1. ONTARIO • CANADA
Come, Explore & Discover
The Regional Tourism Guide for Grey Bruce
w w w. g r e y b r u c e e s c a p e . c a

2. Please see page OS16 for ferry schedule.
2 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

3. www.bruceanchor.com - banchor@amtelecom.net -7468 Highway 6 Tobermory
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4. ESCAPE TO GREY BRUCE
The possibilities are endless….we have a wealth of outdoor & cultural
pursuits in a spectacularly beautiful environment.
We invite you to explore and discover the crystal clear waters of Georgian
Bay, the white sand beaches of Lake Huron, and the many rivers and streams
which flow to them. Follow the Bruce Trail through lush valleys, wildflower
meadows and rugged limestone cliffs. Travel at a relaxed pace along scenic
rural roads. Whatever your interests – we have it all!
The Grey Bruce Escape
Publisher: Escape Productions
Lorna Rouse
Editorial Contributors: Bruce County Tourism
Grey County Tourism
Owen Sound Tourism
D. J. Ballpoint
Cover Photo: Danielle Bellissimo
Magazine Design: Stephan Voss
Website Design: Shari Chambers
info@newmediadesigns.biz
Publisher may be contacted at: P: 519-376-5610
F: 519-376-1323
info@greybruceescape.ca
Sales: Greta Kennedy
John R. Goy
Denise Hall
Copyright March 2011 Escape Productions All rights reserved.
Cover Photo: The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park,
Danielle Bellissimo
All information in this guide was deemed accurate at the
time of printing. Advertisements do not represent an
endorsement of events, facilities or activities.
Be environmentally friendly and
recycle this Magazine to a friend!
/ RBW Graphics Owen Sound
Download your free
“QR APP” & view
The Grey Bruce Escape
through your phone.
4 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

5. 10 Bruce County Lighthouse Tour 7 Tobermory
25 Birders Take Flight 12 Miller Lake, Dyers Bay, Cape Chin
25 Attention All Gardeners & Plant Lovers 14 Lion’s Head
28 Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport 15 Hope Bay
29 Ride Your Bike in Grey Bruce 17 Stokes Bay, Red Bay, Berford Lake
30 Grey Roots Museum & Archives 18 Wiarton
31 Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre 19 Sauble Beach
OS 2 Tom Thomson Art Gallery 24 Saugeen First Nation
OS18 Waterfalls of Grey County 26 Southampton, Port Elgin,
OS16 Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Schedule Paisley, Kincardine
OS22 Hike the Bruce Trail & Others OS1 Owen Sound
77 Fall Colours & Harvest 74 Georgian Bluffs
78&79 Town of Blue Mountain Events 80 The Blue Mountains
83 Winter Fun 88 Grey Highlands
85 Grey Bruce Was Made For the Motorcycle 90 Priceville
87 A Great Fish Story 92 Durham
91 Ride Ontario’s Best Trail System 93 West Grey
95 Incredible Paddling 96 Hanover
97 A Full Palette for Art Lovers
98 Bruce County’s Major Events
99 Grey County’s Major Events
100 Golf Grey Bruce
102 Summerfolk
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6. 6 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

7. Tobermory, www.thebrucepeninsula.com
TOBERMORY:
Tip of the Peninsula
Chi-Cheemaun, GBE
The village consists of two horizon, heading out of Big Tub Harbour
deep, natural harbours called enroute to Manitoulin Island. Big Tub
Harbour is the deepest natural harbour on
Little Tub & Big Tub. the Great Lakes.
The crossing to Manitoulin Island takes
T
obermory was originally named Collins less than two hours. You can enjoy the sun on
Harbour, but by the 1850s the Scottish deck or have a meal in the licensed cafeteria
immigrants who were fishing the area or lounge. “Chi-Cheemaun” which means
renamed it Tobermory for their seacoast “Big Canoe” in Ojibway, can accommodate
fishing and diving village on the Isle of Mull, up to 140 automobiles and 638 passengers.
