EXPLORE
THE PRETTIEST TOWN IN CANADA
Mayor’sMessage
Hello and a warm welcome to the Town of Goderich!
Whether you’re a resident, a visitor exploring our many businesses and attractions, or someone just passing through, we’re delighted to have you here. Our town offers a delightful escape with its small-town charm and breathtaking scenery that you’ll surely fall in love with. To discover a full range of activities and services we offer, feel free to visit our websites at goderich.ca and exploregoderich.ca.
In Goderich, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of community services, from quality education and childcare to recreation and performing arts facilities, robust healthcare, and reliable emergency services. The vibrant community spirit here is evident in our year-round events, including festivals, markets, concerts, theatre, and various sports activities, making every day in Goderich an exciting one.
Visitors will revel in exploring our attractions and tours, which beautifully showcase our rich heritage, dynamic culture, and the area’s natural beauty. At the heart of our town is the historic downtown square, a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors alike gather to shop, dine, and participate in exciting events held at Courthouse Park. Don’t miss out on our stunning waterfront, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along the boardwalk, take a refreshing swim, enjoy a sunset or witness a majestic vessel arriving at the Port of Goderich.
Since its incorporation in 1827, Goderich has evolved from a modest settlement into a thriving town, while preserving its rich history and architectural charm. As the only deepwater port on the eastern shore of Lake Huron and a prominent port connecting the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway to the World, Goderich plays a key part of Ontario and Canada’s supply chain and the H2O Highway, shaping its unique character and cultural heritage. Today, it stands as a testament to our past and our path forward as a vibrant community.
Amidst our exciting Rebuild Downtown Infrastructure Project, we’re committed to enhancing our downtown core to better serve everyone. Rest assured, all our wonderful businesses remain open and eager to welcome you. So, please enjoy the diverse offerings from our local shops, eateries, and services during your visit.
As your Mayor, I cannot express enough the pride I feel in calling Goderich my home. There truly is no better place I could have chosen to live, raise my family, and work. I hope that you will find the same joy and warmth in Goderich and perhaps choose to stay a little longer. Enjoy your time in Goderich and create lasting memories!
Warm regards,
Trevor BazinetMayor of Goderich
All About Goderich
Known as “The Prettiest Town in Canada,” Goderich charms visitors with its natural beauty and striking urban design. Set on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, in an area known as Ontario’s West Coast, the town’s location blesses its beaches with wonderful sunset views. The Town was founded by John Galt and William “Tiger” Dunlop of the Canada Company in 1827.
There is much to see and do in this architecturally rich port town, which sits on the bluffs overlooking the shores of Lake Huron.
Goderich’s natural setting along Ontario’s West Coast provides an incredible number of recreation and leisure choices.
As a port town, Goderich is fortunate to be graced with not one, but three beaches.
While walking our scenic 1.8 km boardwalk, playing with your dog at St. Christopher’s Beach, fishing along the Maitland River and in Lake Huron, or capturing one of our gorgeous sunsets, we encourage you to explore the heart of Goderich - ‘The Square’. This distinctive octagonal roundabout was designed as a “radial composition” - attributed to John Galt, one of Goderich’s two founding fathers of the Canada Company, inspired by ancient Roman city plans. The Courthouse Square is a jewel of Canadian heritage architecture The County Courthouse and Administration Centre stands in the middle of the Courthouse Park.
Embrace Goderich’s rich history with a series of enjoyable scenic walking tours at goderich.ca/en/my-goderich/heritage-walks.
aspx or listen to the South/East Street heritage audio tour, while also appreciating its many locally owned businesses and restaurants.
Trying new food is one of the great joys of life, especially when we travel. Visit our locally owned and operated bakeries, bistros, cafes, and restaurants for some delicious hot and cold beverages, baked goods, pastries, homestyle breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, and extremely satisfying casual and fine dining experiences. For a real experience and to try something authentic, try a milkshake at Cravings, an IPA at Square Brew, or a refreshing cider at Goderich and Huron County’s first premium craft cidery, East Street Cider Co.
For those looking to unwind from a day of shopping atFor those looking to unwind from a day of shopping at The Bee’s Knees or The Book Peddler for the latest bestseller, antiquing at C’est la Rose Antiques, getting decked out at Something Irresistible, or visiting our Saturday BIA Farmer’s Market, we suggest you drop into West Street Sushi for some California rolls, or Beach Street Station for their Great Lakes pickerel.
For those looking for a workout during their weekend stay, we encourage you to try your hand at one of many hiking trails including Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail (G2G), the Maitland Woods Trail, or the Tiger Dunlop Trail.
Some of the areas’ visually appealing trails crisscross and surround Goderich, offering breathtaking views of nature and a window to our past with many heritage sites marked along the way.
For more recreation, golf at one of our two courses – The Maitland or Goderich Sunset Golf Club – or go for a climb at
Maitland Valley Grotto.
For those looking for a relaxing weekend, rent a bike or paddle board from 360 Bikes ‘N Boards or the Goderich Bike Shop to take a leisurely spin around town or a paddle along the shore, or head over to the Yoga Den for one of their outdoor yoga sessions.
If you want something different sign up for one of Elizabeth’s Art Gallery’s workshops or Linda Wiebe’s Encaustic Workshops or take it to the skies with an aerial tour from Papple Aviation out of the Goderich Regional Airport.
Explore our many parks as more than one quarter of the land in Goderich is dedicated to parkland, many overlooking Lake Huron and our famous sunsets. Stroll through the town’s tree-lined streets and enjoy the pride people take in the preservation of local architecture.
The town has a rich and colourful history, celebrated in its museums and destinations of historical interest.
While visiting Goderich, we trust you will be welcomed with the town’s trademark hospitality.
We welcome you to experience the tradition of our awardwinning Downtown Goderich. It is home to over 140 businesses and services and features free and accessible parking.
Courthouse Square features a weekly farmers’ market and outdoor concerts during the summer, specialty shops, and outstanding restaurants and cafes.
From Courthouse Square it’s just a short stroll along West Street, a designated heritage district, to our beautiful lakefront.
There is so much to see and do here. Visit us soon. Spend a few hours or a few days.
Once you have visited Goderich, your heart will never leave.
2026 GODERICH EVENTS
APRIL
KINSMEN EASTER EGG HUNT Courthouse Square
MAY
GODERICH FARMERS’ MARKET
(every Saturday, from May 16 until Thanksgiving)
BIA SUNDAY MARKET
(every Sunday, from May 17 until Thanksgiving)
BIA THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERTS
(at 7 p.m. from May 28 until September 24)
JUNE
HURON COUNTY PRIDE FESTIVAL
(June 6 in Downtown Goderich)
GODERICH LIONS CLUB BEEF BBQ
(June 28 at Lions Harbour Park)
CANADA DAY FIREWORKS
(June 30 at the Waterfront)
JULY
GODERICH CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
(July 1 at Lions Harbour Park)
CANADA DAY CELEBRATION AND PARADE (July 1 at Lions Harbour Park and downtown)
GODERICH KINETTES FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
(July 3-5, Downtown Goderich)
GODERICH KINSMEN SUMMERFEST
(July 9-12, Downtown Goderich)
BIA SIZZLING SIDEWALK SALE
(July 15-18, Downtown Goderich)
MEMORIES THEN AND NOW CAR SHOW
(July 18, Downtown Goderich)
BIA NIGHT MARKETS
(July 17, July 24, and Aug. 14, Downtown Goderich)
JULY
PIPING DOWN THE SUN
(Every Friday at dusk, Rotary Cove Beach)
AUGUST
GODERICH CELTIC COLLEGE AND KIDS CAMP (Aug. 3-7, GDCI)
GODERICH CELTIC ROOTS FESTIVAL (Aug. 7-9 at Lions Harbour Park)
GODERICH ART CLUB SHOW AND SALE (Aug. 7-9 at MacKay Centre)
SEPTEMBER
GODERICH SALT AND HARVEST FESTIVAL (Sept. 3-6, Downtown Goderich and various locations)
OCTOBER
SPOOKTACULAR
Fri Oct 31
Downtown Goderich
NOVEMBER
BIA LADIES NIGHT (Nov. 19, Downtown Goderich)
GODERICH SANTA CLAUSE PARADE (Nov. 21, Downtown Goderich)
DECEMBER
BIA OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET (Dec. 5 & Dec. 12, Downtown Goderich)
These are tentative dates and subject to change. For more information call Tourism Goderich at 1-800-280-7637 or 519-524-6600 or go to www.goderich.ca
’ Market 8am to 2pm
Market 9am to 2pm
to Oct . long weekend Thursday Night Concert Series
Market 8am to 2pm Sunday 9am to 2pm May to Oct . long weekend Thursday Night Concert Series
May 28 - Sept . 10 7pm FREE
May 28 - Sept 10 7pm FREE
Heat is...on Sizzling Summer Sale July 15 - 18
Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival Returns for its 4th Year
By: KATHLEEN SMITH
Entering its fourth year, the award-winning Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival is delighted to host residents and tourists to the 2026 event running September 3-6.
Home to the largest underground salt mine in the world, the Town of Goderich works to deliberately build tourism experiences that reflect what makes this community truly unique.
“This event is a great display of the history and culture that shapes our community, and the ‘saltiness’ that makes Goderich unique, all weekend long,” says Mayor Trevor Bazinet.
The fourth annual festival will also feature a Friday night concert with Spice & Spears, sponsored by the Goderich BIA and partnering with Royal LePage Heartland Realty.
Spice & Spears is a high-energy tribute experiencing celebrating two of pop music’s biggest icons – the Spice Girls and Britney Spears – delivering a non-stop party atmosphere packed with live vocals, iconic choreography, multiple costume changes and crowdpleasing anthems from ‘Wannabe’ and ‘Spice Up Your Life’ to ‘… Baby One More Time’ and ‘Toxic’.
Spice & Spears is sure to create a nostalgic, feel-good show for audiences of all ages.
Saturday’s Compass Mineral’s Battle of the Bands competition provides local musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent and increase visibility during a competitive elimination format. Local bands and musicians can apply with performance links to Goderich Tourism: tourism@goderich.ca. Winning bands will take
home cash prizes, while the grand prize winner will also be crowned “The Saltiest Band/Performer in Goderich!”
