadian summer is all about getting outdoors and camping is a great way to enjoy Ontario’s West Coast. Pitch a tent for the weekend or park your RV on a full-service site – our local campgrounds offer various camping experiences and activities for you and your family!

PAGE 6 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD RESTAURANTS

Catering to all tastes, Huron County’s chefs are ready to serve flavour-packed dishes, delightful home-baked goods and local brews. Find a quick snack, a picnic lunch or a full- course dining adventure – the options on Ontario’s West Coast are endlessly delicious!

RESTAURANTS From casual fine dining and ethnic cuisine to country truck stops and local pubs, our chefs are ready to provide you with a delicious dining experience! Sample and savour the local flavour on Ontario’s West Coast!

CAFES & BAKERIES Make it a habit to drop by our local cafes and bakeries that pride themselves on fresh pastry delights and locally brewed coffee. A warm and fragrant welcome awaits!

QUICK BITES After a long day at the beach or an outdoor adventure, some visitors are looking for a quick bite. We have a variety of drive-in, deli-style and fast food establishments ready to serve you!

* photos by Dianne Brandon

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 7 PATIOS & DECKS

Summertime is patio time! Pick your perfect patio from the list below or find your own favourite, as many restaurants have expanded their patios this summer. BAYFIELD EXETER Albion Hotel The Barn Restaurant & Pub 1 Main St. N., Bayfield at Exeter Golf Club albionbayfield.com 40374 Kirkton Rd., Centralia exetergolfclub.ca/the-barn Bayfield Brewing Co.’s Public House Crabby Joe’s 14 Main St. N., Bayfield 58 Main St. N., Exeter Bayfieldbrewingco.com crabbyjoes.com

Black Dog Village Pub & Eddington’s of Exeter Bistro 527 Main St. S., Exeter 5 Main St. N., Bayfield eddingtons.ca blackdogpubbistro.ca GODERICH The Dock’s Restaurant & Bar Beach Street Station 76559 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield 2 Beach St., Goderich docksrestaurantbar.com beachstreetstation.com

The Lake House of Bayfield Park House Restaurant 21 Main St. N., Bayfield 168 West St., Goderich lakehouseofbayfield.com parkhouserestaurant.com

BLYTH Part II Bistro Cowbell Brewing Co. 10 Courthouse Square, Goderich 40035 Blyth Rd., Blyth part2bistro.ca cowbellbrewing.com * photo by of Dianne Brandon

PAGE 8 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD DRIVE-IN DINING

Huron County is home to six independently-owned vintage drive-in restaurant and hamburger stands. Each of them have their own unique specialties but the one thing they have in common is that they continue to serve quality locally-sourced grilled summertime standards. WOODLAND DRIVE-IN FREEZE KING 17 Mill Rd., Bayfield 42566 Huron Rd. (Hwy. #8), facebook.com/Woodland-Drive-In Seaforth

FARMER’S DELL SKY RANCH DRIVE-IN 6 London Rd. (Hwy. #4), Brucefield 81669 Bluewater Hwy., Goderich facebook.com/farmersdell2018 facebook.com/skyranchdrivein

WILLY’S BURGER BAR FROSTY QUEEN 267 Huron St (Hwy. #8), Clinton 143 Josephine St., Wingham facebook.com/willysburgerbar facebook.com/ frostyqueenandfrostypitaplace

* photo above courtesy of Woodlands Drive-In

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 9 BEER

Ontario’s West Coast has quickly emerged as one of Ontario’s newest craft beer, cider and wine regions. Use the map on ontarioswestcoast.ca to plan your strategy for visiting our 7 breweries, 6 wineries and be sure to raise a glass to Ontario’s West Coast beer and wine producers! BAD APPLE BREWING HALF HOURS ON EARTH COMPANY LTD. BREWERY Located in a century barn and This brewery produces an surrounded by orchards where they extremely easy to obtain product grow produce for their recipes. with their online store, retail store badapplebrewingco.com and availability at across the province. STONE HOUSE BREWING CO. halfhoursonearth.com The Stone House Brewing Company offers Czech Pilsner, Dark RIVER ROAD BREWING & Lager, and Bavarian Lager. HOPS stonehousebrewing.ca Bayfield’s first farm-based brewery, grows the very BAYFIELD BREWING CO. ingredients that makes up their The Bayfield Brewing Co, opened in beloved beverages. early 2019, in the heart of historic riverroadbrewing.com downtown Bayfield. bayfieldbrewingco.com SQU ARE BREW Square Brew produces roughly COWBELL BREWING CO. 2000L of beer per week in such Located in Blyth, this award- flavours as Huron County Mango winning brewery features family- Squad, and Square One. friendly restaurant, retail store, squarebrewco.com and entertainment spaces. cowbellbrewing.com PAGE 10 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD WINE & CIDER

