Small town charm on the shores of Lake Huron. Bayfield, is a quiet beach town with class.
It is hard to know where to start when writing about a place you grew up. I could tell you about the arena where I spent most of my childhood; learning to skate, playing hide and seek in the change rooms, watching The Old Timers play hockey and eating too much candy with my friends. Or there are the bars that I grew up in later in life; learnng to dance, watching my friends bands play and drinking (just a little) too much. But these in themselves are not what people come to Bayfield for. Although, if you do it right you will make a visit to these old stomping grounds.
The Bayfield Arena is host to the Bayfield Beer and Food Festival, Bayfield Fair and many other concerts and fesitivals. My go to bars are no longer the same, but they still exist; Harry's is now a shoe store on one side and a restaurant on the other; The Docks is still a restaurant/bar but is now called The Hub: On The Docks. Anywho, enough about me, let me share some tips for visiting Bayfield.
To start there are lots of place to stay. If you want to camp check out Wildwood by the River. Want to camp but need a bit more comfort? Check out Deer Park Lodge (highly recommend, I used to work there Kirsten and Rob are fantastic!). There are also a variety of hotels; The Ashwood, Albion, Little Inn, and the Bayfield BnB. Bayfield is also cottage country. It would not hurt to do a Google search to see about renting a cottage if you are coming to the area for a week or more.
Okay you have a place to stay. Now what are you going to do here? Well there is something for everyone, cliche but true.
Adventure
Hike the local trails. I suggest Bannockburn, or the new Bannockburn Tract Trail just outside of Bayfield in Varna or Naftels Creek on Hwy 21 just outside of Goderich.
Check out Windmill Lake Eco Park for wake boarding, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc.
Visit the Lake. Swim, canoe, skidoo, swim, boat, whatever your heart desires on the water.
Shop
Visit the shops along Main Street in Bayfield to find everything from new shoes to a one of a kind art piece.
Visit the Bayfield Historical Society to learn about the History of Bayfield and rent a tandem bike for a cruise.
Relax
Stop by the Bayfield book store for your next best read, then stroll main street to Shop Bike Coffee for a hot (or cold) beverage.
Enjoy lounging on the beach at the Lake. *Fun Fact the beach erodes every so many years leaving us with little beach front and more rocks/ higher water levels. This typically happens every decade (or so). However, lately the issue has been more of a concern for our waterfront, so unfortunately the beach is not what it used to be. I take this as a reminder to look after our Earth because #climatechange is real y'all!
Enjoy a cocktail on one of the many patios along the Main Street.
On Fridays during the summer months you can visit the Bayfield Farmers Market, located at the Park. If you go check out Jayme Bakes booth (she is my sister) @jaymebakes on Instagram.
While your at the park enjoy the playground and splash pad.
At the end of the day enjoy an award winning sunset at Pioneer Park.
Eating and Drinking
In no particular order these are the places I would recommend:
The Albion Hotel has your typical pub food and good beer. If you like sweet drinks that hurt your tummy but taste soo good (and are fun) order the Consuela.
The Bayfield Public House. We enjoy their Wonton Nachos and housemade beers.
Rosie's Ice Cream Shoppe. They serve The London Ice Cream Company hard ice cream...which is the best ice cream ever! Choose any flavour, you will not be disappointed.
Out of the Blue has fresh fish you can take home to cook yourself or order for take out and eat in the park.
Pizza by the Square is a locally owned pizza place
Woodlands Drive In is a classic burger and fry stand. Drive in, walk up to the counter to order and enjoy in the park. (I also used to work here so again I may be biased).
Take the short drive down Old River Road to visit River Road Brewing. A small family run craft brewery located on a beautiful farm.
I should have mentioned this in the post for St. Joes, but Bad Apple Brewing is another don't miss stop. They are also a small craft brewer. They often have games (holey board, volleyball) and live music.
There is lots to do along the shores of Lake Huron. Through this series you can visit all of the locations that I mention, using any of the towns as a home base.
Let us know in the comments if you have ever been to Bayfield and what your recommendations are.
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