Brian and Julie’s guidebook
Recreation Activities
There are so many great local activities close by to chose from.
Ecopark:
5 minute drive. This place is amazing and unique. This park is fantastic for large groups of 30 somethings and families. Wakeboard lesson/camps are available on an electric winch system, limiting noise and impacts on the environment. Great comments can be found on trip advisor. https://www.windmill-lake.ca/. If you are sporty, you will absolutely love this place. It has a lot to offer beginner or expert Boarders. For a slower experience, enjoy the paddle boards or canoes and kayaks.
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Windmill Lake Wake & Eco Park
37568 Bayfield River RdEcopark:
5 minute drive. This place is amazing and unique. This park is fantastic for large groups of 30 somethings and families. Wakeboard lesson/camps are available on an electric winch system, limiting noise and impacts on the environment. Great comments can be found on trip advisor. https://www.windmill-lake.ca/. If you are sporty, you will absolutely love this place. It has a lot to offer beginner or expert Boarders. For a slower experience, enjoy the paddle boards or canoes and kayaks.
Seaforth Golf Club is a mature and challenging golf course, with the rich tradition of hospitality and friendliness of small town Ontario. The course is located on 100 unspoiled, un-crowded, uncommonly beautiful acres in the heart of southwestern Ontario.
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Seaforth Golf Course
42990 Front RdSeaforth Golf Club is a mature and challenging golf course, with the rich tradition of hospitality and friendliness of small town Ontario. The course is located on 100 unspoiled, un-crowded, uncommonly beautiful acres in the heart of southwestern Ontario.
Bluewater Golf course is the closest golf course to the cottage. Only 1 minute drive away.
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Bluewater Golf Course and Campground
77416 Bluewater HwyBluewater Golf course is the closest golf course to the cottage. Only 1 minute drive away.
It’s like a trip back to the 50s but the big screen is in HD colour. Tip: bring cash with you – the Interac tap feature was not available in the 50s. It is a classic drive-in
and will bring back memories of watching movies under the stars. The word, “Authentic” is used regularly by those who have enjoyed this little piece of history. For a traditional theatre, one is located in the Goderich square.
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Starlite Drive-In Theatre
36752 Crediton RdIt’s like a trip back to the 50s but the big screen is in HD colour. Tip: bring cash with you – the Interac tap feature was not available in the 50s. It is a classic drive-in
and will bring back memories of watching movies under the stars. The word, “Authentic” is used regularly by those who have enjoyed this little piece of history. For a traditional theatre, one is located in the Goderich square.
The Pinery Provincial Park:
(5 minutes south of Grand Bend) Activities in the park are abundant and include 10 walking trails; 10kms of prize-winning beaches (ranked by Nation Geographic as top 10 sunsets in the world), 14 km bike trail, 38 kms of groomed Nordic ski trails in winter. The park is home to amazing wetlands. Rent a bike, canoe or kayak and experience a day of wonder. Open all year. Located 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend: 20-25 minute drive; Phone (519)243-2220 or visit ontarioparks.com. Friendly warning – do not go on long weekends unless you wish to sit in car for 2 hours going through the congested roads in Grand Bend.
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Parco Provinciale Pinery
9526 Lakeshore RdThe Pinery Provincial Park:
(5 minutes south of Grand Bend) Activities in the park are abundant and include 10 walking trails; 10kms of prize-winning beaches (ranked by Nation Geographic as top 10 sunsets in the world), 14 km bike trail, 38 kms of groomed Nordic ski trails in winter. The park is home to amazing wetlands. Rent a bike, canoe or kayak and experience a day of wonder. Open all year. Located 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend: 20-25 minute drive; Phone (519)243-2220 or visit ontarioparks.com. Friendly warning – do not go on long weekends unless you wish to sit in car for 2 hours going through the congested roads in Grand Bend.
Fast cars, cold beer and great pizza shows up as the common theme in visitor comments. This popular track is home to the 2019 drag-racing nationals and boasts a great schedule of events for all types of motor-heads. A 17-20 minute drive due south from the cottage;70292 Grand Bend Line. See grandbendmotorplex.ca for event schedules. This place is rated 4.5 stars on Trip Advisor Canada.
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Grand Bend Motorplex
70292 Grand Bend LineFast cars, cold beer and great pizza shows up as the common theme in visitor comments. This popular track is home to the 2019 drag-racing nationals and boasts a great schedule of events for all types of motor-heads. A 17-20 minute drive due south from the cottage;70292 Grand Bend Line. See grandbendmotorplex.ca for event schedules. This place is rated 4.5 stars on Trip Advisor Canada.
