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Busy time in Grey and Bruce Counties

2011-08-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Summer may be winding down but the activities in Grey-Bruce are gearing up. One of the biggest events of the summer - Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival - will be held this weekend in Owen Sound.

The three-day event (Aug. 19-21) will be held at Kelso Beach Park on the shores of Georgian Bay and will include artists ranging from emerging young talent to some of the biggest names in folk music. For more details, visit http://www.summerfolk.org

Taking over the same venue from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5 is the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular - a fishing derby with more than $150,000 worth of merchandise up for grabs, free nightly entertainment, two fish fries and a kids’ day. It’s great fun for the whole family and you don’t even have to be an angler to have a good time! For more on the derby, visit http://www.owensoundtourism.ca

Take in some of these events after your round of golf and we can pretty much guarantee you won’t be bored during your time in beautiful Grey-Bruce.

For those of you who have yet to take advantage of the free golf vouchers handed out at the Toronto and London golf shows, it would be a great time to plan a trip to the area.

The golf courses are in fantastic shape, with evening rains helping to keep everything green. And the temperatures in recent days have been ideal for golf. The 14-day forecast calls for lots of sunshine and daytime highs of 21 to 26 C.

To give you further incentive to make the trip, I've listed some Stay and Play Grey Bruce golf offers below.

Hope to see you soon.

Steve Harron / Marketing Coordinator
Grey-Bruce Golf / steveharron@sympatico.ca

-------------------- GREY-BRUCE GOLF OFFERS

COBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS
 This award-winning course near Owen Sound is offering an All you Can Golf Special on Mondays to Wednesdays for only $99 plus tax. This includes the golf with cart, driving range usage, a bottle of water and a bag tag. Cobble Beach also has Stay and Play Packages starting at $139 plus tax after October 2nd. For more information please call 1-888-278-8112.

THE GOLF CLUB AT LORA BAY near Thornbury 
The Golf Club at Lora Bay has partnered with Blue Mountain Resort, Monterra Golf and Cobble Beach Golf Links to introduce The Georgian Bay Golf Trail. Visit www.georgianbaygolftrail.com to build your custom golf getaway today.

MONTERRA GOLF at Blue Mountain.  Fall Golf Package  Stay and play this fall at Blue Mountain Resort. Take in the sights and sounds of autumn on the Niagara Escarpment in beautiful Southern Georgian Bay. Relax in luxurious accommodations and tee-off at the renowned Monterra Golf Course. Available 7 days a week from September 6 to October 31. Starting from $149 per person per night including accommodations and one round of golf (cart included). Details and conditions at bluemountain.ca

STONE TREE GOLF AND FITNESS CLUB near Owen Sound Stay & Play Packages starting at $119 per person, see website for details. All You Can Play Tuesdays w/Cart $59.00. 

OWEN SOUND GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 
After 2 p.m. 18 holes with a power cart $47.95/person plus applicable taxes, $34.95 after 4 p.m. 519-376-1961 

PIKE LAKE GOLF CENTRE near Mount Forest . Monday to Thursday after 11:00 am – Links Course - 2 for 1 Green Fees (month of September) - 27 Holes of Golf with Cart $60.00 For more details, please call the pro shop at 519-338-2812. 

THE LINKS AT PIPER’S GLEN near Port Elgin.  Summer Special - 18 holes with a power cart Mond.-Thurs. $30, Fri.-Sunday and Holidays $45. 519-832-4653 

AINSDALE GOLF COURSE near Kincardine . Great rates coming this fall. 519-395-5555 

SAUBLE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
 Free power carts Monday to Friday 12 noon -2 p.m. 519-422-1052 

SOMERHILL GOLF CLUB near Tiverton  519-396-8450 

The Difference between Geocaching and Geocache

2011-04-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Geocaching in Bruce County, Ontario is a fun sport for anyone seeking an adventure. As a family, we had completed the Explore The Bruce "Adventure Passport contest" which you can play all summer yet found ourselves wanting more to explore in Bruce County. The 12 destinations on the passport adventure were unique and exciting and we were craving the adventure that we had just completed. It was then that my neighbor mentioned geocaching. I had to ask, what is geocaching? I was told that it was treasure hunting using a GPS to find hidden Tupperware containers. I had to laugh because I wasn’t really sure about this game at all. It wouldn’t hurt to at least check out the website, so I logged into geocaching.com and signed up for a free account. I didn’t own a GPS, and hoped that we might have luck finding one of these hidden treasures without a GPS. I didn’t want to purchase a GPS just in case we didn’t actually like this game, but I knew that we could borrow one from the various library branches in Bruce County.

After starting our account, I started to look around the map to see where exactly in Southern Ontario's Bruce County that these caches were hidden. I was blown away when I saw that there were over 12 right in our hometown of Wiarton. I didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to ourselves without a GPS, so we traveled to a small beach area and started our first geocaching adventure without a GPS in hand. We printed off the co-ordinates and I decided to use all of the clues posted by other geocachers to find the treasure. I followed the basic clues and searched for almost an hour when I happened to find a spot that I thought might be a good hide. After moving a log I was shocked to see a medium sized Tupperware container hidden inside of a rock crevice. I screamed out to my son, “I found the treasure”. He hurried over towards me and we opened our first cache. Hidden inside were a few items for trade; a keychain, a pen, a few child items and the log book for us to sign. I signed our name and my son was delighted to pick anything from the cache that he wanted for himself.

I knew that there were a few rules to play this game and they are:

If you take something from the cache, be sure to leave something of equal or greater value.
Sign the log and hide the cache exactly as you found it, so that future geocachers have as much fun as you did finding it and the final rule.
Log your visit and find on Geocaching.com

I didn’t really have anything on me, but pulled out my keys and removed the keychain and put it into the container to replace the child item that my son took. I signed the log and re-hid it exactly as we had found it. We crawled back out of the forest area and looked back at the beach area and I knew that we had just found an amazing new sport for my son and I too participate in. I think I was more excited hunting for the cache than he was, but his eyes and squeal of delight when the actual treasure was found told me that we has just found a great new hobby for us to partake in. When we got home, we logged our visit on the website an I knew that we were both hooked. Geocaching is awesome. We were very lucky for our first few searches because we found our first 5 finds without a GPS; however, the hides became far trickier and we had to use a GPS to continue playing. We bought a GPS because we knew that we were hooked on this game and we wanted to be able to play at anytime.

We did learn a few things from geocaching very quickly and that is to bring a GPS and extra batteries, water, food and always dress appropriately for the areas you are hiking too. Also, make sure you also remember a map of the area and a compass. It is also important to note that all geocaches look different and come in a variety of sizes. A cache often contains hidden treasures that are perfect for children or a variety of items that can be random for adults. You will always find a logbook for you too sign. Most caches are hidden in ammo cans or Tupperware containers, but they may also be as small as film containers or even extremely tiny containers called micros or nanos. Some caches even have ‘travel bugs’ which are trackable items that are designed to found by geocachers and placed into new caches for others to find.

We have now hidden 10 of our own geocaches across Bruce county in areas that we knew that are unique and not commonly seen by others. The best part is that this is free to play and something you can do during and season or various weather conditions. As a family we are able to continue exploring around Bruce County by finding these caches and with new ones always being made; we always have something to do. The cache count in Bruce County is now over 450, so this game will take us awhile. Geocaching is an international game and with 1,335,310 active geocaches around the world, this game will keep you busy!

VIDEO ON WHAT IS GEOCACHING

The Bruce Peninsula 100km Multisport Ontario Race

2011-04-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

The inaugural Bruce Peninsula Race was announced on Monday, February 28th 2011, exactly 365 days after the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. What do the two events have in common? Both will propel sport tourism.

The Bruce Peninsula Race is a unique 100km endurance challenge from North to South on the Bruce, designed by long-time Wiarton resident Jack Van Dorp. After finishing 9th in the World Multisport Championship in New Zealand, he and event consultant Leigh Grigg have put together the logistically-intense event scheduled it for Saturday August 13, 2011. But it won’t be without it’s rewards. The race is positioned to shine a spotlight on the rugged outdoor landscape of the Bruce Peninsula as Challenger course racers trace follow the edge of the Niagara Escarpment while running, biking and paddling.

Plans for the event include a live social media integrated web page to which spectators, media crews, and volunteers can post photos, video clips and tweets as the race progresses, not only to keep those waiting eagerly at the finish line up to date with progress on the course, but also to open the event to those around the world who couldn’t justify making the trip in the event’s first year. It’s a chance to show off the sights and sounds of the race and an important one for the long-term growth and success of the race.

Along with the 100km Challenger course which will see athletes bike-run-kayak-bike-run the Bruce, there will also be a much more achievable 25km paddle-bike-run Explorer course which follows in a loop from Wiarton to Colpoy’s Bay, Purple Valley and back. There will also be a kids race in Wiarton’s Bluewater Park.

Right from the initial discussions with regional authorities, such as the municipalities of Northern Bruce Peninsula and South Bruce Peninsula, organizers have emphasized that this event aims to draw major sport tourism to the area. The aim is to draw not only participants from out of the region, but to encourage traditional tourism in the way of campers, hikers, paddlers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in general from the spotlight that will be shone, not to mention any incidental business investment to the event from outside Grey-Bruce. This is what sport tourism is about.

This is the first official GriggSport event in the area, which has been advocating these principles since it’s South Bruce Peninsula launch in November 2010. The Olympics have generated excellent sports ‘buzz’ in Canada. After the closing ceremonies of the games when VANOC CEO John Furlong pointed out just how much work volunteers had done to make sure the events went ahead, saying “Blue Jackets 1 – Cypress Mountain Weather 0,” the onus has been on people like Van Dorp and Grigg to build sports capacity at home, create sports opportunities, and represent Canada on the international stage.

The Peninsula Race will focus on being low-impact, another crucial priority considering the race will quite prominently feature the sensitive ecosystem of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere site. Race entries are limited for the event to ensure that it is environmentally sustainable. All proceeds from the event will be used to support sport initiatives on the Bruce Peninsula.

More information about the event can be found at www.griggsport.com/bruce.

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----------PADDLE--------

----------BIKE--------

Birding in Southern Ontario's Bruce County

2011-04-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am not your traditional idea of someone who enjoys birding. This is a new interest for me and my photos are pictures of opportunity. This means that I have spotted these amazing creatures and have been able too capture them. Across Bruce County hundreds of various species of Ontario birds can be seen sitting on telephone poles, farm fence lines, swampy areas, farmland on side road concessions, national parks, waterfalls, wooded area and occasionally they may be spotted near the ruins of an old abandoned home. Another great spot is always near the water, like inland lakes, dams and common fishing spots.

The smaller species of birds are fairly easy to capture. These birds will allow people to get a bit closer than the larger birds of prey. I make a point to not intrude on the birds’ habitat and always maintain a safe distance. I move very slowly to take my shots and then I leave the area as soon as I am done. Please remember that making sudden or fast movements will spook a bird, so if you want to capture their image, just remember to be patient.

Bird photos around The Bruce Peninsula National Park

Some of my favourite spots to capture birds, are near swampy areas. I have noted a variety of species in these areas and am always left wondering, ‘What type of bird is that?’ I have developed a natural curiosity about taking photos of birds; some birds have incredible beauty and size while others are scavengers and sometimes a menace.

My favourite birds to capture, are birds of prey like Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls. They are a beautiful sight to capture and some of the best spots to see various birds of prey are up and down the Grey Bruce Line. There are various hawks like the red tailed hawk, white tailed hawk and the peregrine falcon that can be spotted daily throughout the swampy areas along this road. These birds prefer open areas, like fields with high perching places nearby from where they can watch for prey. Hawks are commonly seen on large tree tops along the roadside to spot and seize mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, or other prey. They do not allow humans to get too close, so you will need to be patient and have a good zoom in order to capture them.

