Outstanding Outdoorsy Weekend

Jun 30, 2020 | Outdoor Adventure, Places to Go, Taste of Huron, Things to Do

Outstanding Outdoorsy Weekend

Friday

Arrive at your reserved campsite at Point Farms Provincial Park on Friday evening. If you’re coming up Bluewater Highway from the south stop for some provisions at Bayfield Farmers’ Market.

Courtesy of West Street Willy’s

Saturday

Head into Goderich for a full breakfast at West Street Willy’s that was featured on the TV program You Gotta Eat here. Stop by Shanahan’s Quality Meats for some picnic lunch supplies before heading to the Maitland Trail. Spend the rest of the morning hiking the trail starting with the Tiger Dunlop Heritage Trail which includes great views of the Maitland River and Harbour from Menesetung Bridge

After the long hike refresh yourself with a swim at one of Goderich’s three beaches. Change back into your street clothes and head to Square Brew to sample the local suds before dinner. Plenty of patios to choose from for dinner three recommendations include: Part II Bistro, Beach Street Station or Thyme on 21.

End your evening sitting around the campfire or having a leisurely walk along the darkened beach gazing up at the amazing stars.

Courtesy of Square Brew

Courtesy of Thyme on 21

Sunday

After breakfast take a quick dip in the lake and then strike camp as you get ready for an amazing off road cycling experience.

This morning bike the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail from Saltford to Blyth, a 30 km one way trip. Arrange for 519 Tours to pick you up in Blyth and bring you back to your starting point (unless you have it in you to do the return trip).

Spend your afternoon at Falls Reserve Conservation Area, a 230 acre natural outdoor playground. Enjoy the trails and swimming in the falls. Alternatively you can head back to Goderich, making a quick stop on The Square to rent a kayak from 360 Bikes N’ Boards or book a stand up paddle board (SUP) lesson from the Yoga Den and spend your few remaining hours having a blissful time out on the lake. Either way you’ll head home feeling physically and mentally refreshed.

Courtesy of Yoga Den

Outdoor Must-Try Experiences

May 21, 2020 | Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Outdoor Adventure, Paddling, Things to Do

Outdoor Must-Try Experiences

Ontario’s West Coast has plenty of outdoor activities on land and water to choose from. Here are just a few of the experiences to get outside and into nature that we recommend you try during your visit. Share your must-try outdoor experiences with us using the hashtag: #OntariosWestCoast.

Set along the scenic Maitland River, Falls Reserve Conservation Area is a natural outdoor playground. The river cascades over a series of low waterfalls as it flows around the park, creating a unique and exciting swimming area. It also offers seasonal camping, excellent fishing, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, a volleyball area, playing field, picnic areas, and a picnic shelter.

Courtesy of Falls Reserve Conservation Area/Maitland Valley Conservation Authority

Huron County offers trail enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels a variety of terrains from natural paths to partially paved routes. Download the Huron County Hiking Guide and head out on to the trails and enjoy the scenic beauty and natural landscapes that Huron County is famous for. A few favourites we recommend you explore our Bannockburn Conservation Area, The Maitland Trail, and Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area. Learn more trail details here.

The sunsets are gorgeous but a clear night sky in Huron County can be just as amazing for looking up and stargazing. The moon, constellations, shooting stars, the Milky Way, and some planets are all visible without a telescope. One annual highlight is to take in the Perseid meteor showers in August while lying on a blanket listening to the surf on a dark Huron County beach.

The Port Albert Fishway (located in the Village of Port Albert) is a man-made structure that 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 in 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.

The Exeter white squirrel is a symbol of the town. Exeter’s white squirrels are not albinos. True white squirrels are said to be a genetic mutation of the common Eastern Grey Squirrel. In Exeter, this white colour mutation has become predominant. You can find the white squirrels in MacNaughton Park and on the South Huron Trail areas but are more often seen in the residential parts of town.

Outdoor Must Try Port Albert Fishway Credit Huron Beaches.ca

Courtesy of Huronbeaches.ca

Family-Friendly Activities

May 21, 2020 | Fishing, Food & Drink, Things to Do

It can’t all be a day at the beach. If you’re looking for fun stuff to do as a family, you have plenty of options, from indoor tracks that allow you to race and climb to less strenuous activities and outings better suited for littlest ones and tired parents.

Have fun here:

Maitland Valley Grotto in Goderich is a bouldering gym offering bouldering for all levels. Fun and fitness are the main purpose for beginners. Bouldering is one of the most efficient ways to learn climbing techniques and increase your strength and mobility. And it’s fun!

Learn new tricks on skateboards, scooters or BMX bikes at the All-In Skatepark in Zurich. This old arena has been converted to have a large variety of ramps and jumps, and comes with an in-house BMX and scooter store to meet all your extreme sport needs in one place.

The Village Toy Castle in Brucefield is the ultimate play destination for kids and toy collectors of all ages. The toy store has the latest and most desired toys mixed with nostalgic classics in a historic victorian building. Parents will enjoy the museum of vintage toys and retro arcade games.

The Exeter Splash Zone is located at 49 MacNaughton Drive in Exeter. Open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from May to September. Conveniently located next door to the outdoor swimming pool, McNaughton Park and the South Huron trail head

Saddle up and enjoy the countryside on horseback at Home on the Range. Take the entire family and make great memories riding the friendly horses on the farm.

Pack up the car and get ready for this summertime tradition of yesteryear by taking in a blockbuster under the stars at the Starlite Drive-In Theatre outside of Grand Bend.