Scotland. Today, the village still maintains Dinner cruises are also available and
the charm of a fishing village from another reservations are required. Reservations for
era. Take a leisurely walk around Little Tub passage are also recommended during the
Harbour, follow the bricked sidewalks past peak season. Please call 800-265-3163 to
the numerous flowerbeds and visit the reserve your spot.
many quaint and unique shops, stores and Modern, affordable accommodation is
galleries. available in Tobermory, as well as a wide
On the east side of the harbour is a range of dining experiences. Don’t leave
boardwalk which allows you a great view the Bruce Peninsula without enjoying a
of the ferry dock and the Chi-Cheemaun as whitefish or prime rib dinner of locally
it steams into shore or disappears off the raised Bruce County beef. Fathom Five Park, www.thebrucepeninsula.com
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8. www.tobermorylodge.com
122 Bay Street • 519-596-2224
Spotless Motel Units • Marina • Dock
3 Minutes From Chi-Cheemaun
Live Entertainment • Bootlegger’s Cove Pub
Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Boat Rentals
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9. Georgian Bay Shoreline, www.thebrucepeninsula.com
Bruce Peninsula National Park
T
he 140 km2 park is located near the to hike to the Grotto area, so it is advisable
tip of the Bruce Peninsula and can be to arrive early in the morning or later in the
accessed from Highway 6 on Cyprus day. Please make campsite reservations by
Flowerpot Island, Daniel Louth
Lake Road, Emmett Lake Road or Dorcas calling 877-737-3783. There are many other
Bay Road. The park’s shoreline cliffs are a excellent campgrounds and hotel/motels
part of the spectacular Niagara Escarpment, located in and around nearby Tobermory. FLOWERPOT ISLAND
which in many places are eroded to create Book ahead to avoid disappointment. The jewel of Fathom Five National Marine
caves, unusual rock shapes, pitting and Park, Flowerpot Island is famous for its
overhangs. As a consequence, each location FATHOM FIVE NATIONAL iconic natural rock pillars. It is a must-see
along this 20 km Georgian Bay shore has MARINE PARK visitor attraction. Where else can you marvel
remarkable features. The Bruce Trail follows This unique national park encompassing at rock pillars, climb stairs up into a cave,
the shoreline climbing up 40 metre high 113 km2 consists of 20 islands and part of experience an historical lightstation, swim
cliffs providing some of the best hiking and the lake bottom and waters of Lake Huron in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a relaxing
scenic lookouts in Ontario. and Georgian Bay. It is very much alive, picnic – and all in one spot. The five km trip to
The park has the largest block of being an ecosystem that includes all the the island begins in Tobermory’s picturesque
contiguous forest in southwestern Ontario, aquatic and island life, the water, and the harbour. During spring, summer and fall,
which is critical in maintaining the peninsula myriad of food chains that are its engines. tour boats operate on a regular schedule
ecosystem. The Bruce Peninsula is home to Because water flows freely within the if the weather is favourable. While cruising
over 43 species of orchids that are at their Great Lakes system, its health depends a to the island, you are surrounded by the
peak in mid June. Huge waves of migrating lot on what is happening elsewhere in the beautiful waters of Canada’s first National
birds – everything from Blackburnian basin. Fathom Five is clean and clear and Marine Park. Plan to spend a half-day or
Warblers to Rough-legged Hawks - move home to over 20 species of fish and several so on Flowerpot Island to have ample time
through the park during spring and fall. infamous shipwrecks. The park has gained a to explore and relax. Six tenting sites are
The main use area of the park is at Cyprus reputation for excellent scuba diving. Divers available for primitive camping (registration
Lake featuring a 242-site campground, a must register at the Park Diver Registration at the Visitor Centre in Tobermory is required
beach/picnic area and a system of hiking Centre before exploring. in advance). Campfires are not permitted on
trails. Parking is limited for visitors wishing the island.
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10. Chantry Island, jcswartz.com
Majestic Bruce Coast Lighthouses
SUGGESTED ROUTE:
Allow 2-3 days to see all the sites. Traveling from South to North:
• incardine Lighthouse –Picturesque downtown lighthouse
K
• hantry Island (Southampton) – Book a fully guided tour to the island
C
• ruce County Museum and Cultural Centre (Southampton) – New home of the
B
Stokes Bay Light House & the Bruce Coast Marine Gallery
• ig Tub Lighthouse (Tobermory) – SCUBA Dive right in front
B
• ove Island (Tobermory) – Seen from the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
C
• lowerpot Island Light Station – Access from tour boats in Tobermory
F
• abot Head Lighthouse – A scenic 12 km gravel road adventure to access
C
• ions Head Lighthouse – A quaint range light in a dramatic setting
L
Kincardine Lighthouse, Don LaMont
• ape Croker – Located on Cape Croker First Nation
C
S
tretching from South to North, the TOUR HINTS
Bruce Coast Lighthouse Tour features • ome of the site tours provide interpretation and guide service seasonally.
