The shores of Lake Huron boast two adorable towns called Bayfield and Goderich. They are close enough in distance to each other that you can easily check out both in the span of four days. Each boasts its own charms and specialities. There is so much to do in this area, which means I definitely need to come back to experience more of Southwest Ontario.
* Unfortunately I wasn’t able to do as much as I would’ve liked due to COVID restrictions. Lots of restaurants and shops weren’t open when I was there. I’ll make sure to note what I would like to do on my next trip back to Huron County.
B A Y F I E L D
Activities
- Stop by the tiny Bayfield Town Hall.
- Admire the unique architecture on the Main Street.
- Drive to Grand Bend and visit Pinery Provincial Park for a spectacular hike or beach day.
- Take an extremely peaceful walk at Bannockburn Conservation Area.
- Stop by Pioneer Park to watch the sunset over the bluffs, and walk to the bottom of the stairs for a close up view of Lake Huron.
Food & Drinks
- Dine or take-out at one of these fantastic restaurants: Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro, The Albion Hotel, The Little Inn, The Lake House of Bayfield and Olio Too. Another great option is The Hub on Docks Restaurant (located outside of Main Street).
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Grab a local beer from Bayfield Brewing Company & Pub or head to this farm-based brewery, River Road Brewing and Hops.
- Pick up some baked goods, like cookies, biscotti, and more, from The Pink Flamingo Bakery. I highly recommend the cupcakes (they were some of the best I’ve had in a while)! The flavours vary by day.
- Stop by for a frozen treat, like a milkshake or frozen yogurt from Copenhagen’s.
- Grab a homemade cone of ice cream from Rosie’s Ice Cream Shoppe.
Shopping
- Browse the lovely The Village Bookshop,
- Check out Archies, Sea Jewels, and Shared Times to find unique gifts
- Walk along the main street and check out cute clothing, home goods, and gourmet shops. Some of my favourites include; Leslie’s of Bayfield, The Spotted Cow, Clay & Gourmet, Hive, and Rhumba.
- Dedicated to preserving their history, The Bayfield Historical Society collects, classifies, publishes and presents materials to do with the history of the area.
- Stop by the Main Street Gallery and Marten’s Art Gallery for interesting pieces of art, from sculptures to paintings.
- Make a stop at Bayfield Berry Farm to pick up fresh produce and locally grown jam.
- This Mennonite market chain is located in Southern Ontario and sells tons of fresh produce, cheeses, desserts, and organic meats.
* Only a 20 minute drive away, Grand Bend has an adorable town and features Pinery Antique Flea & Farmers Market (open on Sundays in the summertime). There is usually local produce, a beer garden, vintage items, entertainment, and more! The market is currently closed for COVID until next summer.
G O D E R I C H
Activities
- Walk along the Menesetung Bridge (it was the longest bridge at one point) which is an old railway line.
- Did you know Goderich had the largest underground salt mine in the world?! It’s apparently as deep as the height of the CN Tower! The bright blue salt mine is impossible to miss with its bright colour. Unfortunately, you aren’t able to tour this mine.
- Main Beach is a go-to spot for locals looking for a day at the beach. It features a boardwalk, playground, and picnic areas. If you are looking to take your dog to the beach, check out St. Christopher’s Beach.
Food & Drinks
- Walk around the “Market Square” in Goderich, lined with over 200 unique shops, with everything from antiques to art galleries.
- Don’t miss the local Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in The Square.
- In the centre of the square sits Courthouse Park, which is an octagonal shaped public space.
- Pick up some delicious fresh pastries from Culbert’s Bakery (the pastry puffs and donuts are their specialty).
- Admire the historic architecture in around the downtown core.
- Check out the Huron County Museum to learn more history about the area (You can also visit the Huron County Jail).
* If I would have had the time, I would’ve liked to have stopped at Point Farms Provincial Park. Let me know your experience if go.
Stay
Cottages in this area book up extremely quickly, so be mindful to book up to six months in advance if you want to get the best properties at a reasonable price. Make sure to check Airbnb, Cottages in Canada, and VRBO.
Here are some photos of The Cottage on Jane (my home for a few days):
Disclaimer: All information and prices are accurate as of the time of the posting. All opinions expressed are completely my own. This post is not sponsored.
*All images are copyrighted by Julia Melcher (@adventureontario) or credited to their owners. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable