Author: evergreen

The small village of Oliphant on the Bruce Peninsula attracts kiteboarders from Toronto, the wider Ontario kiteboarding community, and all over the world. 

Where is Oliphant?

Oliphant is located north of Sauble Beach on Lake Huron. The drive from Toronto to Oliphant takes approximately 3 hours.

Why is Oliphant so great for kiteboarding?

The water at Oliphant is very shallow for a considerable distance and warms quickly during the summer. Three large islands in the distance break incoming waves, creating a very flat surface, and there are steady crosswinds. All these factors make Oliphant one of the best spots to learn how to kiteboard in Ontario. 

How can I learn to kiteboard in Oliphant?

Two full days of instruction is sufficient to get any student up and riding on the kite and board. 

The north beach in Oliphant is a preferred location for IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) level 1 and IKO level 2 instruction when taking lessons with Toronto-based We Love Kiteboarding. You can also take lessons with Sauble Beach Kite Surfing School from May until October and they can supply all of your equipment needs.

The south beach in Oliphant also offers an excellent kite spot with shallow, flat, and warm water. There is more parking at this beach and a public washroom.

The kite community often camps nearby, pitching tents and sleeping in cars. Everyone gathers around a fire pit at night, cooking food, drinking beers, and sharing stories.

Singing Sands is a popular attraction at Bruce Peninsula National Park. 

What can I do at Singing Sands?

Singing Sands has a small, natural beach and picnic area. There is also a short boardwalk and an interpretive trail that passes through rare fen and fragile sand dune ecosystems, which are home to four species of carnivorous plants, orchids and rare plants and flowers found only in the Great Lakes region. Swimming is unsupervised. 

The beach has washroom and change room facilities and picnic tables. Charcoal barbeques are allowed in the designated picnic areas but no open fires are allowed. The beach is open from sunrise to 10:00 pm. 

Where is Singing Sands?

Singing Sands is a part of Bruce Peninsula National Park on the Lake Huron shoreline, approximately 10 km south of Tobermory.

When you are driving north on Highway 6, turn left on Dorcas Bay Road. 

When is the best time to visit Singing Sands?

If you want to avoid the crowds, come in the spring or fall. The beach is open from mid-May to the end of October. Singing Sands is a popular location, and the parking lot fills up on most summer days and on every long weekend. 

What does it cost to visit Singing Sands?

There are parking and admission fees to visit Singing Sands. 

• Parking costs $11.70 per vehicle and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Admission is free for youth 17 and under. Daily admission fees for adults are $7.90, seniors are $6.90, and families/groups are $16.00. Camping fees and other activity fees are listed on the Bruce Peninsula National Park website.

The Grotto is a series of intricate cave structures carved from ancient limestone with a natural pool of clear turquoise water. You can walk along a ledge inside its cavity or take a swim inside.

Located near Tobermory, it’s Bruce County’s most popular attraction, visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year from all over the world. 

The Grotto is located along the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park. To get to it, take the Cyprus Lake Road entrance to the park. You’ll leave your car in the parking lot between Cyprus Lake and Horse Lake. Then, you’ll hike for about 45 minutes on the Georgian Bay Trail and a short section of the Bruce Trail. Along the way, you’ll see diverse wetlands, ancient cedar trees spiralling off cliff-edges, and a multitude of orchids, ferns, and birds. 

When is the best time to visit the Grotto?

To avoid the crowds, early spring or late fall is the best time to visit. Bruce Peninsula National Park is busy from mid-June to mid-September and on weekends from May through October. July, August, and holiday weekends are very busy. 

All visitors need to make a parking reservation in advance. When the Grotto is fully booked, there is no more access that day. Expect traffic, long wait times and full parking lots.  

How can I make a parking reservation at the Grotto?

Before you visit, reserve your parking spot online or call 1-877-RESERVE. You’ll need to set up an account when you use the reservation service. 

The fee to park at Bruce Peninsula National Park is $11.70 per vehicle plus the reservation fee ($6.00 online, $8.50 by phone).

Driving in and dropping off visitors is not allowed. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area of the park.

Thornbury is the largest town in the Blue Mountains municipality. Located along the shores of southern Georgian Bay, Thornbury prides itself as a great place to enjoy the visual arts. Paintings, etchings, hooked rugs, sculptures, and antiques are showcased in the town’s artisan studios and gift shops. 

What can I do in Thornbury?

Thornbury’s harbour offers a yacht club, seasonal mooring, and fish ladder. Little River Beach Park is next to the harbour and features a pebbled beach and a playground for children and parking. Golfing and hiking the Bruce Trail are popular local activities.

What can I do in the Blue Mountains?

Outside Thornbury, the Blue Mountains specializes in four-season tourism and recreational activities. The public Blue Mountain ski resort and Georgian Peaks, Osler, Craigleith and Alpine private ski clubs offer downhill skiing and snowboarding. The Blue Mountain Village (part of Blue Mountain ski resort) features various clothing stores, boutiques, arts and crafts stores, coffee shops and restaurants. 

The Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers the longest suspension bridge in southern Ontario, ziplines, a network of caves and caverns, hiking trails in the summer, and cross-country ski trails in the winter).

Metcalfe Rock is home to rock climbing. Free Spirit Tours and Eagle Adventure Outfitters are highly certified outfitters that provide climbing lessons and all necessary equipment. Nearby Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park features crevice caves and the Bruce Trail.

After a full day of outdoor adventure, you can relax at the Scandinave Spa, which offers a rejuvenating experience that includes massages and saunas.

Craigleith Provincial Park is located near the Blue Mountain resort and offers camping and a beach along Georgian Bay. Nearby, the Kolapore Wilderness Trails are great for mountain biking and hiking, and they are groomed for cross-country skiing in winter.

Smaller communities in the municipality of the Blue Mountains include Banks, Camperdown, Castle Glen Estates, Christie Beach, Clarksburg, Craigleith, Duncan, Gibraltar, Swiss Meadows, Heathcote, Kolapore, Little Germany, Lora Bay, Loree, Ravenna, Red Wing, Slabtown, and Victoria Corners.

To find out more about other nearby attractions, visit our Explore Meaford and Explore Owen Sound pages.

The town of Meaford is located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay between Owen Sound and Thornbury.

What can I do in Meaford?

Meaford’s waterfront features a large harbour with a Canadian Coast Guard station, lots of walking paths, the Meaford Museum, and the beautiful Memorial Park with its campground, beach, playgrounds, and mini-golf course.

 

 

Downtown Meaford offers a full calendar of theatre and concerts at Meaford Hall, there is a brand new public library, and many restaurants and shops for you to explore. The annual Scarecrow Invasion is a popular autumn festival.

The town has a hospital with a 24-hour emergency department, 15 in-patient beds, nine family physicians, and operating facilities. The Ontario Provincial Police provide police services for the area. Meaford Moves+ provides an accessible door-to-door bus service for people with a disability or mobility challenge.

 

 

What can I do outside Meaford?

Just outside of town, apples are grown at many orchards and sold at farm stands. Five kilometres northwest of the town of Meaford, the Canadian Army runs the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford. Nearby Bognor Marsh Management Area is a great place to go for a hike on trails and explore marshland and wildlife. 

The Municipality of Meaford also includes the communities of Annan, Balaclava, Bognor, Centreville, Leith, and Woodford.

To find out more about other nearby attractions, visit our Explore Owen Sound and Explore Thornbury and the Blue Mountains pages.

The Chi-Cheemaun passenger and vehicle ferry is a popular attraction in Grey and Bruce counties. Here’s some information about the ship and how you can get on board!

Where does the Chi-Cheemaun go?

The  Chi-Cheemaun sails between Tobermory (on the Bruce Peninsula) and South Baymouth (on Manitoulin Island).

When does the Chi-Cheemaun run?

During the on-peak season (June to September), the Chi-Cheemaun leaves port every two hours. It leaves Tobermory at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. It leaves South Baymouth at 11:00 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. 

How long are the trips?

Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes during peak season and 2 hours during off-peak seasons.

What’s on board the Chi-Cheemaun? 

A full cafeteria service is available daily with classic breakfast options in the morning, lunch through midday, and dinner into the evenings! Cocktails, craft brews and local wine are also available. The cafeteria features large viewing windows to enjoy the passing scenery.

At the top of the ship, the upper deck features Muskoka chairs and the best views on the ship. At the bottom, the Chi-Cheemaun can transport many kinds of vehicles, from cars to large RVs.

The ship provides world-class musicians and performers on many of its sailings. An art gallery highlights the rugged beauty of Georgian Bay with a rotating selection of contemporary art, and the Boatique store offers souvenirs of your visit to Manitoulin Island or Tobermory.

The tourist information centre features guides, directories, and events for Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula. Throughout the sailing season, interpretation sessions run by Wikwemikong Tourism and Parks Canada help you learn about the biological and cultural marvels of the region.

How can I make a reservation?

Whether just walking on or in a vehicle, you’ll need to make a reservation at least 4 hours beforehand. The full fare is charged at the time of booking, and you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Visa debit.

Pets are allowed to stay inside your vehicle or within designated areas of the outside decks if they are leashed and under your control.

Reservations can be made online or by telephone at 1-800-265-3163.

