Goderich’s octagonal, three-acre central park. Here, the streets are aglow with premier shopping, dining, exploring and sightseeing. Goderich boasts that you can see the sun set twice in one evening: First from the beach; and if you scamper up the walkway, you can view it a second time from the bluff. Speaking of beaches, those with a love of the great outdoors will enjoy Goderich’s three pristine public beaches, connected by the boardwalk that hugs the waterfront. Take your picnic to one of these perfect beaches, and spend the day swimming or simply gazing out over beautiful Lake Huron. Or, take your bicycles along the Menesetung Bridge across the old railway trestle to enjoy spectacular views of the harbor, Maitland River and Lake Huron and beyond. Nearby Marine Heritage Walkway features plaques that describe points of historical interest on the town’s waterfront along beach paths, the harbor and bluff. Goderich has several museums, all worth visiting. The Huron County Museum contains a 19th century streetscape that lets visitors walk through yesteryear’s town, past storefronts, a blacksmith shop, dentist office and fire hall. The Marine Museum displays the dramatic history of Goderich harbor shipping in the wheelhouse of the SS Shelter Bay, open July and August. The Huron Historic Gaol (pronounced “jail”) was constructed in the mid 1800s with stones quarried from the Maitland River. Its octagonal shape featured central cellblocks surrounded by exercise yards. This was considered a model of humanitarian prison design for its time, despite
this being the site of the last public hanging in the entire country of Canada. Today, it is a meticulously restored National Historic Site. Here, “Behind the Bars” tours are available Tuesday and Thursday evenings during July and August. Soar to new heights at Huron County Museum’s latest gallery, located at the Goderich Airport. This “Sky Harbour” exhibit traces the history of the airport from its founding in 1938 to the present day. During World War II, it played an important role as a pilot training school. Today, visitors enjoy its unique collection of artifacts on display, all contributed by Royal Canadian Air Force veterans. The arts community in Goderich bring visitors back year after year. Goderich Little Theatre is celebrating 65 years of top-notch entertainment, making it one of the oldest community theater groups in Canada. Nearby Huron Country Playhouse presents the finest in musicals, comedies and dramas. April through September, enjoy the Blyth Festival, a community-based professional theater that features themes from the region and all of Canada. Artists have long been a key part of the Goderich experience. Reuben Sallows, praised as “Canada’s Photographic Genius,” is featured at the gallery by the same name. A native of Goderich, his work exemplifies Canada during the early part of the 20th century. Or, visit the Goderich Co-op Art Gallery, where all members participate in its operation, and artists staff the gallery. After dark, there’s even more to do. Enjoy a
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONTARIO TOURISM / FISHING BOAT PHOTOS COURTESY OF BAYFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Bayfield is home to the Helen MacLeod II, the oldest surviving Great Lakes commercial fishing vessel. Today, she sits in storage, awaiting a major renovation by the Bayfield Historical Society (middle photo, above) that is expected to restore her to her former glory. She was originally constructed between 1923 and 1926 (lower photo), following the lines of the Great Lakes schooners. 43 LAKELANDBOATING.COM M A Y 2 011