Another favourite bird that I love capturing is the Osprey. This is a powerful raptor, bird of prey and is commonly known as the “sea hawk or a fish eagle”. They can be spotted near Oliphant and Wiarton as there are various perches built in these areas. Ospreys are often mistaken for bald eagles, but they can be identified by their white under parts. Their white head has a distinctive black eye stripe that goes down the side of their face. Ospreys are also very territorial and where there is one, their mate is always close.

The grey and blue herons are a common site in Allenford, Stokes Bay, Sauble Falls, Lockerby (Paisley) and Tobermory. Also the great Egret, also a member of the heron family can be seen in Sauble Falls and Allenford. These members of the heron family frequent marshes, lakes, humid forests, and other wetland environments to catch small fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and crustaceans in shallow waters.

If you would like to see swans, I always recommend visiting Southampton at Fairy Lake near the Bruce County Museum or Harrison Park in Owen Sound. You will see ducks and other water birds that frequent the area, but the swans are the birds to see here. Swans are easily spotted, noting their long curved necks and webbed feet. These majestic birds can be seen floating serenely around ponds with their mate. There are seven different species of swans that exist and they are the: Whooper, Trumpeter, Tundra, Mute, Black-necked, Black and Coscoroba.

Throughout Bruce County, there are hundreds of small species of birds. We all commonly recognize the Bluejay, Cardinal, Chickadee, Robin and wild Finch. These smaller birds are much easier to capture, as they have become domesticated by being fed wild bird seed. Recently, I had an amazing experience at the Bruce Peninsula National Park, where baby chickadees would eat wild bird seed directly from my hands. This was unique and powerful experience for myself and my son and one that has sparked the desire to continue capturing various bird species in Bruce County, Ontario.

Winner of Canada’s Best Hidden Travel Gem by the Canadian Tourism Commission

2011-03-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Bruce County is now Winner two years in a row for both 2009 & 2010 of the top vacation spots across Canada!

Who knew you were so close to two of Canada’s Best Hidden Travel Gems? Just a few short hours away from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are both winners. Excellent day trip idea if I may suggest plans for your summer.

The 2009 winner was Georgian Bay which is home to The Grotto at the Bruce Peninsula National Park. The Grotto is a sea cave with spectacularly clear turquoise water and stunning photography opportunities!

THE GROTTO ON GEORGIAN BAY PHOTOS

The second year in a row our area became the 2010 winner, for Chantry Island just off the coast of the town of Southampton, Ontario. Chantry Island is home to one of three imperial tower lighthouses on the Bruce Coast and is a bird sanctuary. It is a magical journey through marine heritage with Lake Huron stories you will remember forever.

CHANTRY ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOS

View Larger Map

If you would like to visit the area and see these two very special places, click here to get a FREE Bruce County Travel kit for the area. Trust me, you will be back again.

District 9 Snowmobile Website Reveals Best Trails

2010-12-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Ride Grey Bruce has paired up with District 9 to create a new, more intuitive and interactive snowmobile website for the region. Even though their old site wasn’t lacking for user-friendly facts, they’ve really upped the bar this time. Created as a Grey and Bruce regional product, District 9 is represented in a flashy, attractive design courtesy of Canvas Studios out of Port Elgin. The design is easy to follow, and entices you to find out more about the region.

If you’re just visiting the region for the first time or don’t yet have a tour route to follow, snowmobilegreybruce.com has put together multiple rides for you. Ranging from a few hours of sledding to an overnight route, they have presented an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced sledders. Their signature tour, “Ride the Willie”, plays on the quirky ‘Small town-world famous’ Groundhog Day in Wiarton, held every February 2nd. Beginning the morning of the prediction day (it’s a Wednesday in 2011), the festival runs through to the weekend and is filled with snowmobile-friendly events.

In addition to providing routes, the website is an excellent tool for additional snowmobile friendly spots in the area, including where to eat, where to sleep, and where to shop. These three tabs help you navigate through the site to find important info about what’s available in District 9.

Not only does the snowmobilegreybruce.com website provide all-things snowmobile, it also suggests some great must-try family fun. A winter activities page outlines all of the opportunities that Grey Bruce has to offer, including some top-notch downhill ski resorts, unique winter yurt camping opportunities, dog sledding, and a multitude of trails to use for skiing and snowshoeing.

The new snowmobilegreybruce.com website has thought of everything, and then some. There are on-site local weather conditions, webcams, and a link to trail conditions that are kept updated regularly. The site’s fresh design is easy to navigate and user-friendly. Best of all, its designers are local and love spending the winter in District 9.

Christmas Gift Ideas - Paisley Local Artisan Sale

2010-11-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

By Our Hands is a one-of-a-kind sale by 40 local artisans who specifically have created items that will appeal to all ages and are unique. The show, which is now on in Paisley until December 24th, includes works in wood, glass, metal, knitting, weaving, hooking, jewelery, candles, quilting, cards and much more. Great gift ideas at great prices for Christmas or any time of the year. And when you are finished shopping, take a look at Paisely.

Paisley, the town at the confluence of the Saugeen River and the Teeswater, was named for a town near Glasgow, Scotland. During the winter of 1850, 160 years ago, Simon Orchard, wishing to relocate, moved his family and household effects to Walkerton. The following spring as the river rose, he built a substantial raft of cedar logs, placed his family and goods on it and floated down the Saugeen River in search of a new homestead.

The Orchards stopped the first night at the junction of two rivers. The next morning, after having taken a look around, they decided that it was there they wished to settle. Three weeks later, Samuel Rowe, Simon’s brother-in-law, followed his route using two large rafts. Samuel and his family settled on the south bank of the Teeswater River, opposite Simon.

By 1852, John Valentine’s sawmill, Paisley’s first industry, was supplying settlers with building material. Samuel Rowe’s log house served both as a tavern for travelers and as a meeting house for various denominations. And then in 1872, a railway arrived in Paisleyand the town began to grow.

Pumpkinfest 2010 - Port Elgin top Ontario event!

2010-10-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Looking for world record excitement? Wondering how big a GIANT pumpkin can really get? Then head over to Port Elgin for Pumpkinfest 2010 on October 2nd and 3rd and experience one of Ontario’s truly unique events.

Pumpkinfest has been around now for over two decades. The winner of numerous awards for Ontario’s best festival, it features two giant vegetable weigh offs, one of Ontario’s largest two day outdoor car shows and over 100 craft and marketplace vendors.

There is much to see and do at Pumpkinfest including a seed spitting contest, master carvers working on giant pumpkins, a Patches’ Pumpkin Zone, and a pumpkin baking competition. New for 2010 are a gladiator joust, a Velcro climbing wall, a bungie run and a sumo battle.

But the star of the show takes place at the Bruce Power Weigh-Off Tent on both Saturday and Sunday. Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest is one of more than 30 sites around the world that compete in the International Weigh Off. The top grower at Port Elgin walk away with $5,000 and the chance to be named “Top Grower in the World.”

Weigh off competitions for giant pumpkins have been a popular fall festival activity for decades. But it wasn’t until Howard Dill of Nova Scotia broke the record for the largest pumpkin in 1981 with one near 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms) that pumpkins really began to grow larger and larger.

Today, Dill is credited for most of the giant pumpkins being grown today, most of which result from crossing and re-crossing his patented seed with other varieties. The current world record holder is Christy Harp’s 1,725 pound (782 kilograms) Atlantic giant pumpkin that won last year’s Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Grower’s annual weigh off. But maybe, just maybe an entry at Pumpkinfest 2010 may win it all.

Bruce Wild with Wildflowers

2010-05-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

With the very warm weather of March and April many plants this year had been deceived into sprouting ahead of schedule but it was bone dry and tough. The soaking rain of early May came just in time to save the day, kick starting the wildflowers on the Bruce for 2010. The rare Lake Side Daisies and deep blue Dwarf Lake Iris found in Bruce Peninsula National Park came two weeks ahead of schedule. And everything else seems to be early.

The Bruce Peninsula is renowned for its wildflowers especially the orchids. Each of the 44 orchid species found here have a favourite time for blooming … earliest being one of the prizes, the Calypso Orchid and, yes, it’s up. But the month to catch the biggest diversity of wildflowers is June. Ram’s Head Lady’s Slippers (the flower looks like a goat head, ears and all) are easiest to find at Singing Sands in the national park as June begins. Then comes the gold rush of the Yellow Lady’s Slippers which thrive on a bit of disturbance … so do very well on road sides. Two years ago there were 600 flowers along the Cyprus Lake road alone! Then as June wears on come the fen-loving orchids like Rose Pagonia, Grass Pink, Tall White Bog Orchid, and Showy Lady’s Slipper which are best seen along the dyke-like road from Highway #6 to Singing Sands in the national park. The “showies” have a slipper that is a gorgeous pink with white and almost the size of an egg. Its known as the queen of the lady’s slippers.

Road sides are one of the best places to see our wildflowers and waves of different species dress up the ditches from June through September. At one point its the Indian Paint Brushes, then the Ox-eye Daisies and Wood Lilies, then Queen Anne’s Lace and Hawkweed, then Chicory … and finally the Asters and Golden Rods to end the season.

Drop into the National Park Visitor Centre in Tobermory to get current information on local wildflowers. Expect some wildflowers to be earlier than usual and bring your camera. Every year at the end of May and beginning of June (May 29th this year) is the Tobermory Orchid Festival and it’s something worth catching. It is a great time to learn about orchids and to enjoy the blossoms of “the Bruce”.

Sea Monsters - Predators of the Ancient Seas

2010-05-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

Spring has arrived and that means New and exciting exhibits at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton.

The first one opened on May 7th and run through until September 6th. Check out their site for all the details and for all other great exhibits coming to the museum this year. Don't forget about their many permanent exhibits to explore while you are there.

You will want to save sometime while you visit to take in their cool movie, which plays daily in the theatre right inside the museum, it really gives you a birds eye view of what life is like living in Bruce County, past, present and future!

For a full list of museums across the Bruce and links to their websites visit Explore the Bruce

6th Annual Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport Contest

2010-04-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Breaking News:

Hello Fellow Adventurer's, and welcome all you new Adventurer's!

It is that time of year again. The 6th Annual Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport Contest start Saturday May 1st and runs through till Friday December 3rd, 2010. This year we asked you the FAN to choose your favourite location across the Bruce to make as a passport stop and we listened. The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park won hands down.

The passports are at the printer right now and will be in a black box in 12 secret locations thorughout the Bruce, ready for your next adventure to begin May 1st.

It is simple visit the Adventure Passport Official Website for all the details, tips, clues, maps, and to order your adeventure passport. Don't forget to send in your photos from your adventurer and you could get a chance to be a "Featured Adventurer" on our website!

If you are a facebooker, check out our Facebook Fan Page and share your stories from your adventure with others, shhhhhhhh... don't give away all the secrets, because you don't want to take all the fun out of the adventure now do you...

P.S. If you are in Owen Sound this weekend, check out the Home & Cottage Expo taking place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre at 1900 3rd Ave E. Bruce County has a booth and our Explore the Bruce Adventure Team will be on hand, we are having a contest. Plus we are going to have Adventure Passports on hand Hot of the Press, and will be giving them out to early bird adventurer's. You know you can't start the contest till May 1st, but think of all the fun you could have getting ready for your next Adventure!!!

Maple Syrup Festivals around the Bruce

2010-03-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well Spring has officially arrived and that means the snow is melting the days are getting longer and the sap is running. The spring offers an abundance of maple trees being tapped, sap running and being boiled in sugar shacks to make that dark brown liquid we know so well! Is there anything better then local Maple Syrup.

