Grey-Bruce Kids Summer 2023

One trick to keep the little ones moving along is to create a
scavenger hunt before you leave home. Plan ahead with a list of
wildlife or unique things you might come across on your hike.
Here’s a few to get you started; a frog, a flower, a bridge, a maple
leaf, a bird, and maybe even a snake! If you’re new to hiking, or
just need a little refresher, it’s good to review our Grey County
trail etiquette guidelines before you start out. These are great to
go over with the young ones too, while explaining why they are
important for everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the trails.
Enjoy summer at Wiarton’s waterfront.
Centre is a great family destination. Kids love the interactive
exhibits and have a hard time leaving the iconic indoor ship!
The museum offers hands-on experiences that will leave your
kids asking to come back on your next vacation. Visit www.
brucemuseum.ca for a full schedule of events and exhibits.
With 17 Bruce County Library locations, there’s also no
shortage of great reading, programs, activities and events to help
fill your days.
Get a delicious taste of family fun
If you’re obsessed with all things culinary, weave food into
your family activities. Dive into the (agri)culture of our farm
communities. Make memories with your family and harvest
your own fruits and vegetables at a local pick-your-own. Many
farms have family-friendly activities or on-farm markets allowing
you to extend your stay and spend more time outdoors.
VISIT GREY COUNTY
Summer is the perfect time for families to get outdoors and
explore all that Grey County has to offer. With its natural
beauty, stunning landscapes, and abundance of outdoor
activities, there are countless things to do.
Take a hike!
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Grey County
is by hitting the many hiking trails that criss-cross the region.
From easy nature walks to challenging multi-day hikes up and
down the Escarpment, there is something for everyone on our
trails. Whether you’re hiking to a scenic lookout along the Bruce
Trail or wandering through lush forests and along babbling
brooks on the Grey County CP Rail Trail, you’ll be surrounded
by the region’s natural beauty every step of the way.
If you’re not familiar with Grey County hikes, you will be
amazed to know that several of them can lead you to a beautiful
waterfall. There are nine waterfalls spanning all the way from
Holstein in the south through the Beaver Valley and up to north
of Owen Sound. Some family favourites are Hoggs Falls, just off
the Bruce Trail in the Beaver Valley, or Jones Falls just outside of
Owen Sound. Jones Falls has a few access points that allow you
to hike in from different locations, and the opportunity to hike
to the bottom and see the falls from below. Before you head out,
be sure to do some research ahead of time, as some falls close
periodically due to flooding and maintenance, and Walter’s Falls
does require advance reservations to visit.
Be adventurous
For families looking for a bit more excitement, Grey County
is home to several more adventurous activities, too. Ziplining
through the trees, exploring hidden caves and mountain biking
along the Niagara Escarpment are just a few of the heartpumping
adventures that await you. These activities are perfect
for families with older kids and teenagers who are looking for
a little more excitement in their summer adventures. If you are
just starting out and want to try these activities for the first time,
check out visitgrey.ca for local companies that can help you get
started. They will ensure you have a knowledgeable guide and all
the proper safety gear.
Go biking
If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to explore the outdoors,
consider taking a leisurely ride along one of Grey County’s
many bike trails. The region boasts an extensive network of bike
paths, ranging from the 77 km CP Rail Trail through scenic
countryside to more challenging off-road mountain bike trails,
as well as on-road routes with plenty of hills and scenic roads.
Grab a copy of Grey County’s cycling routes map to get started,
complete with information on bike rentals and repair shops.
Get on the water
Of course, summer in Grey County wouldn’t be complete
without spending time on the water. With the southern shores
of Georgian Bay in the northern part of the county, we are also
home to several beautiful inland lakes and rivers, which are
perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports.
Whether you’re looking to rent a canoe and paddle down a quiet
river or spend a day out on the lake testing your luck at fishing,
a day on the water is delightful for the whole family.
10 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • SUMMER 2023