Telephone Hours:

Off Peak                        On Peak

May 7 – May 31                  June 1 – Sept. 6

8:30am – 4:30pm             8:00am – 7:00pm

Daily                                     Daily

8:30am – 8:30pm 

Friday

Off Peak                        Off Season

Sept. 7 – Oct. 17                   9:00am – 2:00pm

8:30am – 4:30pm               Weekdays

Daily

8:30am – 8:30pm

Friday

A short history of the MS Chi-Cheemaun

In 1921, three Owen Sound owners of the North American Bent Chair Company created the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC). Its purpose was to operate the company’s steamboat SS Michipicoten moving materials along the north shore of Lake Huron and Manitoulin Island and delivering finished products from Owen Sound.

In 1926, OSTC purchased the steel-hulled steamer Madjeska. In 1927, it was renamed the SS Manitoulin and made weekly excursions to Killarney, Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island. 

In 1931, OSTC launched the MS Normac. For 30 years, the MS Normac provided seasonal ferry service between Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. OSTC added the SS Norisle with a capacity of 50 automobiles and 250 passengers, and in 1963 added the diesel-powered MS Norgoma to handle the increased traffic.

In 1974, the Ontario Northland Transportation Company (ONTC) acquired OSTC and launched the state-of-the-art MS Chi-Cheemaun (“Big Canoe” in Ojibwe), which can transport 600 passengers and close to 150 vehicles in less than two hours.

The Owen Sound Transportation Company separated from ONTC in 2002 and is now an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Province of Ontario and owns the MS Chi-Cheemaun.

Hanover is a small town in the middle of farm country, located between Walkerton and Durham.

What can I do in Hanover?

Hanover celebrates its rural heritage with the Eat Well Farmers’ Market running on Saturday mornings in Heritage Square from June to October and the annual Taste of Grey food festival.

Hanover offers a vibrant downtown with attractions, dining and great shopping. You can enjoy live harness racing each Saturday night at the Hanover Raceway and Gateway Casinos. The Hanover Civic Theatre offers live entertainment from world-class tributes and original artists. 

You can enjoy a tour and beer tasting at MacLean’s Ales Brewery, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts numerous events like Hopfest and the Boots & Brews country music festival. 

Annual celebrations include the Sights & Sounds Music Festival and Dream of Glory Final race at Hanover Raceway. Flying lessons at the Saugeen Municipal Airport. 

The town offers exceptional recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities including self-guided walking tours, community trails, and a public library. The Launch Pad Youth Activity & Technology Centre is a regional skills development centre for youth ages 12-18.

To learn more about other nearby towns, visit our Explore Kincardine, Explore Port Elgin, and Explore Walkerton pages.

Top photo (Hanover Raceway) credit: Scott Dietrich

Walkerton is a little town in the middle of farm country, just west of Hanover. As part of the municipality of Brockton, the area offers lots of recreational activities for the whole family.

What can I do in Walkerton?

Outdoor activities include golf, fishing, hiking, and paddling. The Saugeen and Teeswater rivers offer prime fly-fishing, while the multi-use Saugeen River Rail Trail offers cycling and hiking options. In winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular. Interesting in getting your pilot’s license? Flying lessons are available at the Saugeen Municipal Airport! 

Local pride is showcased each fall at the Walkerton Little Royal Fair. Featuring exhibit competitions, chuckwagon races, tractor pulls, and a variety of entertainment options with lots of good food, this fair is a celebration of Ontario’s rural heritage.

Another highlight of the area is Folmer Botanical Gardens. As southwestern Ontario’s largest private gardens, they offer many unique plant varieties. After your tour, visit the garden centre and gift shop to take something special home with you!

Walkerton offers lots of new business opportunities in manufacturing, retail, housing and construction, agriculture, and professional services, and the town offers supports to help new enterprises grow. 

To learn more about other nearby towns, visit our Explore Kincardine and Explore Port Elgin pages.

Kincardine is a proud Scottish town on the shores of Lake Huron, south of Port Elgin and Southampton. 

What can I do in Kincardine?

The local highlight of the year is the award-winning Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Featuring three days and nights of music, over 30 pipe bands from across Canada and the United States, competitions for Highland athletes and dancers, and cultural and ancestry workshops, there’s something for everyone!

During the rest of summer, the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band parades each Saturday evening, starting at 8 p.m. A tradition since 1948, the pipe band marches down Queen Street and back again to perform in Victoria Park. All pipers and drummers who happen to be in the area are welcome to participate, but proper dress is required. On Sunday to Friday evenings, the “Phantom Piper” pipes at sunset at the lighthouse and harbour. 

Other attractions in town include Station Beach, the harbour with its lighthouse museum, and the Bluewater Summer Playhouse (the only professional live theatre in Bruce County).

The Bruce Power nuclear power plant is the largest employer in the area, but there is also a thriving tourist industry focused on Kincardine’s beaches and its Scottish heritage.

To learn more about other nearby towns, visit our Explore Southampton, Explore Port Elgin, and Explore Walkerton pages.