Grey County Outdoors

As Ontario moved into Stages 2 and 3, Grey County’s natural areas started experiencing a monumental increase of residents and visitors. After being cooped up for months, people were eager to enjoy the outdoors and take in Grey County’s beautiful trails, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, municipal parks and beaches. Because of COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, many Ontarians are choosing to stay close to home this simmer and avoid travel outside of the province. This is increasing demand on popular local spaces close to cities and unfortunately causes concerns over crowding as public health experts urge everyone to physically distance. Crowds also pose a threat to the natural wellbeing of outdoor spaces when they are not treated with respect. Throughout the spring and summer, crowding became an issue at many local hotspots. Stakeholder groups and partner organizations were reporting overflowing parking lots, record-setting visitation, and a disturbing amount of garbage and waste at a number of sights. Some of the busiest locations included Eugenia Falls, Hoggs Falls, Lorlee Forest, Metcalfe Rock, Old Baldy and others.

In response, Grey County, local municipalities, trail partners and conservation staff strategized solutions.

Tourism is vital to Grey County’s local economic. Pushing visitors and seasonal residents away would surely have longlasting impacts on tourism businesses and our communities, so instead, a plan was devised to help spread people out. Not only would it limit crowding, it would improve visitor experiences.

In June the Grey County Outdoor Activities Map was launched to help redirect visitors from well-known and popular hotspots to lesser known but market ready areas. The map monitored the popularity of locations, difficulty of trails, and also pointed to patios and other points of interest for visitors to enjoy. The map was promoted on social media and on trailhead signage at popular destinations where hikers and visitors could access it simply by following a QR code from their smartphones.

In addition, Grey County deployed Ambassador Teams to our busy outdoor areas on weekends to offer on-the-ground assistance and recommendations to visitors. These teams promoted safe practices and good etiquette at outdoor areas, offered tourism and local area information such as places to eat or use restrooms, and also suggested other close by locations to visit if the area was at capacity.

View the map for yourself and discover your next hike or selfie shot.

Visit www.VisitGrey.ca/Rediscover to learn more.

Obey all signs. Maintain physical distancing (2 metres). Have a face covering handy. Give space to allow others to pass, when safe to do so. Understand washrooms may be closed. Pack out all your garbage. Carry water and hand sanitizer.

Grey County is full of trails, lookouts and other points of interest just waiting to be discovered. Check out nearby locations on our Outdoor Activity Map at VisitGrey.ca or by scanning this code!