A Road Trip To Owen Sound

Let’s face it, a road trip to Owen Sound isn’t at the top of every bucket list. But in my opinion it should be. Offering a beautiful harbourfront, many beaches, some fantastic street art, and of course my favourite, incredible hiking trails.

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I’m lucky enough to take a road trip to Owen Sound several times a year, and in this post, I’m going to share with you what I’ve found. From searching for street art, strolling the harbourfront, lazing at beautiful beaches, and of course chasing waterfalls, Owen Sound offers a full day of activities.

Getting To Owen Sound

Owen Sound is easily accessible from Kitchener, Hamilton, and Toronto. Within 2 hours, road trippers will find themselves strolling the shores of Georgian Bay.

Owen Sound is the only major city located along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Road trippers will pass through plenty of small towns before reaching Owen Sound, but dont’ spend too long strolling the streets of the small towns, as Owen Sound offers a full day all on its own.

While Owen Sound offers many things to keep you busy for a day, in this post I’m only going to share things that I do whenever I take a road trip to Owen Sound.

Let’s dive in and see what Owen Sound has to offer road trippers!

Stroll Along The Harbour

Of all the things to do in Owen Sound, stolling the Harbour is my favourite, especially during the Summer months. Not only is it beautiful, it’s fun to watch all of the water activity taking place in Georgian Bay.

I love to pack a picnic and laze under the wheeping willow, while watching my brother fish (with not much success I might add lol).

It’s just as beautiful during the Winter months. You will even spot the Chee-Cheemaun which is docked in Owen Sound from the end of October until the beginning of May, at which time it will head up to Tobermory for the Summer season.

Swim At Kelso Beach On A Road Trip To Owen Sound

Kelso Beach is a couple miles down the road from the harbour. This is the most popular beach in the area, offering the ideal choice for road trippers with families. The water is very swimmable and there is a playground, with plenty of picnic areas.

Cobble Beach

If you continue driving along the Parkway, you will eventually reach Cobble Beach, which is home to an upscale community, a beach, and a spectactular golf course.

To have access to all that Cobble Beach has to offer, book your stay at The Inn at Cobble Beach

Kemble Women’s Institute

Before heading back to the downtown core, continue driving along Grey Road 1 until you reach Kemble Rock Road. Here you will reach the monument for the Kemble Women’s Institute, which offers the most spectacular view over Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment.

The Kemble Women’s Institute is a historical branch of the Women’s Institute organization in Ontario, Canada, founded in 1897. It is well-known for its contributions to the community.

Search Downtown For Street Art

Before leaving the waterfront and downtown area, I recommend taking a short stroll in search of street art. Check down alleyways, you’ll find art in every nook and cranny.

Hike Inglis Falls

In the afternoon, visit Inglis Falls to admire the beauty and get your daily steps in. Inglis Falls is by far the primary attaction found in Owen Sound and for good reason.

Inglis Falls is the most impressive of the three waterfalls surrounding Owen Sound. Located within the 200 hectare Inglis Falls Conservation Are, the 18 meter waterfall is formed where the Sydenham River meets the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. There are 7.42 km of hiking and biking trails, which include 20 species of ferns, as well as various bird species.

Driver’s Tip: Arrive early as there isn’t a lot of parking. Parking costs $10.00, which can be paid by cash only.

Explore the Salmon Trail

The Salmon Trails is a hidden gem tucked away in the center of Owen Sound. Since I had never seen a salmon run before, the salmon trail was the highlight of my road trip to Owen Sound when I visited in the Fall.

The hike was fairly easy, although there were may tree roots, and we were able to go right up to the river. There were a ton of salmon on the day I visited and I sat for hours taking it all in.

Visit Walter’s Falls For a Short Hike

Walter’s Falls is located approximately 20 minutes outside of Owen Sound, but it’s well worth the visit.

Walter’s Falls is a boutique Inn where visitors can spend the night. However, it has much more to offer….like some great hiking!

Walter’s Falls is not a popular spot for hikers, however, the Bruce Trail runs behind the Inn. From the trail you can view a smaller waterfall which itself is beautiful. If you want to get closer to the base of the waterfalls, you can follow the trail behind the Inn and climb down to the base of the Falls.

Relax In The Gardens At Moreland Place

Moreland Place is a true hidden gem which every visitor to Owen Sound should visit. These gardens are so well hidden that there isn’t even a sign, but you can find these stunning gardens beside Inglis Falls and the Grey Roots Museum.

When wandering through the vast gardens of Moreland Place, you will enjoy the formal European-style gardens, perennial gardens, a maze much like Alice in Wonderland, and many old statues.

Moreland Place is open to the public daily. While the website indicates that the cost to enter is $3.00, it didn’t cost me a cent to enter. I recommend budgeting 1 hour to explore and/or relax at this garden oasis.

Moreland Place is a beautiful, serene spot to relax after a vigorous hike at Inglis Falls.

A Road Trip To Owen Sound: One Day Itinerary

If you leave home early enough in the morning, it’s possible to complete the entire ititinerary provided in one day. I guarantee that you will find a road trip to Owen Sound well worth your while!

Have you visited Owen Sound lately? What was your favourite thing to do and see?

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