Headlining for the Saturday Compass Mineral’s concert will be Sarnia’s rock band, Retrospect. Formed in 2010, Retrospect is a unique three (3) piece band that covers classic and progressive rock from all eras. More information to follow.
Since launching in 2023, the Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival has earned significant recognition, including the 2023 Huron Chamber Community Impact Award, 2024 Best New Festival in Ontario, Top 100 Event recognition in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and the 2026 Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) award for Best Promotional Campaign.
Designed as a signature tourism event, the festival authentically tells a distinctive local story, led by Town Staff who plan and deliver the programming and logistics of marketing and on-site operations.
Delivering a festival of this scale depends on strong community collaboration.
The Town of Goderich relies on valued partnerships and dedicated volunteers to keep the festival sustainable and impactful, including support form Compass Minerals, the Goderich BIA, Royal LePage, Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H), Coldwell Banker and many local businesses.
“I’m grateful for the professionalism and commitment our team brings to this event,” says Jenna Ujiye, Tourism and Community Development Manager.
The 2026 Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival is scheduled for Labour Day Weekend (September 3 until September 6).
Visit https://www.saltedgoderich.ca/festival for more information or details on how to purchase tickets or for a full list of scheduled events.
Goderich Parks and Recreation
The Maitland Recreation Centre: This facility is an active and vibrant part of Goderich and for communities near and far.
The facility’s footprint is over 70,000 square feet, the building houses a five-lane 25-metre lap pool, a children’s leisure pool, an on-deck whirlpool and sauna, gymnasium, indoor track, an NHL size ice rink, a wellness area consisting of cardio and strength training equipment, and aerobic studio. The Town manages the Maitland Recreation Centre (MRC) while the YMCA of Southwest Ontario maintains responsibility for recreation memberships, aquatics, wellness and group fitness programming, day camps, gymnasium and squash court bookings, childminding services, and the walking track.
The MRC is wheelchair accessible.
Bannister Park: This park was designed as an active park for everyone’s use. It is inclusive
for local baseball and soccer communities, skate park enthusiasts, children, youth, seniors, and families. The park area includes multipurpose pavilion, two softball diamonds, one hardball diamond, multipurpose soccer field, children’s playground, and a skate park.
Victoria Park: Formerly known as the Judith Gooderham Park, this park is home to two well-maintained tennis courts that are open to the public spring through fall, as well as play equipment and a pavilion.
Columbus Park: The fastest growing sport in North America has found a beautiful home in Columbus Park. One of the newest outdoor facilities in Goderich, Columbus Park boasts six pickleball courts to be enjoyed spring through fall.
Goderich is home to 32 parks. They are spread out around town with various green
By Anne Laviolette
Goderich Parks and Recreation
space, playgrounds, viewpoints and more. Twelve of these parks overlook the water from the bluffs around town and make for excellent sunset viewing.
Bingham Park: This special park is dedicated to the Monarch Butterflies, who in the fall, use this park as a layover on their migration south. Play structures are designed with the Monarch in mind, this quiet, serene space sees the most weddings throughout the year.
Lighthouse Park: One of the best spots to see all of Goderich’s waterfront. This park is home to our historical lighthouse.
Waterfront Parks: Goderich is home to almost two kilometres of waterfront access! Enjoy three waterfront parks all accessible and connected by the boardwalk and accessible by vehicle.
Main Beach: This beach welcomes you to the Goderich Waterfront! Come and watch the vessels being loaded and unloaded at the only deep-water port on the east side of Lake Huron, servicing regional mining, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Enjoy the various play structures. The Town has installed MobiMats for accessibility across the sandy beachfront
straight to the waters edge. A waterwheel floating wheelchair and beach wheelchair are now available to rent for free.
St. Christopher’s: A more shaded stop along the waterfront boardwalk, this rockier beach is a dogfriendly area and sits in a shaded area in the centre of the Goderich Waterfront. Pavilions, washrooms, and play equipment make your stay at the Goderich Waterfront perfect for family picnics.
Rotary Cove: The final stop on the waterfront boardwalk is the Rotary Cove. A grand archway welcomes visitors as they pass by the heart-healthy, year-round fitness structures. Play structures and loads of sandcastle-ready sand, entice folks of all ages to come and play. Ping-pong tables, generously donated by the Rotary Club of Goderich, add to the fun on Goderich’s Waterfront. The Cove’s design means that the waterfront here sees smaller waves and maintains a shallower waterfront, perfect for younger or novice swimmers. The Cove is also home to a beach Mobi-Mat allowing folks using wheeled transportation to enjoy the waterfront too!
The Founding of Goderich, 1827
By: DAVID YATES
On June 29, 1827, John Galt and Tiger Dunlop cracked open a champagne bottle and founded the Town of Goderich at the mouth of the Menesetunk. The new settlement was named Goderich. Yet, it was more than a champagne toast that founded Goderich, it was guts and vision that brought both men to Lake Huron’s shores to create what would become ‘the Prettiest Town in Canada.’
Almost two years earlier, in 1825, the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, nation ceded over 2.3 million acres of land to the Crown at Amherstburg. The newly formed Canada Company purchased the 1.1 million acres that became the Huron Tract with the intention of opening the lands to settlement.
John Galt, age 48, was appointed the Canada Company’s field supervisor. Galt was already known as a man of letters who consorted with such literary notables as Walter Scott and travelled the Mediterranean with Lord Byron. Galt was a romantic visionary who saw in the virgin forests of Upper Canada an opportunity to shape the continent’s destiny by peopling it with a hardy, loyal yeomen as a bulwark against American republicanism.
In 1827, Dr. William Dunlop, was not quite 35, but he already had a varied career as a soldier, author, scholar and raconteur. A military surgeon, Dunlop saw action on the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812. He served in India where he received his nickname ‘Tiger.’ He had taught at the University of Edinburgh; wrote a book on medical jurisprudence and contributed stories for the prestigious ‘Blackwoods Edinburgh Magazine.’ In his satirical writings, Dunlop displayed a bizarre Monty-Pythonesque sense of humour. He also enjoyed his whiskey. British historian Thomas Carlyle called Dunlop “one of the strangest men of his age.”
In 1826, Dunlop was living in London, England when he answered Galt’s advertisement in a journal requesting help in promoting a Canadian settlement scheme. With a 6’ 3” frame topped with flaming red hair; Dunlop cut a striking figure when he met Galt. Galt recognized in his fellow Scot a man of action and enlisted his services and gave Dunlop the grandiose title of Warden of the Forests. Together, they set out on their Canadian adventure.
On April 23, 1827, St. George’s Day, John Galt oversaw a tree felling ceremony which founded what became the City of Guelph named after the Royal family. A second town on the shores of Lake Huron was needed to accommodate the anticipated flood of settlers who would soon pour into the western part of the Huron Tract.
Dunlop with surveyors Mahlon Burwell, John McDonald, a few Ojibwe natives and axemen made up the party that set out from Guelph on May 14, 1827, to cut line to Lake Huron a distance of 72 miles. Dunlop called it a ‘dive into the woods.’ He reported to the Canada Company that “it is impossible to find two hundred acres together in the whole territory which will make a bad farm.” As the small expedition made their way through the primal wilderness and black flies, the Ojibwe kept the party supplied with fresh game.
On Sunday, May 27, Mahlon Burwell recorded in his journal that
they had ‘completed the line’ to Lake Huron.
Burwell wrote that the party had arrived at the mouth of the Red River so named because of the water’s discolouration caused by the red soil washed downstream. The natives called it the Menesetunk, which Burwell said was the Ojibwe word for ‘large, open harbour.’
Eventually, the long winding river, which meandered through the Huron Tract, was named the Maitland River after Upper Canada’s Lieutenant Governor Sir Peregrine Maitland.
When Dunlop’s party arrived on Lake Huron, several natives were awaiting the return from Detroit of Frank Deschamps and William Gooding who, since 1826, had operated a trading post on the site that would become Goderich. Three canoes carrying several Ojibwe families were the Dunlop party’s first curious visitors.
Burwell noted in his journal that on May 29, he and Dunlop selected “a beautiful situation on the left [south] bank of the” river to erect a log house. The shanty became known as ‘the Castle’ in what is now Goderich’s Harbour Park.
With a commanding view of the lake, harbour basin and river valley, Burwell’s location was well chosen.
By June 1, the party’s provisions were almost exhausted. While the members of the survey party continued to build the house, explore the river, the natives provided a venison supply, but more was needed. Burwell hired, Minetecose, an Ojibwe, to catch fish for the hungry party.
Dunlop and several natives, according to Thelma Coleman in ‘The Canada Company,’ built an elm canoe and made a run to Port Gratiot, Michigan to pick up supplies for the party. They returned with provisions on June 19 but a ‘much looked for boat’ crewed by French-Canadian boatmen had already arrived three days earlier so that further hardship was avoided.
In late June, John Galt arrived from York at the Royal Naval establishment in Penetanguishene. On June 27, Galt set sail aboard the HMS Bee, a Royal Navy gunboat that the admiralty placed at Galt’s disposal, to link up with the Dunlop party.
As Galt passed “the houseless shores and shipless seas” of Lake Huron, he scanned the shore for signs of Dunlop’s expedition.
About midday, on Friday, June 29, Galt espied through the ship’s telescope “a small clearing in the forest, on the brow of a rising ground a cottage delightfully situated” and wondered if it could be Dunlop’s party.
As the HMS Bee neared the ‘unexpected’ clearing, Galt later recalled a canoe approaching with “a strange combination of Indians, velveteen and whiskers, and discovered within the roots of the red hair, the living features of the Doctor.”
After the HMS Bee anchored in the basin, Galt marvelled at “the beautiful anchorage” and predicted that this spot would “become an important location” as “civilization progresses westward.”
When one pictures natives in their canoes, French Canadian voyageurs, naval seamen, red-coated marines, lumbermen, fur traders, surveyors, gentlemen adventurers and a Royal Naval gunboat with ensign flying in the harbour basin, the founding of Goderich may have been a great tableau of early Canadiana.
Unfortunately, it is not known precisely who was present, or what time the event occurred (Burwell whose journal is the most detailed was not present at the time).
Goderich’s founding probably took place in Dunlop’s log shanty late in the day on Friday, June 29, when he produced a champagne bottle that he had carried through the wilderness for the occasion. According to Galt, it was at this point that the new settlement was named Goderich after Viscount Goderich, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies and soon to be Prime Minister.
Galt spent the night in the cabin before setting sail with Dunlop the next morning on the HMS Bee for Detroit.
On July 5, one day after the great “American festival”, Galt’s party attended a Detroit theatrical production. When Lieutenant Douglas’s uniform of the HMS Bee was spotted, the band struck up ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘God Save the King’ much to Galt’s joy. It was probably the highlight of his tenure in the Canada Company’s employment.
In January 1829, Galt was unceremoniously dismissed from the company. He died in Greenock, Scotland in 1839.
Tiger Dunlop returned to Goderich and made it his home. Dunlop died on June 29, 1848, the 21st anniversary of the founding of Goderich. He is buried overlooking the town that he helped found. In a letter dated, June 2, 1827, Dunlop called the area around the Maitland River “the most beautiful country in Canada.” Somehow the label stuck and, according to local legend, it must have been overheard by a member of the Royal family who, according to legend, proclaimed Goderich ‘the Prettiest Town in Canada’.”
The Livery
If you’ve been to downtown Goderich, you’ve seen one of the most architecturally unique buildings in Goderich. Looking like it jumped out of the pages of an old-fashioned western, the Livery Theatre seems to be suspended in time. But don’t let its stone façade fool you. It may look like nothing has changed in decades, this building is a constant flurry of activity and acts as a hub for cultural life in Goderich surrounding area. In the 1840s, the rear of the Livery was erected as a harness shop for folks making use of the Huron Trail between Goderich and Guelph. By 1878, A.M. Polley had constructed additions to the building to facilitate his livery stable business and by 1974, when horses had given way to automobiles, and the Livery became the first
However, by 1978, the Livery had been slated for demolition. It was here that the community came together to preserve this historical building and repurpose it
Gone were the real horses and cars, and moving in were the creations of a director’s imagination. The Livery Theatre played host to a variety of horses on stage, (costume, puppet, and otherwise) and has welcomed a variety of vehicles through the doors,
not for sale, but for theatre.
Complimenting the south parking lot is the Dorothy Wallace Memorial Garden, paying tribute to one of the founding members of this community effort. Without the dedicated and inspired members of the Goderich Arts Foundation, the Livery may not be the cultural institution it is known as today.
The Goderich Little Theatre became the owner of the Livery and plays host to a variety of entertainment throughout the year. This not-for-profit charity hosts their regular theatre season from September to May, with additional productions typically performing in July.
Presented by the Goderich Little Theatre and sponsored by Rotary Club of Goderich, the ‘Silver Dagger’ will hit the stage on June 4June 7.
Written by David French, directed by Crystal Salverda and sponsored by 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery, ‘Silver Dagger’ follows the story of Steve Marsh, a mystery writer.
Soon after his third novel is published, Marsh’s wife receives a series of phone calls and letters that threaten to destroy their marriage.
Adultery, blackmail, murder, a figure lurking in the rain. Twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat suspense await.
Tickets are available on May 4, 2026.
The Livery is also home to the Ordinary Players Young Persons Theatre, the Livery Film fest, The First Time for Everything Theatre Festival, and concert series, all while being the go-to wedding venue in Goderich.
‘Grace 2: Tragically Hip Tribute Show’ will grace the stage at The Livery Theatre on Friday, June 26 to celebrate Canada’s favourite band, while uniting fans who share a love for the legendary music that continues to form the soundtrack of our lives.
Off-stage, Grace 2 supports charitable organisations, including the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Doors at 7:30 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.
The Livery Theatre is also home to the Livery Film Fest, supported by the Goderich Little Theatre. From September to April, one Thursday per month, the Livery Film Fest is fortunate to rent one of the cinemas at Park Theatre to premiere their film of the month.
To book your tickets, see the space, inquire about a rental, or just see what is going on this weekend at the Livery, head to thelivery.ca or call 519.524.6262. You’re going to fall in love, just like the residents of Goderich.
The Park Theatre: Goderich’s Movie House
By: DAVID YATES
The Park Theatre is one of the Goderich Square’s signature buildings. As Huron County’s last operating movie house, the Park Theatre is one of the area’s cultural treasures which has brought the best, and sometimes the worst, of Hollywood for more than 70 years.
In January 1946, H.J. Sutherland announced he had purchased the property on the Square in the block between West and Colborne streets. Sutherland was a small-town movie house entrepreneur.
In 1922, he purchased Goderich’s silent movie house, the Model Theatre. In 1930, Sutherland built the Capital Theatre, “Goderich’s All-Talking Theatre” on the southeast corner of Waterloo and West streets. The Capital was the first talking movie house in Goderich.
By 1946, Sutherland owned the movie theatres in Clinton, Seaforth, St. Marys, Mitchell, Owen Sound and Cobourg.
He promised the Goderich Signal Star that the Park Theatre would be “an ultra modern place of amusement” with “a beautiful front and lighted canopy” which will be “a decided improvement to the Square.”
It would not be until four years later, on March 6, 1950, that the new theatre held its premiere opening night.
In the era just before television, the local movie theatre was still the town’s gathering place on Friday and Saturday nights to watch newsreels or catch the latest Hollywood movie hit.
In pop culture, it was loosely understood that the early showing was for parents and young families while the late show was for teens and dating couples. Saturday afternoon matinees were for children who thrilled to the latest installments of western serials, the comedies of Abbott and Costello or the Three Stooges while mothers shopped in the stores.
At the gala opening, Mayor George Mathieson and Air Vice Marshall Sully, Chair of the Goderich Board of Trade were on hand to make speeches and assist Sutherland in cutting the ribbon on Canada’s newest movie house.
On opening night, excited theatregoers lined up an hour before the 7:30 p.m. start time to get one of the 500 seats in the new theatre.
Those lucky enough to get tickets passed under the triangular marquis’ flashing lights and the neon lit “Park” sign jutting out from the theatre’s facade.
Within minutes, the house was filled. Many more were turned away but could look forward to the 9:30 p.m. show.
Soon after the patrons sat down in the dunlopilla-cushioned seats and the house lights dimmed, projectionist George Jenner, who had been with Sutherland’s for over 20 years, flipped
on the state-of-the-art Northern Electric “rock steady” projector and modern sound system. The movie was projected onto a custom-built Cyclorama screen, “the first of its kind to be installed in the Dominion of Canada.”
The Park Theatre’s first movie was the hit MGM musical comedy On the Town starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. The classic movie of a sailors on a 24-hour pass in New York City with two girls was dancer Gene Kelly’s favourite movies. On the Town was a fitting film to inaugurate the area’s newest movie theatre.
Although theatregoers went to the theatre to see the movie, the Signal Star believed the “most outstanding feature” of the building was its air conditioning system.
Sutherland had a 300-foot pipe drilled on the site to supply water to the cooling system, which pumped cold air through the same ducts in the summer and heated air in the winter.
The Park Theatre was the last movie house opened in Huron County. In just a few years, television and, later, home entertainment systems, altered society’s entertainment patterns. Within a just few years, movie houses were closing all over the county.
The Capital closed in 1955; Seaforth’s Regent in 1958; the Roxy in Clinton in 1959; and Exeter’s Lyric Theatre in 1963.
For over 70 years, the Park Theatre has been the town’s movie house. Although few can recall Goderich’s silent movie houses, like the Model, Star or Lyric theatres, many remember lining up around the corner on Colborne Street in the 1970’s in anticipation of seeing Hollywood blockbusters like Jaws (1974) and Star Wars at the Park.
The late Paul Wheeler, the Park’s manager from 1988-2010, said that the movies that bring out the crowds today are the Harry Potter or Twilight series.
The Park added a second screen in 1998. Most recently, it was badly damaged but survived the F-3 tornado that hit Goderich on Aug. 21, 2011.
Its re-opening in November of that year re-affirmed its place as a Goderich cultural icon and now it has survived two years of a pandemic.
Although the 1950s vintage red seats held together with duct tape have long since been removed, the Park has provided great small-town entertainment for generations of Goderich movie-goers.
Ticket prices for a movie at the two-screen theatre are at a cost of $11, while matinee price is $8.
Children (ages 13 and under), seniors (65 and over) and Tuesday nights are $8.
Prices are subject to change. Cash and Interac debit only. Box office opens approximately 30 minutes prior to showtimes.
Towels? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Parking App?
Goderich’s Waterfront draws folks from all over the world. With two kilometres of accessible water, sandy beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, and turquoise waters, how can anyone resist these beaches?
As you get ready to visit, be sure to have everything you need to make the most of your day at the beach. In 2020, Goderich adopted a paid parking system at our accessible waterfront. When you visit Goderich between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., May 15 to October 15, you will be responsible for paying for your parking anywhere along the waterfront. Rates for this season are as follows:
Hourly rate $6.00 per hour
Daily rate $30.00 per day
Seasonal Permit $65.00 + HST (one car per permit) Getting your permit is simple and is something that you can have ready long before you hit the beach. The easiest way to pay for your parking is to make use of the Passport Canada Parking App, available on the App Store or Google Play, or by scanning the QR code listed with this article.
Simply enter your vehicle information, payment information, and Zone Number 20804, and you can book your parking for the day. Save yourself the
additional headache and pay in advance. When you use the Passport Canada App, you can even opt into notifications when your time might be expiring and renew from the comfort of your sandcastle.
If you like to pay upon arrival, our parking machines are located at various points along the waterfront and can accept loonies and toonies (exact change), or VISA, MasterCard, American Express, as well as ApplePay, Android Pay, and Interac Flash. Any way you want to pay, Goderich can make that happen.
To avoid a waterfront parking violation ticket of $50, it is important that you register the licence plate of the current vehicle you are driving, when parking at Goderich’s Waterfront.
All waterfront parking areas are patrolled by Paid Parking Enforcement Officers. They have a tool that checks if the licence plate has a valid permit associated with it. They do not have access to any further personal information.
Please help us keep our waterfront clean and accessible for all to use. When you pay and stay at our waterfront, these funds are committed to the future health of Goderich’s Main, St. Christopher’s, and Rotary Cove Beaches.
Pickleball
Chances are, if you drive through Goderich on a sunny spring, summer, or fall day, you will see folks out on the courts, swinging what looks like giant ping-pong paddles around, chasing after a wiffleball, having the time of their lives.
Have Goderich’s residents confused their sports? Or are they just getting on-board with the fast-growing sport?
In 2021, Goderich celebrated the grand opening of the Columbus Park Courts located at 35 Balvina Street East. These six, brand new Pickleball Courts were the product of a community-wide effort, spear-headed by the Goderich Kinsmen Club and the Rotary Club of Goderich.
In total, the Town has eight pickleball courts available to play on.
Packed with players of all ages and abilities, Pickleball fever has hit Goderich hard. Not only is Pickleball the fastest growing sport in the world, but it is also Goderich’s fastest growing sport, and its welcoming nature makes it so easy to get hooked.
“We’ve got people playing who have had knee and hip replacements,” reports Brian Chase, Goderich Pickleball Coordinator and Expert.
“And we have players who have run a marathon just that morning. People play to their ability and have a blast doing it!”
With easy and fun-to-follow rules and a low starting cost, Pickleball has become one of the most accessible sports to play.
For folks who have moved to town recently, it has become a great way to get active, meet new people, and find a new community to get involved with.
Goderich Pickleball is on the go even when the sport isn’t in season; over 50 pickleball players walk in the Santa Claus Parade. This crew of Pickleballers loves to get involved and support local initiatives.
At their indoor courts at the Goderich-Huron YMCA, Goderich Pickleball will often be hosting demonstrations and “Learn to Play” events for folks who are curious to give it a go.
Pickleball can be played indoors at the Maitland Recreation Centre/YMCA, and outdoors at many courts including those at Columbus Park (six courts available for public use) and at The Maitland (two courts).
You might just be visiting Goderich, but you might just fall in love with Pickleball while you are here.
Trails in Goderich
Goderich has a total of 12 scenic trails, including six easy hiking trails.
Hikers can explore forested areas, enjoy river views, and spot wildlife while hiking in this area.
The G2G Rail Trail:
A safe, continuous, and fully inclusive trail, the G2G Rail Trail is 132 kilometres of liner, multi-use green space from the 401 corridors as Guelph to the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich.
It runs along the former CPR railway line and is overseen and maintained by volunteers and steward groups who are passionate trail enthusiasts.
The G2G Rail Trail is a natural, historical, and culturally significant conservation corridor that supports community recreation and active transportation and promotes health and well-being. The trail brings awareness to rural agriculture, heritage, and the environment.
Falls Reserve:
Set along the scenic Maitland River, just minutes from Goderich, Falls Reserve is a 230-acre natural outdoor playground.
Falls Reserve is nearly enclosed by the winding Maitland River.
The steep slopes of the river valley, particularly from Auburn to Goderich, are well vegetated and provide important wildlife habitat.
Pack your camera and spend a day or a weekend hiking along the trails accessible from the park.
valleys and fertile river bottom that front on the Maitland River.
The forest and river valley support 21 distinct plant communities and is a haven for birds.
Hikers can follow a trail down through towering trees to the Maitland River valley.
This area is accessible to hikers on the Maitland Valley Trail from Goderich.
Maitland Trail:
Stretching between Auburn and Goderich, the Maitland Trail covers approximately 50-kilometres meandering along the Maitland River.
This trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a captivating journey through well-maintained paths, and varying levels of difficulty.
The trail showcases diverse natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for hikers seeking both day trips and multi-day treks.
Millennium Trail:
This 3.7-kilometre lightly trafficked out and back trail features the Maitland River.
The trail is hilly with terracing and boardwalks, steep slopes, and exposed tree roots.
The Millennium Trail is great for hiking and walking, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Menesetung Trail to Sifto Loop:
Explore this 6-kilometre loop trail that is popular for hiking and walking, and during quieter times of day, hikers can experience some solitude.
Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve:
This 58-hectare upland forest is an area of steep
This trail can begin in Goderich near the entrance to the Sifto Salt Mine. Hikers cross the Maitland River on
Trails in Goderich
the historical Menesetung Bridge and head towards the Tiger Dunlop Tomb.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Maitland Woods Trail:
Come check out this 3.4-kilometre loop trail that is popular for birding, hiking, and walking.
Located in the middle of Goderich with lots of parking, this trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
G.A.R.T.:
Also known as the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (GART), this 13.6-kilometre trail passes two scenic ponds, crosses over Sharpe’s Creek, and ends at the intersection of the Maitland Trail.
Horseback riding is permitted along the trail.
Waterfront Trail:
This 1.5-kilometre trail along the boardwalk extends from the Main Beach at the mouth of the harbour, to the Rotary Cove.
Enjoy sunsets on Ontario’s West Coast, picnic areas, playgrounds, rest stops, and a leisurely stroll.
Family owned and operated business. Licensed for adult beverages Patio open from May long weekend to Thanksgiving, weather and wasp’s permitting. Best morning patio sun and coolest afternoon shade in Goderich DAILY FEATURES Friday – All You Can Eat Fish and Chips
Goderich’s Salt Story
By: KATHLEEN SMITH
Even though dazzling white salt from Goderich outclassed the more famous English salt by winning first prize at the 1867 Paris Exhibition, mass production of salt in Goderich did not begin until 1880.
In September of 1858, James Miller Williams discovered oil while attempting to drill a water well in the Ontario town of Oil Springs, in Lambton County.
The discovery of oil brought hundreds of speculators and workers into southwestern Ontario, and many profitable refineries were started in nearby towns such as Petrolia.
With oil excitement at its height, a company was formed in Goderich by local merchants and politicians with the intent of striking oil.
The Goderich Petroleum Company secured $10,000 in capital and contracted local mill owner Samuel Platt to oversee the drilling process.
Platt contact and hired Peter MacEwan to perform the actual drilling. As a chief driller, MacEwan had successfully drilled over 20 oil wells since 1861 and was well known for his experience.
On November 17, 1865, drilling commenced on the north bank of the Maitland River in what was then known as Maitlandville,
or present day Saltford.
Platt and MacEwan drilled to a depth of 686-feet but failed to strike oil.
The Goderich Petroleum Company had exhausted its funds and the investors decided to abandon the project.
The local municipal council, optimistic that striking oil was still a possibility, offered up to $1,500 to anyone who would drill to a depth of 1,000-feet in search of the black gold.
Platt and MacEwan continued, and after 102 days of drilling, were compensated for their efforts.
The joint stock company known as Goderich Petroleum Company that funded the drilling efforts, changed their name to the Goderich Salt Company.
They began to market salt to buyers predominantly in Chicago and Milwaukee throughout the early months of 1867.
The company saw huge profits during the first year of production, and shareholders were paid a 51% dividend.
Production facilities were soon built and by 1872 the facility was producing 21,000 barrels of salt annually.
Workers placed rows of 100 cast iron kettles, carrying 120 to 140 gallons of pumped brine each, on wood-burning furnaces. This evaporation process produced a fine flake salt. However, as wood fuel was consumed the cost escalated.
To streamline the process, mine managers replaced the shallow steel pans with kettles and introduced coal. Still the process proved too expensive and the salt too coarse.
By 1910, managers modernized operations with the vacuum pan process, consisting of one vertical steel tank with internal heating tubes conducting steam. This cost-effective operation produced granular salt crystals widely used for table salt.
Surprisingly, mining directly in Goderich didn’t occur until the late 1950s. Engineers finished construction of a mine shaft in 1959 so miners could descend almost 550 meters to crush rock salt for winter roads and water softeners.
A second shaft became operational in 1968 and a third shaft was added in 1983. Since then both the Goderich evaporation and
the Goderich salt Mine have both operated in the Town of Goderich.
Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine, located 1,800-feet under Lake Huron, is the largest underground salt mine in the world. The mine is as deep as the CN Tower in Toronto is tall. It has operated since 1959 and was acquired by Compass Minerals in 1990.
The rock salt produced at the mine is used to keep citizens in North America safe as they travel through winter snow and ice.
The salt is shipped to hundreds of communities around the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Some of the salt is trucked to the Compass Minerals plant less than four kilometers away, to be packaged for distribution and sale at retailers in North America.
The salt is also sold in bulk to manufacturers that make plastics, detergents, disinfectants, and other important products.
The Goderich Evaporation Plant uses mechanical evaporation, the plant produces high-purity, fine- and coarse-grained salt products in packages and in bulk for commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications.
The plant also packages rock salt from the mine that is used for de-icing and water conditioning.
The salt mine is currently owned by Sifto Salt and its parent company Compass Minerals.
The Goderich salt mine is the largest underground salt mine in the world.
The mine extends for three kilometres from the shoreline under Lake Huron and produces nine million tonnes of salt a year.
To celebrate the history and culture of salt in Goderich, the Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival is taking place from September 3 – September 6. Visit www.saltedgoderich.ca for more information.
Golf In Goderich
SUNSET GOLF CLUB:
The Sunset Golf Club course will challenge any level of golfer with superb greens, tree lined fairways, well-placed bunkers and a creek coming into play on 13 of the holes.
Golfers or newcomers to golf can practice every club in their bag on Sunset’s Par 3 Course, as well as on the beautiful bluegrass driving range and putting green.
The Sunset Golf Club has been serving its customers for more than 45 years.
The course features an 18-hole championship course, practice putting green, two Sunset Leagues for members, open to the public, open to tournaments, power carts and pull cart rentals available, PGA of Canada Golf Professional lessons and clinics, junior camps, and a licensed club house and snack bar.
Sunset also offers a Baby Boomer Par 3 nine-hole course where beginners or those wishing to practice clubs come to golf.
Holes are anywhere from 86 to 213 yards in length, and you only need a couple hours to complete the par 3 course.
Goderich Sunset Golf Club offers men’s and ladies leagues, as well as a Par 3 Leagues for members and guests through the golfing season.
The Par 3 Executive 9-hole course offers adult, couple, family, and junior rates ranging in price from $195 (Junior) and $535 (Adult).
Green fee rates walking nine holes is $40, while riding cart for nine holes costs an additional $15.95. Walking 18 holes for an adult is $52 plus the cost of $27.25 for a cart.
Membership rates for the 2026 season range in price from $445 (Junior 27-hole) to $1,030 (Adult nine-hole), and $1,470 (Adult
27-hole, seven day), and $2,740 (Family 27-hole).
Sunset Golf Club often plays host to several tournaments throughout the season.
