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Things to do in Owen Sound
If you are looking to plan your next vacation, then you are in the right place. Keep reading this post to find out everything you need to know about the beautiful city of Owen Sound, located in the Canadian Province of Ontario. If you are still deciding your next travel destination, then you should definitely check out our post Best Things To Do In Canada.
Let’s talk about Owen Sound. This vibrant little town is situated on the southern shore of Georgian Bay and below the great Bruce Peninsula. By the geography of the town, you might have guessed that it is famous for its exceptional natural beauty. Not only is the city filled with parks and trails which offer the tourists various outdoor activities, it has a lot of places for those interested in arts and culture as well.
One of the reasons why you should definitely check this place out is because there are several other nearby places that you can explore. The famous Bruce Caves Conservation Area is only a 32 minutes drive from Owen Sound. This is a must-visit place which can be easily visited by renting a car and enjoying the scenic views of the countryside.
Here is our list of the Top 10 places to see in Owen Sound.
1. Harrison Park
This Park is the most traveled destination for both tourists and locals alike. The scenic River Sydenham runs through this park, giving it the most beautiful look. There isn’t anything g that you cannot find here that will fit your mood. From century-old trees to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, this place is heaven’s abode.
Along with the astonishing sights, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and sports according to the season. This park is a perfect destination for bird viewing, it has a pool and a mini-golf that will curb your sporting needs.
If this isn’t all, Harrison Park has a number of trails, gardens, playgrounds, and many cafes. You can try water-based activities in the streams like boating and paddling, and can even camp in the gardens. The most sought-after experience is the trail, which connects directly to the Bruce Trail along the path of Inglis Falls.
Make sure to check out this amazing place and take a thousand memories of adventure back home.
Timings: Monday to Friday 830 am to 430 pm
Things to do: go hiking, trekking, and biking on the trails. Visit the gardens, camp, and picnic in the summer season. Go snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling in the winters. Enjoy the Sydenham River in a paddleboat or canoe.
2. Inglis Falls
The city of Owen Sound is the home of absolutely breathtaking waterfalls. The most popular one out of the four waterfalls in the city is the Inglis Falls. It is a dream of every nature lover to visit this place once in their lifetime. This 18-meter high waterfall is formed by the Sydenham River where it meets the Niagara Escarpment.
This destination is perfect for all seasons. In the summers you can take a hike along the Inglis conservation area and witness the special ferns which are said to be almost 600 years old. In the winter, it forms unique ice formations and also is a perfect spot for snowshoeing and skiing.
The other waterfalls in the area can also be easily explored during the day. You can get a rental car from the nearest shop and plan your day trip accordingly to your interests.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Things to do: visit the Inglis conservation area, take a hike, explore the Bruce Trail, take a look around the famous Centennial Lookout Tower. If you visit during the winter season do not forget to try out skiing and snowshoeing.
3. Tom Thomson Art Gallery
This Gallery is a must-visit for every art lover. This regional gallery is dedicated to the Canadian artist Tom Thomson and Stores the largest collection of his works. People from all over the world visit this gallery for the legacy and history that it carries with it. The Gallery also has a unique section that exhibits indigenous arts which you should definitely check out.
Make sure to check out the latest exhibitions before planning your trip. Apart from Tom’s work, the major attraction of this Gallery is an exhibition that brings together contemporary local artists working in Ontario.
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm.
Things to do: visit Tom Thomson Room, check out the exhibits of contemporary art, take a guided tour of the gallery and delve into the history of the famous Canadian landscape artist.
For more information about the latest events and exhibitions in the gallery, check out their website here.
4. Owen Sound Harbour
The Owen Sound Harbour is a pretty little harbor that was an active place for commercial activities 100 years ago. Today this beautiful sightseeing destination hosts vibrant events all around the year. Their most popular attraction is the Harbour Nights, which hosts live events. The inner harbor is still a functional and commercial harbor managed by the government. Connected to the lakes through a widely elaborated path, this place is a wonder because of its history and usage.
The harbor is connected to Georgian Bay which allows people to spend a relaxing day at the harbor by boating and camping. With the beautiful green gardens, paved paths, and lots of benches, it is a perfect spot for just chilling and enjoying the waves. Many people come here for fishing and boating, which makes it even more lively.
Another most famous attraction is the Harbour Nights Concert Series. This is a series of live events that happen all around the year and go on till night. It is a spectacle to watch a live performance beside the river flowing. If you plan to visit Owen Sound make sure to put this on your itinerary.
Timings: open all day.Things to do: camping on the water edges, picnicking, fishing, enjoying the live concerts.
5. Artist’s Co-op
Artist’s Co-op is a unique and one-of-its-kind art studio that consists of 45 members from different fine arts backgrounds and represents the culture and history of Canadian art through different mediums. When we say unique, we truly mean it. All the arts and crafts in this studio are handmade and reflect the arts community of this town. If you are interested in learning about any kind of fine arts and crafts along with the local history then you should definitely check this place out. Even when you are not inclined towards arts there are a variety of other options that you can explore in this Gallery.
Their most famous attraction is the food gallery which stores locally produced, organic, and non-perishable items and other products. You can shop for these items and learn more about the goods from the volunteers.
The best part about this place is that there is so much to see and enjoy. Their exhibitions of handicrafts and arts are endless. From pottery to wood carving, from jewelry to textiles they store almost everything and that too is reminiscent of the local culture.
Timings: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 4 pm.
Things to do: take a tour of the gallery, learn about the history of arts and crafts, take a guided tour with the volunteers, shop for souvenirs, take a look around the food gallery, shop for something for your friends and family. Don’t forget to check out their website for the latest updates about their events, exhibitions, and new arrivals.
6. Watch an Owen Sound Attack match
It would be a sin to visit Canada and not watch an ice hockey match. Ice hockey is an immensely popular game in Canada and also their national sport. It simply makes sense to watch a live game on your trip to Owen Sound, or else you are going to regret it for life.
The Owen Sound Attack is the popular ice hockey team of the city and has everyone as their fans. To watch a game live in the auditorium full of crazy fans will just charge you up.
Make sure to find a suitable time and book your tickets for the match well in advance. The most famous venue where the matches are often held is the Bayshore Community Centre. This place has an occupancy of almost 1000 people and is a very well-maintained hall. You can grab your popcorn and drinks and have a great time enjoying their National sport in their hometown.
Make sure to book your tickets well in advance so that you do not miss out on the best seats.
Keep visiting their website for the latest information about the latest matches and tournaments.
Things to do: watch a match between Owen Sound Attack and the London Knights.
7. Catch a Live Event
When we are talking about a city with ‘sound’ in its name, how can we forget to give a special mention to all the amazing events that happen throughout the year? The most famous attractions of this vibrant city include the Salmon Tour, Summerfolk Music, and craft festival, and Festival of Northern Lights among many others. Do make sure to plan your trip accordingly to your interests and delve completely into the local colors with the residents.
There are a number of events available for both the summer and winter seasons. The famous attractions in the winter months include the SNOWen Sound Frolics and the Frisky 1st Friday, which attract thousands of visitors every year. In the summer months, the popular events of the town are the Canada Day celebrations on July 1st, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the Music at the Market event which goes on late into the night.
If you are visiting the city with your family and little kids, do check out their New Year’s Eve family celebration, which is a very wholesome event with lots of games for the children.
Last but not the least, it goes without saying to tick off your bucket list goal of watching the Northern Lights here in Owen Sound.
Things to do: keep yourself updated about the latest event according to your interests and plan your trip. Make sure to check out the seasonal events for the time you are visiting.
8. Grey Roots Museum and Archives
The Grey Roots Museum and Archives is yet another interesting place to visit. Set up in 1955, this antique building has taken a huge role in preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Grey county. It is open all year round and offers a great range of events, exhibitions, and interactive archival programs for all visitors. The most famous attraction includes the movie theater and heritage village which is open only from June to September.
The place also hosts a variety of fun activities all around the year. It is a great place for exploring the culture and art of the indigenous people.
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.
Things to do: take a guided tour of the museum, explore the exhibitions and events, attend a movie screening, check out the heritage village.
9. Roxy Theatre
The Roxy Theatre is the central place of cultural importance in the city of Owen Sound. This place houses the world’s best theatrical performances and fills the whole city with vibrant life. With a history of almost 100 years, this place is a must-visit for sure. The performances take place all year round and you should definitely buy a ticket to one of these when you visit this town.
Things to do: watch a live performance, visit the Griffin Gallery which organizes a visual arts exhibition.
10. Story Book Park
The Story Book park is a theme-based amusement park. It has a variety of cool activities for you to enjoy with your family. From various rides and water slides to picnic spaces, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing day.
Your trip would be incomplete if you don’t try out their famous train ride. Make sure to try out other rides and get yourself a fun and exciting day.
Timings: Open throughout the week. 10 am to 6 pm.
Things to do: enjoy the various rides, and water slides, take a stroll, go picnicking, and have a relaxing day in the gardens.
If these reasons aren’t enough for you then we recommend you check out your latest post Top 10 Things to do in Goderich and plan a road trip from Owen Sound to the city of Goderich. You can also check out 12 Top Things to do in Milton if you are looking for day trips in Canada
