The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County, this time focusing in on Ontario’s west coast – including Goderich and Bayfield!

FOR THE BEACH BUM: Both Goderich and Bayfield have some of the best beaches around – with both towns sporting three a piece! Both communities are also unique that they both have bluffs, which allow you to catch their gorgeous sunsets not once, but twice! Goderich’s entire beachfront has undergone massive changes over the last few years, including a brand new accessible boardwalk, which runs its entire length. While Bayfield’s Pier Beach is much larger than it has been in recent years, due to lower water levels. 

FOR THE TRAIL TREKKERS: Both Goderich and Bayfield have a number of trails throughout their communities – fan favourites include the Goderich Menesetung Bridge Trail, the Goderich Millennium Trail and the Bayfield River Flats Trail. 

FOR THE INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER: Both communities sport some prime selfie locations. Goderich has the famous butterfly mural (located on the Square), the lighthouse (located on Coburg Street), the Gaol Selfie Station (located at the Huron Historic Gaol), and the sand-surrounded beach trees. Bayfield has its wood carving of Captain Harry (who has stood watch over its downtown for decades). 

FOR THE FOODIE: With Goderich alone being home to 35 different restaurants and Bayfield over a dozen, you will be sure to satisfy any craving you may have – whether it be for Indian, sushi, Italian, all-American, or even refreshing ice cream on a hot day! Best of all, countless restaurants across Ontario’s west coast are home to outdoor patios during the warm weather. 

FOR FANS OF FARMERS MARKETS: Get excited! While both communities have been home to a one-day weekend market, this year both will have TWO days of markets! Goderich will host its farmers market on Saturdays and another market on Sundays, which features artisan and antique vendors. Bayfield hosts its farmers market on Friday evenings and a vendor-based market on Sundays!  

FOR THE ART AFFICIANDO: The two communities are home to over half a dozen art galleries between the two of them – from galleries featuring the works of an independent artist, to other featuring the works of a collective. The newest opened gallery between the two communities is The Gallery House, located on Bayfield’s historic Main Street.  

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT: Both Goderich and Bayfield are expecting to bring back some of their well-beloved community events this season! Goderich will once again be home to its Children’s Festival, the Celtic Roots Festival, and the West Coast Bluesfest, while Bayfield will be hosting its Rubber Duck Race, the Beer, Wine and Food Festival and a number of musical performances at its Town Hall.

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

• Huron South
• Huron Centre
• Huron East
• Huron North

The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County, this time focusing in on the northern part of Huron County!

FOR THE FAN OF ‘FRESH FROM THE FARM’: North Huron is home to some of the freshest, locally grown products around – from the many offerings at Gorrie Line Produce (perfect for pickling!), to Rodney Weber’s Sheep Farm (where 500 sheep are milked daily, their milk being turned into Saputo cheese products), to Gordon’s Goat Dairy (producing a wide array of goat milk cheeses), to Schefter Poultry Processing (which uses its by-products to make sustainable compost).

FOR THE RECREATION LOVERS: There are half a dozen different arenas in the northern parts of Huron County – the Howick Community Centre, Belmore Community Centre, and the Wingham Arena North Huron Wescast Community Complex, to name a few. These arenas offer a wide range of activities, from hockey, to skating, to curling, to indoor walking, to badminton, racquetball, and pickleball, to indoor soccer, family volleyball and family soccer.

FOR THE CAMPING LOVERS: There are a number of places to camp both seasonally and day/overnight in northern Huron County – from Pine Echo Camp, to Lakelet Point Campground, to Driftwood Beach Park, to Blyth Campground.

FOR THE ART LOVERS: The art community is vibrant in north Huron County, with the small town of Blyth alone boasting multiple galleries and art supply stores – from FACTS, to Stitches With a Twist, to Wild Goose Studio, to the Wonky Frog Studio and beyond! Not to mention, art also takes to the stage in Blyth – thanks to the Blyth Festival and the Blyth Harvest Stage!

FOR THE FANS OF VINTAGE FINDS: Northern Huron county has a number of businesses that have made thrifting for those one-of-a-kind pieces a breeze – from Grandma’s Attic in Gorrie (bursting at the seams with antiques), to The Book Barn on 86 in Wingham (boasting 45,000 used, out of print & antiquarian titles), to Pick a Posie in Blyth (selling second hand vintage clothing and accessories, fun fashion and theatrical costumes).

FOR FANS OF WOODWORK: North Huron has some of the most unique businesses around – all of whom are crafting wood into truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Old Hickory Sheds crafts sheds in all shapes and sizes, Denny’s Wood Shop offers a large selection of live edge timber slabs, Topnotch Furniture builds an assortment of furniture on site, and the Creamery Road Co. is a one-woman show, making custom pieces.

THINGS TO NOTE: You will find happenings, landmarks and activities in Huron County’s northern parts that you won’t find anywhere else – from the Blyth Rutabaga Fest, to the Alice Munro Garden which includes a walking tour, to the Greenway Trail/Butterfly Garden.

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

• Huron South
• East Huron
• Huron Centre
• Huron West

The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County, focusing this week on the central part of Huron!

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: Zurich is home to many distinct historical houses, which are well known for their rich architectural designs, while Clinton is home to the CNR School on Wheels Museum. Vanastra is not to be forgotten, home of the former RAF Station Clinton – North America’s first radar training school.