2ND STREETLIGHT ESTATE EAST STREET CIDER CO. WINERY With a combination of 100% Planted with five different vines of Ontario apples, innovative ideas, Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Vidal, and a traditional atmosphere, East Chardonnay and Riesling. Retail Street Cider Co. have managed to side opened in 2019. craft an easy-drinking cider that all 2ndstreetlightwines.ca can enjoy. eaststreetcider.com

BAYFIELD BERRY FARM MAELSTROM WINERY WINERY The Landsborough family paved In addition to its beloved baked the way for wineries in Huron good, fresh produce, and County, establishing the first in preserves, the business now offers the county. Today, the family a collection of fruit wines, ciders, produces over a dozen different wine coolers and schnapps. wines! maelstromwinery.ca bayfieldberryfarm.on.ca SCHATZ WINERY, CORNERFIELD WINE CO. HESSENLAND INN Located on a 175 year-old farm After having perfected the and employing traditional accommodation side of winemaking processes in their half Hessenland Inn, the Ihrig family dozen wine offerings. was ready to add a new facet to cornerfieldwineco.com their business. With all hands on deck, the family carried out their DARK HORSE ESTATE WINERY first harvest in October 2017- Planted with over 22,000 vines producing fan favourites such as consisting of such varieties as Frontenac Blanc and Petite Pearl. Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, hessenland.com Riesling, Baco Noir, Vidal, and Marquette. darkhorseestatewinery.com

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 11 FRESH FROM THE FARM

Finding local, fresh and delicious food doesn’t get any easier than it does in Huron County. As one of the largest food producing regions in Ontario, the diversity of food products available throughout the year is remarkable. Visit ontarioswestcoast.ca for a list of retail outlets where you can purchase directly from the producers.

THURSDAYS Blyth Outdoor Market Brussels Farmers’ Market 10 am to 2 pm, July to October Four Winds Wedding & Event facebook.com/ Barn blythoutdoormarket 2 to 6 pm, May to October facebook.com/ Seaforth Community Brusselsfarmersmarket Market Seaforth Agriplex SATURDAYS 3 to 7 pm, June to October Goderich Farmers’ Market facebook.com/Seaforth- Courthouse Square/South Community-Market Street/Montreal Street 8 am to noon, May to October FRIDAYS facebook.com/ Bayfield Farmers’ Market FarmersMarketGoderichBIA Online Store/Clan Gregor Square *Times and opening and closing 3 to 7 pm, May to October dates subject to change. Please facebook.com/ confirm time and location before bayfieldfarmersmarket heading out.

PAGE 12 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD ON THE WATER

SAIL HURON with a crew of 360 BIKES ‘N BOARDS is experienced sailors on the 34 foot located on the Square in Goderich sailboat, Stir Crazy, for a afternoon and offers kayak rentals. cruise on Lake Huron from Bayfield. 360bikesnboards.com sailhuron.com THE YOGA DEN offers a variety XTREME WATER SPORTS in of Stand Up Paddle Board classes Grand Bend offers Seadoos™, Jet and camps in Goderich, including Skis™ and Waverunners™ for rent, SUP Yoga, SUP fitness, and SUP as well as an exclusive jet boat Kids camps. theyogaden.ca charter service and the latest water thrill-ride, FlyBoarding! WINDMILL LAKE WAKE & xtremewatersports.ca ECO PARK offers water activities for all ages. Try wakeboarding, PARASAIL over Grand Bend paddle boarding, canoeing, beach and beautiful Lake Huron kayaking and pedal boating on a with the assistance of the skilled 40-acre private lake. and experienced staff of Grand windmill-lake.ca Bend Parasail. grandbendparasail.com

Exeter Splash Zone SPLASH PADS 2-70 Andrew St., Exeter *Please confirm opening and times southhuron.ca with local municipality Victoria Park Splash Pad Bayfield (Lions) Splash Pad 80 Victoria St. N, Goderich 6 The Square, Bayfield goderich.ca municipalityofbluewater.ca Wingham Splash Pad Clinton Children’s Splash Pad 281 William St., Wingham 85 Park Lane, Clinton northhuron.ca centralhuron.ca BEACHES There’s no match to the feeling of being at the beach. Huron County has 14 public beaches located along 100 km of scenic shoreline.