The Bayfield marina is a must see. It is approximately a 3 minute drive from the cottage. If you bring boats or PWCs, there is a slip on the north side of the river. There was no place to pay and looks as though it is free. On the south side is where you find the pier and many amazing sailboats.
Bayfield Marine Services
23 Fishermans Wharf RdThe Bayfield marina is a must see. It is approximately a 3 minute drive from the cottage. If you bring boats or PWCs, there is a slip on the north side of the river. There was no place to pay and looks as though it is free. On the south side is where you find the pier and many amazing sailboats.
Goderich Sunset Golf Club
33937 Golf Course RdWhite Squirrel Golf Club
72538 ON-21Ironwood GC in Exeter. Approximately 20-25 minutes east southeast.
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Ironwood Golf Club
70969 Morrison LineIronwood GC in Exeter. Approximately 20-25 minutes east southeast.
Widder Station: Mid-range course is inexpensive but a great value. (picture below). It is usually very well kept and offers some challenging holes from both the whites and the tips: (Thetford) 35 min south of the cottage. Do not book on long weekends because you have to drive through Grand Bend and it is very slow going during holiday weekends.
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Widder Station Golf, Grill & Tap House
8395 Decker RdWidder Station: Mid-range course is inexpensive but a great value. (picture below). It is usually very well kept and offers some challenging holes from both the whites and the tips: (Thetford) 35 min south of the cottage. Do not book on long weekends because you have to drive through Grand Bend and it is very slow going during holiday weekends.
Just minutes from Grand Bend's famous “strip,” The Huron Country Playhouse is the perfect spot to experience summer theatre. There are 650 seats in the mainstage auditorium and 300 seats in the Playhouse II auditorium. Infrared heating will keep you warm on the cool nights. Wheelchair access is available to patrons who require special assistance.
Many of Stratford Festivals stars get their start here. The main auditorium is housed in a spacious century-old barn. The beautifully landscaped grounds and gazebo are ideal for a picnic before or after the show. There is a restaurant and gift shop on the premises as well. To check out the lineup of shows, visit www.draytonentertainment.com the box office at 519-238-6000. The address is RR 1, 70689 B Line, Grand Bend. Advice: Many shows sell out fairly early in the season so be sure to get tickets at the time of booking.
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Huron Country Playhouse
70689 B LineJust minutes from Grand Bend's famous “strip,” The Huron Country Playhouse is the perfect spot to experience summer theatre. There are 650 seats in the mainstage auditorium and 300 seats in the Playhouse II auditorium. Infrared heating will keep you warm on the cool nights. Wheelchair access is available to patrons who require special assistance.
Many of Stratford Festivals stars get their start here. The main auditorium is housed in a spacious century-old barn. The beautifully landscaped grounds and gazebo are ideal for a picnic before or after the show. There is a restaurant and gift shop on the premises as well. To check out the lineup of shows, visit www.draytonentertainment.com the box office at 519-238-6000. The address is RR 1, 70689 B Line, Grand Bend. Advice: Many shows sell out fairly early in the season so be sure to get tickets at the time of booking.
This is a fun little course. Only a 10 minute drive towards Goderich across from Point Farms Provincial Park.82522 Bluewater Hwy, Goderich. Play for a Tooney on Tuesdays. It’s great for the kids or for couples.
Point Farms Market and Miniature Golf
82522 Bluewater HwyThis is a fun little course. Only a 10 minute drive towards Goderich across from Point Farms Provincial Park.82522 Bluewater Hwy, Goderich. Play for a Tooney on Tuesdays. It’s great for the kids or for couples.
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Blue Line Fishing Charters Lake Huron Grand Bend, Port Franks, and Bayfield
9863 Leonard StGreat place to rent wave runners, water trampoline, boat charters, seadoos, etc.
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XTREME Watersports
63 River RdGreat place to rent wave runners, water trampoline, boat charters, seadoos, etc.
Grand Bend Parasail
77 Main St WParasail trips for those looking for adventure.
Blyth Festival is a professional theatre that produces and presents Live. Original. Canadian. Theatre. www.blythfestival.com
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Blyth Festival
423 Queen StBlyth Festival is a professional theatre that produces and presents Live. Original. Canadian. Theatre. www.blythfestival.com
All-IN Skatepark/Store
36 Main StFood scene
Located in Blyth, just 30 minutes from the cottage is a must go to. See more information at www.CowbellBrewing.com. Make sure you have a designated driver. Make a reservation for dinner ahead of time. Sometimes this is needed weeks in advance.
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Cowbell Brewing Co.
