ONTARIO • CANADA

Come, Explore & DiscoverThe Regional Tourism Guide for Grey Bruce

www.greybrucees cape . ca

2 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Please see page OS16 for ferry schedule.

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 3

www.bruceanchor.com - banchor@amtelecom.net -7468 Highway 6 Tobermory

4 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

ESCAPE TO GREY BRUCEThe 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.

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 5

10 Bruce County Lighthouse Tour25 Birders Take Flight25 Attention All Gardeners & Plant Lovers28 Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport29 Ride Your Bike in Grey Bruce30 Grey Roots Museum & Archives31 Bruce County Museum & Cultural CentreOS 2 Tom Thomson Art GalleryOS18 Waterfalls of Grey CountyOS16 Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ScheduleOS22 Hike the Bruce Trail & Others77 Fall Colours & Harvest78&79 Town of Blue Mountain Events83 Winter Fun85 Grey Bruce Was Made For the Motorcycle87 A Great Fish Story91 Ride Ontario’s Best Trail System95 Incredible Paddling97 A Full Palette for Art Lovers98 Bruce County’s Major Events99 Grey County’s Major Events100 Golf Grey Bruce102 Summerfolk

7 Tobermory12 Miller Lake, Dyers Bay, Cape Chin 14 Lion’s Head15 Hope Bay17 Stokes Bay, Red Bay, Berford Lake18 Wiarton19 Sauble Beach24 Saugeen First Nation26 Southampton, Port Elgin, Paisley, KincardineOS1 Owen Sound74 Georgian Bluffs80 The Blue Mountains88 Grey Highlands90 Priceville92 Durham93 West Grey96 Hanover

6 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 7

Tobermory was originally named Collins Harbour, but by the 1850s the Scottish immigrants who were fishing the area

renamed it Tobermory for their seacoast fishing and diving village on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. Today, the village still maintains the charm of a fishing village from another era. Take a leisurely walk around Little Tub Harbour, follow the bricked sidewalks past the numerous flowerbeds and visit the many quaint and unique shops, stores and galleries. On the east side of the harbour is a boardwalk which allows you a great view of the ferry dock and the Chi-Cheemaun as it steams into shore or disappears off the

horizon, heading out of Big Tub Harbour enroute to Manitoulin Island. Big Tub Harbour is the deepest natural harbour on the Great Lakes. The crossing to Manitoulin Island takes less than two hours. You can enjoy the sun on deck or have a meal in the licensed cafeteria or lounge. “Chi-Cheemaun” which means “Big Canoe” in Ojibway, can accommodate up to 140 automobiles and 638 passengers. Dinner cruises are also available and reservations are required. Reservations for passage are also recommended during the peak season. Please call 800-265-3163 to reserve your spot. Modern, affordable accommodation is available in Tobermory, as well as a wide range of dining experiences. Don’t leave the Bruce Peninsula without enjoying a whitefish or prime rib dinner of locally raised Bruce County beef.

TOBERMORY:Tip of the Peninsula

The village consists of twodeep, natural harbours called

Little Tub & Big Tub.

Tobermory, www.thebrucepeninsula.com

Chi-Cheemaun, GBE

Fathom Five Park, www.thebrucepeninsula.com

8 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Spotless Motel Units • Marina • Dock3 Minutes From Chi-Cheemaun

Live Entertainment • Bootlegger’s Cove PubCanoe, Kayak & Paddle Boat Rentals

www.tobermorylodge.com122 Bay Street • 519-596-2224www.tobermorylodge.com122 Bay Street • 519-596-2224

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 9

The 140 km2 park is located near the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and can be accessed from Highway 6 on Cyprus

Lake Road, Emmett Lake Road or Dorcas Bay Road. The park’s shoreline cliffs are a part of the spectacular Niagara Escarpment, which in many places are eroded to create caves, unusual rock shapes, pitting and overhangs. As a consequence, each location along this 20 km Georgian Bay shore has remarkable features. The Bruce Trail follows the shoreline climbing up 40 metre high cliffs providing some of the best hiking and scenic lookouts in Ontario. The park has the largest block of contiguous forest in southwestern Ontario, which is critical in maintaining the peninsula ecosystem. The Bruce Peninsula is home to over 43 species of orchids that are at their peak in mid June. Huge waves of migrating birds – everything from Blackburnian Warblers to Rough-legged Hawks - move through the park during spring and fall. The main use area of the park is at Cyprus Lake featuring a 242-site campground, a beach/picnic area and a system of hiking trails. Parking is limited for visitors wishing

to hike to the Grotto area, so it is advisable to arrive early in the morning or later in the day. Please make campsite reservations by calling 877-737-3783. There are many other excellent campgrounds and hotel/motels located in and around nearby Tobermory. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

FATHOM FIVE NATIONAL MARINE PARKThis unique national park encompassing 113 km2 consists of 20 islands and part of the lake bottom and waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. It is very much alive, being an ecosystem that includes all the aquatic and island life, the water, and the myriad of food chains that are its engines. Because water flows freely within the Great Lakes system, its health depends a lot on what is happening elsewhere in the basin. Fathom Five is clean and clear and home to over 20 species of fish and several infamous shipwrecks. The park has gained a reputation for excellent scuba diving. Divers must register at the Park Diver Registration Centre before exploring.

FLOWERPOT ISLANDThe jewel of Fathom Five National Marine Park, Flowerpot Island is famous for its iconic natural rock pillars. It is a must-see visitor attraction. Where else can you marvel at rock pillars, climb stairs up into a cave, experience an historical lightstation, swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a relaxing picnic – and all in one spot. The five km trip to the island begins in Tobermory’s picturesque harbour. During spring, summer and fall, tour boats operate on a regular schedule if the weather is favourable. While cruising to the island, you are surrounded by the beautiful waters of Canada’s first National Marine Park. Plan to spend a half-day or so on Flowerpot Island to have ample time to explore and relax. Six tenting sites are available for primitive camping (registration at the Visitor Centre in Tobermory is required in advance). Campfires are not permitted on the island.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Flowerpot Island, Daniel Louth

Georgian Bay Shoreline, www.thebrucepeninsula.com

10 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Stretching from South to North, the Bruce Coast Lighthouse Tour features 15 distinctive lighthouse and marine

heritage sites along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay for you to explore. Climb to the top, take a tour boat ride, spot the Phantom Piper, experience world famous sunsets, paint or photograph, learn the history of marine navigation, see shipwrecks.

SUGGESTED ROUTE: Allow 2-3 days to see all the sites. Traveling from South to North:• KincardineLighthouse–Picturesquedowntownlighthouse• ChantryIsland(Southampton)–Bookafullyguidedtourtotheisland• BruceCountyMuseumandCulturalCentre(Southampton)–Newhomeofthe

Stokes Bay Light House & the Bruce Coast Marine Gallery• BigTubLighthouse(Tobermory)–SCUBADiverightinfront• CoveIsland(Tobermory)–SeenfromtheChi-CheemaunFerry• FlowerpotIslandLightStation–AccessfromtourboatsinTobermory• CabotHeadLighthouse–Ascenic12kmgravelroadadventuretoaccess• LionsHeadLighthouse–Aquaintrangelightinadramaticsetting• CapeCroker–LocatedonCapeCrokerFirstNation

TOUR HINTS• Someofthesitetoursprovideinterpretationandguideserviceseasonally.• ThedistancefromKincardinetoTobermoryisapproximately200km.• Watchtheweather.Siteswhichareonlyaccessiblebyboatarehighlydependanton

good weather. • Admissionfeesvaryfromeachlocation.NationalParkfeesapplyforFlowerpotIsland.

For island locations tour boat fees apply.• Wearappropriatefootwearforsitesthatareopenforclimbing.Someofferhikingtrails.• CheckoutpageOS20-21fortheGreyBruceMaptohelpplanyourself-guided

lighthouse tour.

Majestic Bruce Coast Lighthouses

Chantry Island, jcswartz.com

Kincardine Lighthouse, Don LaMont

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 11

MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY • TworangelightsarelocatedatthemouthoftheSaugeenRiverin

Southampton. • ThePhantomPiperinKincardinepipesthesundownfromatopthe

lighthouse. • TakeaGlassBottomboattourinTobermoryofFathomFiveNational

Marine Park.• HikeouttotheGeorgianBayshorelineinBrucePeninsulaNationalPark.

Pick up a copy of the Bruce Coast Lighthouse brochure at a local information centre of visit our website at:brucecoastlighthouses.com

LIGHTHOUSE FOOD• Gerry’sFries–ontheBeachinSouthampton• GrandviewMotel-Tobermory• PrincessHotel-Tobermory• HarbourStreetBrasserie-Kincardine• TamaracIslandInn–StokesBay• TheLion’sHeadInn–Lion’sHead

Cape Croker Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism

Lion’s Head Lighthouse, Danielle Bellissimo

Cabot Head Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism

Flowerpot Island Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism

Big Tub Lighthouse, Bruce County Tourism

12 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Cape Chin North Road

Drop in for Tea atCape Chin Country Inn

open daily 12-4pm

Visit Pottery by Ben andAromatica, Spa & Massage

519-795-7525

Did you know? The Bruce Peninsula is unique in Canada for its variety of wildflowers.

Miller Lake,Dyers Bay &Cape Chin

•May7 CabotHeadLighthouseOpens•May24–26 SpringBirdingTourSummer

HousePark•June15 DownCapeChinNorthRoad,

Hike,Demos,Dinner•July2–10 OntarioFamilyFishingWeek•July29–Aug.1 B.P.AnnualArtShow•Aug.13 B.P.Endurance100km Challenger•Aug.19–21 Lion’sHeadRotaryCountry MusicFestival•Sept.1–4 B.P.FishingDerby

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 13

Make the state-of-the-art Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory your first stop to learn about Bruce

Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park! The visitor centre is the “front door” to the two national parks on the Bruce. In the exhibit gallery you will follow a path through the depths of Canada’s first national marine park. You will walk through a lighthouse ... and then a cave. You will see the wildlife that lives throughout the Bruce Peninsula. Relax in the high definition theatre for a virtual adventure through the parks, from deep shipwrecks to a helicopter high above the cliff-rimmed shoreline of Georgian Bay. Outside, climb the 20 metre tower for a panoramic view of the tip of the Bruce

Peninsula, the surrounding waters and islands of Fathom Five. The Bruce Trail crosses the deck of the visitor centre ... and following the trail past the tower will take you to one of the most scenic segments of shoreline on Georgian Bay. To get to the visitor centre, turn off Highway 6 and follow Chi sin tib dek Road across from the RBC bank in Tobermory. Or enjoy the 5 minute walk from downtown by following Head Street and the Bruce Trail. The visitor centre is open year round and a there is an entry fee. For more information, visit: www.pc.gc.ca/fathomfive

Singing Sands is located on Dorcas Bay, just west of Highway 6, about a 10 minute drive south from Tobermory.

This is a popular spot because of the shallow sand beach for swimming and the abundance of wildflowers, including orchids, which grow in a diverse array of habitats found here.

If you are a wildflower lover, visit from late May through late June to see the succession of blooms. Sign up for the annual Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival at www.orchidfest.ca which takes place June 3 & 4, 2011.