AMBERLEY BEACH This natural and secluded beach is somewhat rocky with grassy patches and small trees for shade.

ASHFIELD PARK A large, secluded beach. Take the steep and winding road down to the parking area. A small pavilion is located at top of the hill.

PORT ALBERT BEACH Port Albert offers a mid-sized sandy beach. The river flowing into the lake offers excellent fishing opportunities.

POINT FARMS PROVINCIAL PARK This large, sandy beach is located within Point Farms Provincial Park. Admission fee is required for day use.

SUNSET BEACH A long path followed by stairs leads to the rocky beach and provides excellent opportunities for birdwatchers.

GODERICH MAIN BEACH A large sandy beach featuring a boardwalk, snack bar and playground, making this an excellent choice for families.

* Please note that changing water levels can have an impact on beaches.

PAGE 14 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD ST. CHRISTOPHER’S BEACH HOWARD STREET BEACH A pavilion, playground and picnic This beach is reached by a tables make this rocky beach an staircase, which leads to the white excellent location for lakefront sand stretching along the village’s picnics and family gatherings. coastline.

ROTARY COVE BEACH HOUSTON HEIGHTS BEACH A large sandy beach, this location This secluded location offers also offers picnic tables, benches, a access by way of a staircase down snack bar, trees for shade, and a to the sandy shores and a pavilion large playground for kids. in a park-like setting.

BLACK’S POINT ROAD PORT BLAKE PARK BEACH BEACH A sandy beach that is often busy This natural area, popular with bird with visitors, the location offers a watchers, offers a wide beach with picnic shelter and playground. lots of grassy areas and small Admission fee is required. bushes. GRAND BEND BEACH BAYFIELD PIER BEACH The largest beach on the Huron Bayfield’s Main Beach is located shoreline. Popular with visitors, this next to the pier and marina, visitors beach is often busy and offers can rent canoes and kayaks. recreational opportunities.

HURON BEACH INFO Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) monitors all public beaches in Perth and Huron Counties by testing the water for unsafe bacteria. For up-to-date information on water quality and beach openings, please check hpph.ca. TRAILS

This summer explore one (or more!) of the 30+ hiking trails available for all ages and skill levels. Here are a few favourites to get you started: MAITLAND TRAIL WAWANOSH VALLEY Follow the 49 km trail from CONSERVATION AREA Goderich to Auburn along the The Conservation Area offers a beautiful, winding route of the scenic 3 km trail loop that crosses lower Maitland River. the Belgrave Creek, passes through MaitlandTrail.ca meadows with hedgerow plantings and down a steep hill to the cedar SAWMILL TRAIL lowlands at the river. mvca.on.ca One of the Bayfield River Valley Trails, the 2 km Sawmill Trail BANNOCKBURN features a range of historical and CONSERVATION AREA natural points of interest. The 1 km trail loop located on BayfieldTrails.com Bannockburn Line is home to six different natural communities: wet SOUTH HURON TRAIL meadow, white cedar, deciduous The 8 km all-season trail winds forest, marsh, old field and mixed through the scenic Ausable River scrub. abca.on.ca Valley between MacNaughton Park in Exeter and Morrison Dam Conservation Area. abca.on.ca

HURON HIKING GUIDE Check out the Huron County Hiking Guide for a full list of trails in Huron County. Pick up a copy at local tourism centres or download a digital copy at ontarioswestcoast.ca GOLF

Ontario’s West Coast offers 10 different courses to choose from. While each course offers its own distinct course design, challenges, and hazards, the one thing they all share in common is the picturesque landscapes we’re famous for. BLUEWATER GOLF COURSE SEAFORTH GOLF & & CAMPGROUND COUNTRY CLUB 77416 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield 42990 Front Rd., Seaforth bluewatergolfandcamp.ca seaforthgolf.com

EXETER GOLF CLUB SUNSET GOLF CLUB 40374 Kirkton Rd., Centralia 33937 Golf Course Rd., Goderich exetergolfclub.ca sunsetgolfclub.com

