Carrie’s Bruce Peninsula Guide

Carrie
Carrie’s Bruce Peninsula Guide

Food

If you'd like to avoid chain restaurants, eat local, and don't want to travel far, this guide will show you how. In this area you'll find a lot of farms and families who operate businesses out of their homes. Everyone is friendly, open to talk and happy to have your business. Appearances can be deceiving. It's an open secret that some of the businesses here supply the upper crust of Toronto restaurants. You'll be getting it from the source.
Visit the Big Bay General Store for homemade ice cream, locally made gifts and basics like chips, canned goods and milk. This is a destination for locals on summer afternoons. The store has been in continuous operation as a candy/ice cream shop for more than 100 years. Open May - September. Closed October - April. Debit and cash accepted, not sure about credit.
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Big Bay General Store
250854 Big Bay Side Rd
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Visit the Big Bay General Store for homemade ice cream, locally made gifts and basics like chips, canned goods and milk. This is a destination for locals on summer afternoons. The store has been in continuous operation as a candy/ice cream shop for more than 100 years. Open May - September. Closed October - April. Debit and cash accepted, not sure about credit.
This is a working farm that supplies both local and city restaurants. The Dejong family visits farmer's markets as well as operating a store from their home. Drive around to the back door to see the shop. Here you will find frozen meats, eggs, in-season vegetables, honey and wool products made from the sheep you see out front. Open year round. Cash and debit accepted, not sure about credit.
DeJong Acres
463028 Concession Rd 24
This is a working farm that supplies both local and city restaurants. The Dejong family visits farmer's markets as well as operating a store from their home. Drive around to the back door to see the shop. Here you will find frozen meats, eggs, in-season vegetables, honey and wool products made from the sheep you see out front. Open year round. Cash and debit accepted, not sure about credit.
Forsyth Farms is a longstanding local supplier of meat pies, frozen meats, lamb, eggs, fruit pies, soups and other prepared foods. Their work is well-respected amongst foodies. Walk up on to the porch, knock on the door (loud) and either Shane or Brenda will help you. If no one is home the freezer and cupboards on the porch may have what you need. Leave cash for them in the container provided. Open year round. Cash only.
Forsyth Farms
210468 Burgess Sideroad
Forsyth Farms is a longstanding local supplier of meat pies, frozen meats, lamb, eggs, fruit pies, soups and other prepared foods. Their work is well-respected amongst foodies. Walk up on to the porch, knock on the door (loud) and either Shane or Brenda will help you. If no one is home the freezer and cupboards on the porch may have what you need. Leave cash for them in the container provided. Open year round. Cash only.
Bernie and Anne cultivate beautiful local honey. Visits to their home are by appointment. Bernie can be reached by phone at 519-372-7629. Bernie and Anne have a wealth of knowledge about beekeeping and birdwatching. If you ask nicely, they may be willing to share. Honey is sold in large and small jars. Available year round. Cash only.
Cape Road
Cape Road
Bernie and Anne cultivate beautiful local honey. Visits to their home are by appointment. Bernie can be reached by phone at 519-372-7629. Bernie and Anne have a wealth of knowledge about beekeeping and birdwatching. If you ask nicely, they may be willing to share. Honey is sold in large and small jars. Available year round. Cash only.
Bob and Mary Beth Gray at Kemble Maple Products operate a sizeable maple syrup business from Kemble Mountain (the mountain you're staying on). Every March they tap trees and boil the sap down to make syrup. Visits are by appointment, but well worth it. Contact Bob at 519-371-9128. They have bottles of maple syrup. Available year round. Not sure about payment options, cash is safest.
310132 Kemble Rock Rd
310132 Kemble Rock Road
Bob and Mary Beth Gray at Kemble Maple Products operate a sizeable maple syrup business from Kemble Mountain (the mountain you're staying on). Every March they tap trees and boil the sap down to make syrup. Visits are by appointment, but well worth it. Contact Bob at 519-371-9128. They have bottles of maple syrup. Available year round. Not sure about payment options, cash is safest.
Ironwood Coffee Company is a local roastery. They roast coffee on-site in Big Bay. If you're lucky, it may also be bread day - when Gary makes sourdough bread for the farmer's market. Visits are by appointment. Please contact Gary, Candice or Harley by phone 519-534-4379. Available year round. Cash is preferred. (I have a coffee grinder and 1950's percolator that makes phenomenal coffee. Look in the cupboard above the sink.).
Ironwood Coffee Company Roastery
504226 Grey Rd 1
Ironwood Coffee Company is a local roastery. They roast coffee on-site in Big Bay. If you're lucky, it may also be bread day - when Gary makes sourdough bread for the farmer's market. Visits are by appointment. Please contact Gary, Candice or Harley by phone 519-534-4379. Available year round. Cash is preferred. (I have a coffee grinder and 1950's percolator that makes phenomenal coffee. Look in the cupboard above the sink.).
For bacon n' eggs when you don't feel like cooking, JJ's Breakfast is the best place to go. Admittedly the decor needs a little TLC, but don't let that deter you. JJ is a super-nice guy and his breakfast is awesome. The best option if you'd like to eat breakfast in Wiarton. Open May - October. Cash only.
591 Berford St
591 Berford Street
For bacon n' eggs when you don't feel like cooking, JJ's Breakfast is the best place to go. Admittedly the decor needs a little TLC, but don't let that deter you. JJ is a super-nice guy and his breakfast is awesome. The best option if you'd like to eat breakfast in Wiarton. Open May - October. Cash only.
For when you're feeling fancy, this restaurant is a close 10 minute drive from the house. It features steak, fish, pastas and salads. Dress up. It's located on a golf course and has a fireplace and spectacular views of the sound. Bonus - it's a nice place to go for a walk after dinner or golf. Cash, debit and cards. Open May - October, call ahead in the winter to check that they're open.
Sweetwater Restaurant & Bar
221 McLeese Drive
For when you're feeling fancy, this restaurant is a close 10 minute drive from the house. It features steak, fish, pastas and salads. Dress up. It's located on a golf course and has a fireplace and spectacular views of the sound. Bonus - it's a nice place to go for a walk after dinner or golf. Cash, debit and cards. Open May - October, call ahead in the winter to check that they're open.
The best place to eat in Wiarton and locals know it. Always make a reservation. In summer, you'll almost never get in without one. They have sandwiches, wraps, salads, fish and chips and other favourites. Affordable and good. Open year round. More limited hours in winter. They accept cash, debit and credit.
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Green Door Cafe
563 Berford St
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The best place to eat in Wiarton and locals know it. Always make a reservation. In summer, you'll almost never get in without one. They have sandwiches, wraps, salads, fish and chips and other favourites. Affordable and good. Open year round. More limited hours in winter. They accept cash, debit and credit.
If you're craving something familiar, the chain restaurants are in Owen Sound, a 25 minute drive south. Take 10th St. E up the hill to the east side. There you will find Kelsey's, Boston Pizza, Montana's, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's, Wendy's, Freshii, Popeye's Chicken, Starbucks and lots more.
46 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Owen Sound
46 現地メンバーのおすすめ
If you're craving something familiar, the chain restaurants are in Owen Sound, a 25 minute drive south. Take 10th St. E up the hill to the east side. There you will find Kelsey's, Boston Pizza, Montana's, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's, Wendy's, Freshii, Popeye's Chicken, Starbucks and lots more.