Here are a few taking place in our region:

Purple Valley Maple Syrup Festival
April 3rd - Community Centre 9 km N.E. of Wiarton on Purple Valley Rd

Old Thyme Maple Syrup Festival at the Saugeen Bluffs Conversation Area
March 26-27th– 519.364.1255

Maple Syrup Festival – Chesley – Cedar Rail Camp
Apr 3rd – 519.363.2702

43rd Annual Belmore Maple Syrup Festival
April 8th & 10th – Community Centre – 519.335.3748

Kemble Maple Syrup Festival
April 10th – United Church - 519.370.2087

So over the next few weekends you have the opportunity to take in 1 or all of the festivals in the region! Why not plan to attend them all.

Learn about maple syrup from start to finish, make taffy, see how many pancakes you can eat, and spend time with family and friends enjoying the great outdoors.

Bruce County Celebrates March Break

2010-03-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner, the snow is melting the birds are singing and kids across the region are getting excited for March Break. They are gearing up and looking forward to enjoying a week off school, and we know they can’t wait to spending time with their family and friends.

Here are a few things to check out around the Bruce next week:

Parks Canada Visotr Centre - Monday March 15 - Saturday March 19th
March Break Kids Program daily 12:30 - 4:00 pm
519.596.2233
Grey Cup Coming to Saugeen Shores - Tuesday March 16 & 17th
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre – 33 Victoria St -519.797.2080
Sea Creature Cookie Decorating Workshop – Thursday March 18th
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre – 33 Victoria St
Saugeen Youth Pow Wow – Saturday March 20th
James Mason Memorial Centre – 519.797.5000
Formosa Farm Toy Show & Sale - Sunday March 21st
Hwy 9 between Mildmay & Walkerton - 519.392.6207

For more info on great things to see and do over the holiday, contact your local information centre.

Poker Run

2010-02-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hurray! Wiarton Willie says 6 more weeks of winter!!! So if you like to snowmobile, Grey Bruce in the heart of District 9 has some of the best riding in Ontario. This weekend Feb 13th is the Wiarton Trail Blazers Annual Poker Run is starts at the Wiartview Resort 501205 Island View Dr and registration is at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost per hand is $15.00. This year's run is in conjunction with the Stoney Keppel Riders Chili Day at the Stoney Keppel Clubhouse. There will be cash prizes, door prizes, a BBQ and a silent auction. So come on out and enjoy the day!

Don't forget that Monday February 15th is "Family Day". Make the most of it, bundle up and head outdoors for one of the many winter activities you can experience in the Bruce, from snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing to making snow people, snow angels, or spend sometime at MacGregor Point Provincial Park at their 400 metre outdoor ice loop, which winds it's way through a section of the park, it a great place to take in a night skate!

Sauble Beach Winterfest Jan 22-23rd, 2010

2010-01-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some outdoor fun this weekend on the Bruce, why not head out to Sauble Beach for their 31st Annual Sauble Beach Winterfest! GU7KWHDA4DY6 It all starts on Friday night at the beach, there is a night parade up Main Street to the Community Centre, where everyone has dropped off their christmas tree in the parking lot. After the parade they light the massive bon fire and everyone warms up from the very cool HUGE fire, and free hot chocolate. There will also be a youth dance featuring a Battle of the Bands compitetion.

Saturday morning start your day out off with a pancake breakfast at the Community Centre and then take in the Diesel Dan Hockey Tournemant, Outdoor/Indoor Games, Outdoor BBQ, a Euchre Tournament and then end the day off at the Geoff Stevens Dance.

Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 54th Annual Wiarton Willie Festival from February 2nd - 7th, in Wiarton. This year the prediction morning will be taking place down on the waterfront, at Bluewater Park You won't want to miss all the great things planned for this year's festival! Check out Willie's site for more details! If you are a Facebooker, become friends with Willie and follow him there! Download a Wiarton Willie Festival Program Guide

Some other cool events you won't want to miss in the next weeks:
February 13th - Wiarton Trail Blazers - Poker Run - Waterview Resort - 501205 Island View Dr
February 13th - Stoney Keppel Riders Chili Day - B Trail north of Georgian Bluffs Rail Line
February 13th - Winterama - The Plex in Port Elgin

Sleigh Rdes & Cross Country Skiing in Bruce County

2009-12-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

What a great way to spend time outdoors over the holidays with family and friends! This holiday season while you are out and about in Grey Bruce, why not see some of our back country, or tour the Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound! A great way to check out the lights is by Horse and Carriage, I did it last Friday night with some friends and we had a great time, listening to the sounds of horses on ash fault and the bells ringing made the tour that much more memorable. Contact Gord at Windsong Farm to book your tour.

Check out our site for events and things to do over the holidays!

Here is the list of local Stables:
Richies Clydesdales (Carriage rides) 1-519-385-2548
Purple Valley Riding Stables 1-519-534-0598
Glen Catto - Catto Farms Sleigh Rides 1-519-376-9027
Glendale Farms 1-519-376-9027

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is to go dog sledding Singing Dogs is the way to go! Or maybe you want to do some cross country skiing or snowshoeing, check out Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth or Thorncrest Outfitters in Southampton for all your gear needs and trail info.

From our place to yours, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year, all the best in 2010!

Olympic Torch Relay

2009-12-23T06:02:00.000-08:00

If you are in Grey Bruce over the holidays visiting family and friends and are looking for something to do, once the presents have all been opened, and you have had your fill of turkey, veggies and sweets here is a great way to spend sometime outdoors with family and friends! The Olympic Torch is coming through Grey Bruce on the 28th & 29th! Here is a list of towns you can get together with locals and visitors to cheer the torch on it's way to the 2010 Olympic Games in BC!

On the 28th: Durham, Hanover, Walkerton, Kincardine, Tiverton, Port Elgin, Southampton, Saugeen, & ending its day in Owen Sound.
On the 29th: Meaford, Thornbury, Blue Mountain, Collingwood and it will keep on going through Wasaga Beach on its way to Barrie.

So check out their interactive map so you can find out more info and follow it's path http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/olympic-torch-relay/olympic-torch-relay-interactive-map/

New ONTARIO Winter Camping Package

2009-11-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Winter camping has been a popular activity at MacGregor Point Provincial Park for a number of years.

This year, in addition to yurt camping, MacGregor Point Provincial Park is offering a new camping experience. Leave your trailer on your very own electrical campsite from November 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 and enjoy winter camping. Families will love the 400 metre outdoor skating loop and ski enthusiasts will appreciate the 7 kilometre set track cross-country ski loop. As well, 20 kilometres of unplowed trails, roads and shoreline await adventurous explorers.

Roads and campsites are plowed regularly throughout the winter season and park staff maintain a heated washroom/shower building. Campfire wood and up-to-date weather and road conditions are available. A volunteer campground host is on location all winter.

For a basic fee of $200.00 to park for the “winter” and a minimum commitment of 20 nights at the applicable camping fee, you can enjoy New Year’s at MacGregor Point, Family Day gatherings and many more memorable experiences in this winter wonderland. Hurry and book your site - only 15 spots are available.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park is located on Lake Huron 5 kilometres south of Port Elgin. It is two hours north of London and 3.5 hours from Toronto.

For further information contact the park at:
1-519-389-9056.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/English/macg.html

Hiking on the Bruce Peninsula - Jones Bluff, Oct 2009

2009-10-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

With a weekend predicting overcast, rain and potential flurries, it was important to take advantage of the mild temperatures and sun. A last minute hike in the late afternoon was an adventure and race against nightfall.

Quiet roads, relaxed atmosphere and easily located- Jones Bluff is an amazing hike of natural woodland landscape and scenic vistas over Georgian Bay.

The high expectation of fall colour was surpassed when completing the 7 km Bruce Trail loop in just 2 ½ hours. With a moderate pace along uneven ground, we stopped at every opening along the trail to take in the scenic views of the Niagara Escarpment.

The Bruce Trail twists and turns, across crevasses and lively ferns with the first view of white limestone escarpment jutting in the air, and a sea of colour in the valley below, offering an abundance of, neon yellow, burnt orange and greens, with the arrival of vibrant reds in the distance.

We persevere, watching our foot placement along the path of padded leaves. At a rock over hang the wind whips across the bluff and in the distance Georgian Bay is as calm as glass. We sat beneath a large maple tree to take in the view, a great photo opportunity of untouched escarpment along Georgian Bay.

The Bruce Trail meanders north providing a panoramic view of large inlets, rural community, islands, and the white base of escarpment covered in autumn colours.

The combination of water, escarpment, and colour encompasses the perfect fall hike along the Georgian Bay shoreline on the Bruce Peninsula.

Does anyone have any stories or questions about the Bruce Trail? Please let me know, I am very interested in your experiences!

Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/explorethebruce .

To do this hike, we recommend getting a Bruce Trail Conservancy book as there is a lot of details to know for safety precautions. Check here for the latest version: https://brucetrail.org/store

Ontario Top Family Vacation Spot - Bruce County

2009-08-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

http://explorethebruce.com/friendsandfamily/
Use the link above to email everyone you know to help them get out and enjoy the sights of Bruce County!

It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and we think there is no better time than now to get together. We want you to be our guests so we can hang out and Explore this amazing place we live in.

Local Insider "Must Do" Activities With Your Friends and Family –

* Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport

* Hike or Boat Cruise Bruce Peninsula National Park

* Climb a Bruce Coast Lighthouse

* Paddle the Saugeen River

* See Dinosaurs

* Get Ontario’s Best Butter Tarts and Cheeses in Mildmay

* March with the Mass Pipe Band In Kincardine Every Saturday Night

* Experience the Keady Market Phenomenon

Tobermory, Flowerpot Island Lighthouse Story

2009-07-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Bruce County is well known for it’s many lighthouses that dot the shoreline of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. http://www.brucecoastlighthouses.com These beacons have lots of history and stories to tell, and long gone are the keepers who would echo these stories in journals and logs....

Flowerpot Island is one of my favorites. It’s picturesque setting off the shores of Tobermory is only accessible by boat. Last year on summer solstice weekend, myself and five other friends committed to being the lighthouse keepers for 4 days. The “Friends of Fathom Five” http://www.castlebluff.com who look after the lightstation, have a program in place where you pay to stay, and while there you run the Museum, Souvenir Shop, housecleaning duties, groundskeepers, and generally act as a tour guide to greet the visitors who choose to get off the tour boats and explore this magnificent island.

This year was our 2nd annual summer solstice weekend, and our group grew in numbers. I brought my sister along with us who resides in Burlington, Ontario…a true city girl. For the two weeks leading up to our departure, she would call each evening and ask what she should pack, as you have to hike all of your belongings, including clothes, food, drinks, etc, 25 minutes by trail to the lightstation. Believe me, you really question how necessary each item is when you have to pack it.

The morning arrived and we all met at the Blue Heron Co boat rides http://www.blueheronco.com dock to board the zodiac that would shuttle us to our weekend destination. It was great to see everyone whom we had not seen since last year, and to meet the “newbies” to our group.

After arriving and getting settled in, we all pitched in and greeted our visitors with enthusiasm. The required chores were executed, and before we knew it the day was over.

There are six campsites on Flowerpot Island. These sites have to be reserved through the Bruce Peninsula National Park. When the last tour boat leaves the island at 5:00 p.m., the island becomes your own oasis. It is hard to describe the feeling of calmness as you sit in a rocker on the covered porch of the original house built in 1901 and watch some of the best sunsets over the horizon. There are no telephones, no cell phone service, no television, no radio, just the sounds of the water as it laps against the rocky shore. Each evening we as a group would record in the lightkeepers journal the events of the day. We as friends would catch up on news, tell stories, and of course take many photographs of the spectacular sunsets.

This year one of my goals was to hike the loop trail to the Marl Beds. This is the inland
trail that takes you back to Beachy Cove and the Blue Heron Boats. We found this trail to be very different then the shore trail with it’s many elevations, large mossy rocks, stairways to climb, and diverse flora.