IRONWOOD GOLF CLUB WHITE SQUIRREL GOLF 70969 Morrison Line, Exeter CLUB golfnorth.ca/ironwood 72538 Bluewater Hwy., Zurich whitesquirrelgolfclub.com THE MAITLAND 25 North Harbour Rd. E., Goderich WINGHAM GOLF & themaitland.com CURLING CLUB 40292 Jamestown Rd., RR4, OAKWOOD RESORT GOLF Wingham COURSE facebook.com/WinghamGolfCurlin 70671 Bluewater Hwy., gClub Grand Bend oakwoodresort.ca WOODLANDS LINKS GOLF CLUB 37858 Huron Rd. (Hwy 8), Clinton woodlandslinks.com

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 17 CYCLING

Experience beautiful, rural scenery and diverse landscapes on a cycling adventure through Huron County! BIKE RENTALS Goderich Bike Shop offers bike rentals available in-store, at the Blyth Bike Tours offers bike beach, or delivered to your cottage rentals and tours. Off-season by or home. goderichbikeshop.com request. blythbiketours.com Bayfield Archives & Heritage 360 Bikes ’n Boards rents bikes Centre offers Quadra-cycle rentals and paddle boards to explore the for $20 per hour. The quads are a Lake Huron coastline, waterfront big hit with people visiting and a and the Town of Goderich. fun way of touring the village with 360bikesnboards.com surprise spectacular views of Lake Huron. bayfieldhistorical.ca

OFF-ROAD CYCLING The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, known as the G2G, runs 127 km of multi-use green space along the former CPR railway line. The G2G Rail Trail offers a large and safe corridor to bike on for all ages and experience levels. g2grailtrail.com

A new Huron County Cycling Guide is coming soon. Watch for it at ontarioswestcoast.ca PAGE 18 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD FISHING & PADDLING

From anglers looking to reel in the catch of a lifetime, to families just looking for some fun on the water, the opportunities for fishing in Huron County are endless.

Fly Fitters provides anglers of all levels with guided fly fishing, spey fishing and sport fishing adventures on the Maitland, Bayfield and Saugeen Rivers. flyfitters.ca

Maitland Valley Fishing Charters provides services to individuals and small groups for sport fishing on Lake Huron from early May through the end of September. maitlandvalleyfishing.com

Enjoy fully-guided fishing charters for salmon, trout and walleye using the best fishing equipment with Grand Bend Fishing Charters. Charters run April through September. grandbendfishingcharters.com

HURON COUNTY FISHING Check out the Huron County Fishing Guide for a comprehensive overview of angling in Huron County at ontarioswestcoast.ca. Whether canoeing or kayaking, Huron County offers a variety of paddling opportunities ranging from flat water rows to mild white water adventures.

Rent a canoe or kayak from the Bayfield Marina and paddle up the mouth of the Bayfield River. If the lake is calm, paddle out past the pier walls to open water. municipalityofbluewater.ca/Public/Bluewater-Marina-in- Bayfield

HURON COUNTY PADDLING GUIDE Check out the Huron County Paddling Guide for a comprehensive overview of paddling in Huron County at ontarioswestcoast.ca.

THE PORT ALBERT FISHWAY

Located in Port Albert, this man-made structure allows fish to by-pass obstructions to travel upstream on the Nine Mile River. Fish jumping can be viewed from late March until early May, with peak runs occurring the last 2 weeks in April. In the fall, jumping occurs from mid-September until late November, with the peak occurring during October and early November. OUTDOOR RECREATION

CLINTON RACEWAY & CASINO Bring the whole gang to Ontario’s family track, Clinton Raceway & Casino for a day of exciting harness racing! Check out the 1/2 mile track, picnic areas, swimming pool, slots and more. clintonraceway.com

THE EDGE OF WALTON CHALLENGE Discover your limits at The Edge of Walton Challenge Course. The outdoor facility offers rope climbing, high tower and mountain biking adventures. edgeofwalton.ca

WALTON RACEWAY Walton Raceway is home to the longest running motocross tracks in Canada and hosts the Canadian Motocross Grand National Championship. waltonraceway.ca

GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX One of Canada’s premier racing facilities, the Grand Bend Motorplex is a multi-use sports facility that features Canada’s largest 1/4 mile drag racing facility. grandbendmotorplex.ca

GRAND BEND SPORT PARACHUTING CENTRE At the Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Centre Inc., a first jump is a free-fall skydive with two instructors assisting, until the parachute is activated. skydivegrandbend.com

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 21 INDOOR RECREATION

ALL-IN SKATEPARK LITTLE BOWL Located in Zurich, Southwestern Family fun with 12 lanes of 5-pin Ontario’s biggest and best Indoor bowling for fun and parties in skatepark for BMX, scooters and Goderich. Fully licensed. boards. allinactionsports.com littlebowl.ca

CHUCK IT GODERICH MAITLAND VALLEY GROTTO This axe throwing facility is open to An indoor bouldering gym located anyone ages 12 and up - those in Goderich. Bouldering is one of between 12 and 17 years old the most efficient ways to learn require a parent/guardian. rock climbing techniques. chuckitgoderich.com maitlandvalleygrotto.com

ESCAPE ROOM GODERICH TOWN & COUNTRY Test your teamwork skills as you BOWLING LANES work through puzzles and clues to Located in Zurich, offering 5-Pin escape various rooms. Bowling in a small-town, friendly escaperoomgoderich.ca atmosphere. townandcountrybowling.com FORE ON THE FLOOR Enjoy state of the art golf simulator GODERICH-HURON & and virtual driving range. HD racing YMCA simulator lets you choose your car, The Goderich-Huron YMCA and choose your track, and choose your Central Huron YMCA offer annual thrill. foreonthefloor.ca memberships and visitor day passes. ymcaswo.ca ICECULTURE Book a 90-minute guided tour in * Businesses listed may not be able Hensall to see the process behind to open in 2020. Please check online ice sculpture creation. for most up-to-date information. iceculture.com * photo courtesy of Maitland Valley Grotto PAGE 22 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES

* Some museums may not be able to open in 2020. Please check online for most up-to-date information.

HURON COUNTY MUSEUM CNR SCHOOL CAR ON 110 North St., Goderich WHEELS MUSEUM Permanent and temporary exhibits 76 Victoria Terrace, Clinton that depict Huron County’s history Visit a century old wooden railcar and culture. that was part of Northern Ontario’s huroncountymuseum.ca railcar school system. centralhuron.com/schoolcar HURON HISTORIC GAOL 181 Victoria St., Goderich GAIRBRAID A national Historic Site, Huron 81501 River Ridge Cres., Goderich Historic Gaol served as the County The burial plot of Goderich Jail from its opening in 1841 until founder, Dr. William “Tiger” Dunlop closure in 1972. is located along the Maitland Trail huroncountymuseum.ca on land where he planned to build a new town named Gairbraid. BAYFIELD ARCHIVES & huroncountymuseum.ca/gairbraid HERITAGE CENTRE 20 Main St. N., Bayfield VAN EGMOND HOUSE The Heritage Centre features 80 Kippen Rd., Egmondville artefacts and short videos that Country manor house built in 1846 showcase Bayfield’s history. has been carefully restored and bayfieldhistorical.ca furnished with period appropriate furnishings. ST. JOSEPH HISTORIC PARK facebook.com/vanegmondhouse 33996 Park Ave. at Intersection of Hwy. 21 and Zurich-Hensall Road Historical information plaques tell St. Joseph’s unique French- Canadian history. *photo courtesy of the Huron stjosephmuseum.ca County Museum

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 23 HERITAGE WALKING TOURS

BAYFIELD GODERICH Wander through Bayfield’s The Goderich Municipal and Marine heritage district, along tree lined Heritage Committee has put streets, and past harbour views together a series of four enjoyable with the Self-Guided Walking Tour scenic walks that explore booklet ($5) from the Bayfield Goderich’s rich history. goderich.ca Heritage Centre & Archives or Village Bookshop. SEAFORTH bayfieldhistorical.ca Seaforth is a quintessential small Ontario town, with a story BRUSSELS stretching back to the early 1850s. After officially becoming a village huroneast.com in 1855, Brussels grew into a prosperous community with its VANASTRA own railway station, many local Visit the former site of a top secret industries, several churches and Royal Canadian Air Force training community groups, and a main base, once used to train over 7,000 street of fine brick blocks. radar technicians and staff for huroneast.com American, British and Canadian forces during World War II. EXETER huroneast.com/blog/tag/vanastra A leisurely stroll down Exeter’s Main Street will tell the stories of the historic family businesses built by Exeter’s first settlers. experienceexeter.ca

AUDIO WALKING TOURS Download one of the Huron County Historic Walking Tours audio tours from Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Choose from 12 walking tours in Bayfield, Blyth and Goderich. Full list of audio tours and download links available at: ontarioswestcoast.ca. ART GALLERIES

The beauty of Huron County has inspired countless visual artists working in all media and styles. Check out some of their creations along with the work of talented artisans working in traditional and contemporary crafts.