FOR THE ADRENALINE SEEKER: For those wanting to take adventure to new heights, All-In-Skatepark in Zurich is happy to help – with their massive indoor skatepark, suitable for BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters! For those who like to go all in, Clinton has a few options – including the Clinton Raceway, the Gateway Casinos Clinton and Anger Management Destruction Therapy Clinic.

FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST: The Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area offers countless attractions, from hunting, to horseback riding, to canoeing and kayaking, to hiking and geocaching, to birding – while the Huron Fish & Game Club offers seasonal sporting clays and more!

FOR THE BEVERAGE ENTHUSIAST: Believe it or not, there are over half a dozen breweries, cideries and wineries, producing local beverages in central Huron alone! From Cornerfield Wine Co., to River Road Brewing & Hops, to 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery, to Bad Apple Brewing, to Bayfield Berry Farm, to Hessenland and Schatz Winery, and to Stone House Brewing Company.

FOR THE FOODIES: The heart of Huron County is home to some of the most mouth-watering food around – from delectable donuts from Bartliff’s Bakery & Restaurant, to Willy’s Burger Bar, to White Carnation Banquet Hall, to Masse Fruit & Vegetables, to Zehrs County Market, to Blyth Farm Cheese, to Jerry Rader’s Homestyle Catering & Market.

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT: REACH Huron, found in Clinton, regularly hosts international events, like dog agility events, the Canadian Barrel Racing Championships and more! Both Clinton and Zurich have annual fairs – Clinton’s taking place in June, and Zurich’s following one month later, in July. Both communities also host large-scale events, Zurich hosting the famous Zurich Bean Fest and Clinton the Clinton Fall Festival.

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

• Huron South
• East Huron
• Huron North
• Huron West

The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County!

To the eastern side of Huron County, you will find the communities of Seaforth, Brussels, Egmondville, Cranbrook, Kippen, Vanastra, Walton, Winthrop and more. Almost all of these communities boost a rich history – from Seaforth’s downtown core, which is a heritage conservation district, to Brussels’ Victorian homes, to its Logan’s Mill and beyond!

RECREATION: Seaforth is bursting at the seams with recreational activities for all ages – from its outdoor pool and splash pad, to its off leash dog park, to lawn bowling and pickleball, to shuffleboard and even a full 18-hole golf course!

PARKS: There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of parks, playgrounds and more!

HUNGRY?: Seaforth has a number of different restaurants to keep you well fed after a day of sun and fun – from Filipino cuisine, to Chinese, to Canadian and beyond!

GROUPS & CLUBS: For those looking to join a group or club, Seaforth has many to choose from – from becoming a member of the Britannia Masonic Lodge or the Royal Canadian Legion, to the Seaforth Optimist Club or the Seaforth Lions, to even Seaforth & District Horticultural Society (for those with a green thumb)!

BRUSSELS: If Brussels had a town-wide theme for the last few years, it would be “upgrades” – with a number of landmarks getting much well-deserved attention. From the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre slated to get close to $5 million dollars in renovations, to the Logan’s Mill being upgraded to include washrooms, walking trails, and playground equipment, to breathing life back into an 1862 barn, today known as the Brussels Four Winds Barn.

Brussels is also home to some of the most unique attractions in all of Huron County – like its famous Fairy Door Trail and The Old Shop, a collection of some of the most memorable vintage items around!

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

• Huron South
• Huron Centre
• Huron North
• Huron West

The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County, starting in the south.

Huron County’s southern most part, encompassing Exeter, Hensall, Huron Park, Centralia, Grand Bend, Kirkton, Brucefield, Centralia, and more, is chockfull of some of the most unique attractions around! There is sure to be a hidden gem for everyone!

FOR THE WATER LOVERS: Exeter and Kirkton each have outdoor pools, which offer swimming lessons, public swims, swimming teams and more. You can also enjoy splashing around in Hensall at the Kinsmen Pavilion and Splash Pad.

AND THE BEACH LOVERS: The southern part of Huron County stretches along Ontario’s west coast, which features stunning beaches, including at the Point Blake Day Park!

FOR THE HIKERS: Grab your hiking boots and take a hike at either the Morrison Dam Conservation Area or Bannockburn Conservation Area. Access the Ontario’s West Coast Hiking Guide to learn more about these and other hiking trails located through Huron County.

FOR THE DOGS: Looking for something to do with their furry friend? Visit the Crediton Conservation Area’s dog park.

FOR THE THRILL SEEKERS: If you’re looking for something more adventurous, head on over to Grand Bend to skydive, take in a drag race, or hop in a helicopter.

FOR MOVIE BUFFS & THEATRE-GOERS: Take in a late night move at the Starlite Drive-In or see a play come to life on the Huron Country Playhouse’s main stage.

FOR THE FOODIES: For those looking for a culinary adventure, southern Huron County is home to a number of food producers – from The Whole Pig, to Hayter’s Farms, to the Garlic Box, to Metzger’s, to Ferguson Apiaries and more!

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT: There are a number of fun activities that take place in southern Huron County – from the Kirkton Fall Fair, to the Exeter Family Day Winterfest, to the Lions Fishing Derby, downtown Exeter sidewalk sales, weekly farmers markets in Exeter’s core, the Dodge RAM Rodeo and more! Find more events at: https://calendar.southhuron.ca/default/Month or at https://www.experienceexeter.ca/community-events-2/

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

• East Huron
• Huron Centre
• Huron North
• Huron West