40035 Blyth RdLocated in Blyth, just 30 minutes from the cottage is a must go to. See more information at www.CowbellBrewing.com. Make sure you have a designated driver. Make a reservation for dinner ahead of time. Sometimes this is needed weeks in advance.
Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro
5 Bayfield Main St NThe Little Inn of Bayfield
26 Bayfield Main St NCanadian Cuisine (fusion)
The Albion Hotel
1 Bayfield Main St NBar, Canadian Cuisine, Brew Pub
Bayfield Brewing Company
14 Bayfield Main St NCanadian Cuisine, Brew Pub, Pub
Renegades Diner
34023 Mill RdCanadian/American Cuisine, Diner
Drift
9 Bayfield Main St NJapanese, Sushi, Asian Cuisine
Order to go or eat at the picnic table. Their burgers and poutine are amazing.
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Woodland Drive In
17 Mill RdOrder to go or eat at the picnic table. Their burgers and poutine are amazing.
Shopbike Coffee Roasters
11 Bayfield Main St NOut of the Blue Fish & Seafood Market fish and chips
1A The SquareFine-A-Restaurant
42 Ontario St SThe Little Inn of Bayfield
26 Bayfield Main St NLake House of Bayfield
21 Bayfield Main St NCravings
166 Courthouse SquareIce Cream Shop and other goodies.
Dine and unwind. Beautiful views. Lakefront Dining.
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Beach Street Station
2 Beach StDine and unwind. Beautiful views. Lakefront Dining.
Midori Sushi
19 81 Crescent StBrewing Company
It is a 6-7 minute drive to this local brewery from the cottage. www.StoneHouseBrewing.ca
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Stone House Brewing Company
76050 Parr LineIt is a 6-7 minute drive to this local brewery from the cottage. www.StoneHouseBrewing.ca
Located in Blyth, just 30 minutes from the cottage is a must go for a large group www.CowbellBrewing.com Plan for a designated driver. Live entertainment is offered at different times of the year.
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Cowbell Brewing Co.
40035 Blyth RdLocated in Blyth, just 30 minutes from the cottage is a must go for a large group www.CowbellBrewing.com Plan for a designated driver. Live entertainment is offered at different times of the year.
Located 5 minutes from the cottage. This is a great little brewery to try. They also have farm animals on site.
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River Road Brewing and Hops
35449 Bayfield River RdLocated 5 minutes from the cottage. This is a great little brewery to try. They also have farm animals on site.
Bayfield Brewing Company
14 Bayfield Main St NBad Apple Brewing Company Ltd.
73463 Bluewater HwyEast Street Cider Co.
130 East StA craft cider brewery in Goderich.
Square Brew
430 Parsons CtCraft Brewery in Goderich
Neighbourhoods
The quiet Village of Bayfield is brimming with heritage. Browse the shops from mid 1800s on beautiful Main Street is like a walk back in time. This is the type of village where you can safely let your kids go downtown for an ice-cream. At the end of Main Street, you find yourself overlooking the never-ending lake and amazing sunsets, voted among the world’s 10 best as rated by National Geographic.
The village offers a public park, shopping, fine dining and fast food restaurants. Enjoy strolling along the streets of this 'turn-of-the-century village'. After spending a day visiting boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, make your last stop a walk on the pier or the beach.
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Bayfield
The quiet Village of Bayfield is brimming with heritage. Browse the shops from mid 1800s on beautiful Main Street is like a walk back in time. This is the type of village where you can safely let your kids go downtown for an ice-cream. At the end of Main Street, you find yourself overlooking the never-ending lake and amazing sunsets, voted among the world’s 10 best as rated by National Geographic.
The village offers a public park, shopping, fine dining and fast food restaurants. Enjoy strolling along the streets of this 'turn-of-the-century village'. After spending a day visiting boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, make your last stop a walk on the pier or the beach.
Beaches
There are many great sandy beaches close by the cottage. Either walk to our Melena Beach or take the drive and visit other great local beaches.
The Main Beach:
There are several access points to the beach if you drive through Main St. and head west. There is free parking at every beach in Bayfield. Teenagers enjoy jumping off the pier. I would warn against this in rough conditions as there are no lifeguards and the pier can create an undertow, pulling even strong swimmers out towards deeper water.
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Bayfield Main Beach
48 Long Hill RdThe Main Beach:
There are several access points to the beach if you drive through Main St. and head west. There is free parking at every beach in Bayfield. Teenagers enjoy jumping off the pier. I would warn against this in rough conditions as there are no lifeguards and the pier can create an undertow, pulling even strong swimmers out towards deeper water.
If you are not familiar with the Bend you have to see it (at least once). This is a world class beach that is extremely shallow and great for children. I must warn you, I have not gone since I turned in my six-pack in for an office chair and a "dad bod". This is where the pretty people go to show off their hard work at the gym. It is also an amazing beach with tonnes of volleyball courts. It is always packed on hot, sunny days. It is sandy and safe and goes on for miles. It is patrolled by professional lifeguards. The beach is watched during the peak season from June to Labour Day.
Unlike Bayfield, this is where the power boats and the Seadoos go to show off so it is not a quiet beach. The water is filled with people and paddleboards. The water is typically warmer in the Bend than other beaches (and really warm in some spots).
There is a very clean public change room and shower. There are also playgrounds on the beach for the children. The shops are cheesy and the food is fast and fried. This is known as a party town.
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Grand Bend Beach
Main Street WestIf you are not familiar with the Bend you have to see it (at least once). This is a world class beach that is extremely shallow and great for children. I must warn you, I have not gone since I turned in my six-pack in for an office chair and a "dad bod". This is where the pretty people go to show off their hard work at the gym. It is also an amazing beach with tonnes of volleyball courts. It is always packed on hot, sunny days. It is sandy and safe and goes on for miles. It is patrolled by professional lifeguards. The beach is watched during the peak season from June to Labour Day.
Unlike Bayfield, this is where the power boats and the Seadoos go to show off so it is not a quiet beach. The water is filled with people and paddleboards. The water is typically warmer in the Bend than other beaches (and really warm in some spots).
There is a very clean public change room and shower. There are also playgrounds on the beach for the children. The shops are cheesy and the food is fast and fried. This is known as a party town.
Popular beach with a boardwalk, pier & playground, plus changing rooms & restrooms. A sandy beach perfect for families.
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Goderich Main Beach
250 Harbour QuayPopular beach with a boardwalk, pier & playground, plus changing rooms & restrooms. A sandy beach perfect for families.
Sightseeing
Just a few minutes north of Goderich (15 minute drive), this park offers panoramic views of Lake Huron and 6 kilometers of hiking trails to observe the area forests and wildlife. 82491 Bluewater highway. Phone (519)524-7124 or visit ontarioparks.com
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Parco Provinciale Point Farms
82491 Bluewater HwyJust a few minutes north of Goderich (15 minute drive), this park offers panoramic views of Lake Huron and 6 kilometers of hiking trails to observe the area forests and wildlife. 82491 Bluewater highway. Phone (519)524-7124 or visit ontarioparks.com
Open May to October. From 1841-1972 This facility housed everything from murderers, the criminally insane, drunkards and common criminals of all sorts. If you are interested in history, you’ll enjoy the stories on these tours. The drive is approximately 15-17 Minutes from the cottage. It is located at 181 Victoria St. N., Goderich. Phone (519)524-6971 or visit museaum@huroncounty.ca for information and a listing of scheduled exhibits.
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Huron Historic Gaol
181 Victoria St NOpen May to October. From 1841-1972 This facility housed everything from murderers, the criminally insane, drunkards and common criminals of all sorts. If you are interested in history, you’ll enjoy the stories on these tours. The drive is approximately 15-17 Minutes from the cottage. It is located at 181 Victoria St. N., Goderich. Phone (519)524-6971 or visit museaum@huroncounty.ca for information and a listing of scheduled exhibits.
Art Galleries & Unique Local Stores
Showcase of Local Artists and unique items
Main Street Gallery is located in Bayfield. They exhibit the work of award winning Canadian artists & artisians.
Main Street Gallery
4 Bayfield Main St NMain Street Gallery is located in Bayfield. They exhibit the work of award winning Canadian artists & artisians.
Bayfield Marine is a fully stocked marine store on the North Side of Bayfield River.
Bayfield Marine Services
23 Fishermans Wharf RdBayfield Marine is a fully stocked marine store on the North Side of Bayfield River.
The Spotted Cow
25 Bayfield Main St NUnique Home Decor
The gallery operates as a cooperative. All member artists participate. Local art work on display.
Goderich Co-Op Gallery
The gallery operates as a cooperative. All member artists participate. Local art work on display.
Elizabeth's Art Gallery
54 Courthouse SquareAmazing local art gallery in Goderich.
Purple Peony
8 Bayfield Main St NA fun family store in Bayfield. Gifts, toys and games for the whole family.
Features a variety of high quality, unique crafts and locally produced food products.
Goderich Makers Mercantile and Creative Space
43 West StFeatures a variety of high quality, unique crafts and locally produced food products.