City of Owen Sound

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Did you know?
A Georgian College campus is located in Owen Sound, and its most noticeable feature is the renovated Marine Training Centre. The 20,000 square foot training centre is one of the most technologically advanced in the country.

Recreation

 Enjoy being active while on vacation?  Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Owen Sound all year long.  Boat, fish, swim, hike, cycle, and golf during the warm summer months.  When the winter snows fall, switch gears to snowmobile, cross country ski, ice fish, skate and snowshoe.

Harrison Park General
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Harrison Park is an urban dream, with more than 40 hectares of streams, trails, gardens, playgrounds, forest and green space, right in the heart of the city.

Often called our “jewel in the crown,” the park features dining and recreation facilities, a full-service campground, boat rentals, a bird sanctuary, mini-putt, basketball courts, pools, and an open-air rink. Its network of trails leads through forest, fields and streams to Inglis Falls, and connects directly with the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment. 

[ More Information ]


Beaches and Swimming
Harrison Park pool in Owen Sound is heated and open all summer long. click image for large version

There are several places to swim in and around Owen Sound, from heated pools to public beaches.

Just north of the city limits on the east side of the bay is Hibou Conservation Area, a great place to take the family for the two natural sand beaches, hiking trails, playground and picnic facilities.

On the western shore you'll find  Kelso Beach Park, which has a sheltered picnic area and playground. It's the site of our annual Summerfolk festival, plus Canada Day festivities and our Movies and Music series each Friday throughout the summer.

Further north lies Sarawak Family Park, across from the Owen Sound Golf and Country Club. It has a sheltered beach, small playground, washrooms and picnic facilities.

If the waters of Georgian Bay feel a little too cool, or poolside lounging is more your style, head to the heated outdoor pools at Harrison Park, or indoor pools at the Owen Sound YMCA, Stone Tree Golf and Fitness, and the Day's Inn Hotel & Conference Centre.


Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking
Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking

Owen Sound Bay and the harbour are natural ports of call for recreational boaters all summer long. Retail services and restaurants are available within a short walk of the floating docks on the inner harbour.

Boaters are also served by the Owen Sound Marina and the Owen Sound Yacht Club.

Canoes and paddle boats can be rented by the hour at Harrison Park, for use on the Sydenham River, which flows through the city.

Those wishing to rent canoes or kayaks for longer excursions should contact outfitters in the area. Details available from the Owen Sound Tourism office.  

[ www.suntrail.net ]
[ www.thorncrestoutfitters.com ]


Cycling
Cycling Cyclists on their way to Harrison Park as part of Owen Sound's 2009 Cycle Festival.

Here you will find quiet paved roads, compelling scenery and a few challenging hills to help build your endurance. For bike-friendly roads within the city, consult the City Map available at the Visitor Information Centre.

www.bikeface.com ]
[ www.alternativewheels.com ]


Fishing
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In Owen Sound, you can eat what you catch! Anglers can test their skills against Owen Sound's Chinook salmon, rainbow trout or brown trout. Owen Sound is one of the hottest fishing spots in Ontario, with five rivers emptying into the 13-mile-long bay. Enjoy the challenge of the rivers and streams, or the deep water excitement of the bay where the 35-pound salmon lurk. Access Ontario's finest fishing from one of Owen Sound's four public launching ramps, including the six lane ramp just north of the Harry Lumley-Bayshore Community Centre. Fishing off the Owen Sound Harbour Wall is most popular in late summer and fall when the Chinook salmon are running upstream. The best time of day to catch these beauties is late in the evening, and throughout the night until early morning. The best time to catch rainbow trout from the harbour wall is late fall and early spring as the trout head upstream to spawn. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Golf the Sound
Golf the Sound Stone Tree 1st hole.
There are 34 golf courses in Grey Bruce making it the hottest new golf destination in Ontario. The Owen Sound area has its share of the best links: the Owen Sound Golf & Country Club, one of the area’s “must play” courses; the Scenic City Golf Course; Stone Tree Golf & Fitness, among the first courses to be designated an Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary; and our newest addition, Cobble Beach Golf Links, a short drive north of the city on the shores of Georgian Bay.
Hiking
Hiking the Bruce Trail

Hike our numerous, well-groomed trails managed by Grey Sauble Conservation. Several link to the Bruce Trail, the longest footpath in the world, stretching from Niagara Falls all the way up the escarpment through Owen Sound to Tobermory. Our trails are popular among day hikers wishing to explore Owen Sound’s natural attractions on foot, including stunning waterfalls, cliff-top views and rocky shorelines.

A featured hike at Inglis Falls can be viewed on the Bruce Trail Website.

[ www.brucegreytrails.com ]
[ www.greysauble.on.ca ]
[ www.brucetrail.org ]


 

©2010 City of Owen Sound

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