Swimming

Places to go swimming in the area. I've included very close spots, as well as a range of other locations. The wonderful thing about the Bruce Peninsula is the water can be completely different within a pretty short travelling distance. In general, the west shores are shallow and sandy (think California), the east shores are rocky and turquoise blue (think Bahamas with Canadian temperatures) and the inland lakes are small and lush (think Muskoka).
The Big Bay Dock is just north of the Big Bay General Store (a short drive down the lane). It's a favourite spot for locals to dive off the dock into the crystal clear water. It's also the Skipping Stone Capital of Canada. Sit here to watch a beautiful sunset, launch your canoe/kayak or go for a swim. May - October there is a porta potty, garbage cans and a picnic table on-site.
250854 Big Bay Side Rd
250854 Big Bay Side Road
The Big Bay Dock is just north of the Big Bay General Store (a short drive down the lane). It's a favourite spot for locals to dive off the dock into the crystal clear water. It's also the Skipping Stone Capital of Canada. Sit here to watch a beautiful sunset, launch your canoe/kayak or go for a swim. May - October there is a porta potty, garbage cans and a picnic table on-site.
In the summer Sauble is busy, warm and beautiful. You can easily fill a day here. There are long sandy beaches and the water is warm and shallow. After swimming you can enjoy food at numerous restaurants and cafes. There are boardwalk favourites like ice cream, beaver tails and hot dogs. Attractions include an arcade, high ropes course, mini-golf, and boat rentals. My personal favourite is the Casero Taco Bus and The Patch vintage shop. There are lots of shops, a grocery store and amenities. Parking can be limited. Arrive early if you plan to make a day of it, or park much further north along the beach.
251 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Sauble Beach
609 Lakeshore Blvd N
251 現地メンバーのおすすめ
In the summer Sauble is busy, warm and beautiful. You can easily fill a day here. There are long sandy beaches and the water is warm and shallow. After swimming you can enjoy food at numerous restaurants and cafes. There are boardwalk favourites like ice cream, beaver tails and hot dogs. Attractions include an arcade, high ropes course, mini-golf, and boat rentals. My personal favourite is the Casero Taco Bus and The Patch vintage shop. There are lots of shops, a grocery store and amenities. Parking can be limited. Arrive early if you plan to make a day of it, or park much further north along the beach.