BAYFIELD FACTS: Fashion Arts & JMR Collections Creative Textiles Studio facebook.com/theJMRcollections factsblyth.ca

Main Street Gallery Wild Goose Studio Canada facebook.com/MainStreetGalleryB facebook.com/wildgoosestudiocan ayfield ada

Marten Arts Gallery Wonky Frog Studio facebook.com/MartenArtsGallery facebook.com/WonkyFrogStudio

Patina Studios & Gallery GODERICH patinastudios.ca Elizabeth’s Art Gallery elizabethsartgallery.ca BLYTH The Blyth Festival Art The Goderich Co-op Gallery Gallery gcgallery.ca blythfestival.com/blyth-festival-art- gallery Reuben R. Sallows Gallery facebook.com/SallowsGallery

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 25 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Ontario’s West Coast makes for a great family destination. Here are few activities we recommend doing with the kids this summer. Pack up the car and get ready for Wake & Eco Park. Nestled this summertime tradition of within 200 acres of forest, the 40- yesteryear by taking in a acre private lake offers wakeboard blockbuster under the stars at the & paddling activities are for all ages Starlite Drive-In Theatre and an Aqua Park, inflatable outside of Grand Bend. floating obstacle course, for starlitedriveintheatre.com/GrandB ages 6+. windmill-lake.ca end For 30 years, Iceculture has been After a day enjoying the sand and a major player in the world of ice surf at Point Farms Provincial carving. Book a 90-minute guided Park, head across the road to tour to see the processes, hear the stories and see amazing ice Point Farms Market for a sculptures take shape. round of miniature golf topped off iceculture.com with an ice cream cone. there are 30+ flavours to choose from! Build the family bonds as you enjoy facebook.com/pointfarms fun outdoor adventure at Edge of The Edge of Walton. Challenge If your kids have a bit of the yourself with rope climbing, daredevil in them scratch that itch balancing, and tight rope walking. with a trip to Windmill Lake edgeofwalton.ca

PAGE 26 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD A DAY IN BAYFIELD

YOUR ITINERARY

Start the day by heading out on a Visit the tap room to try a flight of hike on one of six Bayfield Trails the brewery’s current offerings. (bayfieldtrails.com). After your hike stroll Bayfield’s Historic Main There’s no lack of great choices for Street and visit some of the an exceptional dinner in Bayfield. galleries and shops. Dine al fresco at Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro Grab a quick lunch of fish tacos, (blackdogpubbistro.ca), The footlong hot dog or poutine at Lakehouse of Bayfield Copenhagen’s (lakehouseofbayfield.com) (faceook.com.copenhagens). Don’t or stay put and go next door to the forget to save room for a decadent Bayfield Brewing Co.’s cupcake from Pink Flamingo Public House. Bakery (thepinkflamingobakery.com) After dinner enjoy one of the world famous double sunsets at Spend the hottest part of the afternoon staying cool at Pioneer Park. Afterwards if you’re still going strong, enjoy a Bayfield’s Main Beach. After a night cap on the veranda (weather few hours at the beach you’ll have worked up a thirst for a late permitting) of the Bayfield afternoon beverage at Bayfield Little Inn (littleinn.com). Brewing Co. (bayfieldbrewingco.com).

