A 77 km trail and a history reflected in collections, memories and historic sites: Grey County offers different ways to explore. The CP Rail Trail runs from Owen Sound to Dundalk. Alongside it, you’ll find museums, places with a special history, markets and activities that vary by season. You can shape your trip around the themes that interest you most.
History in Collections and Historic Places
Grey Roots Museum & Archives preserves and shares collections, stories and memories about the human and natural history of Grey County. At Moreston Heritage Village, costumed interpreters bring the past to life in July and August, as well as during special events and programs. As dates for seasonal offerings can change, it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Individual historic sites also offer specific points of interest: Tom Thomson’s gravesite is one of the historic sites in Annan-Leith. In Owen Sound, you can visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. In Williamsford, visitors are invited to tour Williamsford Mill. Each place has its own focus; choose the ones that suit your cultural interests.
In Neustadt, Neustadt Springs Brewery has been brewing beer since 1859. It is housed in a building believed to be Ontario’s oldest original brewery building. Tours of the brewery, caves and original crystal springs are offered on weekends by advance booking. Plan a tour with the required advance booking and confirm dates before your trip.
Trails and Landscapes with Different Uses
The CP Rail Trail is 77 km long and runs from Owen Sound to Dundalk. Grey County has an agreement with the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders for part of the trail between Rockford and Dundalk: some off-road motorcycles are permitted there. This rule applies to the section named above. Local closures can change, so check the current trail conditions before setting out.
A short section of the Bruce Trail leads to Hogg’s Falls in Grey County. The Bruce Trail in Grey County is open exclusively to hikers and snowshoers. The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails offer a different focus: they extend for 60 km and are used for cross-country skiing in winter, and for hiking and mountain biking in other seasons. They are not suitable for snowshoeing. Their southern section runs through a forest in Grey County; conditions on these volunteer-maintained trails can change.
At Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, 23 hectares bring together Niagara Escarpment landscapes, a river valley and upland forests. Blue Mountain Village offers a clear contrast for seasonal activities: skiing and snowboarding in winter, and cycling in summer. If you choose based on the season, the activities described here differ markedly.
Markets, Events and Practical Information
At Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, producers, bakers, artisans and artists offer fresh flowers, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods and crafts. The market is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Keady Market is open on Tuesdays; its offerings include fruit and vegetables, deli meats, homemade baked goods, antiques, gifts and livestock auctions starting at 9:00 a.m. The two markets therefore differ both in their days of operation and their offerings. Market hours and details can change, so check them before your visit.
Ayton is the venue for Starfest, an event for observing the night sky. Holstein is the venue for Holstein Maplefest. If one of these festivals is a reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.
For local information, there is a visitor service centre in the Owen Sound Transportation Building in Springmount. Travellers can buy tickets there for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. Big Bay makes a good stop for day-trippers travelling by car, motorcycle or bicycle. These practical stops add to the range of nature, culture and seasonal experiences.
Discover More Places
Discover more destinations: Owen Sound, Blue Mountains, Meaford, Chatsworth, Flesherton, Kemble, Hanover, Markdale, Durham.
For the broader travel overview: Ontario.