A round of golf at Sunset Golf Club or for any inquiries about tee times contact: 519-524-8047 or visit: https://sunsetgolfclub.com
Sunset Golf Club is located just north of downtown Goderich at 33937 Golf Course Road.
THE MAITLAND GOLF CLUB:
The Maitland offers golfers newly refurbished scenic fairways along the Maitland River, where golf, pickleball and tennis unite in natural splendor.
Founded in 1921, The Maitland Golf Club is a place where recreation meets community, and where history and modern enjoyment intertwine.
With the creation of The Maitland Golf Club, the picturesque fairways of the golf club graced the river flats.
The Maitland provides recreation, exercise, social events to members, public and visitors.
The Maitland is not just a golf course, but it also offers pickleball, and tennis facilities. It can also be a great place to host a special event, whether a family gathering for 20, or an office party for 90 people.
Accessible by car, bicycle and even on foot, many rounds of golf are enjoyed at The Maitland every season.
Boasting a scenic and challenging nine holes, the well-established Maitland Golf Club course stretches along the shores of the Maitland River.
Golf In Goderich
The club offers a fully stocked pro shop, rental clubs, pull carts, power carts, as well as junior, senior, men’s and women’s golf leagues and tournaments throughout the season.
Guided by new ownership and management, the clubhouse and amenities are in a state of perpetual enhancement.
Memberships for the 2026 season are now available, while visitors to the course can play by paying a course fee.
On weekday and weekends, walking nine holes costs $32. Renting a power cart is an additional $26 for nine holes.
A junior membership (18 and younger) costs $252 for the season, and an adult membership cost $924 for those aged 40-64 years old.
By choosing to become a member at the Maitland Golf Course, golfers gain unlimited access to one of the most scenic golf courses in the area.
To book a tournament, or for more information email: info@ themaitland.com or call 519-524-9641.
The Maitland now offers a Tennis and Pickleball Club that serves the community by offering adults and juniors the opportunity to play both casual and competitive games and participate in friendly social activities.
Comprehensive programming will be provided by professionals to all player levels, from adult beginners to competitive league players, while the progressive curriculum will be delivered to the Junior section, with an optional High-Performance track.
Tennis and Pickleball Memberships at The Maitland are an affordable way to enjoy a great sport all season long.
Adult fees for the season are $292, Intermediate fees are $219, Junior fees are $107, a Single Court Fee is $20, and a 10-Play Fee is $165.
For more information on The Maitland Golf Club, visit: https:// www.themaitland.com
WOODLANDS LINKS GOLF COURSE:
For those who are willing to put in a 15-minute drive south of Goderich, Woodlands Links Golf Course offers another venue to get out during the golf season.
Woodlands Links Golf Course is located just outside of Goderich, along Highway 8, heading towards neighbouring town of Clinton.
Golfers are treated to lush, manicured landscapes, challenging water hazards and beautifully wooded areas, which makes Woodlands Links a top choice for any golfer.
The course has no two holes that play alike, offering a challenge for both the beginner and avid golfer.
Water hazards exist on 11 of the 18 holes, there are 28 strategically placed sand and grass bunkers, and the natural roughs encourage
golfers to take a sure swing.
Another attraction is the club house, which is designed from the existing post and beam bank barn dating back to 1840. The venue can also be rented for fundraisers, events, or tournaments.
Woodlands also offers over 300 years and 10 acres in size of a driving range, as well as a putting green and chipping bunker.
Green fees for 2026 include $39 walking for nine-holes, and up to $73 riding for 18 holes. Prices drop slightly for twilight tee times, after 2 p.m. and Junior (under 16) prices range from $19 to $40.
Membership fees range from $295 Walking 10 Play of nine holes, to $2,475 Unlimited Golf 7 Days a Week. Check out Woodlands’ website for more information on packages and memberships.
Woodlands offers several leagues throughout the season including a senior men’s league, a senior women’s league, and a regular men’s league and women’s league.
Woodlands Links Golf Course is located at 37858 Huron Road.
For more information, or to book a tee time, email golf@woodlandslinks.com or call 519-482-7144. www.woodlandslinks.com
Museums and Art Galleries
Huron County Museum:
The Huron County Museum is home to historical and cultural exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. Thousands of artifacts illustrate the history of both our rural and urban communities in a variety of themes and topics.
Gratefully, we continue to accept donations of historical items from members of the local and larger community allowing our collection to grow.
Permanent exhibitions feature early settlement, agriculture, military, and main street galleries including a full-size steam locomotive central to the building. A variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year investigate and explore topics of local significance.
We endeavour to tell the stories of Huron County in a variety of methods on-site, off-site, and online.
The Huron
County Museum typically offers a variety of events, activities and exhibits throughout the year to welcome the public through our doors. Please regularly check our website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Museums and Art Galleries
Huron Historic Gaol:
The Huron Historic Gaol is a unique octagonal building which served as the County Jail from its opening in 1841 until closure in 1972.
At the time of construction, it was viewed as a model of humanitarian prison design.
Originally the building served as Gaol for the Counties of Huron, Bruce & Perth but after the counties separated the building served only the County of Huron for most of its history.
Throughout its history the Gaol housed inmates registered for crimes from misdemeanors to criminal convictions, including three men who were hanged for crimes of murder.
It also provided shelter as the House of Refuge for the ill, destitute, and mentally ill.
Men, women, and children all spent time in the Gaol throughout its history.
The Gaol is now a National Historic Site visited by thousands of people each year.
Open May 1 to November 1.
Admission Charged.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Goderich Co-op Art Gallery:
The Goderich Co-op Gallery displays the work of more than 35 artists with a plethora of award-winning members and consignees featuring paintings, photography, encaustics, stained glass, fibre arts, pottery, and jewellery. Many pieces have Huron County themes. Guest artists and community projects displayed monthly. Artist on site.
Elizabeth’s Art Gallery:
Elizabeth’s Art Gallery is located on the historic Courthouse Square in Goderich Ontario. Offering a wide range of services and products for all your art and framing needs.
Come in and browse the gallery and enjoy the rich selection of original paintings, fine crafts, and jewellery.
Local Food And Drink
We welcome you to experience the tradition of our awardwinning Downtown Goderich, home to over 140 businesses and services, featuring free and accessible parking.
At the heart of our Downtown is Courthouse Square – a gem of Canadian Heritage Architecture. This octagonal core, known as ‘The Square’, serves as a guiding compass, with streets radiating outward into Goderich.
Courthouse Square features a weekly farmers’ market and outdoor concerts during the summer into fall, with specialty shops, and outstanding restaurants and cafes all year.
Finding local, fresh, and delicious food doesn’t get any easier than in this bountiful town. As one of the largest food-producing regions in the Province of Ontario, the diversity of food products available all year long is incredible.
For a small town with less than 9,000 residents, Goderich boasts more than 10 venues that focus specifically on local food and drink, with more than 30 other dining and shopping options available.
If you’re looking for a satisfying beverage and local Lake Huron fish, the Parkhouse, West Street Willy’s, Goderich Harbour Restaurant (a.k.a. The Old Saltie), and Beach Street Station will please your palate.
For a casual fine dining experience, head to Part II Bistro and try their famous perogies and pair them with one of the many micro-brews or wines.
Head down to the waterfront for a view of the lake or catch a sunset in the evening by visiting Beach Street Station. Goderich is also home to a brewery and a cidery.
Square Brew is located on the east end of town and is highlighted in many local restaurants. The casual atmosphere at this down-to-earth brewery has its patrons heading out to play games while enjoying a pint of one of their beers. The most well-known is a refreshing pilsner called Square One.
East Street Cider Co. has been around since 2016 and their taproom and bottle shop is open Thursday to Saturday. They have seasonal ciders, and their Landmark Dry cider is available at the LCBO and many local establishments.
If you are looking for a great place to visit and enjoy the experience of local dining along the lakeshore surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, Goderich is the place you are looking for.
Once you have visited Goderich, your heart will never leave.
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival celebrates music, craft and culture
By: KATHLEEN SMITH
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival is an annual celebration of music, craft and culture of the seven Celtic nations and immigrants that formed a strong historic background in Huron County.
From a single concert held in 1993 to honour the life of a local teacher, now in its 34th year, the Celtic Roots Festival has grown to include a week-long school of music, dance and craft art known as Celtic College.
With five stages, varying from small intimate performances to high-powered entertainment on the Main Stage, the three-day festival remains a unique musical experience in Canada.
Fresh local food, high-quality craft artisans, small pub for refreshments, participatory dance stage, art demonstrations, a children’s activity area and over 60 hours of live music, make this a must-see weekend in Goderich.
Attending the festival is a great way to experience Goderich, the “prettiest town in Canada”, with stunning beaches along the coast of Lake Huron and downtown shopping all within minutes walk of the festival site.
Bringing visitors in for the week-long Celtic College, or the weekend Celtic Festival, this niche musical event has quite a positive impact on the local economy.
According to Cheryl Prashker, Artistic Director/General Manager of the festival, the economic impact of the festival estimates the associated annual tourism spending equates to roughly $750,000 for the festival, and another $110,000 for the college.
Prashker admits that attendees come back at other times of the year to visit their favourite restaurants and shops, and a few have purchased homes in the area.
First attending the festival and college as a musician with her Celtic band RUNA in 2011, Prashker fell in love with Goderich. In the years her band was not hired, Prashker would request to come back and teach at the college.
Prashker was so drawn to the town through the festival, and in 2018 she was offered the position of Artistic Director and General Manager and moved to Huron County from Philadelphia
According to Prashker, the festival has remained a success over the years because of the vision of its founders – Warren and Eleanor
Robinson – who wanted to ensure it was a family-friendly event.
Residents in Goderich remain an integral part of the festival and the Celtic College, as musicians are billeted in their homes for the entire week.
“During their time in Goderich, artists tend to form wonderful friendships with their host families,” admitted Prashker.
“It is always extra special when an artist is asked back and they say, ‘sure, but only if I can stay with the same people I stayed with last time’.”
Success of the annual event can also be attributed to its countless volunteers and host families.
Many crew members have been working with the event for the entire 34 years.
“This festival would not be possible without the 250 very dedicated volunteers,” added Prashker.
“These folks work very hard before the festival and of course throughout the weekend to make sure everyone has the best experience.”
The festival is always looking for new volunteers to join the Celtic Festival family either to volunteer during the weekend or as a host for one of the musicians.