S
15 distinctive lighthouse and marine • he distance from Kincardine to Tobermory is approximately 200 km.
T
heritage sites along the shores of Lake • atch the weather. Sites which are only accessible by boat are highly dependant on
W
Huron and Georgian Bay for you to explore. good weather.
Climb to the top, take a tour boat ride, • dmission fees vary from each location. National Park fees apply for Flowerpot Island.
A
spot the Phantom Piper, experience world For island locations tour boat fees apply.
famous sunsets, paint or photograph, • ear appropriate footwear for sites that are open for climbing. Some offer hiking trails.
W
learn the history of marine navigation, see • heck out page OS20-21 for the Grey Bruce Map to help plan your self-guided
C
shipwrecks. lighthouse tour.
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11. Flowerpot Island Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism
Cabot Head Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism
Lion’s Head Lighthouse, Danielle Bellissimo
Big Tub Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism
MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY
• wo range lights are located at the mouth of the Saugeen River in
T
Southampton.
• he Phantom Piper in Kincardine pipes the sun down from atop the
T
lighthouse.
• ake a Glass Bottom boat tour in Tobermory of Fathom Five National
T
Marine Park.
• ike out to the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
H
Cape Croker Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism
LIGHTHOUSE FOOD
• Gerry’s Fries – on the Beach in Southampton
• Grandview Motel - Tobermory
• Princess Hotel - Tobermory
• Harbour Street Brasserie - Kincardine
• Tamarac Island Inn – Stokes Bay
• The Lion’s Head Inn – Lion’s Head
Pick up a copy of the Bruce Coast
Lighthouse brochure at a local
information centre of visit our
website at:
brucecoastlighthouses.com
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12. Did you know? The Bruce Peninsula is unique in Canada for its variety of wildflowers.
Miller Lake,
Dyers Bay &
Cape Chin
• May 7 Cabot Head Lighthouse Opens
• May 24–26 S
pring Birding Tour Summer
House Park
• June 15 D
own Cape Chin North Road,
Hike, Demos, Dinner
• July 2–10 Ontario Family Fishing Week
• July 29–Aug. 1 B.P. Annual Art Show
• Aug. 13 B.P. Endurance 100 km
Challenger
• Aug. 19–21 Lion’s Head Rotary Country
Music Festival
• Sept. 1 – 4 B.P. Fishing Derby
Cape Chin North Road
Drop in for Tea at
Cape Chin Country Inn
open daily 12-4pm
Visit Pottery by Ben and
Aromatica, Spa & Massage
519-795-7525
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13. MILLER LAKE
. . . The Largest Inland Lake
of the North Bruce Peninsula
T
he lake is a hidden gem, surrounded
by majestic hardwood forests and
inviting wetlands.
The community remains small, but
over the years the area has become a
popular visitor and cottage destination
for those who enjoy all the lake has to
offer for recreation. Miller Lake provides
a quiet, peaceful retreat to savour the
haunting echoes of the loon, or the
many other species of birds and other
wildlife that make Miller Lake their
Parks Canada
home.
Enjoy a day in a canoe or kayak
exploring the nine kilometres of varied
Visitor Centre, Tower and Trail shoreline, or test your luck with a fishing
pole. Anglers enjoy the tranquil solitude
of the lake where you will find walleye
M
ake the state-of-the-art Parks Peninsula, the surrounding waters and (pickerel), perch, bass and pike. Access is
Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory islands of Fathom Five. easy from the boat launch, and boat and
your first stop to learn about Bruce The Bruce Trail crosses the deck of the canoe rentals are available.
Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five visitor centre ... and following the trail past The first rental accommodations on
National Marine Park! the tower will take you to one of the most the lake were established in the 1930’s
The visitor centre is the “front door” to scenic segments of shoreline on Georgian with a handful of fishing cabins at the
the two national parks on the Bruce. In the Bay. north east end of the lake. You will
exhibit gallery you will follow a path through To get to the visitor centre, turn off now find first rate camping, cottages
the depths of Canada’s first national marine Highway 6 and follow Chi sin tib dek Road and B & B’s, all overlooking the lake.
park. You will walk through a lighthouse ... across from the RBC bank in Tobermory. Or Watch artisans at work making
and then a cave. You will see the wildlife enjoy the 5 minute walk from downtown by beautiful pottery and candles, then enjoy
that lives throughout the Bruce Peninsula. following Head Street and the Bruce Trail. a meal in one of the area’s restaurants,
Relax in the high definition theatre for a The visitor centre is open year round and a take a relaxing coffee break or a stop in
virtual adventure through the parks, from there is an entry fee. For more information, at the ice cream parlour!
deep shipwrecks to a helicopter high above visit: www.pc.gc.ca/fathomfive Conveniently situated between the
the cliff-rimmed shoreline of Georgian Bay. grand cliffs of Georgian Bay and the
Outside, climb the 20 metre tower for rocky shallows of the Huron shoreline,
a panoramic view of the tip of the Bruce Showy Lady Slipper, GBE Miller Lake is the perfect location to
ingest all of the Peninsula’s beauty, and
only a very short drive to the Bruce Trail
Orchid Festival and Bruce Peninsula National Park.
& Singing Sands
S
inging Sands is located on Dorcas Bay,
just west of Highway 6, about a 10 If you are a wildflower lover, visit from
minute drive south from Tobermory. late May through late June to see the
This is a popular spot because of the succession of blooms. Sign up for the
shallow sand beach for swimming and the annual Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival at
abundance of wildflowers, including orchids, www.orchidfest.ca which takes place
which grow in a diverse array of habitats June 3 & 4, 2011.
found here.
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14. Lion’s Head Harbour, GBE
Lion’s Head
Take a look! The Bruce has been
designated a “Dark Skies” Community,
as it is unaffected by light pollution.
L
ion’s Head is located on the shores of Isthmus Bay and sits
on the 45th parallel, halfway to the North Pole. The village’s
central location on the Peninsula makes it an ideal base for
exploring the Bruce. It was named for the rock formation located
on the east escarpment. The first settlers who waded ashore, having
arrived by boat, thought it resembled a lion’s head in profile. Further
into the harbour you will find a great marina and docking facility,
a sandy beach with playground, and a municipally owned and
managed campground.
The Biosphere Reserve, surrounding the port is a mecca for
outdoor naturalists. Hike the Bruce Trail north to White Bluff or
south to Gun Point. Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve has
the largest number of “potholes” in Ontario. Glacial potholes
are one of the more fascinating examples of geological oddities
found on the Peninsula. Theory has it they were formed by runoff
Need a mortgage? water at the end of the ice age. The grinding action of large
boulders consisting of material tougher than limestone, trapped
Advice...you can bank on! in swirling water, created the potholes. More can be seen at nearby
Dyer’s Bay and Hope Bay.
Shelia Johns
Cell: 519-379-1040 Smokey Head White Bluffs, www.thebrucepeninsula.com
Office: 519-793-6126
Email: shelia.johns@rbc.com
“Serving from Tobermory to
Southampton and Area”
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15. Hope Bay, GBE
Hope Bay: Greig’s Caves
A Thriving Cottage Community
A
s you head south from Lion’s Head or north from Wiarton on
Bruce Road 9, you will arrive at Hope Bay, a thriving cottage
community with a natural sand beach. The Bruce Trail travels
through Hope Bay north to Cape Dundas overlooking Hope Bay,
where it passes a number of Glacial Potholes. Hope Bay is home to a
campground, a B & B, and a gift shop with a stunning garden on the
shores of Georgian Bay. Area attractions within a ten minute drive
include the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Park, a riding stable,
Cape Croker Indian Reserve and Campground, and the recently
reopened Greig’s Caves which offers ten caves for exploring. In
1981 portions of the movie “Quest For Fire” were filmed on location
in the caves.
With the beautiful sunrises, peaceful beach and great hiking,
Hope Bay continues to be a popular and relaxing retreat on the
Bruce Peninsula.
