Photo © Tourism Goderich | Canada’s Prettiest Town
Goderich’s natural setting along Ontario’s West Coast provides an incredible number of recreation and leisure choices. Goderich’s three beautiful beaches are a must-see. Come and relax on the sand or meander along the newly installed boardwalk.
The 1.5-kilometre boardwalk is over 10 feet wide and runs along the waterfront, passing by all the beauty and amenities. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, and public washrooms stand out along these beaches and are the perfect location for a day trip.
You can surely catch our famous sunsets from all the beaches or any of our 13 viewpoint parks at the top of the bluff. The beach is accessible by road, foot, and bike, with staircases extending from Lighthouse Park, Sunset Park, and Rotary Cove, allowing you to see the sunset twice if you climb quickly enough!
Goderich’s beaches should not be missed. With picnic shelters, playgrounds, concessions, and public washrooms, these beaches are perfect for a day trip. Paid parking is in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from May 15 to October 15.
Main Beach, the first beach you visit when you descend to the Goderich Waterfront, is a sandy beach perfect for families. Enjoy the unique sight of ships coming into the Port of Goderich. Amenities include concession, washrooms, and play equipment.
St. Christopher’s Beach, our second beach, sits in a shaded area in the centre of the Goderich Waterfront. Amenities include pavilions, washrooms, and play equipment. St. Christopher’s Beach is dog-friendly.
Rotary Cove Beach, is at the end of Cove Road. It is sandy and shallow, popular among local families. Amenities include concession, washrooms, fitness equipment, playground, and ping pong tables.
The Tiger Dunlop Heritage Trail starts at the former location of the CPR station at the Goderich Harbour (South Harbour Road).
Goderich Millenium Trail, with dramatic vistas, intimate woods, and an expansive floodplain, all couched on the southern bank of the Maitland River valley. Hwy. 21 to Nelson St. is a challenging section sculpted into the steepest face of the River Valley, affording an unusual view of some river rapids at Nelson St. to Mill Rd. Part of the trail is more of a moderate section descending into the Proud Foot historical tract and the Maitland River Valley floodplain. Proceeding upriver, enjoy the panorama of the valley before climbing to the top of the riverbank.
The Maitland Woods is a lovely, serene trail on the south edge of Goderich. It is rich in its variety of trees, plant life, and birds and includes creeks and ponds. Boardwalks are in place in the wet areas to protect the plant life. This trail offers walking, hiking, and skiing in some sections.
June 28 to July 2 – Multicultural, Children, and Canada Festivals
Goderich celebrates multiculturalism, children, and Canada Day the weekend of June 28 to July 2, 2024! Activities include a family-friendly, vibrant, culturally diverse show with music and dance-based performances on Goderich’s Mainstage (Downtown Square), a Fireworks display, a Canada Day parade, and a Children’s Festival. Caterers and food vendors provide a rich array of authentic and diverse cuisines in a global outdoor food court. In addition to food vendors, artisan and craft vendors offer a unique shopping experience for attendees.
Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival
Make sure to check out Goderich’s working harbour beside the Main beach. Many large commercial ships stop in to load salt, grains, and more. You’ll also notice the large blue buildings to the north; they belong to the largest underground salt mine in the world, Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine. This unique world wonder sits 1,800 feet below our feet, sprawling out under Lake Huron, creating a massive network that is physically larger than the Town of Goderich. Salt history and culture are celebrated during the Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival that will take place this year on Labour Day weekend.
Make sure to visit saltedgoderich.ca for more information.
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Summer or winter, rain or shine, ask a local for their recommendation and they will proudly share their bucket list of must do’s at The Prettiest Town in Canada.