Each year the Celtic Festival aims to bring together artists who inspire, excite and make you feel part of the music. This year is no exception.
From incredible fiddlers and harpists to lively bands and soulful singers, performers at the 2026 Celtic Festival represent the best of Celtic and roots music.
This year’s lineup includes incredible acts such as Bourque Emissaires, Brian Taheny, Caroline Keane and Tom Delany with Alison Crossey, Hurun Harp School, Jess and Richard Arrowsmith, Kavaz, Kim and Travis Teed, Maggie’s Wake, Matt and Kim Watroba, O’Jizo, Pauline and Kathleen Conneely, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy, Rakish, RUNA, Ryan Young and Alanna Jenish, Shane Cook and the Woodchippers, and TULUA.
Leading up to the main event, the Celtic College takes place from August 3 until August 7.
Instrument, singing, craft art and dance classes are facilitated by the festival’s incredible lineup of international musicians.
This one-week, intensive course is built around a central structure
of small master classes. Participants of this course receive unparalleled level of access to tutors who are leading experts and performers.
Classes are open to all ages and levels of ability.
The Celtic Kids Day Camp is a chance for children aged 4 to 12 years to take part in all things Celtic.
Held at the same campus as the Celtic College, the Kids Camp follows the same daily schedule.
Divided into three streams by age, the Kids Camp offers students the opportunity to experience song, tin whistle, harp, guitar, fiddle, percussion, dance, drama, storytelling, and craft art with local professionals and masters.
At the end of week, students from Celtic College as well as the Kids Camp head over to the festival grounds at Lions Harbour Park. There the students perform 10-minute sets of what they learned over the week, and that is what kicks off the festival weekend.
Festival pricing for the 2026 Celtic Festival taking place on August 7 until August 9 ranges depending on passes.
Festival passes are available for the entire weekend or individual days.
Regular adult passes for Friday costs $49.72 (by July 31) and $55 (at the gate); Saturday passes cost $55.94 (by July 31) or $60 (at the gate); Sunday passes cost $43.51 (by July 31) or $50 (at the gate); weekend passes cost $118.09 (by July 31) or $125 (at the gate).
Senior pass and youth pass for Friday costs $37.29 (by July 31) or $45 (at the gate); Saturday passes cost $43.51 (by July 31) or $50 (at the gate); Sunday passes cost $31.08 (by July 31) or $40 (at the gate); weekend passes cost $93.23 (by July 31) or $100 (at the gate).
Advance ticket prices end May 31. Prices listed above are in a period from June 1 until July 31.
Gates open at 11 a.m. each day. Physical tickets are no longer mailed out but will be available at the ‘Green Shed’.
Festival goes on rain or shine, and guide dogs only. Accessible parking is available at GDCI with a shuttle to the front gate.
If you are interested in billeting a musician/band, please email festival@celticfestival.ca
For a full list of the lineup, ticket costs or schedule, visit https://www.celticfestival.ca/festival or email festival@celticfestival.ca
200 Years: A look ahead to Goderich celebrating its bicentennial in 2027
By: KATHLEEN SMITH
Known for its rich history as a strategic port town and founded in 1827, Goderich will soon celebrate its bicentennial in 2027.
Now known for its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, dedicated parkland, distinctive downtown and charming atmosphere, this picturesque town is a perfect place to live and visit.
As Goderich approaches the 200th anniversary of its founding, it’s important to look back to its early days and remember what it took to become Canada’s Prettiest Town.
The Town of Goderich came into being as an indirect result of the War of 1812. During that war, the settlers in the vicinity of Lakes Ontario and Erie had suffered much loss, both from the soldiers billeted on them and from invaders.
To recompense them, John Galt and a group of investors in England formed the Canada Company.
The British government granted the company 1,100,000 acres of the land it had acquired from the Chippewa First Nation.
The plan was that the land would be sold to settlers and part of the profits used to settle the war claims, but as it turns out, the claimants received nothing.
Canada Company formed a triangle whose northern boundary ran from Guelph to a point on Lake Huron, eight miles north of Goderich. Its southern boundary was roughly on the line from Guelph to Kettle Point.
Galt recruited his eccentric friend Dr. William ‘Tiger’ Dunlop, John MacDonald, an engineer, Mahlon Burwell, a surveyor and a party of some 15 woodsmen to cut a trail through the bush to the
mouth of the Maitland River (known then as the Menesetung).
The location of this proposed town was known from coastal surveys of the lake prepared in 1824 by Captain Bayfield.
The group of men arrived at the location on May 27, 1827.
It was then that trees were felled, and a log cabin erected in what is now known as Lions Harbour Park.
Tiger Dunlop called it his castle.
Frank Deschamps and William Gooding were the first Europeans to settle in Goderich’s present location, where Lions Harbour Park overlooks the harbour today.
Galt arrived on June 29, 1827, by ship from Penetanguishene. This is the date celebrated as Founder’s Day.
Formed to promote settlement in the Huron Tract, the town was named after Frederick John Robinson, Viscount Goderich, Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.
Posters were soon distributed in the British Isles, appealing to the poor who were suffering following the Napoleonic War. They were promised employment and land at 10 schillings an acre. Dunlop also wrote glowing articles for magazines extolling the opportunities in the new land, but the posters and the articles didn’t mention the climate or the difficulties of clearing the vast forests.
Goderich was to be headquarters for the distribution of land at the west end of the Huron Tract.
By 1829, the Canada Company had surveyed a town plot and opened the Huron Road from Guelph, which helped facilitate
of about 1,000.
It soon became the administrative and judicial centre for the newly created Huron District. This only further solidified its importance in the region.
Although Tiger Dunlop may have built the Town, John Galt designed it, and the distinctive Downtown Square is Galt’s statement of loyalty that is forever embedded into the heart of the town.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, at the mouth of the Maitland River, Goderich soon became a strategic port, which contributed to its economic growth.
Goderich became known for its salt production, agriculture, and fishing industries.
Throughout its history, on top of becoming an economic stronghold in the region, Goderich has been recognized for its beauty and community spirit. Over the years the town has been recognised for its historic architecture and cultural heritage.
Every community has its own struggles, and on August 21, 2011, Goderich was struck by a devastating F3 tornado, which caused extensive damage to the town’s heritage conservation districts.
welcoming atmosphere, Goderich is one of Ontario’s most memorable waterfront destinations.
In 2027, the community will come together to honour the stories and people who built the town, celebrate what Goderich is today, and inspire what comes next.
Despite this tragic event, the community demonstrated resilience and rebuilt or restored historic buildings to maintain its rich heritage.
Goderich is the county seat of Huron County and known for its gorgeous turquoise shorelines and sunsets, with its historic and vibrant Downtown Square.
The Town is a full-service community, with the largest hospital in Huron County, with a wide range of health services, retirement and nursing care, primary and secondary schools, municipal childcare, library and recreational facilities, and is home to approximately 8,000 people and growing.
In 2027, Goderich will proudly celebrate 200 years since its founding in 1827 by John Galt and William ‘Tiger’ Dunlop of the Canada Company.
With the slogan, ‘Making Waves Since 1827’, this milestone year invites visitors to experience the pride, heritage, and shoreline spirit that have shaped Goderich for two centuries.
Known for its breathtaking sunsets, historic streetscapes, and a downtown that blends small-town charm with a vibrant and
The main celebrations will take place on June 24 until June 27, 2027, with a signature long weekend of community events and experiences designed to bring residents and visitors together.
Expect a festive, family-friendly atmosphere across town, with programming that highlights local culture, community pride and Goderich’s deep connection to the lake.
In 2027, Goderich isn’t just marking a date – it’s inviting everyone to be part of a shared moment in its story.
Two hundred years later, Goderich continues to thrive economically and draw new residents and visitors with its charming streets, historical significance and vibrant community life.
This picturesque town – Canada’s Prettiest Town – has made its mark in history as a key settlement in Ontario, through its economic development in agriculture and industry, and by its resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Goderich is a notable part of Ontario’s heritage and awaiting your visit.
Anytime Fitness
414 Huron Road • 226-421-4444 • www.anytimefitness.com/ca/gym
East End Gym
130 East Street • 519-440-3526
Falls Reserve Conservation Area
80900 Falls Reserve Line • 519-524-6429 • www.mvca.on.ca
Visit for the day to enjoy the hiking trails or cast a line in the stocked pond.
Fit Body Bootcamp
390 MacEwan Street, Unit A • 519-955-2464 • www.nvfitnessfbbc.com
Goderich – Huron YMCA
190 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-2125 • ymcaswo.ca/locations/goderich-huron-ymca
Goderich Gymnastics
199 Anglesea Street • 519-525-2887• goderichgymnastics.com
Goderich Sunset Golf Club (AD ON PAGE 47)
33937 Golf Course Road • 519-524-8047 • sunsetgolfclub.com
Highland Strength
199 Anglesea Street • 519-524-5099• www.highlandstrength.ca
Huron BJJ
199 Anglesea Street • 519-567-0094 • www.huronbjj.com
KelBel Fitness
80 Blake Street East • 519-301-0296 • www.kelbelfitness.ca
Little Bowl
204 Huron Road • 519-524-2695 • littlebowl.ca
We are dedicated to giving you the best 5 pin bowling experience possible
Maitland Valley Grotto
199 Anglesea Street • 519-612-2060 • www.maitlandvalleygrotto.com
Menesetung CrossFit
199 Anglesea Street • 519-524-5099
Point Farms Provincial Park
82491 Highway 21 • 519-524-7124 • www.ontarioparks.com/park/pointfarms
The Maitland Golf Course (AD ON PAGE 32)
25 North Harbour Road East • 519-524-9641 • www.themaitland.com
The Park Theatre
30 Courthouse Square• 519-524-7811 www.movielinks.ca/park-theatre-goderich
Old-timey movie theatre with a marquee showing first-run flicks on a 3D and a standard screen.
The Ridge Fitness CrossFit Goderich
81343 Mill Road • 519-525-8207 • www.themaitland.com
The Tank
120 Huckins Street, Unit 3 • 519-955-6388
Yoga Den
68 Courthouse Square • 519-440-9532 • www.theyogaden.ca
199 Anglesea Street • zgdc.office@gmail.com Zero Gravity Dance Company
Blyth Festival
423 Queen St, Blyth • 519-523-9300 • www.blythfestival.com
East Street Gallery
33 East Street • www.instagram.com/eaststreetgallery
A gallery that showcases the artwork of emerging Ontario artists.
Ernie King Music Ltd.
37 West Street • 519-524-4689
Goderich Children’s Theatre Company
10 Nelson Street East • 519-319-3144
Goderich Co-Op Gallery
54 Courthouse Square • 519-440-0523 • www.gcgallery.ca
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery
52 Montreal Street, Unit A • sallowsgallery@gmail.com
Historical photographs of amazing clarity and quality.
The Livery Theatre (AD ON PAGE 33)
35 South Street • 519-524-6262 • thelivery.ca
Home to the Goderich Little Theatre, a community theatre that hosts a five-show season
Worth Their Salt
89 Britannia Road West • www.worththeirsalt.ca
Projects of many media and method for groups of any age. Tailor made for you.
360 Bikes ‘n Boards
70 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7171 • www.360bikesnboards.com
All Around the House (AD ON PAGE 33)
32 Courthouse Square • 519-524-4181
Anstett Jewellers Ltd.
2 Courthouse Square • 519-524-4195 • www.anstett.com
Austin’s Appliances and Sleep Centre
239 Huron Road • 519-524-5301 • austinsapplianceandsleepcentre.com/
Bayfield Lavender (AD ON PAGE 26)
77881 Porter’s Hill Line, Bayfield • www.bayfieldlavenderfarm.ca
Birch Creek Greenhouse and Florals (AD ON PAGE 19)
33849 Church Camp Road • 519-524-6874 • www.birchcreekgreenhouse.com
Canadian Tire Goderich (AD ON PAGE 47)
35430 Huron Road • 519-524-2121 • www.canadiantire.ca/en/store-details/on/goderich
C’est la Rose Antiques (AD ON PAGE 29)
51 South Street • 519-440-7529
Chisholm’s TV and Stereo (AD ON PAGE 12)
36 West Street • 519-524-9576 • www.chisholmtv.com
Culinary Poet (AD ON PAGE 2)
34 Courthouse Square • 519-612-1919 • www.theculinarypoet.ca
DeJager Town Square IDA Pharmacy (AD ON PAGE 34)
112 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7228 • www.townsquareida.com
Dollar Haven Discount
80 Courthouse Square • 226-421-3040
Dollarama
35400 Huron Road, Unit C • 519-524-1888 • www.dollarama.com
Dollar Tree
520 Huron Road • 519-524-2928
Elizabeth’s Art Gallery
54 Courthouse Square • 519-524-4080 • www.elizabeths.ca
Food Basics
397 Bayfield Road • 519-524-7818 • www.foodbasics.ca
Giant Tiger
82 South Street • 519-524-1437 • www.gianttiger.com
Goodwill Community Store and Donation Centre
355 Bayfield Road • 519-612-1596 • www.goodwillindustries.ca
Great Blue Heron Antiques and Collectibles Inc.
34002 Blyth Road • greatblueheronantiques@gmail.com
H.O. Jerry (1983) Ltd.
279 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-2855 • www.hojerry83.on.ca
Habitat for Humanity Huron County Restore
120 Huckins Street • 519-612-1612 • www.habitathuroncounty.ca
Hart Department Store
Jane Egan Antiques
35 Nelson Street East • 519-524-2963
Jerry Raders Homestyle Market (AD ON PAGE 35)
56 Stanley Street • 519-440-5151 • https://www.jerryraders.com/
Lumber BMR (AD ON PAGE 28)
121 Huckins Street • 519-524-1778 • leislumber.com
Work Wearhouse
Huron Road, Unit 102 • 519-524-6288 • www.marks.com
Marcc Apparel 223 Huron Road • 519-524-9863 • www.microagebasics.com
Parsons Court • 519-525-2928• www.marccapparel.com/en
MicroAge Basics (AD ON PAGE 21) 144 Courthouse Square Suite 300 Basement • 519-612-2050
397 Bayfield Road, Unit 2c • 226-457-1033 • www.hartstores.com
IODE Opportunity & Consignment
3 North Street • 519-524-2002 • www.iode.ca
River Line Nature Company
36 Kingston Street • 519-524-4272 • riverlinenature.ca
Salvation Army Thrift Store
309 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-4188 • www.sagoderich.com
Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store (AD ON PAGE 12)
441 MacEwan Street • 519-524-1087 • svdpgoderich.ca/
Schaefer’s Ladies’ Wear and Lingerie (AD ON PAGE 6)
162 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7232 • www.schaefersladieswear.ca
Something Irresistible (AD ON PAGE 16)
164 Courthouse Square • 519-524-5972 • somethingirresistible.ca
Surfsup Eco Shop
80 Courthouse Square • 519-612-1000 • www.surfsupecoshop.com/goderich-about
The Book Peddler
34 West Street • 519-524-5224
The Brick
639 Bayfield Road • 519-524-4334 • www.thebrick.com
Walmart
35400 Huron Road • 519-524-5060 • www.walmart.ca
Winston’s Men’s Wear
8 Courthouse Square • 519-440-0633 • www.winstonsmenswear.com
Wuerth Shoes (AD ON PAGE 10)
142 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7432 • wuerthshoes.ca/
Beach Hill Cottage
173 West Street • www.canadastays.com/p196256
Cottages and cabins by Airbnb rental.
Cedar Lodge Motel (AD ON PAGE 13)
157 Huron Road • 519-524-8379 • www.cedarlodgemotel.ca
Cedar Lodge welcomes you to the most beautiful town of Goderich
Colborne Bed & Breakfast
72 Colborne Street • 519-524-7400 • www.colbornebandb.com
A century home located off the Square,
Comfort Inn & Suites
135 Gibbons Street • 519-440-0215 • www.choicehotels.com
Situated by the beautiful Courthouse Park, this is one of the newest hotels in Goderich.
Currie Family Station B&B
126 Wilson Street • 519-524-2839 • www.communitywebline.ca/listing/currie-family-station-bb
This bed and breakfast is close to shopping, the boardwalk, the beach and parks.
Dreamz Inn (AD ON PAGE 46)
79271 Bluewater Highway • 519-524-7396 • reserve@dreamzinn.ca • www.dreamzinn.ca
Set in a picturesque and tranquil landscape of Huron County.
Dunlop Motel
Hwy. 21 just north of Goderich • 519-524-8781 • www.dunlopmotel.com
Comfortable, spacious, quiet & peacefully set off the hwy.
Goderich Guesthouse
24 Maitland Avenue • 519-955-9321 • www.goderichguesthouse.com
Woodland, 3 minute drive to beaches/square. 2 bedrooms/3 beds. All bedding freshly washed.
Goderich Place Retirement Residence (AD ON PAGE 2)
30 Balvina Drive East • 519-524-4243 • www.goderichplace.ca
Ideal setting for weekend getaway, a romantic retreat or just a restful few days away from the city.
Harmony Inn (AD ON PAGE 46)
242 Bayfield Road • 519-524-7348 • www.harmonyinn.ca
Single-story motel with an outdoor swimming pool, patio seating and BBQs.
Hotel Bedford
92 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7337 • www.hotelbedford.ca
This century-old, three-story walk up offers 25 rooms, dining, and entertainment.
Hotel Lux (AD ON PAGE 27)
197 Dinsley Street, Blyth • 519-450-8589 • www.hotellux.ca
Hotel Lux offers a unique escape where vintage charm meets contemporary comfort
Lancaster House Heritage Suites
165 Lighthouse Street • 519-524-0507
Furnished executive apartments on Lighthouse Street.
Maple Leaf Motel
54 Victoria Street North • 519-524-2302 • www.tmlm.ca
Close to restaurants, churches, and public services. All rooms are ground level.
Maitland Marina and Resort Park (AD ON PAGE 32)
100 North Harbour Road W • 519-524-4409 • www.maitlandmarina.on.ca
Two full service marinas with seasonal and transient slips (Maitland Valley and Maitland Inlet)
Rock House B&B
97 Elgin Avenue East • www.airbnb.ca
This beautiful Victorian-Era home is within a five-minute walk from the historic downtown Square.
Samuels Hotel (AD ON PAGE 35)
34031 Saltford Road • 519-524-1371 • www.samuelshotel.ca
A modern boutique hotel situation on the Maitland River.
Trailways Cabin Goderich (AD ON PAGE 19)
office@trailwaycabinsblyth.com • www.trailwaycabinsblyth.com
Book your luxury cabin stay on the 132km Guelph to Goderich (G2G) trail in Blyth!
Allure Skin
128 Albert Street, Clinton • 519-482-1205
Skin Studio & Medical Aesthetics • www.allureskinstudio.ca
Apple Self Storage
397 Bayfield Road, Unit 6 • 226-798-3302
Bayfield Electric/Goderich Electric Ltd.
426 MacEwan Street • 519-525-0638/519-524-2889 • goderichelectric.com/bayfield-electric/ Offers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services.
Bruinsma Excavating Ltd. (AD ON PAGE 16)
79905 B Pondsview Road • 519-524-8668 • bruinsmaexcavating.com
Carstar
440 Bayfield Road • 519-524-9181
Providing the highest quality in auto body and collision repairs
Downtown Goderich BIA (AD ON PAGE 9)
39 West Street • 519-440-0871 • www.goderichbia.ca
Provides services and help to Goderich’s downtown businesses.
Goderich Chiropractic – Health and Wellness Centre
145 Huron Road • 519-440-5071 • goderichchiropractic.com/
Huron County Museum (AD ON PAGE 40)
110 North Street • 519-524-2686 • www.huroncountymuseum.ca
Huron Fireplaces (AD ON PAGE 11)
308 Huron Road • 519-955-2503 • www.huronfireplaces.com Electric Fireplaces, Gas Fireplaces, Wood Fireplaces
Huron Historic Gaol (AD ON PAGE 40)
181 Victoria Street North • 519-524-6971 • www.huroncountymuseum.ca
Huron Storage
410 Cambridge Street • 519-524-0300
Affordable climate controlled indoor self storage for optimum storage conditions
Goderich Carwash (AD ON PAGE 13)
235 Britannia Road East • 519-441-0446
Automobile detailing, wash, cleaning, and upholstery.
