Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Central Huron, Ontario and Goderich, Ontario
A road trip can be an adventure, exploring the scenic beauty of the countryside, experiencing the small towns and the local flavor. The route from Central Huron to Goderich, Ontario is a great way to indulge in such an experience. The half-way point Goderich, ON, offers a charming harbor town that is located on Lake Huron. The town is famous for its sunsets and has been dubbed as the "Prettiest town in Canada." The road trip offers a journey through the stunning vistas of the Niagara Escarpment, rural towns, and the waterfront of Lake Huron.
Top Five Things to do:
1. Visit the Marine Museum in Goderich
The Marine Museum and Marine Rail Park in Goderich offer a good insight into the Great Lakes commercial fishing, shipbuilding, and life-saving on the lakes during the 18th and 19th centuries. It houses exhibits of the tools, instruments, and equipment used by sailors, diving gear, and a giant steam engine used for lifting ships.
Interesting Fact: The Marine Museum in Goderich once had the world's largest telescope that was used for research and observing asteroids, comets, and the stars, which was the largest one of its kind when they installed it.
2. Hike the scenic trails at the Maitland Woods
The Maitland Woods is located near Goderich, and it is one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Ontario, where visitors can enjoy scenic hikes and immerse themselves in nature. The area is beautiful during all seasons of the year. It offers over 440 acres of woodland, and visitors can observe a wide range of plants and animals.
Interesting Fact: The Maitland Woods was established in 1827 as a timber reserve for the shipbuilding industry, one of the primary industries in Goderich during the 19th century.
3. Discover Ontario's history at Huron County Museum
The Huron County Museum is located in Goderich, and it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the region. The museum houses over 20,000 artifacts from the Great Lakes marine history, agriculture, and recreation. Visitors can explore the galleries with interactive exhibits, attend educational programs, and take part in guided tours.
Interesting Fact: The Huron County Museum is home to "The Tiger Hunt," a famous painting depicting the story of a group of Huron County soldiers who went on a tiger hunt while fighting in India during the 1800s.
4. Explore the scenic downtown of Bayfield
Bayfield, located north of Goderich, is a charming community with a scenic downtown that overlooks Lake Huron. The town is famous for its lovely boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The area also houses several historic homes and buildings. The scenic waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset while taking a stroll.
Interesting Fact: Bayfield was founded on the banks of the Bayfield River in 1832 and was an essential port of Lake Huron, serving the lumber and fishing industry.
5. Discover the world-famous Ontario South Coast Wine region
The Ontario South Coast Wine region, located near Bayfield, is home to several award-winning wineries producing some of the finest wines in Canada. Visitors can take a wine tour, sample different wines produced from fresh grapes grown on the rich soil of Ontario, and explore the winery's vineyards.
Interesting Fact: The South Coast of Ontario is one of the best locations in Canada for growing grapes due to the region's long growing season, moderate temperatures, and sandy, loamy soil.
Conclusion
The road trip from Central Huron to Goderich is approximately 1.5 hours long, extending through beautiful countryside, historic towns, and scenic waterfronts. The area offers many attractions for visitors, including charming maritime museums, vibrant downtown districts, and award-winning wineries. The journey is an opportunity for visitors to experience the local flavor of Ontario while discovering new and beautiful places along the way.