Hikes

The Bruce Peninsula is famous for its hiking trails. There are lots of them within a short drive. Two trails are within walking distance. Take water, sunscreen and bug spray. In the winter these are great places to snowshoe or cross country ski. Use discretion about cliff areas in the winter because snow can hide openings and dropoffs.
Skinner's Bluff is short 15 minute hike to spectacular views over the Wiarton sound. When you reach the pinnacle, you'll step out onto a wide cliff that gives you 180 degree views of the pastures, swamps and islands surrounding the cliff. This is a local must-see. Wear bug spray and keep children close. This is a natural setting and isn't protected by guardrails. Worth the drive. Get there by taking Coles Sideroad south, Concession 24 west, Centre Road north, then Colpoys Range Road east. Do not approach from the "swamp road" that goes west off of Coles Sideroad unless you're interested in a harrowing offroad adventure. That route is not passable by passengers cars and you won't find out until you're well in there and not able to turn around. :)
Skinners Bluff
Skinners Bluff
Skinner's Bluff is short 15 minute hike to spectacular views over the Wiarton sound. When you reach the pinnacle, you'll step out onto a wide cliff that gives you 180 degree views of the pastures, swamps and islands surrounding the cliff. This is a local must-see. Wear bug spray and keep children close. This is a natural setting and isn't protected by guardrails. Worth the drive. Get there by taking Coles Sideroad south, Concession 24 west, Centre Road north, then Colpoys Range Road east. Do not approach from the "swamp road" that goes west off of Coles Sideroad unless you're interested in a harrowing offroad adventure. That route is not passable by passengers cars and you won't find out until you're well in there and not able to turn around. :)
Aside from its great name, this is a beautiful hike. The trail leads in the opposite direction from Skinner's Bluff (see that post for driving directions to get there). It's about a two hour hike that ends in front of Forsyth Farms. Beautiful and lots of interesting things to see, including a view looking over the Slough of Despond. Especially gorgeous in the fall. This is a good one to take two cars on if you can. Leave one at each end so getting home is easy. If you can't do that, it's a two hour hike back. Total, four hours. Worth it.
Slough of Despond
Aside from its great name, this is a beautiful hike. The trail leads in the opposite direction from Skinner's Bluff (see that post for driving directions to get there). It's about a two hour hike that ends in front of Forsyth Farms. Beautiful and lots of interesting things to see, including a view looking over the Slough of Despond. Especially gorgeous in the fall. This is a good one to take two cars on if you can. Leave one at each end so getting home is easy. If you can't do that, it's a two hour hike back. Total, four hours. Worth it.

Groceries

Owen Sound is the last stop for groceries before reaching my place. If you don't buy groceries before you get there, you'll have to go back, or venture into Wiarton. Wiarton has a good grocery store but it's expensive because of the remote location. You'll be shocked by how much more your bill is. Go to Wiarton for small stock-up items but shop in Owen Sound for your big spend.
No Frills is the cheapest option. Tim Horton's, McDonald's and the Beer Store are also close by. If you're on a budget and need the basics, this is the spot.
Bergen's No Frills
1020 10th St W
No Frills is the cheapest option. Tim Horton's, McDonald's and the Beer Store are also close by. If you're on a budget and need the basics, this is the spot.
There is more variety here, as well as an LCBO and Starbucks close by. This is the country version of a Loblaws. Same thing.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Zehrs
1150 16th St E
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
There is more variety here, as well as an LCBO and Starbucks close by. This is the country version of a Loblaws. Same thing.
If you're looking for specific international foods this is the only place you'll find it in Owen Sound. Rice paper wraps, jerk chicken sauce, lychees, etc. It has an aisle for all this good stuff.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Food Basics
1350 16th St E
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
If you're looking for specific international foods this is the only place you'll find it in Owen Sound. Rice paper wraps, jerk chicken sauce, lychees, etc. It has an aisle for all this good stuff.
If you don't want to make the trip to Owen Sound this is a great grocery store. The selection is fantastic, however it can be a bit expensive. If you can, I suggest doing your big shop in Owen Sound and go here for little top ups. Close to a Tim Horton's and Subway restaurant.
Foodland - Wiarton
425 Berford Street
If you don't want to make the trip to Owen Sound this is a great grocery store. The selection is fantastic, however it can be a bit expensive. If you can, I suggest doing your big shop in Owen Sound and go here for little top ups. Close to a Tim Horton's and Subway restaurant.

Gas

It’s worth mentioning that gas stations can be few and far between. If you’re running low, fill up before heading back to Big Bay. These are the last spots to the south, east and west of my place.
The Wiarton gas station is a little more expensive than the others, but it’s a good option if you’re going by or in a pinch. There can be lineups in summer, so if you have a chance to fill up somewhere else it may not be a bad idea.
Petro-Canada
490 Berford St
The Wiarton gas station is a little more expensive than the others, but it’s a good option if you’re going by or in a pinch. There can be lineups in summer, so if you have a chance to fill up somewhere else it may not be a bad idea.
This is a great gas station. Clean, good prices, fast service. Head’s up - they will fill your car with premium unless you specify regular.
UPI Energy
432 Bruce St
This is a great gas station. Clean, good prices, fast service. Head’s up - they will fill your car with premium unless you specify regular.
This station is well priced and attached to a large convenience store. Locally owned and the last stop before leaving Owen Sound.
Econo Gas
169 14th St W
This station is well priced and attached to a large convenience store. Locally owned and the last stop before leaving Owen Sound.