Being a photographer, another longtime goal of mine has been to capture a sunrise over the large flowerpot. Myself and two other “keeners” were up at 5:00 a.m. to hike 15 minutes in the dark to the exact spot. It was truly an amazing experience to sit on the cliffs, in the serenity of the early morning in anticipation, waiting for the sun to come up. It was well worth the effort as we captured some great photos.

All to soon our tenure as lightkeepers came to an end, and new “keepers” would be arriving to take our post.

It is sad to have to pack up and say goodbye to Flowerpot for another year. As we begin our trek over the trail to Beachy Cove, our packs noticeably lighter then upon arrival, the feeling of sadness was evident on everyone’s face. For my sister, the whole experience was the best medicine any doctor could have ordered. Over the weekend she shed all thoughts of her hectic city life. Feeling totally relaxed and stress free she talked about “next year” and how this place relaxed her more then she ever imagined.

For me, I am lucky that it is in my own backyard and I can visit anytime throughout the summer. It is amazing how many guests we greeted on Flowerpot that have traveled across the world to this unique destination. Have a look at our lighthouse tours. Does anyone have any light house stories in their family heritage? Please let me know, I'd love to hear it!

Motorcycle RoadTrip Plan for the Bruce Peninsula

2009-07-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome Riders. Flowing roads, great scenery and fun stops are the components of a Bruce County motorcycle tour. Municipal roads are well-surfaced, quiet, tight and twisty. They skim the shoreline, wind up the Niagara Escarpment and careen through river valleys. Use the “Ride Grey Bruce Motorcycle Tour Map” to link the dots of beaches, lighthouses, lookouts and waterfalls. Make a treasure hunt of it, finding best butter tarts, best Thai Food, most creative desserts, outdoor markets and more.

Ontario motorcycle tour: www.ridegreybruce.com

Search our site for all the cool things there are to see and do in the region. Make sure to check out our road map for cool eateries, motorcycle friendly accommodators, and bike shops for all your bike needs. Order your motorcycle touring kit today or download and print the one to the right here through the link. Be ready to hit the road!

Ontario Mountain Biking Park on Bruce Peninsula

2009-07-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Mountain Biking Mecca - wwwMTBthebruce.com

Bruce County has a mission to become the number one off-road riding destination in Ontario. Already, three forest tracts have been transformed into rollicking, singletrack trail parks – and there’s more to come. The star of the show is Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park, which presents an array of technical trail features including roller coaster-like boardwalks, suspended bridges and rock ladders, all scattered amidst forested loops.

Share with us what you would like to see built in the coming years. Come check out the best mountain bike park in Ontario!

Ontario, Bruce Coast Lighthouse Tours for the family!

2009-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Come experience the Bruce Coast Lighthouse Tour which is a world-class marine heritage experience right here in Ontario. Climb a 150 year-old Imperial Tower, become an assistant Keeper at Cabot Head or Flowerpot Lightstation, tour the Marine Gallery at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, and take a glass-bottom boat cruise to see real shipwrecks. The Bruce Coast is 854 kilometres long and is home to Fathom Five National Marine Park, the first Underwater Park in Canada. ONTARIO FAMILY LIGHTHOUSE TOUR

Spring is Here

2009-05-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

You know one of the first signs of spring is to see groundhogs, well Wiarton Willie is out and about, awakened from his long winter slumber, he is out and about diggin in the dirt and showing off for all his adoring fans!

When you are out and about exploring the Bruce, why not drop by and say "HI" to Willie he may be inside his house or outside his house depending on the weather... You know he loves to hang out in his outside pen and bake in the sun!

For those of you who have not been to Willie's house before, it is located on Brown St in Wiarton across from Bluewater Park, on the front lawn of the Bruce County Library, you can't miss it!

Check out the Willie Cam to see what he is up to while he hangs out inside his house.

5th Annual Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport Contest

2009-05-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

WOW not sure where the first quarter of the year went, can you believe it is May 1st already. If you are a fan of our annual contest you know by now that today is the day you have been waiting for all year...The Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport Contest starts today and runs till December 5th, 2009...

Check out our NEW Adventure Passport website for all kinds of clues, tips, tour ideas, and to order a copy of your adventure passport so you can get out there and experience what over 28,000 people have done over the past 4 years.

If this is your first time doing the contest you are in for a great adventure, if you have done it before or maybe are a seasoned vetran, then you know what kind of fun you are about to take part in.

If you are a facebook user, we are looking for you! Join our group and share your journey with other fellow adventurers, but remember don't give away all the secrets... Share your photos, videos, stories and more.

This year the first 1,000 entries will receive a FREE Explore the Bruce T-Shirt...wear it proud!

Your Adventure Starts Now...Good Luck!

Maple Syrup Festivals

2009-03-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

Well isn't it nice to see the sunshine and watch the snow melt away! The crocus's are blooming in my garden and the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth are about 6 inches high! I hope by the time Easter arrives my garden will be full of colour and giving off a wonderful fragrance! I am sitting at a friend’s house, watching the Sydenham River flow by, the swans, assorted ducks and Canadian geese are all a flurry, and there are so many types of birds at the feeders I am having to look them up in the bird book!! The land critters are a happy to be digging and munching away..

Spring is defiantly in the air and that means warm sunny days and cool night, which you know makes the sap run!! That’s right it is Maple Syrup time and all that that in tales...
So over the next few weekends if you are looking for something to do outdoors in our region, you won’t be disappointed! By mid April if you have not had your fill of pancakes, maple syrup and spending time with family and friends in the country, you'll be sorry you missed out.

Here is a list of some Maple Syrup Festivals happening in the Bruce and beyond:
March 28-29th
Old Tyme Maple Syrup Festival at Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area
8 km North of Paisley off Bruce Rd 3)
April 4th
Grey Roots Museum & Archives annual Maple Syrup Festival
(Grey Rd 18, S of Owen Sound)
April 9th and 11th
42nd Annual Belmore Maple Syrup Festival at the Community Centre
April 11th
Purple Valley Maple Syrup Festival – Community Centre

Hope to see you at one of them!

Lighthouse Tours on the Bruce Peninsula

2009-03-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a great love of Ontario lighthouses. This love developed at a very, very young age. Our family would spend each summer at our cottage on the shores of Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula. Every summer our neighbour - "Uncle Art" would take my sister and I for a hike to the "lighthouse". This was quite a hike for a pre-schooler, but we would pack a picnic, and off we would go. Uncle Art is long gone, and those treks to the lighthouse stopped with his passing, but it has always remained as a special place in my heart.

My own father passed away this winter, and somethings can never be recaptured. But it has made me realize that some things will remain just memories, and some memories can be relived, or re-visited.

As many people groan and complain about a long winter, my friends and I were thrilled that we could get another Sunday afternoon Ontario Snowshoe Adventure in. Chris and Beth had only heard about this lighthouse from stories that I have told them over the years, but as it is only accessible by boat, or a hike through the bush, it was a great opportunity to introduce them to this special place.

It was a walk through time as I retraced those same steps taken decades ago. I was amazed to find the same trails as I forged ahead leading the group. Small things along the way would spark a memory as I reminisced in my own thoughts amongst the solitude of the woods.

As we rounded the point and I got my first glimpse at this icon in my life, I stopped and took it all in as I waited for my friends to catch up. I was finally back at this familiar place, a place that holds a special part of my history.

The lighthouse looks exactly as I remembered it, except now is operated by solar panels. I could not resist climbing the tower as if I were five years old again.

I can't tell you how many times people have called our office at Bruce County Tourism and tell me that they vacationed in our area with their families growing up years ago and want to return to rekindle those memories, or visit those special places that held such fond memories for them.

It was great to be able to share this special place with my friends, and as we sat on the deck at my Sauble Beach Cottage afterwards soaking up the sunshine, we starting planning our next adventure. Stay tuned....

P.S. For anyone who would like to know where this "secret" lighthouse is, call us at 1-800-268-3838.

Snowshoeing on the Bruce Peninsula

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

It was another absolutely beautiful day on the Bruce Peninsula. Each Sunday afternoon I get together with a couple of good friends to go Ontario snowshoeing. Each week we discover different places. Places that have a totally different look and feel then in the warmer temperatures, and the wildlife awakes, or life gets so busy trying to fit everything in that you don't get to stop and smell the roses. We here in Bruce County embrace winter.

Since I have moved here 15 years ago from the big city, I have come to make the most of each season, and jump in with both feet. Today I hosted my friends on my 200 acres on the Bruce Peninsula. It is fun identifying the different trees and animal tracks that we see throughout the bush. Last Sunday we tried Bruce Trail snowshoeing at Lion's Head where we discovered the 10,000 year old potholes carved in the limestone. We stood on the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Isthmus Bay located along the shores of Georgian Bay, and all of it's glory in a snow squall. Next week we hope to trek the shores of Lake Huron Cottages while it is still frozen to a place.......well you will just have to wait and see. Stay tuned.

Check out some of the great places to go Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing across the Bruce!

SnowTrax Television Episode Filmed in Grey Bruce

2009-02-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

SnowTrax TV Was Here

The SnowTrax Television crew was here carving the trails around Owen Sound and Wiarton (Jan 27th – 29th) in efforts to showcase this region as the heart and sole of Ontario Snowmobiling. The Best Western Inn on The Bay was a gracious host for the shoot and pampered the crew each night. Co-host Luke Lester is now known as 'Bubbles'.

Show Co-host Taera McLean has been to Grey Bruce before and was so impressed at how the local communities embrace its favourite winter pastime. “Every time I ride here I am blown away at the hospitality, friendliness and dedication by volunteers to perfecting this massive trail system. Combine it with the unique clubhouses and the social aspects, and you’ve got a totally unique riding experience.” View Taera's Blog.....for more details on the trip.

The itinerary for the shoot focused on digging into what makes this snowmobile community tick and illustrating what makes people so passionate about the sport. One of the features will be on the VanDolder family, who have deep connections to snowmobile racing and this community.

Mchael, Jeremy VanDolder and Taera Maclean

Videographer Doug capturing Jeremy on the practice track

The entire VanDolder family

The crew also interviewed Paul MacDermid an owner of the Owen Sound Attack Junior A Hockey Club. Paul is a former NHL'r and is an avid Snowmobiler in Grey Bruce. Paul says it's the diversity of riding terrain here that makes it so appealling. Plus, the Attack hockey club is the only OHL Franchise that you can ride your sled right to the rink to take in a game. The crew spent a little time on the ice as well talking to some players who also love to ride.

Taera and Paul at the Attack Rink

Marcus Carroll, Michael McGurk, Tyler Beskorowany

A unique twist to the show was to include a winter camping feature that saw the crew ride to the Lennox Clubhouse (near Owen Sound) to learn wilderness survival skills with Dr. Gino Ferri and crew from Survival in the Bush Inc.

Videographer Doug and Survival in the Bush Expert igniting a tinder bundle

Following winter camping, the crew will head to the Wiarton Airport to shoot a riding sequence utilizing a Helicopter. Riders were filmed cruising atop the Niagara Escarpment to the scenic Skinners Bluff lookout right on the trail. The aerial footage will be used in the show to capture the scenic beauty of the area overlooking Georgian Bay.

Tarea and Chris infront of the Bruce Peninsula Helicopter Tours Chopper

The Grey Bruce Episode will air later in February. Check SnowTrax Television for times and tons of cool sled stuff.

Check out local riding information at Ride Grey Bruce. For the fantastic Yamaha Sleds used in the show see Bill at Tennysons Yamaha .

Next week we are hitting the trails with Ontario Snowmobile Magazine (OSM) for a Shore to Shore ride. Stay tuned!

