Owen Sound
Make
Owen Sound your “
Plan Ahead, Book Ahead” go-to this winter by checking ahead for accommodation vacancies, dinner reservations at funky restaurants (think
Casero Kitchen Table) and tickets at concert venues (tickets go fast!). Not only do you avoid disappointment, planning ahead makes everything go just that much smoother.
Owen Sound is a sweet little gem of a city and glows extra brightly in winter, especially during the
Festival of Northern Lights, November 19
th to January 8
th. Holiday-themed displays sparkle along the Sydenham River in the city’s core and in Harrison Park.
The park itself makes an awesome destination for walking, snowshoeing or ice skating, followed by a pit stop at the
Harrison Park Inn Restaurant (dine in or take-out) to warm up and recharge your batteries.
The music scene is hot here with live acts taking to the stage at
Heartwood Hall and
The Roxy Theatre. The
Georgian Bay Symphony is back for the 2022-23 season. Before concert-time, dine in or take out at one of the many funky and unique restaurants, most within walking distance to the venues. Close to the downtown venues are a cluster of enticing
eating experiences: Casero Kitchen Table, Jazzmyn’s, Sizzlin and Yummy Yummy Japanese & Thai Cuisine. At Mudtown Station Restaurant and Brewery, accompany your meal with their signature craft brew made on-site – sit back and enjoy the ambiance in this updated
CPR railway station. Just outside of town, pop in for a lovely glass of wine and spectacular view at
Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery.
Take in a bit of the city’s culture and history on your visit. Iconic and influential Canadian artist Tom Thomson was born in nearby Leith and many of his works are at the
Tom Thomson Art Gallery. Visit a Canadian First World War hero’s family home at the
Billy Bishop Museum and explore the history of the county at
Grey Roots Museum and Archives.
Make a Saturday morning visit to the
Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, open year-round, and then stroll downtown’s main street to the
Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op, located in what used to be McKay Brothers Department Store (this beautiful building is a work of art itself) – look up toward the ceiling and you’ll see the cable lines from the former department store’s payment system.
Owen Sound and area is snowmobile-friendly country, with groomed trails making up four
Snow Tours (note that an
OFSC permit is required to ride the trails).
For more info and experiences: