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Welcome to Ontario’s smallest festival town! All summer, Goderich is busy with a huge variety of celebrations and festivals. But besides all the parties, Goderich also offers much more for a summer getaway of any kind.
Credit: Sue Thompson/Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0
For those after a relaxing beach vacation, those beaches are easy to find in Goderich, and span almost the entire town waterfront. Other relaxing activities in Goderich include exploring downtown shops and dining, waterfront and sunset walks, or hanging out at your accommodations.
Goderich is at the meeting of Lake Huron and the Maitland River. So, between the lake shores and the river valley, the area offers plenty of outdoor fun and adventure. This includes more relaxing activities like fishing or simple hikes, as well as more adventurous fun like boating, paddling, or taking on a big hike.
Goderich is home to the world’s largest underground salt mine, located 1,800 feet under Lake Huron (as deep as the CN Tower in Toronto is tall.) Salt production began in 1880 with an evaporation process, evolving into modern techniques by 1910. Mining started in the 1950s, with multiple shafts added over time. The mine produces around 9 million tons of salt annually, primarily for winter roads and water softeners.
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Beach Fun & Adventures on Water
- The Goderich Waterfront Boardwalk is about 1.5km and can connect you on your walk to all of the town’s beaches. Along the way is a chance to turn off toward the Lighthouse.
- Rotary Cove Beach is new to Goderich with several amenities like a concession, washrooms, playground, and fitness equipment.
- The dog-friendly St. Christopher’s Beach is central on Goderich’s waterfront trail and offers great shade for a hot day. Park amenities include washrooms, a playground and picnic tables.
- Goderich Main Beach is on the north side of the shoreline as well as the closest to the Harbour and Marina. The beach is sandy with a playground and picnic space, and amenities like washrooms and a concession.
- Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of permitted Maitland River fishing locations at two nearby day-use areas: Shelter Valley and Falls Reserve Conservation Area.
The Best Trails near Goderich
The trails within Goderich may be in town, but many still bring your hike to peaceful or secluded-feeling places in the surrounding trees, near the creeks, and near the Maitland River.
- The Maitland Woods, on the east side of Goderich, is a peaceful 3.5km loop through gorgeous scenery. A few trail sections have wooden boardwalk for ease of access.
- The Goderich Millenium Trail follows the riverbanks of the Maitland River with excellent views of the wooded hills.
- There is an off-road section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail which departs from the shorelines, crosses the Maitland River, and brings the hike east toward Saltford.
- Rent a bike from Goderich Bike Shop and explore the G2G Rail Trail. This 127 km trail stretches from the 401 corridor in Guelph to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Goderich.
- The Menesetung Bridge, once an abandoned railway bridge, offers one of Huron County’s most spectacular views. Rescued by locals and converted into a walking bridge, it spans the Maitland River, providing breathtaking sights of seagulls, the harbour, Lake Huron, and the Maitland Golf and Curling Club.
History and Culture in Goderich
A walk or bike ride through town will reveal historic buildings, sites, and monuments or plaques. Plus, Goderich’s two museums are easy to find in the heart of town.
- Huron Historic Gaol Museum provides tours through the historic jail, and immersive Behind the Bars experiences.
- Huron County Museum is open year-round for visitors to take a look into the area’s rich heritage and culture, including the salt mine.
- Canada’s longest-serving lighthouse is on the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich! As a west-facing beach town, this lighthouse makes an incredible view for a sunset. View it from afar, or climb the Lighthouse Park stairs to get a closer view.
- Take a second heritage trail along the Tiger Dunlop loop and along to the Tiger Dunlop Tomb. Interpretive signage helps hikers to learn the history of the area and tomb.
Summer Events in Goderich
There is something going on in Goderich from June to August practically every weekend. And it is easy to find these events if you head to Goderich’s downtown area.
- Once a one-day festival, the Huron Multicultural Festival is now a two-day event. The festival is hosted by Goderich in late June each summer.
- For a July trip to Goderich, take part in the annual Summer Fest, a three-day downtown event. The festival features a pub night with local drinks, live music, kids’ games and activities, dance performances, and more.
- Even more fun is promised in town in July with the FTFE (First Time For Everything) Theatre Festival, presented by The Livery.
- The Sunset Music Festival in Goderich is a single-day celebration held in mid- or late-August with live music playing all day in downtown. Also in August is the Celtic Roots Festival, a local and long-standing tradition.
- Close out the summer fun in Goderich with the newest town festival: the Salt & Harvest Festival presents with West Coast Blues (end of August). Learn about the town’s “salt” history, too.
- The 2024 Summer Concert Series in Goderich will include Saturday acts, and Thursday acts, both from the Courthouse Performance Stage.
Local Dining in Goderich
Whether you need food near the beach and water, on your way into Goderich, or during a downtown stay, there is something for all tastes around every corner. This includes everything from fast food and picnic takeout to upscale, gourmet dining experiences, and everything in between.
- Lucky for beachgoers and picnickers, there are takeout spots right beside Goderich’s beaches like Rotary Beach Hut, or Goderich Harbour Restaurant.
- Enjoy a beautiful patio experience in Goderich from the Park House Bar & Restaurant, Beach Street Station, or River Run Restaurant.
- Goderich’s Courthouse Park creates a looping road in the centre of town. Follow the circle to find restaurants like West Street Willy’s, Paddy O’Neils, Steve & Mary’s on the Square, Wing Hong Restaurant, or Part II Bistro.
- Cravings Ice Cream Shop, Culbert’s Bakery
Where to Stay in Goderich
The hotels, motels, and inns in and around Goderich provide plenty of options for places to stay close to downtown, close to the beach, or close to the dining. Plus, the area has excellent options for anyone who prefers a quieter stay out a campsite.
- Choose between a variety of hotels and motels on the edge of town like Samuels Hotel, Dunlop Motel, Benmiller Inn & Spa, Dreamz Inn, or the Silver Birch Motel.
- Stay in the heart of Goderich at the Colborne Bed and Breakfast, Bedford Hotel, Exchange Hotel B&B, or the Maple Leaf Motel.
- Set up a tent or RV at a nearby campground like Shelter Valley, Falls Reserve Conservation Area, or Point Farms Provincial Park.
