Brian and Julie’s guidebook

Julie
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.
10 locals recommend
Windmill Lake Wake & Eco Park
37568 Bayfield River Rd
10 locals recommend
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.
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.
6 locals recommend
Seaforth Golf Course
42990 Front Rd
6 locals recommend
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.
Bluewater Golf course is the closest golf course to the cottage. Only 1 minute drive away.
11 locals recommend
Bluewater Golf Course and Campground
77416 Bluewater Hwy
11 locals recommend
Bluewater 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.
41 locals recommend
Starlite Drive-In Theatre
36752 Crediton Rd
41 locals recommend
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.
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.
127 locals recommend
Pinery Provincial Park
9526 Lakeshore Rd
127 locals recommend
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.
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.
36 locals recommend
Grand Bend Motorplex
70292 Grand Bend Line
36 locals recommend
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.
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 Rd
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.
10 locals recommend
Goderich Sunset Golf Club
33937 Golf Course Rd
10 locals recommend
49 locals recommend
White Squirrel Golf Club
72538 ON-21
49 locals recommend
Ironwood GC in Exeter. Approximately 20-25 minutes east southeast.
6 locals recommend
Ironwood Golf Club
70969 Morrison Line
6 locals recommend
Ironwood 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.
29 locals recommend
Widder Station Golf, Grill & Tap House
8395 Decker Rd
29 locals recommend
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.
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.
57 locals recommend
Huron Country Playhouse
70689 B Line
57 locals recommend
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.
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 Hwy
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.
6 locals recommend
Blue Line Fishing Charters Lake Huron Grand Bend, Port Franks, and Bayfield
9863 Leonard St
6 locals recommend
Great place to rent wave runners, water trampoline, boat charters, seadoos, etc.
22 locals recommend
XTREME Watersports
63 River Rd
22 locals recommend
Great place to rent wave runners, water trampoline, boat charters, seadoos, etc.
Parasail trips for those looking for adventure.
35 locals recommend
Grand Bend Parasail
77 Main St W
35 locals recommend
Parasail trips for those looking for adventure.
Blyth Festival is a professional theatre that produces and presents Live. Original. Canadian. Theatre. www.blythfestival.com
25 locals recommend
Blyth Festival
423 Queen St
25 locals recommend
Blyth Festival is a professional theatre that produces and presents Live. Original. Canadian. Theatre. www.blythfestival.com
All-IN Skatepark/Store
36 Main St

Food 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.
56 locals recommend
Cowbell Brewing Co.
40035 Blyth Rd
56 locals recommend
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.
58 locals recommend
Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro
5 Bayfield Main St N
58 locals recommend
Canadian Cuisine (fusion)
19 locals recommend
The Little Inn of Bayfield
26 Bayfield Main St N
19 locals recommend
Canadian Cuisine (fusion)
Bar, Canadian Cuisine, Brew Pub
23 locals recommend
The Albion Hotel
1 Bayfield Main St N
23 locals recommend
Bar, Canadian Cuisine, Brew Pub
Canadian Cuisine, Brew Pub, Pub
22 locals recommend
Bayfield Brewing Company
14 Bayfield Main St N
22 locals recommend
Canadian Cuisine, Brew Pub, Pub
Canadian/American Cuisine, Diner
11 locals recommend
Renegades Diner
34023 Mill Rd
11 locals recommend
Canadian/American Cuisine, Diner
Japanese, Sushi, Asian Cuisine
Drift
9 Bayfield Main St N
Japanese, Sushi, Asian Cuisine
Order to go or eat at the picnic table. Their burgers and poutine are amazing.
6 locals recommend
Woodland Drive In
17 Mill Rd
6 locals recommend
Order to go or eat at the picnic table. Their burgers and poutine are amazing.
12 locals recommend
Shopbike Coffee Roasters
11 Bayfield Main St N
12 locals recommend
8 locals recommend
Out of the Blue Fish & Seafood Market fish and chips
1A The Square
8 locals recommend
27 locals recommend
Fine-A-Restaurant
42 Ontario St S
27 locals recommend
19 locals recommend
The Little Inn of Bayfield
26 Bayfield Main St N
19 locals recommend
11 locals recommend
Lake House of Bayfield
21 Bayfield Main St N
11 locals recommend
Ice Cream Shop and other goodies.
7 locals recommend
Cravings
166 Courthouse Square
7 locals recommend
Ice Cream Shop and other goodies.
Dine and unwind. Beautiful views. Lakefront Dining.
28 locals recommend
Beach Street Station
2 Beach St
28 locals recommend
Dine and unwind. Beautiful views. Lakefront Dining.
29 locals recommend
Midori Sushi
19 81 Crescent St
29 locals recommend

Brewing Company

It is a 6-7 minute drive to this local brewery from the cottage. www.StoneHouseBrewing.ca
16 locals recommend
Stone House Brewing Company
76050 Parr Line
16 locals recommend
It 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.
56 locals recommend
Cowbell Brewing Co.
40035 Blyth Rd
56 locals recommend
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.
Located 5 minutes from the cottage. This is a great little brewery to try. They also have farm animals on site.
17 locals recommend
River Road Brewing and Hops
35449 Bayfield River Rd
17 locals recommend
Located 5 minutes from the cottage. This is a great little brewery to try. They also have farm animals on site.
22 locals recommend
Bayfield Brewing Company
14 Bayfield Main St N
22 locals recommend
42 locals recommend
Bad Apple Brewing Company Ltd.
73463 Bluewater Hwy
42 locals recommend
A craft cider brewery in Goderich.
10 locals recommend
East Street Cider Co.
130 East St
10 locals recommend
A craft cider brewery in Goderich.
Craft Brewery in Goderich
16 locals recommend
Square Brew
430 Parsons Ct
16 locals recommend
Craft 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.
64 locals recommend
Bayfield
64 locals recommend
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.
12 locals recommend
Bayfield Main Beach
48 Long Hill Rd
12 locals recommend
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.
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.
86 locals recommend
Grand Bend Beach
Main Street West
86 locals recommend
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.
Popular beach with a boardwalk, pier & playground, plus changing rooms & restrooms. A sandy beach perfect for families.
37 locals recommend
Goderich Main Beach
250 Harbour Quay
37 locals recommend
Popular 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
28 locals recommend
Point Farms Provincial Park
82491 Bluewater Hwy
28 locals recommend
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
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.
23 locals recommend
Huron Historic Gaol
181 Victoria St N
23 locals recommend
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.

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 N
Main 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 Rd
Bayfield Marine is a fully stocked marine store on the North Side of Bayfield River.
Unique Home Decor
The Spotted Cow
25 Bayfield Main St N
Unique 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.
Amazing local art gallery in Goderich.
Elizabeth's Art Gallery
54 Courthouse Square
Amazing local art gallery in Goderich.
A fun family store in Bayfield. Gifts, toys and games for the whole family.
Purple Peony
8 Bayfield Main St N
A 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 St
Features a variety of high quality, unique crafts and locally produced food products.