Goderich Co-Op Art Gallery (AD ON PAGE 12)
54 Courthouse Square, Lower Level, Goderich • 519-440-0523 • www.gcgallery.ca
Artistic Connections represents a partnership with Heritage and Culture, Huron County.
Goderich Regional Airport
33874 Airport Road, R.R. #5 • 519-524-2915 • goderichairport.ca
Goderich Pet Wash (AD ON PAGE 6)
308 Huron Road • 519-955-2503
This is a self serve pet wash.
MacEwan & Feagan Insurance Brokers Ltd. (AD ON PAGE 27)
64 West Steet • 519-524-9531 • www.mfinsurance.ca
Orr Insurance & Investment (AD ON PAGE 42)
46 West Street • 519-524-2664 • www.orrinsurance.net
Pebble Creek Real Estate Inc. Brokerage (AD ON PAGE 18)
47 Bennett Street West • 226-543-1644 • robinhewitt@hurontel.on.ca
Physiotherapy Alliance (AD ON PAGE 37)
145 Huron Rd Unit 1 • 519-612-2345 • physiotherapyalliance.com
Royal Canadian Legion (AD ON PAGE 28)
56 Kingston Steet • 519-524-9282 • www.goderichlegion.ca
Royal LePage Heartland Realty, Brokerage (AD ON PAGE 7)
33 Hamilton Street • 519-524-6789 • rlpheartland.ca/
Sawyer Dry Cleaning & Laundry Co.
72 Hamilton Street • 519-235-4101
Suncoast Car Wash (AD ON PAGE 29)
153 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-2645
Automobile detailing, wash, cleaning, upholstery, car wash.
Talbot KJ Realty Incorporated (AD ON PAGE 20)
62 Elgin Avenue, Unit A • 519-524-4473 • talbotrealty.com
A&W Goderich
414 Huron Road • 519-524-6664
Restaurant. Dining area. Take-out. Seating capacity: 55.
Barburrito
316 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-8940 • www.barburrito.ca
Bayfield Berry Farm (AD ON PAGE 19)
77697 Orchard Line, Bayfield • 519-482-1666 • www.bayfieldberryfarm.on.ca
Farm to table operation where you can pick berries, sample products grown fresh on our farm
Beach Street Station (AD ON PAGE 48)
2 Beach Street • 519-612-2212 • www.blackstreetbakery.com
Fine dining restaurant on the beachfront.
Benmiller Inn and Spa (AD ON PAGE 15)
81175 Benmiller Line • 519-524-2191 • www.benmiller.ca
Ideal setting for weekend getaway, a romantic retreat or just a restful few days away from the city.
Blake Street Bakery
31 West Street • 226-222-5078
Serving everyone’s favourite scones, bagels, and a signature Blake Street Latte.
Bluewater Restaurant
289 Huron Road • 519-524-4849
Boston Pizza Goderich
490 Huron Road • 519-524-7797 • bostonpizza.com
A family restaurant and sports bar serving great food, including pizza, pasta, and wings.
Cait’s Café (AD ON PAGE 23)
168 Courthouse Square • 519-612-2268 • www.caitscafe.ca
Café that specializes in soup, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Charnwood Villa Tea Room
82 Montreal Street • 226-421-2116 • www.cvtr.ca/ Tea room.
China Wok Buffet
411 Huron Road • 519-524-9989
Lunch and dinner buffet restaurant. No MSG. Eat-in, take-out, and delivery.
Chuck’s Roadhouse
63 Victoria Street South • 519-524-5598 • www.chucksroadhouse.com
Licenced restaurant and steak house.
The Curry Co.
26 Victoria Street N • 519-865-5189
Coastal Coffee (AD ON PAGE 42)
86252 Kintail Line, Goderich • www.coastalcoffeecompany.ca
Courthouse Square Sunday Market
Sundays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • 519-220-0421
Cowbell Brewery (AD ON PAGE 30)
40035 Blyth Rd, Blyth • 519-523-4724 • cowbellbrewing.com Share good times, delicious food, and fantastic drinks.
Cravings
166 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7986 • www.cravingsgoderich.ca Coffee, tea, ice cream, frozen yogurt, cakes, home made fudge, chocolates, cheese and gift baskets.
Culbert’s Bakery
49 West Street • 519-524-7941 • culbertsbakery.com/ Third-generation family bakery and famous for their creampuffs.
Domino’s Pizza
316 Suncoast Drive East C • 226-458-0100 • pizza.dominos.ca
East Street Cider Co.
130 East Street • contact@eaststreetcider.com • www.eaststreetcider.com Urban craft cidery.
Goderich Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. • 519-440-0871
Goderich Harbour Restaurant
111 North Harbour Road • goderichharbourrestaurant@gmail.com Fish and chips.
Goose & Gander Brewhouse (AD ON PAGE 3)
14 Bayfield Main St N, Bayfield This vibrant restaurant and brewery will offer food and a curated selection of local craft beers.
Healthward Bound
40 East Street • 519-524-6651 Natural foods, and supplements.
94 Elgin Avenue East• 519-612-1819 •littlecaesars.ca Little Caesars
Maitland Market
Maitland Market • 79988 Porter’s Hill Line • 519-524-0773 • www.maitlandmarketandsupply.ca
McDonald’s Restaurant – Goderich
354 Bayfield Road • 519-524-4622 • www.mcdonalds.com
Iconic fast-food restaurant offering your favourite burgers, fries and more
New Orleans Pizza
34 Victoria Street North • 519-524-5331• www.neworleanspizza.com
Paddy O’Neils/Hotel Bedford
92 Courthouse Square • 519-524-7337 • www.hotelbedford.ca
Park House (AD ON PAGE 48)
168 West Street • 519-524-4968 • www.parkhouserestaurant.com
Located on a park overlooking Lake Huron sunsets
Part II Bistro – Goderich
10 Courthouse Square• 519-524-5392 • part2bistro.ca/
Serving exciting, locally sourced cuisine.
Pita Pit
91 Victoria Street North • 519-612-7482• pitapit.ca
Pizza Hut
397 Bayfield Rd Unit 4 • 226-408-8111 • www.pizzahut.ca
Pizza Hut is Canada’s favourite place to order pizza, pasta, wings and so much more
River Run Restaurant
25 North Harbour Road East • 519-440-7205 • riverrunrestaurant.ca/
Casual restaurant serving great food.
Shanahan’s Quality Meats & Deli (AD ON PAGE 19)
104 Courthouse Square • 226-421-6328
Butcher shop and fresh fish market.
Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House
397 Bayfield Rd • 226-421-2009
Steve and Mary’s on the Square (AD ON PAGE 21) 42 Victoria Street North • 519-524-6113 • restaurants.subway.com
58 Courthouse Square • 519-440-5110 • steveandmarysonthesquare.ca
Subway Goderich 178 Cambridge Street • 226-222-1431 • www.sweetheartbaking.com Hand decorated sugar cookies.
Baking Experiment
The Den Juice Co. (AD ON PAGE 20)
68 Courthouse Square • 519-440-9532 • www.theyogaden.ca
Cold pressed juice pressed in small batches with fresh local ingredients.
The Station Ice Cream Bar and Grill
81643 Bluewater Highway • 519-612-2020
Tim Hortons (Five Points)
80 Victoria Street South • 519-524-8448 • www.timhortons.ca
Tim Hortons (Highway 8)
35400 Huron Road • 519-524-8630 • www.timhortons.ca
V’s Sandwiches
108 Courthouse Square • 519-612-3210
Wendy’s Goderich (AD ON PAGE 43)
307 Bayfield Road • 519-612-2699 • locations.wendys.com
West Street Willy’s Eatery
42 West Street • 519-524-7777 • weststreetwillseatery.com
West Sushi (AD ON PAGE 21)
40 West Street • 519-612-1512 • www.westsushi.ca
Wing Hong Restaurant
116 Courthouse Square • 519-524-1191 • finbz.me
Wing Wing
397 Bayfield Rd., Unit 9 • 226-421-5678
Zehrs Food Plus
35400 Huron Road • 519-524-2229 • www.zehrs.ca
Bethel Pentecostal Assembly
321 Bayfield Road • 519-524-8506 • www.realchurch.ca
Berea-By-The-Water Lutheran Church
326 Gibbons Street • 519-524-2235
Calvary Baptist Church 231 Bayfield Road • 519-524-6445 • www.cbcgoderich.com/services
First Baptist Church 39 Montreal Street • 519-524-9049
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 172 Anglesea Street • 226-408-8579
Knox Presbyterian Church 9 Victoria Street North • 519-524-7512
Lakeshore United Church 56 North Street • 519-524-2103 • www.lakeshoreuc.org
St. George’s Anglican Church 87 North Street • 519-524-2274 • stgeorges@hurontel.on.ca
St. Peter’s Catholic Church 156 North Street • 519-524-8174 • lhcfp.dol.ca/
Suncoast Citadel (Salvation Army) 303 Suncoast Drive East • 519-524-8822 • www.sagoderich.com
Trinity Christian Reformed Church 245 Mill Road • 519-524-8003 • www.trinitychurchgoderich.ca
For 50 years, White Carnation Banquet Hall has been the destination of choice for delectable,
We’re known for our exceptional and artfully prepared catering, the ideal rental space in our historic Banquet Hall, and of course, for our outstanding weekly Sunday dinner buffets.
Since 2017, chef/owners Noriel and Corinne have taken the culinary fare at White Carnation to the next level. They’ve introduced many cultural and international flavours to Huron County and the surrounding area while keeping traditional favourites.
EVENTS SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 - BIA CONCERT SERIES - SAL’S ALLEY
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 - BIA PRESENTS: SPICE & SPEARS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 - COMPASS MINERALS BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITION + HEADLINER: RETROSPECT SEPTEMBER 3 - 6, 2026
FREE ENTRANCE TO: SALTED MARKET, ABOVE GROUND SALT EXPERIENCE, MINE RESCUE DEMONSTRATIONS, VIRTUAL REALITY MINE IMAGES, SALTY BASIN BEER GARDEN, FARMERS’ MARKET, FLEA MARKET, PETTING ZOO, WAGON RIDES, FAMILY PHOTO BOOTH & INFLATABLES. EVENTS THAT HAVE FEES: BIA FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT WITH SPICE & SPEARS ($30 - ADULT, $10 - UNDER 13), SATURDAY NIGHT COMPASS MINERALS BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITION + HEADLINER: RETROSPECT