As always...Grey Bruce is a proud part of GoRideOntario

Wiarton Willie Prediction Morning

2009-02-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

Well the sun gods were shinning on us this morning! It was a great day to be in Wiarton at the Meeting Place for the 53rd Annual Wiarton Willie Prognostication, he did not disappoint if you are into snow, then congratulations we are in for 6 more weeks of it!!

Our tourism team was at the event this morning and Jamie from our office was in full Willie gear!!

Show Shoeing on the Bruce Peninsula

2009-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Weekends on the "Bruce" are usually weather cperfect for Ontario cross country skiing! Recently, it was a day full of sunshine, and after all the snow we have been receiving it was well needed.

We can all handle winter, we live in a 4-season destination, but you got t0 have some days like yesterday, -2 and sunny. Makes you want to get outdoors and take it all in and what better way them to either head out on one of our groomed cross country trails or break in one of your own!

Even though we are in for 6 more weeks of winter, this week is looking pretty good for sunny days an milder temps, so get out there and take it all in!!

If you find yourself in Wiarton this week, drop on by our office, we will be on the front lawn from 12:00 - 2:00 pm building a cool snow sculpture, at 578 Brown St, we are right next door the LCBO and across the street from Georgian Bay!

Ice Fishing on the Beautiful Bruce Peninsula

2009-02-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

There are so many things to do in the winter on the Bruce and after this morning prognostication from that famous groundhog Wiarton Willie we are in for 6 more weeks of winter!!

So bundle up, throw on a pair of snow shoes and head out on one of our many inland lakes to take in a great winter sport Ice Fishing!

Like these two sisters, what a great way to spend time with friends and family... Jamie from our office loves to share the outdoors with her sister from the city... They caught these two Rainbow Fish this past weekend.

Willie Willie Great Snowmobiling

2009-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

Stop the Presses. Wiarton Willie might say..."8 More weeks of great powder and wicked riding"

Sources have it that Willie loves to ride. Local snowmobilers captured these images and video of Willie Riding a 2009 Yamaha Nytro somewhere in Grey Bruce.

Man can this groundhog ride. Check out the Powder Turns....

"Does anybody have a carrot or some lettuce? That Nytro pulls so hard it makes me hungry."

Wilie says the trails have never been better. Fresh Powder (as white as his fur) each night means that there is some great riding to be had. Check out http://www.ridegreybruce.com/ for trail conditons.

Wiarton Willie Festival Jan 29 - Feb 2nd!

2009-01-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

Winter has been long for us this year, since it started snowing way back in November and this is the first time in years that all of Canada had a WHITE Christmas!

If you are getting the January blues, don't fret... Bundle up the family invite your friends and come on out for the 53rd Annual Wiarton Willie Festival, it all takes place in Wiarton January 29th through the weekend till Monday February 2nd, which is our actual Groundhog Day!

Will he or Won't he see his shadow, that is the BIG ?... Be there on prediction morning to see if we will have an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter!!! Enjoy a great pancake breakfast right there at the Propeller Club (Meeting Place)!

There are all kinds of great events going on all weekend and there is a parade down Main St (Berford St) on Saturday from 1:00 - 2:00 pm!!! Get there early to make sure you get a good spot along the St, watch for our Explore the Bruce Toyota Tundra, wave Hello to Jamie & Kathy!!

With all this snow it is a great time to take in a few other outdoor winter activities on the Bruce, like snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing, and just plain fun!

Snowmobiling in Grey Bruce

2009-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

If you like snowmobiling and spending time in the great outdoors in the winter riding over open fields or through tree lined trails, then District 9 is the place for you and Grey Bruce offers some of the best riding in Ontario!

Dirtict 9 is home to 3,600 km or 2,250 miles of groomed trails to ride. You won't be disappointed! For up-to-date trail conditions, accommodation, gas stations, where you can buy a permit, riding routes, and so much more, check out our RideGreyBruce site, or call 1.800.387.7669 for details.

Here are a number of winter snowmobile friendly events in Grey Bruce, Winterama in Hepworth, one in Sauble Beach, Poker Runs and don’t forget that World Famous critter, the Wiarton Willie Festival!! On March 1st at Family Funland Go Kart Track located on the outskirts of Kincardine you can take in the Vintage Snowmobile Race!

Winter Fun at MacGregor Point Provincial Park

2009-01-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Ok if you are looking for a way to spend time outdoors this winter, MacGregor Point has all the right stuff!

They have built the coolest 400-metre skating loop through a summer camping section of the park and the best thing is, it is lit at night! So bundle up, bring your friends and family and head on over to McGregor Point for a night skate, or you can take in a day skate too $8.90 per vehicle! It is $4.00 for 2 hours per car.

They also have some of the best-groomed cross-country ski trails in the region, or head off and break trail to do some snowshoeing! Believe me you won't be disappointed. It is one of the prettiest Provincial Parks in the Province.

MacGregor Point also has a great waterfront area, so you could watch the waves crash over the ice or take in a sunset along the shores of Lake Huron. Or, look up and see the stars at night, they're awesome!

Camping in Winter, the ultimate winter outdoor adventure. Twelve yurts provide roofed accommodation; or bring your tent or trailer for a more rustic experience. A heated Comfort Station with showers and flush toilets is open. Reservations are required for the yurts and recommended for campsites. It is suggested you contact the park before leaving home for weather and snow conditions. Reservations for the yurts are a must please call 1-888-ONT-PARK (668-7275). You can call the park for more information at 1-519-389-9056.

Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport

2008-12-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Wow what a hit our 4th Annual Adventure Passport Contest was, we can't believe it is over already... We want to send out a BIG thank you to all of you who braved the detours signs, took part in the geocaching stops and had all kinds of fun exploring the Bruce this summer! We hope you had a great time and got a chance to see some of the amazing hidden gems that the Bruce has to offer. You are the reason we run the contest, we listened to your comments on wanting new and exciting places to explore.

The contest maybe closed now, but the ballots are ready to be drawn, so make sure to Tune into the 101.7 The One Morning Show with Dave, Gina and Steve on December 11, 2008 to find out who our lucky passport winners are of chance to win over $10,000 in Adventure prizes.

GOOD LUCK to all of you!

Hope to see you out and about next year for our 5th Annual Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest... Look for it next spring.

Don't forget to visit our site in the next few weeks to see the winners!

Santa Claus Parade

2008-11-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that Christmas is only 26 sleeps away!!!

Bruce County loves to celebrate Christmas, and all that goes with it, so make sure to mark your calendar for all the parades that are going on this year. Almost every town in Bruce County has a parade and most of them take place at night, it is wonderful to wrap up warm and go downtown to watch the all the happy faces and floats light up giving the Main St that wonderful glow...

Bring your family and friends along to join in the fun, you know you don't want to miss watching Santa Claus coming down the street... Check out our site for all kinds of great stuff happening in and around the Bruce.

Here is a list of parades:

Nov 28th – Paisley... 7:00pm – 800-387-3456
Nov 28th – Lucknow... 7:00 – 8:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 28th – Mildmay... 7:45pm 519-367-2654 Hanging of the Green
Nov 29th – Walkerton... 7:00pm - 519-881-3413
Nov 29th – Port Elgin... 7:00pm – 800-387-3456
Nov 30th – Ripley... 5:30 pm – 519-592-2909
Dec 5th – Southampton... 7:00pm – 800-387-3456
Dec 5th – Chesley... 7:00pm - 519-363-9837
Dec 5th – Lucknow... 7:00pm - 519-528-2909
Dec 6th – Wiarton... 7:00pm 519-534-4353
Dec 6th – Kincardine... 6:30pm 519-396-9333
Dec 6th – Lion’s Head... 1:00pm - 519-793-7513
Dec 6th – Tara... 6:00pm
Dec 13th – Tobermory... 12:45pm - 519-596-2685

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Field to Fork Feast

2008-11-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association (ACA) and Rocky Raccoon Café invite you to the Field to Fork Feast event in Grey & Bruce.

This community benefit banquet and silent auction is a fundraiser for agriculture and culinary projects in Grey & Bruce. ACA is a non-profit community organization that recently produced the Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Map.

Where: Grey Granite Curling Club
727 2nd Avenue East
Owen Sound, ON
When: Saturday, November 29, 2008
Time: 11:45 sitting for 12:00 noon serving

Cost: Eat what you like, give what you can!

What’s Happening: Please join Mayor Lovell Stanners, county dignitaries, local
politicians and invited guests at the head table for Owen Sound and area’s first community Field to Fork Feast – a celebration of home-grown food from Grey & Bruce.

Celebrity Chef, Michael Stadtlander, is keynote speaker.

Silent Auction to feature original art, crafted gifts, gourmet delights, hospitality & vacation gift certificates and more. Enjoy an authentic taste of Grey Bruce, along with greetings from our local dignitaries, politicians and invited guests. Come share in a celebration of local food with the ACA Board and many thanks to all who helped make it happen!

Local food will be sourced from many local farms, farmers’ markets, local food producers and prepared by Rocky Raccoon Café and other area chefs from Grey & Bruce.

Remembrance Ceremonies

2008-11-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Every year on November 11, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and continue to serve.

Cenotaphs are located in the heart the community; wear a poppy on Remembrance Day. Bruce County is proud of its history.

In most communities the parades start at 10:30 am and ceremonies at 10:50 am. If you can't make it to a cenotaph, take in the 1-minute of silence at 11:00 am in your own way.

Visit the memorial site and share your families story.

Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport

2008-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Autumn is in full swing, and the Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport runs till December 6th, so there is still lots of time to get there and Explore the Bruce and take in the contest.

We have 12 boxes throughout the County with some twists this year. There are a few detours along the way.

Don't forget if you see our Explore the Bruce Walkerton Toyota Adventure Tundra on the road or down by the Bay in Wiarton at our office, make sure we give you your FREE punch!

There is still lots of fall colour so it is a perfect time of the year to check out some of the very cool hiking locations on the Adventure Passport, as the views are spectacular anytime of the year, but especially at this time!

So layer up and spend a day or two getting the 7 required punched, or spend a few weekends getting all 13...(with the bonus punch!) For your chance at the full completion prize pack.

It's October 17th, you still have 50 more sleep to get er done...

Good luck!

Punpkinfest in Port Elgin

2008-09-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Harvest time is here and in Bruce County the means PUMPKINFEST! October 4 & 5th!

Each year the town of Port Elgin is transformed into a three day festival. There is something for everyone to take in; people come from miles around and over the boarder with their veggies to enter into the contest for the largest one in the land!!!

There is a craft show with all kinds of treasures to explore, a HUGE car show on the Main St, take a step back in time with the oldies music and classic rides!

Last year we filmed a show at Pumpkinfest with our friends from Great Getaways TV, not only on Pumpkinfest, but also on all the great things to see and do in the area, accommodation, a fabulous meal at Grosvenor’s in Southampton, paddling the Saugeen River with Thorncrest Outfitters, plus where to buy fresh buy local and more…

So come on out, bring the family and bring your friends. If you are on the Main St, make sure to drop on by our "Explore The Bruce Adventure Tundra" and ask for your FREE walking stick...

See you there!

(IPM) International Plowing Match

2008-09-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Come home to the Country. The 2008 International Plowing Match (IPM) has come home to Bruce County, and will take place from September 16- 20th at the bottom end of the County on the McKague Farm just NE of Teeswater.

With just hours to the opening of the 2008 International Plowing Match being held near Teeswater organizers have received confirmation that Ontario's Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley is planning to attend.

Arriving Wednesday morning, Mr. Onley will have time to tour the IPM Site before appearing on the Main Stage at 11:45am - the second day of the IPM.

There are over 1,000 acres of fun and activities for the whole family, something for all ages and all interests.

Experience Canada's largest outdoor agricultural exhibition down on the farm! Check out their site for all the details.

