Bayfield Ontario Canada: Attractions

For over a century, Huron County and the village of Bayfield have been the preferred destination of travellers, who continue to be attracted by beautiful scenery, four seasons of outdoors sports, excellent shopping and theatre.

Here is a sample of the delights of Huron County:

Wine and Dine Events:

Most Saturdays from September through May guests may visit our dining room for a five course, five wine culinary event. In the fall, the Inn features some exclusive wineries of Ontario led by the winemaker. In the winter/spring the dinners focus on some of the best wine regions of the world.

Main Street Shopping:

Bayfield is well known for its premier shopping along the Main Street and has more than 40 boutiques, shops and interesting artisinal producers. Frequent Little Inn guests have their favourites, come find yours.

Theatres:

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival (classic drama and musicals), the Blyth Festival (Canadian works) and the Huron Country Playhouse (lighter entertainment) are among the stars of the summer theatre scene. Tickets can be ordered through the inn. Click to find out about our Stay and Play Packages and Midweek Theatre Specials.

Golf:

There are six 9- or 18-hole golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the Little Inn. Clubs and carts are available for rent. All courses are well-planned and laid out. Mini-golf and a driving range are at the south end of the village. Little Inn Golf Packages are available at Woodlands Golf Course and Bluewater Golf Course.

Swimming:

White sand beaches and safe shorelines abound in the village. Follow the stairs from Pioneer Park to the beach!

Boating:

Bayfield has the largest marina on the Canadian side of Lake Huron. Sail and power boat charters can be arranged by our Front Desk.

Museums:

There are three exceptional history museums in Goderich, including the unique Huron County Gaol, the Marine Museum and the Huron County Museum. The Historic Van Egmond House Museum in Egmondville. School on Wheels Museum in Clinton. Grand Bend also has a good local history museum.

Art Lessons:

KryArt Studios, next door to The Little Inn, offers art lessons for both children and adults from May to October. Walk in any time!

Horseback Riding:

Trail rides at Home on the Range in nearby Londesborough: $35 per person for 1 hour, $50 per person for two hours. The Front Desk can make reservations for you. Little Inn Horseback Riding Packages are available.

Hiking:

The surrounding area in Huron County boasts great natural beauty for hikers in nearby conservation areas, provincial parks and small wildlife and waterfowl preserves. Take a hiking excursion on the new Sawmill Trail with our partner, Outside Projects. Guided excursions are available with advance notice, our Front Desk recommends a Farm Gate Tour. Guided Hiking Packages are available. For a listing of upcoming Maitland Trail Association events click here.

Historical Walk :

Weekly Historic Walking Tours In Bayfield, Leisurely Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. in JULY and AUGUST Every Saturday morning, starting from 20 Bayfield Main St. N., take a guided walking tour of Bayfield's heritage district, through tree-lined streets. It includes the history of homes, hotels, schools and early settlers complete with anecdotes. Also harbour views from Pioneer Park and the oldest standing log structure. Admission $8; contact Ralph Laviolette, (519) 440-6206, bayarchives@tcc.on.ca; or visit www.bayfieldhistorical. A self-guided walking tour is also available at the archive for $5.00.

 

Wilderness Walks:

A local guide will help you explore river and woodlot pathways, discover beaver dams and hunt for wild edible mushrooms. These walks can be as energetic or gentle as you wish.

Bird Watching:

An abundance of bird life includes wild turkeys, hummingbirds and blue birds. Over 250 species are recorded at nearby Hullett Wildlife Marsh, nearby conservation areas and along the beach.

Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing:

There are several conservation areas with groomed and marked trails within minutes of The Little Inn or you can ski the snowy streets of Bayfield. The Inn has a few pairs of snowshoes to offer its guests, and our partner Outside Projects has plenty more to rent! Outside Projects also does hiking or skiing tours by request. Guided Snowshoeing Packages are available.

Geocaching:

What is it? Pronounced geo-cashing, it is a high-tech treasure hunt that involves locating hidden containers (called geocaches) outdoors, with the help of a GPS device. There are currently more than 820,000 active geocaches hidden around the world, and there are plenty of them hidden in Huron County! Visit www.geocaching.com to view a map of caches in the area (use postal code N0M 1G0 for your search). Don't have your own personal GPS? (The car ones don't do the job for this activity.) The Little Inn has one for house guests to rent. A brand new kind of adventure awaits! GPS rental Packages are available.

Fly Fishing:

The Bayfield and Maitland rivers are excellent places to experience this wonderful sport. The Little Inn partners with Fly Fitters to provide expertly guided and thoroughly enjoyable fly fishing experiences. Please ask about our fly fishing packages. Click for more information about Fly Fitters. Fly Fishing add-on is available. Need to grab some equipment before you leave the city? We suggest Wilson's.

Spa:

Bayfield has always been a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. The fresh Lake Huron breeze and the stately trees just outside your window, create an atmosphere conducive to repose and rejuvenation. In this spirit, The Little Inn is located just across the street from the Sapphire Spa and the Spa in Bayfield is just down the street.

Day Tripping by Car:

Tour Huron County - our byways and countryside have a different face in every season. Local villages have art studios and galleries, antique stores and intriguing history museums. Ask our concierge for suggested tours. Picnics and maps are available at the inn.

Shakespeare to the Shoreline

Tour, Taste & Linger

Explore the treasures of Huron & Perth with self-guided driving tours. Find useful maps of the self-guided driving routes - seven in total - with more than 110 experiences, sites and locations for you to enjoy on your way to Bayfield.

Themes include:
Antiques & Collectibles
Artisans & Art Galleries
Farm Markets
Gardens & Gardener's Dreams
Live Theatre & Performance
Historic Stops and Attractions
Nature Walks

For more information about these tours, please visit the Shakespeare to the Shoreline website.

Sport Parachuting

First Jump Training at Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Centre. Skydiving instruction: Your 1st jump is a free fall with 2 instructors assisting. Courses available (by appointment) Open March to November 9am-9pm. Bayfield has always been a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. The fresh Lake Huron breeze and the stately