MILLERLAKE. . . The Largest Inland Lake of the North Bruce Peninsula

The 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 home. Enjoy a day in a canoe or kayak exploring the nine kilometres of varied shoreline, or test your luck with a fishing pole. Anglers enjoy the tranquil solitude of the lake where you will find walleye (pickerel), perch, bass and pike. Access is easy from the boat launch, and boat and canoe rentals are available. The first rental accommodations on the lake were established in the 1930’s with a handful of fishing cabins at the north east end of the lake. You will now find first rate camping, cottages and B & B’s, all overlooking the lake. Watch artisans at work making beautiful pottery and candles, then enjoy a meal in one of the area’s restaurants, take a relaxing coffee break or a stop in at the ice cream parlour! Conveniently situated between the grand cliffs of Georgian Bay and the rocky shallows of the Huron shoreline, Miller Lake is the perfect location to ingest all of the Peninsula’s beauty, and only a very short drive to the Bruce Trail and Bruce Peninsula National Park.OrchidFestival

&SingingSands

Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tower and Trail

 Showy Lady Slipper, GBE

14 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Need a mortgage?Advice...you can bank on!

Shelia JohnsCell: 519-379-1040Office: 519-793-6126Email: shelia.johns@rbc.com

“Serving from Tobermory toSouthampton and Area”

Lion’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 water at the end of the ice age. The grinding action of large boulders consisting of material tougher than limestone, trapped in swirling water, created the potholes. More can be seen at nearby Dyer’s Bay and Hope Bay.

Lion’sHeadTake a look! The Bruce has beendesignateda“DarkSkies”Community,as it is unaffected by light pollution.

Lion’s Head Harbour, GBE

Smokey Head White Bluffs, www.thebrucepeninsula.com

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 15

HopeBay:AThrivingCottageCommunity

As 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.

www.cedarholmebb.com519-534-3705 • 1-877-225-2242

CEDARHOLMEBed & Breakfast and Cottages

108 Beech Street, Hope BayRR #6, Wiarton, N0H 2T0

Greig’s Caves

Hope Bay, GBE

16 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

Open Weekends (April 1 – Dec 31st) 10 am – 5pmOpen Fri. to Tues. (May 1 to Thanksgiving) • Closed Wed. & Thurs.

www.thebrucebeckons.ca • 519-534-1256

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.

• Modern one to three bedroom cottages• Seasonal campsites• Secluded family setting

• M d rn one to tht

519-592-5871 or 519-376-0592

www.heronpoint.net

Your Hosts Paul & Norma Byers

Aug. 19-21, 2011

Family Camping...

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 17

Cross over Highway 6 at Ferndale and go north at the second crossroad, you will arrive at Stokes Bay. This

was once a thriving fishing and logging community and outstanding fishing is still available for black and small mouth bass, perch, pike and others. Stokes Bay has many rare and unusual wildflowers, some of which are not found elsewhere in Canada. In the late 1800’s, the settlers nicknamed it “Little Egypt” due to the abundance of sand everywhere. The sand beaches are shallow, so the water warms up early in the season, and can be enjoyed by early June. Tamarac Island Inn was once a bunkhouse for those working at the lumber camp. The sawmill itself was located along the road near the causeway. When the timbering ended around 1915, the bunkhouse was turned into a private hunt club, but since 1986 it has operated as an inn. Stop in and enjoy a light lunch and beverage or an evening meal while watching the sun go down. Red Bay is a true naturalist’s retreat. Many orchids and rare ferns are found in

the two parks: Petrel Point, just north of Red Bay, and Red Bay Conservation Area at Reid Point, west of the Red Bay Park and beach. Three lodges and a camp-ground are located in the area to provide you and your family a quiet place from which to explore and enjoy nature. Take the Sky Lake Road east, and you will arrive at Mar. At Highway 6, turn south and drop by Handicraft House, a century old barn turned trading post, open year round. Nanook, the Great Bear of the North, is a 726 kg, 3 m high stuffed Kodiak that presides over the store. On Sundays from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, a huge vendors’ market attracts hundreds to view the wide variety of local crafts, and other hard-to-find items. Continue a little further south on Highway 6 and turn north onto Beckons Lane Road to reach Bruce Beckons, a 200 year-old Quebec log farm house and store specializing in primitive and pine furniture. The house is full of authentic hand picked antiques, a new line of Quebec reproduction pine furniture by Camlen,