CEDARHOLME
Bed & Breakfast and Cottages
108 Beech Street, Hope Bay
RR #6, Wiarton, N0H 2T0
www.cedarholmebb.com
519-534-3705 • 1-877-225-2242
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16. A two storey 200 year old
Quebec log farm house,
filled with unique giftware,
featuring “Camlen”- Quebec
reproduction pine furniture,
full line of bird feeders,
antiques, and polar fleece
clothing made especially for
The Bruce Beckons.
Open Weekends (April 1 – Dec 31st) 10 am – 5pm
Open Fri. to Tues. (May 1 to Thanksgiving) • Closed Wed. & Thurs.
www.thebrucebeckons.ca • 519-534-1256
• M d rn one to th
Modern t three
bedroom cottages
• Seasonal campsites
• Secluded family setting
Your Hosts Paul & Norma Byers
519-592-5871 or 519-376-0592
www.heronpoint.net
Aug. 19-21, 2011
Family Camping...
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17. Berford Lake, Susi Ewing
Petrel Point, GBE
Stokes Bay, GBE
Red Bay, Mike Waterstrat
Off The Beaten Track & Worth It
Stokes Bay, Red Bay, Berford Lake
C
ross over Highway 6 at Ferndale and the two parks: Petrel Point, just north of
go north at the second crossroad, Red Bay, and Red Bay Conservation Area at
you will arrive at Stokes Bay. This Reid Point, west of the Red Bay Park and unique bird feeders, home preserves and the
was once a thriving fishing and logging beach. Three lodges and a camp-ground are coffee pot is always bubbling. The whole
community and outstanding fishing is still located in the area to provide you and your family will be entertained at the barnyard
available for black and small mouth bass, family a quiet place from which to explore petting zoo including Hector the Llama,
perch, pike and others. Stokes Bay has many and enjoy nature. exotic chickens, pigeons and two nannie
rare and unusual wildflowers, some of Take the Sky Lake Road east, and you goats.
which are not found elsewhere in Canada. will arrive at Mar. At Highway 6, turn south Berford Lake is another hidden gem.
In the late 1800’s, the settlers nicknamed it and drop by Handicraft House, a century old Far from the madding crowds, the warm
“Little Egypt” due to the abundance of sand barn turned trading post, open year round. shallow waters are part of the Rankin River
everywhere. The sand beaches are shallow, Nanook, the Great Bear of the North, is system, and provide a perfect spot for family
so the water warms up early in the season, a 726 kg, 3 m high stuffed Kodiak that swimming. If you enter from Highway 6 at
and can be enjoyed by early June. Tamarac presides over the store. On Sundays from Mar, you will find a public picnic pavilion
Island Inn was once a bunkhouse for those the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, a and park. Fill up your water containers from
working at the lumber camp. The sawmill huge vendors’ market attracts hundreds to the crystal clear Artesian Well. You may also
itself was located along the road near view the wide variety of local crafts, and access the east side of the lake by turning
the causeway. When the timbering ended other hard-to-find items. Continue a little off Highway 6, at County Road 9. This area
around 1915, the bunkhouse was turned further south on Highway 6 and turn north of the lake has two private campgrounds.
into a private hunt club, but since 1986 it onto Beckons Lane Road to reach Bruce Roth Park Campground has waterfront
has operated as an inn. Stop in and enjoy Beckons, a 200 year-old Quebec log farm access for their campers. Fishing is excellent
a light lunch and beverage or an evening house and store specializing in primitive and for bass, pike and pickerel. Sunsets over the
meal while watching the sun go down. pine furniture. The house is full of authentic lake are sensational. Berford Lake provides
Red Bay is a true naturalist’s retreat. hand picked antiques, a new line of Quebec a quiet relaxing spot to unwind and soak up
Many orchids and rare ferns are found in reproduction pine furniture by Camlen, all that mother nature can dish out.
greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 17

18. Did you know? Wiarton is home to a world famous prognosticating albino groundhog.
Wiarton
• February 2 Wiarton Willie Festival
• July 29 - Aug. 1 Rotary Village Fair
• August 1 Shore to Shore Run
• August 13 Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race
• August 19-21 Cape Croker Traditional Pow Wow
A WORKING FUSED GLASS STUDIO
CREATING JEWELLERY AND
FUNCTIONAL GLASS PIECES
STAINED GLASS, FOLDING KNIVES,
GIFTS, CHAINMAIL SUPPLIES
FUSING CLASSES & SUPPLIES
266 PRINCESS ST., SHALLOW LAKE
519-935-1001
www.sassafrasartisticdesign.com
Large Clean Rooms, Pet Rooms Available, Free Long Distance,
Individual Heat & Air, CAA/AAA Approved Lodging, Continental
Breakfast, Playground. Come Visit Us @ www.glenmillermotel.ca
18 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

19. Bruce Caves, Brendan Toew
Colpoy’s Bay, GBE
WIARTON: Base Camp for
your Bruce Peninsula Adventure
A
s you break over the hill going south of beautiful historic homes and buildings
into the town of Wiarton, witness are also worth exploring.
the panoramic crystal blue waters of Groundhog Day is a major celebration
Colpoy’s Bay. This sheltered bay is a favourite complete with a jamboree, parade, ice
with sailing enthusiasts and fishermen alike hockey tournament, curling bonspiel,
and the Bruce Trail runs through town with pancake breakfast, penny carnival, horse
View from the top of the Corran, Stephan Voss
easy access for day or extended hikes. drawn sleigh rides, a Monte Carlo Night and
Bluewater Park contains the Tourist the ever popular Groundhog Ball. Around
Information Centre, a playground, small 10,000 people attend this annual event which makes his prediction at first daylight on
beach, and a fishing dock with a boat ramp has been called “one of the most popular Prediction Morning. Thousands of fans tune
and trailer park. In addition to the infamous in Ontario” and has twice been named in to hear Willie predict whether spring
Wiarton Willie, the town is home to many “the World’s Greatest Event” by Seattle’s will come early or if there will be six more
unique stores and services and is the perfect Festivals.com. Each year on February 2, the weeks of winter. For more information, visit
spot to shop before heading north. Its bevy famous prognosticating albino groundhog wiarton-willie.org.
Relax & Enjoy!
at this fabulous resort & motel Spirit Rock
• Luxurious Spa rooms Conservation
• Regular/Family style rooms
• Your own Private beach on Georgian Bay Area
• Heated pool with suntanning deck The name Spirit
• Fireplaces
• Private decks overlooking the water Rock derives from
• All with spectacular views of the cli s a legend involving
an Indian maiden.
The Coran at Spirit Rock, www.thebrucepeninsula.com Encompassing 87
hectares, the site
(just north of Wiarton) features the historical ruins of the Corran,
a 17 room mansion built in 1881 by Alexander McNeill, Federal
Member of Parliament for the North Bruce Riding from 1881-1901.
In 1975, shortly after Grey Sauble Conservation bought the property,
a fire destroyed the mansion leaving only a stone wall shell. There
Located at 501205 Grey Rd 1, Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0 is an impressive view of Colpoy’s Bay from the top of the Niagara
1-877-534-0921 www.waterview.ca stay@waterview.ca Escarpment and a spiral staircase leads you down to the water’s
Your Hosts Dave & Evan edge and access to the Bruce Trail.
greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 19

20. Wiarton
Willie
Festival
T
he Wiarton Willie Festival will be celebrating its 56th
anniversary in February 2012. What started out as a bit of hoax
has developed into a national phenomenon that each year,
brings locals, visitors and media from across the country to Wiarton,
Ontario.
The week long festival kicks off each February 2nd (Groundhog
Day) with Prediction Morning Opening Ceremonies. This is where
Canada’s one and only beloved albino prognosticating groundhog –
Wiarton Willie makes his much anticipated prediction. Thousands of
people descend on the quaint town of Wiarton during the wee hours
of the morning and at exactly 8:07am Wiarton Willie greets his
many fans and leans in to whisper to the Mayor in Groundhogese,
whether there will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
This sets the tone for the many activities to follow over several
days. Parades, local bands, fireworks, dances, pageants, bonspiels,
tournaments and sno-lympics is just some of the local fun. Each year
brings new activities to the festival such as elaborate wood and ice
sculptures, lumberjack shows and food and wine festivals.
There is nothing more fun than the Wiarton Willie Festival, so
bypass the February Blues and plan to be there in 2012!
You can stop by to visit Willie at his home in Wiarton at Bluewater
Park any time of year. Stay tuned to the website for information on
Willie year round: wiartonwillie.com.
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