This is the last location we are highlighting in our #lakehuron series. This does not mean it is not worth the visit. Goderich, Ontario has a lot to offer; Huron County history at the Gaol and Museum; sunsets at Lighthouse Park; swimming at St. Christopher's Beach; hiking from the start of the G2G Trail and lots more.
Accomodation
If you choose to stay in in the town of Goderich you will be at the "start" of this #lakehuron tour. You can move south down Highway 21 to reach Bayfield, St. Joes then Grand Bend. So where will you stay to start this adventure? There are several places to choose from; Comfort Inn & Suites; Samuels; Dreamz Inn; Cedar Lodge; Harmony Inn; or the Benmiller Inn. There are also a variety of B&B's to choose from. Of course you can always stick with the cottage idea and rent a local cottage for your visit.
Things to do
1. Visit the Historic Gaol; This building acted as the prison in Huron County until 1972.
2. Buy a pass when visiting the Gaol to gain entry to the Huron County Museum to visit the 2 headed sheep.
3. Take a drive down to the beach to eat lunch at the Goderich Train Station. The building is now home to the Beach Street Station. But before you could get apps and beer you could board the CPR from Goderich to Guelph. Which leads me to another activity...
4. Hike a section of the G2G trail. The railway that left from the station is now a lovely hiking/bike trail. The head of the trail starts by the elevators at the Goderich Beach and continues approximately 127km to Guelph Ontario. If you want to learn more about this trail check out our #g2gseries on this blog.
5. While you are down at the beach you can also enjoy a lovely stroll down the new board walk. The Town of Goderich, just recently, has completed the huge project of redoing the entire length of the boardwalk. I must admit that it is nice how accessible it is. You can walk the entire length of beach on this boardwalk. Dogs are allowed on leash on the walk.
6. I assume you know by now that Goderich, like all of the locations in this series, is a beach town. So of course you can swim, kayak, SUP, sunbathe, build a sand castle, you know what people do at beaches. There is a dog friendly beach section just next to the water treatment plant (it is nicer than this sounds).
(Fun Fact: When I was a kid, when I got upset with my parents I told them I was running away to the lighthouse.)
7. Take a walk around the "square", or a drive. I do not think it would be a trip to Goderich without driving around the square at least twice. On nice evenings you will see locals, out for a tour. Think of it as the Huron County passeggiata.
8. Shop. Especially on the square. You will want to visit Schaefer's (Woman's clothing store on the square since 1929); Finchers (Family Owned business on the square since 1956); Wuerth's Shoes (family run business in Goderich, Stratford and Exeter). There are countless other stores along the square that are worth a stop as well. Take a stroll and window shop.
9. Catch a movie at the Park Theatre. *Due to Covid the theatre is currently closed. I sincerely hope they are able to reopen and continue to offer a classic movie going experience.
10. For even more entertainment and culture catch a play at the Livery Theatre.
11. Learn more about the World's Largest Underground Salt Mine located at the Beach in Goderich.
12. While you are checking out the Salt Mine check to see if there are any salt ships floating near by. You will not miss them. They are sort of big.
13. Goderich is also a great town for Artisan and Farmers Markets; concerts (piping down of the sun at the beach in the warmer months); and several festivals.
Where to eat and drink
Admittedly for a town that was voted the Prettiest Town in Canada, that plays host to 1000's of visitors each year and that has so much history, and entertainment, I am generally underwhelmed by the food scene. Goderich is home to a lot of chain restaurants, that I will not bother mentioning. However, I will let you in on my go to eating/drinking spots in Goderich that are locally owned.
1. Cait's Café; a do not miss breakfast/lunch spot with excellent coffee. Do not miss the Danishes, or hot chocolate! Cait's is a super cute café located on the square.
2. West Street Willy's. I suggest the calzones or a stop in for a full breakfast. Located on...you guessed it West Street, just off the square.
3. The Bedford Hotel. A great stop for pub food, wings and beer. Located on the square.
4. Thyme on 21. This is Goderich's high end restaurant. Located on Hwy 21.
5. Square Brew. As the name suggests this brewery is not located on the square😉. It is located at 430 Parsons Ct. Great beer with a laid back atmosphere.
6. Culbert's Bakery. It is worth waking up early to get their cream puffs. Beware they sell out quickly.
This sums up the #lakehuron series. All of the locations discussed in this series are a total distance of 53km, or about 45 minutes from Goderich to Grand Bend, a straight shot down Highway 21. To really get to know each of the towns we have discussed you would need several weeks to visit. So I suggest coming to visit us more than once! While this area of Huron County is most visited in the summer months (I swear our population more than doubles during the summer), we have a lot to offer all year round. Aside from the local historic and adventure activities, we have tons of hiking trails and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
If you are planning a trip to Lake Huron send us an email at info@db-adventures.com or send us a DM on Instagram, we are @thedbadventures. We would be more than happy to help you plan out your visit.
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