unique bird feeders, home preserves and the coffee pot is always bubbling. The whole family will be entertained at the barnyard petting zoo including Hector the Llama, exotic chickens, pigeons and two nannie goats. Berford Lake is another hidden gem. Far from the madding crowds, the warm shallow waters are part of the Rankin River system, and provide a perfect spot for family swimming. If you enter from Highway 6 at Mar, you will find a public picnic pavilion and park. Fill up your water containers from the crystal clear Artesian Well. You may also access the east side of the lake by turning off Highway 6, at County Road 9. This area of the lake has two private campgrounds. Roth Park Campground has waterfront access for their campers. Fishing is excellent for bass, pike and pickerel. Sunsets over the lake are sensational. Berford Lake provides a quiet relaxing spot to unwind and soak up all that mother nature can dish out.

OffTheBeatenTrack&WorthItStokesBay,RedBay,BerfordLake

Petrel Point, GBE

Stokes Bay, GBE

Berford Lake, Susi Ewing

Red Bay, Mike Waterstrat

18 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

A WORKING FUSED GLASS STUDIOCREATING JEWELLERY AND FUNCTIONAL GLASS PIECES

STAINED GLASS, FOLDING KNIVES,GIFTS, CHAINMAIL SUPPLIES

FUSING CLASSES & SUPPLIES

266 PRINCESS ST., SHALLOW LAKE519-935-1001

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

Didyouknow?Wiartonishometoaworldfamousprognosticatingalbinogroundhog.

• February2 WiartonWillieFestival

• July29-Aug.1 RotaryVillageFair

• August1 ShoretoShoreRun

• August13 BrucePeninsulaMultisportRace

• August19-21 CapeCrokerTraditionalPowWow

Wiarton

greybruceescape.ca | 2011 GUIDE BOOK 19

As you break over the hill going south into the town of Wiarton, witness the panoramic crystal blue waters of

Colpoy’s Bay. This sheltered bay is a favourite with sailing enthusiasts and fishermen alike and the Bruce Trail runs through town with easy access for day or extended hikes. Bluewater Park contains the Tourist Information Centre, a playground, small beach, and a fishing dock with a boat ramp and trailer park. In addition to the infamous Wiarton Willie, the town is home to many unique stores and services and is the perfect spot to shop before heading north. Its bevy

of beautiful historic homes and buildings are also worth exploring. Groundhog Day is a major celebration complete with a jamboree, parade, ice hockey tournament, curling bonspiel, pancake breakfast, penny carnival, horse drawn sleigh rides, a Monte Carlo Night and the ever popular Groundhog Ball. Around 10,000 people attend this annual event which has been called “one of the most popular in Ontario” and has twice been named “the World’s Greatest Event” by Seattle’s Festivals.com. Each year on February 2, the famous prognosticating albino groundhog

makes his prediction at first daylight on Prediction Morning. Thousands of fans tune in to hear Willie predict whether spring will come early or if there will be six more weeks of winter. For more information, visit wiarton-willie.org.

WIARTON:Base Camp foryourBrucePeninsulaAdventure

The name Spirit Rock derives from a legend involving an Indian maiden. 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 is an impressive view of Colpoy’s Bay from the top of the Niagara Escarpment and a spiral staircase leads you down to the water’s edge and access to the Bruce Trail.

The Coran at Spirit Rock, www.thebrucepeninsula.com

View from the top of the Corran, Stephan Voss

Bruc

e Ca

ves,

Bren

dan

Toew

Colpoy’s Bay, GBE

Spirit Rock ConservationArea

Relax & Enjoy!at this fabulous resort & motel• Luxurious Spa rooms• Regular/Family style rooms• Your own Private beach on Georgian Bay• Heated pool with suntanning deck• Fireplaces• Private decks overlooking the water• All with spectacular views of the cli�s

Located at 501205 Grey Rd 1, Wiarton, ON N0H 2T01-877-534-0921 www.waterview.ca stay@waterview.ca

Your Hosts Dave & Evan

20 GREY BRUCE ESCAPE | 2011 GUIDE BOOK

The 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.

WiartonWillieFestival