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 27 A TASTY DAY TOUR

YOUR ITINERARY Start the day with a great cup of Culbert’s Bakery coffee. Pick up some beans or a (culbertsbakery.com) for a sweet fresh brewed cup of one of their snack. All of their products are signature blends at Shopbike made fresh on the premises the Coffee Roasters old-fashioned way. The must try is (shopbikecoffe.com). Head south their world famous cream puff from Bayfield to Zehr’s Country doughnut. Market (zehrscountrymarket.ca) For dinner, we suggest taking a to pick up a fresh baked treat. leisurely drive to Exeter enjoying There’s a lot of good pie to be had the many barn quilts you’ll pass in Huron County. along the way. When choosing a restaurant for dinner, two options For lunch, we suggest you make a to consider are Eddington’s of stop at Cait’s Café in Goderich (caitscafe.com). You’ll be happy Exeter (eddingtons.ca), which with anything you choose at Cait’s offers affordable comfort food Café but we recommend the Blyth prepared from locally sourced veg sandwich on the in-house made ingredients, or if you’re craving croissant: Avocado, tomato, Blyth something different, try Exeter Farm cumin goat cheese, local Thai Cuisine organic greens, pesto mayo, and (exeterthaicuisine.com). They offer house-made lime cumin dressing. up an authentic Pad Thai along with a full menu of other Thai Walk around The Square a few cuisine favourites. If take-out is times to work off lunch before your only option, enjoy your meal heading down West Street to in McNaughton Park and spot one of Exeter’s famous white squirrels.

PAGE 28 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD OUTDOORSY WEEKEND

YOUR ITINERARY

FRIDAY or Beach Street Station Arrive at your reserved campsite at (beachstreetstation.com). Point Farms Provincial Park End your evening sitting around (ontarioparks.com/park/pointfarms). the campfire or having a leisurely walk gazing up at the amazing SATURDAY stars. After breakfast at West Street SUNDAY Willy’s Start your morning with a bike ride (weststreetwillyseatery.com), stop on the Goderich to Guelph by Shanahan’s Rail Trail (g2grailtrail.com) from (www.shanahansqualitymeats.com) Saltford to Blyth, a 30 km one-way for everything you need for a picnic lunch before heading to the trip. Arrange for 519 Tours Maitland Trail (maitlandtrail.ca). (519tours.ca) to pick you up in Blyth and bring you back to your Perhaps start with the Tiger starting point (unless you have it in Dunlop Heritage Trail which you to do the return trip). include great views of the Maitland River and Harbour from Spend the afternoon at Falls Menesetung Bridge. Reserve Conservation Area (mvca.on.ca/camping/falls-reserve- Refresh after the hike with a stop conservation-area), a 230-acre at Square Brew natural outdoor playground. Enjoy (squarebrewco.com) to sample the the trails and swimming in the falls. local suds before dinner on the patio. Two local favourites are Thyme on 21 (thymeon21.com) * photo courtesy of G2G Rail Trail

ONTARIOSWESTCOAST.CA PAGE 29 TOUR OPERATORS

519 Tours lets you choose from a variety of personalized full-day or half-day tour options with guide and driver for a group of up to 14 people. 519tours.ca

Blyth Bike Tours provides professionally guided bike and walking tours in the village of Blyth, as well as bike rentals. Scheduled bike and walking tours run from June to August. blythbiketours.com

Explore Beyond the Shore Experience Tours allow you to explore the beautiful countryside of Bluewater and beyond. Adventures include Heritage Tours, Craft Breweries and Wineries and Farm Tours. explorebeyondtheshore.ca

Take off with Papple Aviation for a scenic, mile-high view of the County. See the winding Maitland River valley, small towns, or the Lake Huron coastline. pappleaviation.ca

Wave Limos & Tours offers a wide selection of tours including beer and wine tours, weddings, anniversaries, concert and game transportation, as well as custom itineraries. wave.limo

* photo courtesy of Dianne Brandon

PAGE 30 EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD TOURISM PARTNERS

Visit one of our tourism partner websites or a local tourist information centre to find out more about what there is to see and do in Huron County. Bayfield & Area Chamber of Central Huron Tourist Commerce Information villageofbayfield.com 23 Albert St., Clinton. Located in Millennium Park, behind Town Hall Blyth BIA Please check for open hours. blythnow.ca Goderich Tourist Information Central Huron BIA Centre cchbia.ca 91 Hamilton St., Goderich Please check for open hours. Exeter BIA goderich.ca experienceexeter.ca Huron East Tourist Information Grand Bend & Area Chamber of 72 Main St. S., Seaforth. Commerce Located in Town Hall. grandbendchamber.ca Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm

Goderich BIA South Huron Welcome Centre goderichbia.ca 483 Main St. S., Exeter Please check for open hours. Zurich District Chamber of Commerce zurichontario.com HURON COUNTY BIZMAP Looking for businesses located close to you? Want to find out which restaurants near you deliver? Check out version 1.0 of Huron County’s new business location service “BizMap“. ecdev.huroncounty.ca #OntariosWestCoast Facebook: @OntariosWestCoast Instagram: @OntariosWestCoast