Grey County: Trails, Culture and Seasonal Experiences

Grey County offers a mix of long and short trails, cultural attractions and seasonal activities. To plan your trip, it’s worth first choosing your preferred season and focus: trails have different permitted uses, while museums, markets and events each offer their own reasons to visit.

Trails and landscapes: understanding permitted uses

The CP Rail Trail runs 77 km from Owen Sound to Dundalk. The short section of the Bruce Trail leading to Hogg’s Falls in Grey County is on a different scale. The Bruce Trail is open exclusively to hikers and snowshoers. The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails cover 60 km; in winter, they’re used for cross-country skiing, and in other seasons, for hiking and mountain biking. They’re not suitable for snowshoeing, and their southern section runs through a forest in Grey County. This comparison is helpful when choosing an activity: snowshoeing is permitted on the Bruce Trail, but not on the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails.

An agreement between Grey County and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders allows some off-road motorcycles on the CP Rail Trail between Rockford and Dundalk. This rule applies to that section of the trail. Since local closures can change and the Kolapore trails are maintained by volunteers, it’s a good idea to check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Eugenia Falls Conservation Area encompasses 23 hectares of the Niagara Escarpment, a river valley and upland forests. This adds another type of landscape for nature enthusiasts to explore alongside the hiking trails.

Cultural attractions in Grey County

Grey Roots Museum & Archives shares the human and natural history of Grey County by preserving and sharing collections, stories and memories. In July and August, as well as during special events and programs, costumed interpreters bring Moreston Heritage Village to life. Dates may change, so check the program before planning a visit.

Visitors can explore the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound. Tom Thomson’s grave is one of the historic sites in Annan-Leith. Visitors can also tour the Williamsford Mill in Williamsford. The three places offer different points of interest for visitors interested in culture and history, without covering the same subject.

Markets and brewing tradition

The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Producers, bakers, artisans and artists offer fresh flowers, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods and crafts. The Keady Market is held on Tuesdays. Its offerings include fruit and vegetables, specialty meats, homemade baked goods, antiques and gifts; livestock auctions begin there at 9:00 a.m. Market hours and offerings may change, so it’s worth checking before your visit.

Neustadt Springs Brewery has been brewing beer since 1859. Its building is believed to be Ontario’s oldest original brewery building. Weekend tours of the brewery, caves and original crystal springs are available by advance booking. Tour arrangements may change, so check the current details and book ahead.

Seasonal planning and practical information

Blue Mountain Village offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and cycling in summer. This seasonal change makes the timing of your trip an important planning factor. Starfest, an event for observing the night sky, takes place in Ayton; Holstein Maplefest takes place in Holstein. If you’re planning your visit around one of these events, check the specific dates before making your travel plans.

In Springmount, the Owen Sound Transportation Building has a visitor service centre where travellers can buy tickets for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. Big Bay is a convenient stop for day-trippers travelling by car, motorcycle or bicycle. These two points of interest add practical options to the range of nature and cultural destinations.

Discover more destinations: Owen Sound, Blue Mountains, Meaford, Chatsworth, Flesherton, Kemble, Hanover, Markdale, Durham.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario.