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As a summer destination, Meaford can offer many things to many different vacationers.
Credit: Municipality of Meaford
Nestled in the heart of Grey County, the charming municipality of Meaford graces the shores of Nottawasaga Bay, a serene sub-basin of the expansive Georgian Bay.
Consisting of Annan, Bognor, Leith, Rockford, Woodford and urban Meaford, the municipality is located between the Owen Sound and Blue Mountains.
Credit: Meaford
As a day trip destination, Meaford’s beaches offer the perfect way to spend the day. Plus, there are many reasons to spend a weekend or a few days here in the summer as a part of a Georgian Bay Road Trip. Over July and August, Meaford is busy with town events fun by the water, and offers some of the best hiking and swimming in the area.
Summer Events
The seasonal or summer events in Meaford focus on an array of celebrations. These start with a Canada Day party, and continue with summer fun, a music festival and the annual markets.
- The Meaford Farmers’ Market is open as of early June each summer with a ton of local farm-fresh goodies, handmade items, and more. A second farmers’ market is close by in Thornbury open each summer as of May.
- Join the SummerFest in August Long Weekend in Meaford. SummerFest includes festivities like a Poutine-Off, show and shine, air show, and parade.
- The Electric Eclectics Festival, also held in August, takes place on farmland near Meaford. The music festival includes a great variety of performers and genres and provide a camping option.
Beach & Water Fun
A summer vacation is often centred around beaches, water, recreation, or all of the above. And around Meaford, you can find it all within town or relatively close to town!
- Meaford’s local Memorial Park is home to a beach open to day use visitors, and a campground. Paid parking is in effect for non-resident visitors. The beach park boasts several spots for picnics under the trees or shelters.
- Find the next closest beach, which is a little way east of Meaford, at Christie Beach. The area has several picnic sites, a playground, washrooms, and change rooms.
- Leith Beach, near artist Tom Thomson’s childhood home, offers serene pebble shores and inspiring views of Georgian Bay, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
- Get out on Meaford’s Georgian Bay Waters with the help of The Big Canoe Project. This not-for-profit group share their love of the area through guided tours.
- U Catch ‘Em Charters offers a slightly different way to get out on the water with guided fishing tours of the Georgian Bay. Tours depart from the Meaford Marina and they’re open as of April every year.
Best of Hiking & Nature Spaces in Meaford
With the Georgian Trail to the south and the Bruce Trail to the west, there are numerous opportunities for all levels of hikes near Meaford. Find challenging treks, family or dog friendly hikes, and shorter trips with rewarding views.
- Beautiful Joe Park on the west side of Meaford is the start to a riverside trail which continues into the Bighead River Conservation Area further west. The trail offers river views almost the entire way.
- The Georgian Trail connects Meaford with Thornbury along the Huron Shoreline. It is about 13km one-way, making the trek and visiting both towns in a day simple on bikes!
- The Irish Mountain Lookout, northwest of Meaford, is a short trail with a climb. After the trek up the hill, you’ll get unbeatable views of the Georgian Bay.
- Hibou Conservation Area features sandy beaches, boardwalks, and picnic spots across 108 hectares, offering a scenic 2.6km trail through pristine natural landscapes for day visitors.
- Fred Raper Park, named after a founding settler of Meaford and home to Tom Thomson Trail head, is a vibrant waterfront hub close to the Downtown Heritage District, featuring a pebble beach, fishing spots, and playgrounds.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
After all the fun in the waters or at the local beaches, these additional attractions can add even more to do in your visit.
- Take in the local arts at the Meaford Hall Arts And Cultural Centre . This performance venue, art gallery, and events centre offers regular summer programming for an array of live performance types and genres. The summer theatre season held at Meaford Hall showcases a range of intriguing shows filled with mystery and history!
- Spend a summer afternoon escaping the sun in the Meaford Museum where they provide exhibits on town industry like railways, and other cool cultural artefacts.
Summer Eats in Meaford
Follow Sykes Street in Meaford to find a vast majority of the local bars, restaurants, and takeout spots. During the summers, Sykes Street is lined with a variety of patios.
- Coffing Ridge Vineyard & Winery offers tours and tastings with paired snacks, bachelorette party specials, and a patio with some of the best views in the area.
- Hit the gorgeous patios of Meaford this summer at places like Meaford Social Indian and Mexican Restaurant, Gio & Fran’s Mercato, or The Kitchen Catering & Café.
- Fred Raper Park is a quiet waterfront area in Meaford that makes for a great picnic spot with tables, a gazebo, and a playground. Find nearby picnic foods from Tilly’s By The Bay Café & Bakery, The Red Door Restaurant, or the Leeky Canoe.
- Great local takeout is easy to find in Meaford! Order form New Orleans Pizza, Pierogi Palace, or Eggcitement Bistro.
Staying in Meaford
One of the best places to stay in Meaford for a beach-based getaway is the Memorial Park Campground. However, there are many other places from which to choose around the town and this part of the Georgian Bay.
- The Meaford Inn gets you right in town and close to local attractions, while the Hilltop and Bayvue Motels bring your stay toward the edge of town.
- For those quieter, more relaxed vacations, choose a nearby B&B. A few of these include Starlight B&B, Sunset Acres, or Irish Mountain Bed and Breakfast.