Here are a few of the cool things you can enjoy:
Plowing and Queen of the Furrow competitions
Corral events
A variety of quality entertainment
Educational area with interactive learning
Tours of local attractions
Farm, recreational, and industrial machinery
"Best of the Past" antique displays & demonstrations
Environment technology exhibits
"Best of Home" country lifestyle area including: Quilters, Fashions Food, Crafts, Artisans and more
Over 500 vendors, exhibitors and a 2,000 site RV Park

Fall Fairs across the Bruce

2008-09-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year has arrived again, the days are getting shorter the nights are getting cooler, the air is crisp and you can smell the land being harvested! What a great time to get out and spend time with family and friends across the Bruce at annual Ontario Fall Fairs!

There will be all kinds of great things happening each weekend, parades, food, crafts, games and so much more! There are so many fall fairs it is hard to get to the them, some have already happened and some are still to come, hope you can make it to at least one of them, maybe all!

Here is a list of ones still to come:
Mildmay - Sept - 5-7th
Paisley - Sept - 5-7th

Tara - Sept 10th
Wiarton- Sept - 12 -13th
Lucknow - Sept 19 - 21st
Ripley - Sept 26-27th
Pumpkinfest - Oct - 17 -19th
Walkerton - Oct 17-19th

Check out our site for more details!

Bruce County Plowing Match

2008-08-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air and what better way to kick it off then a plowing match! Bruce Counties match will be taking place on Friday August 29th!

Check out the link to all the activities going on this year just South of Ferndale, on the Farm of Debbie & Jerry Mackie, 2 Blocks south of Ferndale, on Hwy 6, east side, near Lions Head ... Noon roast beef dinner - $12 – encouraging advance tickets. Admission to the match is FREE...

Barry Ribey 519-353-5375

Ken Waugh 519-534-2206

Dawn Brunton 519-364-3391

Come on out for all the fun! Mark your calendar now because the 2008 International Plowing Match will be coming home to the Country, Bruce County Country that is! The event will take place on Wayne & Wendy Kague's Farm on Highway 4 at the northern edge of Teeswater.

Out & About August 14th - 17th!

2008-08-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, the Canadian National Exhibition …aka… The Ex, starts this weekend in Toronto, if you are a kid or can remember back, you know what that means, school starts in 2 weeks…yikes… Don’t fret there is still lots of time to take in all the great events taking place on the Bruce and this weekend there are plenty!

Here is a list:
Southampton is celebrating their 150th Birthday! Happy Birthday Southampton!
It’s a four-day weekend, from the Opening Ceremonies at the flag pole on Thursday night to the Fairy Lake concert Sunday evening, there’s something for everyone this weekend in South…parade, fireworks, music, dancing, feasting, games, antique cars, and many memories to share!

Bruce County Heritage Farm Show
A wholesome outdoor family fun event with clowns, games, craft show, antique tractor pull, steam engines and horse powered demonstrations, century old home and lifestyle tools, good food and entertainment. Antique car and truck show, antique tractor show featuring "lesser-known classics", an antique tractor pull, live horse and machinery demonstrations, steam engines, a threshing bee, a circa 1880's steam powered sawmill, shingle making, early home and farmstead tools and equipment. On both Friday and Saturday join us to watch parades at 4:00 pm. All this takes place 2kms South of Paisley on Bruce Rd 3.

Saturday & Sunday:

Cape Croker is having their annual Pow Wow

21st Annual Art Show & Sale at the Community Centre in Sauble Beach

This is going to be a great weekend on the Bruce, hope to see you out and about!
Watch for our Summer Patrol girls, Aly & Laura in our Walkerton Adventure Toyota Tundra, giving out all your tourism info needs, FREE walking sticks and your Bonus Punch for our 2008 Adventure Passport Contest!

Happenings on the Bruce August 9th & 10th!

2008-08-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to do this weekend there is lots of cool events happening!

Sauble Beach is celebrating their their 13th Annual Sauble Sandfest with all kinds of great things being formed out of sand on the beach all day, along with entertainment and so much more, so grab your friends and family and come on out to see the works of art be created! There will also be a Classic Car Show and a Volleyball Tournament!

August 9 & 10th is the Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow, at the Amphitheatre just E of Southampton. Enjoy the rich culture of Saugeen First Nation at this annual Pow Wow. Native dance, drumming, crafts and cuisine. There will be fun for everyone!

On Sunday the town of Kincardine is having a Calyso Street Market with HUGE sales happening at all the downtown stores, there will be Steel Drum Bands, Entertainment, and the outdoor market!

Bring your family and friends, there is no reason not be enjoying the Bruce this weekend!

25th C.F.P.S. Chantry Chinook Salmon Derby

2008-07-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Derby runs from July 26th - August 9th.

Lake Huron's largest fishing derby with $125,000.00 in prizes to be won.

Single tickets are $25.00 and family cost is $55.00.

You can visit their site for more info on the derby through the Lake Huron Fishing Club

Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce

2008-07-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and what better to explore the Bruce then to take in one of the 30 private homes on our self-guided garden tour that open their doors to the public from May to October!

This self-guided tour runs from the tip of the Bruce to the bottom of the County! Check out our site for all your tourism needs to plan your next trip to the Bruce, and the Rural Gardens site for details on the gardens, links to their sites, and a great map to help you find your way around! They all have something unique to offer and love to talk about gardening and having visitors stroll through their wonderful slpendour.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

2008-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Canada!

There will be fireworks at Dusk in:
Tobermory
Sauble Beach
Southampton
Kincardine

The weather is going to be perfect for all the festivities...There are all kinds of great events taking place from the tip of the Bruce in Tobermory to the bottom!

Check out our site for more details It is a great way to spend the day with family and friends to celebrate the amazing country we live in. There will be clowns, parades, food vendors, fun on the beach, games, water to play in, mini golf, and fireworks at dusk...

Hope to see you on the Bruce, celebrating our birthday!

14th Annual Classic Car Cruise Night's

2008-06-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Bring your friends and family out from 6:00 - 9:00pm every Thursday night May 22 to September 11th, for a fun evening of reminiscing.

This summer at the flagpole in Southampton, see some of the coolest cars ever made! Take a step back in time along the shores of Lake Huron. Hear the sounds of yester year and listen to the old stories of cruising back in the day!

RCMP Musical Ride

2008-06-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you this Thursday June 12th in Kincardine at Connaught Park at 133 Broadway St for the RCMP Musical Ride! There will be two shows one at 11:00 and the other will be at 7:00pm. There will be pre-show entertainment 1 hour before each show.

For more information call Bruce Power 519-361-7777, check out the musical ride!

Look for me in our Walkerton Toyota Explore the Bruce Adventure Tundra for instant Prizes, walking sticks and your FREE passport bonus punch

Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival

2008-05-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Bruce Peninsula Orrchid Festival takes place annually in Tobermory on the last weekend in May. This year it will be May 30 & 31st.

The Bruce Peninsula is renowned for its diversity of wild growing, native orchids. An astonishing 44 orchid species occur on 'the Bruce', ranging from abundant Yellow Lady's Slippers to the endangered Eastern Prairie White-fringed Orchid. For a small area, the Bruce Peninsula has one of the greatest varieties of natural orchids in North America.

The Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival is your chance to discover native orchids and wildflowers, to learn from experienced naturalists and to be inspired by the rugged scenery of the area. Festival activities include guided hikes, orchid tours, orchid photography workshops and more.

Highlights of the Festival are the Friday evening presentation by visiting photographer – Jim Hixon and the Saturday evening Wine & Cheese and feature presentation by renowned naturalist – Michael Runtz.

Huron Fringe Birding Festival

2008-05-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

This spring, from May 23 to June 1, MacGregor Point Provincial Park celebrates its 6th annual Huron Fringe Birding Festival.

In 1998, Norah Toth, Natural Heritage Education Specialist for MacGregor Point, recognized that an event like a festival could raise the profile of the park and also increase public awareness about the excellent local birding opportunities. The idea came from her observation that the park was a favourite of local birding experts Dave Fidler and Mark Wiercinski. Dave and Mark visit the park every spring to increase their Baillie Birdathon results.

Maple Syrup Festivals

2008-03-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air, March 20th was the first day of spring! With the arrival of Spring Equinox comes the running of the sap, that means maple syrup festivals will be taking place across the Bruce!

We have 2 major ones in the Bruce and 1 which takes place just outside the Bruce:

March 22nd is the Purple Valley Maple Syrup Festival it takes place at the Community Centre.

March 29-30th is the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authorities Old-Time Maple Syrup Festival it takes places at Saugeen Bluffs 8 km N of Paisley.

April 10 & 12th is Belmore's 41st Annual Maple Syrup Festival and it takes place at the Community Centre.

So bundle up the kids, your family and bring along some friends to take in the festivities, it maybe muddy so wear proper foot wear!

An Early Spring!!

2008-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

That's right Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow this past Saturday morning, so you all know what that means!!! Six more weeks of winter. So all you outdoor winter enthusiasts, bundle up and head outdoors to take in all the Bruce has to offer!

Just a few ideas:
Ride Grey Bruce - 2400 km of groomed snowmobile trails
Cross Country Ski on some of the best groomed trails in the Province,Sauble Beach Trails, Sawmill Trails in Hepworth just to name a few
Go skating indoors or out
Jump on a sleigh and ride our toboggan hills
Break your own trail snowshoeing some awesome destinations
in the Bruce
Build a snowman
Make a snow angel

Check out other trails in Grey Bruce!
Get outdoors, April will be here before you know it!

Wiarton Willie Festival

2008-01-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

On the Bruce we love snow believe me, with 2400 km of some of the best snowmobile trails in the province and an abundance of outdoor fun for everyone to participate in, how could we not. The Bruce offers, indoor and outdoor arenas for skating, groomed cross country trails, cool places to break new trail for snowshoeing, lots of snow for making snowpeople and snow angels, toboggan hills and so much more.

BUT this time of year we get pretty excited because our World Famous Bruce Peninsula Mascot Wiarton Willie is about to come out of his home and give us all his famous prediction… That’s right the Wiarton Willie Festival is just around the corner. We sure hope you will be around to join us in the festivities, don’t forget that on Saturday February 2nd the big prognostication will be reveled; WILL it or WON’T it be an early spring!!

Snowmobilers in mass, are invited to Wiarton for prediction day,to gently encourage Willie into predicting 6 more weeks of winter for sledders. Riders are encouraged to be on site by 8:00am for Willie’s prediction at 8:07am. Snowmobilers who ‘Ride the Willie’ will be treated to:

* VIP onsite snowmobile parking
* Free pancake breakfast (1st 1500)
* Live Entertainment
* Pork BBQ Lunch
* New Product Displays
* West Coast Lumberjack Show
* Ice, Snow, Stone and Wood Carving
* Photo opportunity with ‘Willie On Your Sled’

Riders will compete for the ‘Willie Cup’ The snowmobile club that ‘Rides the Willie’ with the most riders will take home the coveted, Bobbi Switzer chainsaw carved ‘Willie
Cup’ to display for the entire year in their clubhouse Trails will be groomed and signed right to Bluewater Park in Wiarton Events are organized throughout the day for those traveling from great distances.

Check out the Willie site for all the event details! Check out the Willie Cam see if you can spot Willie...

Sauble Beach Winterfest Event

2008-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

Winter is upon us and even through mother nature has not been kind to us with snow this January, we know she will be coming our way again soon and we are hoping she will bring lots of the white stuff with her!

Every January Sauble Beach puts on a Winterfest celebration with a night time parade, christmas tree bonfire, battle of the bands, and all kinds of other great indoor and outdoor events all weekend long. So mark your calendar, January 25-26th is the big event! You won't want to miss out on all the fun!!

North American International Motorcycle Super Show

2008-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

If you like to ride this is the place to be this weekend January 4-6th!

