Barrie 
Discover Owen Sound this summer: pristine beaches, vibrant festivals, scenic trails, and delicious eats await in this Georgian Bay gem on Ontario’s southern Lake Huron shoreline.
Owen Sound is at the “bottom” or foot of the Bruce Peninsula, with a harbour and waterfront area looking over Georgian Bay.
This southern shoreline of Lake Huron is a swimmer’s or boater’s dream, with clear waters, shallow beaches, and a harbour for paddlers. There are many things which add to Owen Sound’s appeal as an Ontario summer destination. Families, couples, and friends will all have options for something to see or do every day of the week. This includes local history and artistic experiences, summer events, museum browsing, hiking, and more.
For the Festival Seeker: Owen Sound’s Summer Events & Festivals
Celebrate all things summer and more this season in Owen Sound. This includes outdoor fun, food, entertainment, culture, art, and live music.
- The TD Harbour Nights in Owen Sound run from June to August with live outdoor concerts every Sunday evening.
- The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market is a great opportunity for all kinds of local shopping. And each June, the Farmers’ Market hosts the Grey Bruce One World Festival.
- Help Owen Sound celebrate Pride each June with events like a parade, drag shows, and dining events.
- Over the Canada Day (July Long) Weekend, the entire town celebrates the Waterfront Festival in conjunction with Canada Day festivities.
- The Summerfolk music festival by the Georgian Bay Folk Society promises 3 days of festive fun in August.
Soak in the Sun: Water & Beach Fun
Get out on the water a few different ways near Owen Sound. This includes chances for swimming, paddling, sunbathing and lazy floats, or family picnics and playground time.
- Kelso Beach Park is a full-service beach with everything you could want or need for a fun beach day. The sand is soft and light, and the Huron/Georgian Bay waters are clear and clean. Plus, that park has amenities like washrooms and change rooms, picnic tables, a splashpad, and playgrounds.
- The Launch complex of restaurants is a short walk from Kelso Beach. On top of dining, the Launch has their Adventure Rentals. They offer kayak rentals and kayak date night packages.
- A second and smaller local beach option is Sarawak Family Park, where they provide washrooms and picnic areas. The beach is a mix of rocky and sandy areas.
- For a third beach option, make a trip to the nearby Hibou Conservation Area. The sandy and grassy beach areas have picnic shelters and tables, shallow swimming areas, and playgrounds.
For the Nature Lover: Best Trails & Waterfalls around Owen Sound
Great hiking or cycling trails are easy to find in Owen Sound, and around this central part of the Bruce Peninsula. Get views looking over Lake Huron, travel the Niagara Escarpment, or escape into the trees.
- Some of the best trails around Owen Sound are the ones that lead to nearby waterfalls! Inglis Falls, Weavers Creek Falls, Jones Falls, and Indian Falls all involve hikes under 2km.
- Take your hike or walk right through town on a self-guided mural tour. Owen Sound is home to over 20 murals.
- The Hibou Conservation Area is as great for hiking as it is for the beach. Choose between trails under 2.5km, which lead through forested areas or along the shoreline. Or take on all the Hibou Trails in a day!
- The Bruce Trail runs through Owen Sound before making a sharp bend to head south and away from the shores of Lake Huron. Follow the trail from the north end of Owen Sound and follow it around town, the Harbour, and as it leaves Owen Sound to the south.
- Do not miss a visit to Harrison Park, especially if you are visiting late summer, to see the salmon run.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Owen Sound
Whether you’re travelling as a family/with kids or not, these local attractions offer a little bit of something for all ages. Story Book Park is a notable attraction for younger kids, but Owen Sound offers many other attractions and sightseeing in which any age can take interest.
- Remember to take the ultimate summer keepsake family picture with the iconic grain elevators in the background.
- Story Book Park is Owen Sound’s outdoor amusement park with rides aimed at the younger group of kids. The park also acts as a museum in many ways.
- Enjoy a visit to the Marine & Rail Museum or Community Waterfront Heritage Centre. The exhibits range from small artifacts to full buildings, ships, and rail cars.
- The Billy Bishop Museum is housed in an impressive historic house dedicated to honouring WWII Veteran and hero Billy Bishop. Also at the museum are other exhibits on Canadian military history.
- Catch a show at Owen Sound’s historic Roxy Theatre. The theatre is dedicated to showcasing local talent through live plays and musical theatre.
For the Foodie: Summer Dining in Owen Sound
There are numerous tasty opportunities for local dining in Owen Sound. This includes places for local drinks like beers or wines, riverside or waterfront patios, family restaurants, takeout for picnics, and plenty of sweet treats.
- Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant offers an expansive patio from which to enjoy its various brews or menu of elevated pub food.
- The Launch is a multi-venue location in Owen Sound near the Harbour and beach. The spot includes Amores Pizza, The Harbourfront Bar, and Sundays Ice Cream Parlour.
- Away from the beach, The River District is the next place to look for great local food in Owen Sound. The area’s dining options are mainly found along 2nd Avenue and 10th Street East.
- Those wanting to try Indigenous cuisine should head to Nagaan at 88 8th St E by Chef Zach Keeshig.
- Eat your way through delicious ribs during Owen Sound Ribfest.
Cool Accommodations in Owen Sound
No matter your vacation style, or the one you’d like to plan this summer, Owen Sound has dozens upon dozens of options! And while many places are campgrounds, or hotels, or cabins, each resort or company offers something unique or fun for your stay.
- When it comes to standard or affordable hotel chains, there are over a dozen in Owen Sound, with many along Highway ON-6. The Best Western Inn on the Bay is the only among those hotels to be waterfront and near the harbour.
- If hotels aren’t your vacation style, Owen Sound has just as many options for smaller inns, bed and breakfasts, or cottages and cabins.
- For campers, choose between reliable sites and campgrounds at Back Forty Glamping, Owen Sound KOA, Harrison Park Campground, or the Kelso Beach Campground- right by the water!
