Originally know as Sydenham, Owen Sound was first settled by Charles Rankin in 1841. The city acquired its current name in 1851 and was incorporated in 1857. Today, both farming and tourism are integral parts of Owen Sound's economy. With a harbour and bay, two rivers, extensive park systems, a number of conservation areas and a refurbished downtown reminiscent of the 1900's, Owen Sound has many pleasant attractions and activities for visitors.
Museums in Owen Sound, Ontario
Located in the historic CN station on the waterfront, the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum is a natural attraction for visitors. The museum preserves marine history as well as the history of rail transportation in the area. Exhibits include ship models by talented artisans, CNR and CPR memorabilia, and temporary special exhibits each season. There is also a gift shop selling museum memorabilia. The Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum is wheelchair accessible.
The Billy Bishop Home and Museum is near the downtown core of Owen Sound. The late-Victorian brick house is the boyhood home of Billy Bishop, one of Canada's best pilots and most honoured servicemen. On display are pictures of planes and battles, flying suits and a model of the Avro Arrow. In addition, there is a gift shop for visitors to purchase books, cards, model kits, prints and other memorabilia.
Parks and Conservation Areas in Owen Sound and Area
Hibou Conservation Area in Owen Sound has two natural sand beaches, hiking trails as well as picnic and playground facilities, great for a day out with the family. There are also three other conservation areas - Inglis Falls, Indian Falls and Pottawatomi. Kelso Beach Park is another excellent place for a family outing, located on the western shore of Owen Sound.
Harrison Park has a spectacular range of facilities and activities for the entire family. With 40 hectares of streams, trails, gardens, playgrounds and forests, Harrison Park is located in the heart of Owen Sound. There are canoe and paddle boat rentals by the hour, dining and recreational facilities, a full-service campground and a bird sanctuary. As well, visitors can choose to play mini-golf, swim in one of the pools or stake a shot at the basketball courts. The network of trails in Harrison Park leads to Inglis Falls and connects with the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment.
Fishing, Golfing and Hiking in Owen Sound, Ontario
Owen Sound is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Ontario. Five rivers empty into the 13-mile long bay. Visitors and locals can choose to fish in the rivers and streams of Owen Sound or in the deeper waters of the bay. Owen Sound also has four public launching ramps for people to fish from as well as the Owen Sound Harbour Wall, most popular in the late summer as Chinook salmon are swimming upstream.
With a total of 34 golf courses in Grey-Bruce, Owen Sound is now a hot golf destination in Ontario. Choose from courses such as the Owen Sound Golf and Country Club, Scenic City Golf Course and Stone Tree Golf and Fitness. The newest addition is Cobble Beach Golf Links, a short drive north of Owen Sound on Georgian Bay.
There are numerous trails maintained by Grey Sauble Conservation. Hiking is also a popular past-time in the Owen Sound area as many of the trails link to the Bruce Trail, the longest footpath in the world. Enjoy a variety of outdoor attractions such as waterfalls, rocky shorelines and views from cliff-tops!
Many Attractions and Activities in Owen Sound, Ontario
With such a vast array of recreational options, visitors to Owen Sound, Ontario will be pleased with their choice of destination, whether it be for a weekend or a week. Visitors will have many alternatives to choose from including museums, parks and conservation areas as well as fishing, golfing and hiking among other things!
Mary Margaret Peralta - Mary Margaret is a mom to three children, with a passion for reading, writing and cooking.
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