Spend a summer getaway in Ontario surrounded by history, arts, and culture! With a trip to Bayfield, you can surround yourself with all of the above, plus summer fun at the beach or in the sand.
Bayfield is a smaller Lake Huron village decorated with incredibly well-preserved historic buildings and areas. The town’s Main Street is a hub for all of the summer fun, festivals, and local attractions, and is only a five-minute walk from Bayfield’s main beach. When planning a trip, consider the several adorable accommodations in and around Bayfield, with choices for all sorts of stays.
Bayfield Beaches and More
- Out of Bayfield’s three main beaches, Pier Beach is the most convenient to access given its proximity to Main Street, three parking lots, washrooms picnic spaces, and overall beauty!
- There are some taller cliffs and shorelines around Bayfield, but the town has accommodated staircases to get you down to the other two beaches: Howard, and Houston Heights Beaches.
- After swimming on the water or enjoying the sandy beaches, find other ways to explore the water with Bayfield Marina rentals. They offer canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks.
- A second and slightly more thrilling way to explore the waters includes the experiences from Bluestone Wake Park where they offer wakeboarding, plus paddling, and an aqua park.
The Best Bayfield Trails
There are incredible hiking opportunities within Bayfield, and within a short distance from town. It doesn’t take long when heading east to find quiet natural areas or conservation areas that offer amenities like parking, washrooms, or interpretive signage on the trails.
- Take a scenic woodland stroll around the nearby Varna Nature Trails. The area has three main loops. The first two are part of the Mavis Trail totalling 2.5km and a bridge crossing, while the second loop, the Taylor Trail is a an easy 1km.
- Bannockburn Conservation Area, east of Bayfield, is a diverse natural area with six distinct ecosystems to explore on a hike. At the start of the trails are parking and washrooms, and a boardwalk to take you over the creek and marsh.
- Follow Bayfield’s Woodland Trail for a slightly longer and more challenging hike. This trail, at 5km total, is a great opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
Bayfield itself has historical village designation, so there is something to uncover around almost every street corner in town. Below are a few guides on how to navigate all the wonderful history, arts, and culture, within Bayfield, and along nearby hiking trails.
- Bayfield’s Heritage Main Street runs through the centre of town and is part of the 2.5km Heritage Trail Loop. Along the trail are historical landmarks, Pioneer Park, and lookout areas over the meeting of the Bayfield River and Lake Huron. Other historic hikes to take include the Sawmill Trail or the River Flats Trail.
- Visit Bayfield’s Main Street Gallery, possibly while on your Heritage Trail walk, to explore exhibits from a variety of local artists.
- Also on Main Street is the Historical Society and Heritage Centre, open for visitors to explore the artifacts on display.
- Take a country drive towards Clinton to visit the CNR School on Wheels Museum– the museum can accommodate group tours when tours are booked in advance.
Summer Events or Festivals in Bayfield
If the beaches, history, scenery, and sunsets aren’t enough to draw visitors into Bayfield, then the events certainly will. This is especially true of music-lovers, car enthusiasts, and foodies.
- Look to the Bayfield Town Hall for events happening all summer long, including live indoor and outdoor concerts.
- In early July, join the town of Bayfield for the annual Vettefest! This car festival includes a display of hundreds of Corvettes, as well as food and drink vendors, and a Festival in the Park.
- The Bayfield Farmers’ Market is open from spring to fall and provides a perfect opportunity to explore the area’s local goodies.
- Bayfield Berry Farm & Winery offer summer u-pick. From June to September, the Bayfield Berry Farm has haskaps, strawberries, Saskatoons, raspberries, and more.
Best of Bayfield Dining
The village of Bayfield offers a great variety when it comes to the local eateries, restaurants, pubs, cafes, ice cream shops, and more. Many great restaurants are right on Main Street, while a handful of others are located around the edges of Bayfield.
- Before you enter Bayfield, and on the east side of town, are two great diner/family restaurant options (especially great if you’ve had a long drive getting to Bayfield). Treat the group to either the Woodland Drive-in, or the Renegades Diner.
- When at the harbour, rely on The Wharf Coffee Company for snacks, sweets, takeout lunches, and coffee of course!
- Bayfield’s Main Street is home to a large number of eateries. 1851 Bayfield Landing, Olio, Bayfield Brewing Co., or Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro, are all awesome spots for their patios as well as their food.
- Get plenty of snacks and sweet treat options from Bayfield’s Copenhagen’s, Rosie’s Ice Cream Shoppe, or Smitty’s Pizza.
A Variety of Accommodations
The ways to stay around Bayfield include options for staying right on Main Street and close to the shores, as well as cottages, cabins, or campsites, a short drive outside of Bayfield.
- Bring a tent or a trailer to camp for your summer stay with Wildwood by the River.
- Stay somewhere rich in local history like The Albion Hotel, Bayfield Boutique Bed & Breakfast, The Ashwood Inn, or the Little Inn of Bayfield.
- Find your beach cabin or cottage experience with Deer Park Lodge, Bayfield River Cottages, Paul Bunyan Lakefront Resort (also offer tent/RV camping), or Huron Shores Cottages (minimum 2-night stay).