The North American International Motorcycle Super Show will be happening at the Toronto International Centre by the Airport, there is FREE parking and it is going to be a great weekend with something for every kind of rider to check out.

Make sure to drop by our booth for your FREE Ride Grey touring kit...

Check out the site for all there is to see and do this weekend at the show at North American Supershow

Santa Claus Parades

2007-11-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again, when we get together with family, friends and neighbours line the main streets of our towns waiting with great anticipation for that jolly old guy in the red suit, you know the one I mean, why it’s Santa Claus of course! The communities in Bruce County get very involved in decking the halls, and ringing in the Christmas spirit each year. I know you want to be a part of it!

Here is a list of upcoming Santa Claus parades:
November 23-25th
Christmas in the Country at Saugeen Valley Conservation Headquaters - Hanover
November 24th
Port Elgin - 7:00pm
Sauble Beach – tree lighting ceremony - 7:00pm
November 30
Mildmay - Hanging of the Greens - 5:00pm
Paisley - 7:00pm
December 1st
Lion’s Head - 1:00pm
Wiarton - 7:00pm
December 2nd
Teeswater - 6:00pm
December 7th
Chesley - 7:00pm
Southampton - 7:00pm
December 8th
Tobermory - 1:00pm
Kincardine - 6:30pm

Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest

2007-10-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Autumn maybe hear, but don't let the colours fool you, we are having record-breaking temperatures! This is a great time of year to get out on the Bruce with your family and friends and take part in the Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest. You have until December 15th, that’s 54 days till it’s all over… You know you want to, so just get off the couch, grab your camera, water, snacks and head out on your adventure.

Visit Explore the Bruce for all your contest and tourist needs, and to print your copy of the adventure passport.

Look for these black boxes throughout the County and get punched!

Upcoming Snowmobile Shows

2007-09-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Soon the leaves will be gone and the snow will be falling down on the Bruce. We love the snow here and look forward to getting out on the trails. Check out our site for all your riding needs this winter in Grey Bruce.

Here are a few upcoming shows you can check out:
September 28 - 30th
OFSC - Go Snowmobiling Show
Toronto Congress Centre on the Airport Strip
Drop by and say hello our booth is #500

October 12 -14th
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV, & Power Sport Show
Toronto International Centre on Airport Road
Drop by and say hello our booth is # 3136

Take a look at the cool NEW Ontario Tourism outdoors website.

Pumpkinfest

2007-09-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

If there is a sure sign that the Fall Season has arrived in our area it is Pumpkinfest and all that it in tales... It happens each year on the first weekend in October in Port Elgin, they have some of the largest weigh ins in the world.

This year the dates are October 6 & 7th, there will be all kinds of great family events happening throughout the weekend in Pumpkinfest village, from Harvest Star Search and Family Entertainment Stage to the Cinderella Carriage Antique and Classic Car Show, large Craft Show, to the Elephant Rides and a HUGE tug of war. And this year we have added something new, our About Town Tours, which takes place on Saturday.

You never know what the weather will be, so layer up your friends and family and join in the fun all weekend long at Pumpkinfest!

If you take in the awesome car show make sure to drop by and say HI, we will be there on the corner of Green St and Hwy 21 with our Walkerton FJ Cruiser giving away Bruce County Swag and Tourist Info.

Happy Thanksgiving from us!

Foodlink Grey Bruce

2007-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

We have developed a fabulous tool for you to find out everything you need to know about local food. Check out all we have to offer, our newest micro site will be very helpful if you want to learn and know about all that is local. The region is well known for beef, beer and apples, but we are about a whole lot more. You will be able to find a wide range of meats including bison and elk, mushrooms & garlic, and sweets like fudge and honey.

Check out our new site Foodlink Grey Bruce.

Here are is a link to a few blogs written about all the Regional Food Adventures , or Bison & Buttertarts

Summer Wrap Up

2007-09-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a great summer on the Bruce! The weather has been fabulous for spending time out and about checking out all the Bruce has to offer. I hope you and your family and friends got a chance to spent time exploring this wonderful place!?!

Even though Labour Day weekend has come and gone and the kids are back in school, there is still lots of time to take in the Bruce, this is a wonderful time of year to get out and see what we have to offer. From lighthouses, hiking the Bruce Tail, cycling at our mountain bike parks, experiencing Georgian Bay, shipwrecks, shoreline, and the Niagara Escarpment all on a glass bottom boat. You can visit the Bruce County Musuem & Cultural Centre, don't forget to watch the movie, it is awesome! The Parks Canada Visitor Centre is a great place to be this time of year, located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park you can check out all the animals that live in the park and throughout the Bruce, and they have all kinds of cool exhibits, take in their movie, climb the stairs at the lookout tower to check out the spectacular views and colour, this would be a must for fall adventure on my list!

You can take in fall festivals, our road side markets are overflowing with local harvest, and our backroads will be an abundance of mother nature's splended pallette of reds, oranges, golds, greens, and more. This is also a great time to paddle our rivers, the Saugeen, Sauble, Rankin, or some of our inland lakes, the colour will be amazing and it is a great way to spend quiet time on the Bruce.

Hope to see you on the Bruce this Autumn!

Bruce County Plowing Match

2007-08-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air and what better way to kick it off then a plowing match! Bruce Counties match will be taking place on Friday August 31st!

Here are directions to the site, on the farm of Murray and Ken Thompson. Located on the south-west corner of Pine River at the intersection of Bruce Rd 6 (lines up with the village of Ripley) and Hwy 21...just south of Kincardine.

Schedule of events:
10:00am Horse, Antique, Reversible (New!) and Tractor Plowing Classes begin
11:00am Media Challenge Plowing and Ambassador Plowing Classes
12:00pm Beef BBQ featuring Bruce County Beef and Milk Products compliments of Gay Lea Foods.
Also at this time, Greetings from special guests and the Queen of the Furrow Speeches.
1:30pm Queen of the Furrow Plowing
3:00pm Crowning of 2007-2008 Bruce County Queen of the Furrow
All day long there will farm equipment and supply displays.

Come on out for all the fun!

Mark your calendar now because the 2008 International Plowing Match will be coming home to the Country, Bruce County Country that is! The event will take place on Wayne & Wendy Kague's Farm on Highway 4 at the northern edge of Teeswater.

Fall Fairs

2007-08-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again; towns across the Bruce are having their Annual Fall Fairs & Festivals! This is a great time to get out and take in all the small communities in the Bruce have to offer, the harvest season is just around the corner. And they start next weekend.

Here is a list:
Teeswater Fair is August 24-26th
Kincardine Fair is August 31 – September 3rd
Mildmay Fair is September 7 – 9th
Paisley Fair is September 11 –12th
Wiarton Fair is September 14 –16th
Ripley Fair is September 28 – 30th
Tobermory is having their Annual Ceilidth September 8th
Pumpkinfest happens in Port Elgin October 6- 7th
Walkerton – Little Royal Fair October 12- 14th

Mark your calendar now it is going to be a busy fall, with all these great fairs, spectacular fall call drives, artisans studio tours, hiking the Bruce, and exploring the Bruce through our Adventure Bruce Passport Contest you won’t want to miss any of it!

See you on the Bruce!

Sauble Sandfest

2007-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's the height of summer and what better way to celebrate the heat then at Sauble Beach for their annual Sandfest which takes place Saturday August 11th!

People will be creating some very funky sand sculptures all day, the weather is going to be perfect. Lots of great fun can be had by everyone with so much to see and do at Sauble Beach.

Bring your friends, family, swim suit, and energy, spend sometime at Sauble Beach Amusements, play a round of mini golf, check out the shops, make sure to drop by Bruce County Nut & Fudge for some of their famous fudge and assorted treats! Lake Huron is a great place to swim, there are usually waves at the beach and lots of sand bars, swimming is a great way to beat the summer heat!

Pow-Wows

2007-08-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

The next 2 weekends in Bruce County there will be Pow-Wows taking place in both Saugeen First Nation and Cape Croker.

The Saugeen First Nation's Pow-Wow happens August 11-12th at the Amphitheatre on the outskirts of Southampton check out their site for more details!

Cape Croker's Pow-Wow takes place August 18-19th at Cape Croker Indian Park about 25 minutes N.E. of Wiarton check out their site for more details!

It's a great way to spend time with family and friends and learn about our native traditions...

Civic Holiday Weekend

2007-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is one of the busiest long weekends in the Province and Bruce County is loaded with all kinds of great events to celebrate the holiday!
Here is a list of things going on in the Bruce:
Thursday night:
Classic Cruise Night happen at the Flag Pole in Southampton
Friday night:
Co-ed Volleyball Kincardine
Cruise Night in Kincardine
Storytelling at the Saugeen Amphitheate just outside of Southampton
All weekend:
Beef Fest in Paisley
Bruce Peninsula Art Show in Lion's Head
Rotary Village Fair - Wiarton
23rd Annual CFPS Chantry Chinook Chalssic Fishing Derby - Kincardine
Rocky River Cycling Festival - Durham
Quilt Show - Paisley
Saturday
Alstar Charity Motorcycle Ride - Starting at Sauble Speedway
Art on the Fence - Chantry Breezes B&B Southampton
Annual BBQ - Tobermory
Sunday
Lantern Festival - Southampton
Afro-Cuban Rhythms Concert - Kincardine
Friday & Saturday
there are outdoor markets in Paisley, Walkerton, Purple Valley & Kincardine.

You won't have a hard time finding great stuff to do, you can take in some of the best homecooking at our events! Check out our site for our full calendar of events!

Spelunking

2007-07-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some great outdoor adventure on the Brue this weekend, why not go caving? The Bruce is home to many caves and caverns, to name a few, try Bruce's Caves just outside of Wiarton on Grey Rd 1. Bruce's Caves Conservation Area derives its greatest significance from the unique cave formations found along the escarpment face. These caves were formed by the wave action of post-glacial Lake Algonquin, 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.

OR check out Greig's Caves (see image), take Hwy 6 north of Wiarton to County Rd 9, take County Rd 9 to Scenic Caves Rd and then turn onto Rush Cove Rd and follow the signs. At Greig's Caves you will enjoy the breathtaking view of Georgian Bay as you walk along the pathway on top of the caves. There are many rare wildflowers and ferns to see, and lots of tunnels and caverns to explore. There are 12 natural limestone caves along a half mile trail 300 feet above Georgian Bay. Part of the movie Quest For Fire was filimed here in the 80's.

Head down country to 1 of the prettiest towns in Ontario Neustadt! There you can tour Neustadt Springs Brewery's famous underground caverns and even shop for some of the best micro brewed beer in the land.

Summer Festival

2007-07-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

July 27 - 29th

The Hanover Sights & Sounds Festival is an annual event jam packed with music, friendship and family fun. It’s Hanover’s biggest summer block party!

Activities include…Battle of the Bands, Musical Variety Show featuring Larry Mercey, Band Tour, Car & Motorcycle Show, Sidewalk Sale, Music in the Square, Children’s Performers and more, Kidz Talent Show, Kinsemen Refreshment Tent, Music Trivia, Dinner BBQ and Street Dance…and much more.

So mark your calendar with all the above activities to do you will have a great weekend in and around the Bruce! Check out the Sights & Sounds website for more info.

Garden Touring in Grey Bruce

2007-07-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Grey Bruce is home to some of the most rare wildflowers in the world. With an abundance of flora and fauna, this is a photographers paradise.

Grey Bruce is also home to 34 private properties which open their doors to visitors from May - October, showcasing their array of spectacular landscape, displaying a large amount of assorted plants, flowers, art in the garden and more. Grey Bruce's soil count is #5, you will be able to chat with the owners of the garden to find out what works and what doesn't. Some of the gardens sell plants, and garden art.

