2017/2018 BEST OF THE BRUCE BRUCE COUNTY, ONTARIO BEST OF THE BRUCE 3 Explorers Welcome TABLE OF CONTENTS Find Yourself in Bruce County 4-5 Interior 46-57 In your hand is your ticket to explore Lucknow and Ripley 48-49 Peninsula 6-25 Walkerton and Area 50-51 Hike the path less traveled, breathe in gorgeous sunsets on sandy Tobermory 8-9 Paisley and Area 52-53 beaches, surge through forests on a bike or paddle in the Great Lion’s Head 10-11 Mountain Bike the Bruce 54-55 Lake! Bruce County is a place where children are encouraged to Wiarton 12-13 The Mighty Saugeen River 56-57 look under rocks, and parents help with the heavy lifting. Bruce Trail 14-15 Unique Experiences Abound in Bruce County MS Chi-Cheemaun 16-17 Visitor Information Centres 58 If you are scouting for hidden treasures, courting a cultural scene Scuba Diving and Snorkeling 18-19 or seeking an unmatchable camping experience, come unearth it Flowerpot Island 20-21 Festivals and Events 59 here. Your journey will be marked with inquiry and discovery. Dark Sky Astronomy 22-23 Plan your Journey Bouldering 24-25 Include some of the exclusive adventures available in our regions. Ideas for your shopping, dining and sleeping experiences and stellar Lakeshore 26-45 community activities are in this guide. Come… Sauble Beach 28-29 Southampton 30-31 Explore the “Best of” Bruce County Port Elgin 32-33 Kincardine 34-35 Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band Parade 36-37 Lighthouse Tours 38-39 Kiteboarding and Great Lakes Surfing 40-41 Kayaking in the Fishing Islands 42-43 Explore the Unforgettable 44-45 EXPLORETHEBRUCE.COM BEST OF THE BRUCE 5 Find Yourself in Bruce County Work / life - zero distance in between Starting a business in Bruce County is like setting up shop in a natural, entrepreneurial incubator. Your neighbours are your mentors, your customers are your boosters. Canada’s largest market is only two hours away. You’re surrounded by opportunities in food, energy, tourism, environmental and creative industry segments we can’t even imagine yet. But you will - because your commute from work to life is either very short or extremely exciting. Get on your bike... Contact us 1-800-268-3838 businesstobruce.com EXPLORETHEBRUCE.COM Peninsula 854 kilometres of coastline - 2 National Parks It took millions of years for sediments to compress into the richly-layered, rugged coastline of the Bruce Peninsula. It will only take you a few moments on your first day here to realize how untouched it remains. From ancient forests to interior trails to every hand-hold and new perspective, this is the explorer’s natural playground. Grab life here... explorethebruce.com/peninsula Explore these Uncover these communities experiences TOBERMORY 8-9 BRUCE TRAIL 14-15 LION’S HEAD 10-11 MS CHI-CHEEMAUN 16-17 WIARTON 12-13 SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING 18-19 FLOWERPOT ISLAND 20-21 DARK SKY ASTRONOMY 22-23 BOULDERING 24-25 BEST OF THE BRUCE 9 explorethebruce.com/tobermory Left to right: Ropes course at Little Cove Adventures, Tobermory Brewing Company and Grill, Blue Bay Motel is steps to the marina, gifts at Mariner Chart Shop Tobermory The 8th Wonder of Canada Situated at the tip of Bruce County, Tobermory’s clean, fresh air will invigorate you with every breath, and its pristine turquoise waters will captivate you. Taking in your surroundings, you realize that with the Do Shop Eat Stay Great Lakes by your side and 1000 year old ancient Scuba diving capital of Tobermory is a fun, Live music, a wood fired Walk to your slumbering cedars firmly at your back, this is Canada; authentic, Canada, Fathom Five National bright and flavourful marine pizza oven and stunning views place at Blue Bay Motel in the rugged and stunningly scenic. Marine Park is home to 22 community with art galleries, over Georgian Bay contribute heart of Tobermory overlooking shipwrecks – many dating back scrumptious treats and nautical to the delicious experience that Big Tub Harbour on Georgian to the mid-1800s. Or view them antiques. Watch the magic awaits you at Tubby’s Lounge Bay. Or, for a secluded stay, through glass bottoms boats happen at The Sweet Shop: and Gastropub. Tucked watch the sunset at Bear Cove with Blue Heron Cruises or where fine confections are away in the Cornerstone Golf Bed & Breakfast on Lake Bruce Anchor Cruises on created the old fashioned Club clubhouse, the Ancient Huron. Even though you are at your way to Flowerpot Island. way. Unearth fine art pieces at Cedars Café features a menu the tip of the Peninsula, have no Launch your own SUP adventure Circle Arts that are uniquely to suit everyone’s desires; fear… free Wi-Fi is available. with rented gear from Bruce Peninsula and crafted vegan, gluten-free or complete BEST TIME TO VISIT Thorncrest Outfitters or join by Canada’s finest artists. The carnivore options. End your day Fathom Paddle Guiding to Mariner Chart Shop, along sipping a Bruce Trail Blonde Ale TOBERMORY Spring/Fall view the historic Big Tub the dock, is a must visit, full of or Fathom Five Porter at the Lighthouse and shipwrecks at clothing and gifts. Tobermory Brewing your own speed. Company and Grill. DON’T MISS FUN FACT BRUCE PENINSULA FLOWERPOT ISLAND MS CHI-CHEEMAUN BIG TUB LIGHTHOUSE NATIONAL PARK 519-596-2233 1-800-265-3163 1-800-268-3838 Number of shipwrecks in the area: 22 VISITOR CENTRE pc.gc.ca Front Street 264 BigEXPLORETHEBRUCE.COM Tub Road 1-888-773-8888 ontarioferries.com BEST OF THE BRUCE 11 explorethebruce.com/lions-head Left to right: Dark Skies exploring, Lion’s Head Inn, shopping at The Dandy Lion, view from the side patio at Lion’s Head Beach Motel & Cottages Lion’s Head Serenity on Bruce Peninsula Situated in a secret nook on the famous Bruce Peninsula, Lion’s Head is a little town perfect for those looking for Do Shop Eat Stay Come see Saturn’s To find that uniquely Before heading out to enjoy Trip Advisor’s top rated peaceful serenity. rings, Jupiter’s moons and the Canadian-made reminder of the serenity of Lion’s Head, grab B&B on the Bruce Peninsula, Great Red Spot with Bayside your restful unwinding in Lion’s a perky cup of fair trade organic Taylor-Made Bed and Residents and tourists come to Astronomy every Friday and Head, visit The Dandy Lion. coffee fromRachel’s Bakery Breakfast welcomes you home Saturday evening at dusk in the Discover hidden secrets at and Café. Lunch is served at to a relaxing evening and gets Lion’s Head to explore the crystal summertime at the Peninsula Hellyer’s Food Market. An Marydale’s Family Restaurant, your day fueled with energetic clear blue-green waterways under the Observation Deck, just steps unexpected staircase in the a cozy neighbourhood hangout choices for breakfast. For a from the Lion’s Head Marina. cereal aisle transports shoppers majestic escarpment. in the centre of town. Many water-side stay, Lion’s Head At Greig’s Caves, explore to Grandad’s Attic, to pick up scrumptious choices on menus Beach Motel & Cottages lets natural limestone caves and a board game or elusive antique The area boasts of amazing hiking, safe shallow illustrated by local school you hear the waves lapping at breathtaking views from 300 for the cottage. beaches and natural attractions, all perfect to host children, but locals will say the the shoreline while you sleep. feet above the sparkling waters your next retreat. Crispy Chicken Wrap is their of Georgian Bay. Or head to hands down favourite. Walk, The Bruce Trail, to hike in a drive, ski or snowmobile to nature reserve known for the the traditional English pub, largest concentration of glacial The Lion’s Head Inn, at the potholes on the escarpment. end of the day to savour their LION’S HEAD panko breaded Perch Feast. DON’T MISS SNAP THIS #EXPLORETHEBRUCE BAYSIDE ASTRONOMY GREIG’S CAVES LION’S HEAD PROVINCIAL HARBOURSIDE MUSIC 519-377-5166 519-377-8762 NATURE RESERVE 519-793-4782 Lighthouse and Harbour 1 Bruin Street 407 Scenic Caves Road 519-389-9056 Lion’s Head Harbour 44°59’27.1”N 81°14’56.6”W EXPLORETHEBRUCE.COM bpba.ca greigscaves.ca ontarioparks.com visitlionshead.ca BEST OF THE BRUCE 13 explorethebruce.com/wiarton Left to right: splash pad fun, fuel up at the Green Door Cafe, shop the Rankin River Trading Company and sleep at The Spirit Rock Outpost & Lodge Wiarton Basecamp to the Bruce Peninsula As the provisioning headquarters to the beautiful Bruce Peninsula, Wiarton is the perfect basecamp for any day hike, boat trip or Do Shop Eat Stay camping adventure. With magnificent views Food, fashions, and You’d be crazy to miss the Glamping is taken to a of Colpoy’s Bay, Bluewater furnishings can be found on the Gourmet Local Lamb Burger new level at The Spirit Rock Park offers a waterfront main street in Wiarton. Pick up with garlicky homemade Outpost & Lodge. In addition Pack your bags, explore the wilderness campground, picnic and some delicious Wiarton Willie Caesar Salad at Green Door to conventional motel of the region, and challenge yourself playground areas, swimming Droppings or Bruce Trail Mix Café, or for a vegetarian option, accommodations, four Cabin pool, splash pad, tennis courts, from Northern Confections try the Roasted Vegetable Pita Tents are burrowed into the to the top of the escarpment. fitness trail, historic Train and start your shopping with Goat Cheese. For outdoor bush and provide all the Station, ball diamond and experience at Josie’s of dining, grab an incredible Bento comforts of traditional lodgings.