While you are touring Grey Bruce watch out for the "Yellow Daisy" symbol at the end of the driveway, that is your ticket to know you are at one of the gardens on the tour! Check them out at Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce

Bring your camera!

Outdoor Summer Markets!

2007-07-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Bruce is home to some of the best outdoor markets in the region. This summer while you are exploring the Bruce you can visit our markets to get all your fruits and veggies, most of them grown locally, and you will find lots of treasures too!

Here is a list:
Mondays in Kincardine
Tuesdays in Keady
Wednesdays in Port Elgin
Fridays in Purple Valley
Saturdays in Walkerton

If you are a regular visitor to the Bruce, mark your calendar so you can load up on all the Bruce has to offer. If you are a first timer, you won't want to miss these summer traditions on the Bruce!

Happy Birthday Canada!

2007-07-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

The weather could not have been better for our country's birthday bash this weekend! The night sky was sparkling and full of colour all over the Bruce last night with fireworks celebrating the holiday. Hope you got out and about with your family and friends to take it all in! Here is one of the images I took at the show!

There are hundreds of great events taking place throughout the Bruce this summer, check out our event calendar to find out what is going on, you won't want to miss all the cool fun you can have, while you are exploring the Bruce!

Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest

2007-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

The summer is here, the kids are out of school, I know you are thinking of things to do with your family and friends, what better way to explore the Bruce then with our Adventure Passport Contest. You will get to see all kinds of neat and cool places, you never knew existed in the Bruce! YOU are the reason we do our contest, we want you, your family and your friends to check out all the Bruce has to offer, lots of awesome adventure awaits you this summer!

Check out our site for all the details and a printer friendly version of the passport, or you can order your passport online.

First Day of Summer

2007-06-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here! School is wrapping up, it’s a great time to be out about on the Bruce!

Sauble Beach is having a party this weekend to celebrate summer, come on out and join in the fun on the beach. There will be all kinds of things going on, BBQ’s, Live Music, swimming, tanning, and much more, check out sauble beach for all the details.

Look for our summer patrol at the beach, Aly will be driving around in our Walkerton Toyota FJ Cruiser giving out VIP passports, walking stick, and FREE punches for our Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest! Check out www.explorethebruce.com/passport for all the details.

Hope to see you at the Beach!

LIVE CHAT

2007-06-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, the wonders of the Internet, while you are surfing our site checking out all the cool stuff there is to do in the Bruce, feel free to ask me questions along the way! You can chat with me anytime by returning to the homepage and clicking on the link with the ? on it!

I can help you plan your trip with things to do from the Tip of the Bruce in Tobermory to the bottom of the coastline at Point Clark and all the great destinations in between! We have info on the Bruce Trail, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paddling, scuba diving, fishing, golfing, motorcycling, beaches, shopping and so much more.

Don’t forget our self-guided tours we offer for lighthouses & gardens. There is something for everyone in your group to explore and enjoy on the Bruce!

Your adventure starts now…

Wildflowers of the Peninsula

2007-06-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you are a photography or just love to be outdoors this time of year, learning and taking in all mother nature has to offer, then mark your calendar because you won't want to miss out on this weekend, of photo touring with Ethan Meleg. Ethan is a nature guru, check out his site for all the details of the workshop he is offering.

Are you ready for the best blooms, at the best locations, at one of the best wildflower photography hotspots in Ontario? If so this is the place to be June 9 - 10th!

Huron Fringe Birding Festival

2007-05-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great time of the year to get outdoors and take in some awesome bird watching. Each year MacGregor Point Provincial Park just S of Port Elgin hosts the Huron Fringe Birding Festival with the arrival of Spring, that means the arrival of a variety of birds to the Bruce, and you can tour the park with guides or on your own and take in the splendor of wildlife.

The festival takes place May 25th to 28th and May 31st to June 3rd, 2007. This is the 10th Anniversary for the festival. Bring your cameras, binoculars and enjoy the park!

Vicitoria Day Fireworks

2007-05-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, can you believe it is the first long weekend of the summer! Victoria Day is a great reason to not only celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday, but to also kick off the summer.

There are lots of events going on throughout the Bruce this weekend, check out our event calendar for all the details.

Sunday night at the Saugeen Amphitheatre just E of Southampton you can take in some awesome fireworks, they will fill the night sky with spectaular colors, and the reflection off the Saugeen River is quite breathtaking. Make sure to get there early, bring your family and friends. You might want to bring a blanket along so you can enjoy the show from the lawn.

Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest

2007-05-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our Adventure the Bruce Passport Contest starts mid May and runs until mid December, it is more challenging this year, you asked for it and we listened!

There are a number of ways to win, Snowshoe prize, Full completion prize, Family prize, Teen prize, Kids prize, VIP- Romantic prize, and this year we even have a Motorcycle prize! Check out www.explorethebruce.com/passport for all the details.

Soooooooo, take advantage of this great contest, head out on the Bruce with your friends and family find the black boxes get your passport punched and send in your ballot for a chance to WIN some awesome Adventure Bruce prizes!

Watch for our Walkerton Toyota FJ Cruiser, or one of the 'summer cruisers' traveling throughout the region, for FREE swag and your FREE punch!

Panoramic View

2007-05-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!

The weather is just right to spend the day outside with mom, go to the park, go for a hike, take her to lunch, or if you really want to show her the sites why not take her to the Bruce Peninsula National Park for a tour of the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, then you can take in the breathtaking views at the top of the Lookout Tower!

You will get a panoramic view of both parks, islands, lighthouses, and like I mentioned in an earlier post on a really clear day you can see across to Manitoulin Island...

What better way to celebrate Mothers Day then a day exploring the Bruce!

Flora & Fauna

2007-05-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

May has arrived and along with it longer days. The sunrises this time of year are fabulous, with the sunsets not happening until around 8:30pm each night which makes for hours and hours of great hiking to take in around the Bruce.

This is a great time of year to get out and about, with the fiddlehead ferns sprouting and the Marsh Marigolds are blooming along the streams, and the Bruce being home to a wide variety of ferns and rare orchids make sure to take your camera along!

A few places to check out are the Bruce Peninsula National Park, Dorcas Bay (Singing Sands), Red Bay, Petrel Point and the Oliphant Fen.

The Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival takes place June 1 & 2nd in Tobermory.

Remember protect our plants, never pick, dig or trample, take only photos please.

Share with others; let us know what and where you find unique flora and fauna on the Bruce.

Parks Canada Lookout Tower

2007-05-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I am sure most of you know of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, but are you aware of the NEW Parks Canada Visitor Centre and their Lookout Tower? The centre along with the lookout tower opened last summer with rave reviews. It is a great place to start in the park with lots of cool exhibits to check out and a lighthouse to walk through. Save some time to take in their movie “Life on the Edge” you won't be disappointed!

With 112 stairs to the top you can imagine the view. You can see Flowerpot Island, Bears Rump, and if it is a really clear day you can see down Georgian Bay along the Niagara Escarpment to Cabot Head Lighthouse and all the way across to Manitoulin Island.

Spend some time in the park and share your experience with us. We would love to hear from you.

Spring is in the air

2007-04-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

March came in like a LION and is going out like a LAMB!!! The snow is melting, bulbs are rising and the birds are singing!

Take in all that the Bruce has to offer. It is a great time to hike the Bruce Trail, check out wildlife and wildflowers, the fiddleheads will be up and the Bruce is home to a variety of birds.

This weekend take in the Old Tyme Maple Syrup Festival at Saugeen Bluffs Conservation, get off the couch and spend sometime outdoors!

Canada Blooms March 7 - 11th Toronto

2007-03-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air!

It was another great show for us!! Canada Blooms is our last show of the season. A sign of spring, flowers everywhere, ladies wearing funky pins, people are happy and love our booth!! They come in asking for this years copy of the "Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce" brochure and talk about their travels to our region to take in our self-guided tour of 32 private gardens that open there doors to visitors from May - October.

This year we had different gardeners from our area in the booth each day, it was great for people to be able to talk to them about the tour, Grey & Bruce Tourism reps would like to thank them all for coming out!

Here is a photo of our booth at the show this year, there were a number of people from Grey Bruce at the show, and we would love to hear your take on the show!

Snowshoeing 2hrs from Toronto

2007-02-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

There are some great areas across Bruce County in Southern Ontario to explore with snowshoes! It's a simple car ride to this winter wonderland. We even have winter outfitters in the area to rent you any equipment you require. Don't let this white stuff scare you off, bundle up get outdoors and take it in...

Snowshoeing in Ontario is a great way to take in the outdoors, be the first to break trail, take in the Bruce Trail in the winter, make your way into the Bruce Peninsula National Park or Sauble Falls and so much more.

explorethebruce.com trail crew

2007-02-23T04:11:00.001-08:00

WOW!!!!!! With all the snow we have in Grey Bruce this is one of the best snowmobiling seasons in years! Our "Adventure Passport Contest" runs until March 31st, 07 and with the winter component of the contest there are 6 stops along the trail for you to get your adventure passport punches for a chance to WIN $1,900.00 worth of gear from Tennyson's Yamaha in Underwood. Visit our contest site for all the details...

When you are out riding in district 9 throughout Grey Bruce, watch for Chirs Hughes on our "Official Trail Crew Sled" ask him for your FREE punch!

Top Cross Country Skiing in Ontario

2007-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

The weekend is here! Mother nature has been kind to us ontario cross county ski enthusiasts! Grab your skis and check out one of our many groomed trail systems. Some of the local trails to check out are Sawmill Trails at Hepworth, Colpoys Trails at Colpoys Bay, Sauble Beach trails, Biener's Trail in Port Elgin, and the Saugeen Rail Trail, and Red Bay also offer some good skiing.

Break new trail at our County Forest Tracts. For fun and easy try the Carrick Tract outside of Mildmay, for a more challenging trek head to the Brant Tract.

Share your experience with us!!

Carrick & Brant

Great Getaways PBS Show

2007-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

The crew from Michigan was hear this week filming their TV show, with all the snow we have received this year, the Grey Bruce region of Ontario, will offer some of the best riding we have ever had! This photo is of the boys riding in Owen Sound down by the shores of Georgian Bay. Leave us your comments on your ride!!!!!

Snowmobiling in Sothern Ontario's Bruce County

2007-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

WOW, Mother Nature came a knockin on our backdoor this week, with lake effect snow squalls over the region, we have received over 107 cms of fresh snow! With 2400km of Ontario snowmobile trails in Grey Bruce, you will have a great time, come on and ride!

Check out "WHERE I SLED" for info on trail conditions and all your sledding needs.

Let me know how you liked the ride!

An Early Spring...

2007-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

There was a chill in the air and fluffy white flakes coming down, as Willie gave us his prediction this morning at the Wiarton Willie Festival in Wiarton, ON. He did not see his shadow, which means we are in for an early spring.

For our indoor enthusiasts that means a few more weeks of hibernation.

For our outdoor enthusiasts, that means a few more weeks of snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating, winter hiking, camping and so much more!!

Share your winter experience on the Bruce with us!

Outdoor Fun on the Bruce!

2007-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived and that means lots of great outdoor fun for family and friends. Over the next few weekends the Bruce will be alive with Winter Festivals, Jan 26 –27th attend Winterfest in Sauble Beach join in the parade and then watch the massive Christmas tree burning celebration, enjoy hot chocolate and take the Battle of the Bands. Wiarton is World Famous for having “Willie” our very own albino groundhog weather prognosticator. The Wiarton Willie Festival takes place from Feb 1st – 4th, with a pancake breakfast on the 2nd for the much-awaited prediction, will he or won’t he see his shadow!

Mark your calendar for our 2 Winterama’s, in Shallow Lake on Feb 10th and in Southampton on Feb 11th! Bundle up it’s a great time to explore the Bruce, let us know how you enjoyed the Festivals; we would love to here from you!