2022 IT STARTS AT THE BEACH VISITOR GUIDE

TEE TIMES 519-786-5505 Driving Range Lambton Shores Junior/Adult Rentals Highest Slope Rating Come play the best golf course in Lambton Shores 18 Hole Championship Course Par 71 Twilight Golf starts at 3pm Register Online @ www.indianhillsgolf.ca and qualify for a 2023 Membership with Cart! (Draw will be held on Friday October 7th, 2022) 6991 Lakeshore Road, Lambton Shores, ON N0N 1J2

Contents Photo: J. Baillie Things To Do TOURIST WELCOME CENTRE GET ACTIVE MUST SEE EVENTS...............46 STAY OVERNIGHT..................72 1-81 Crescent St., PO Box 248, Beach Bums...........................4 SHOP THE UNIQUE...............84 Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 Logo Versions Boaters...................................8 SHOP THE PROS.....................100 519-238-2001 • 1-888-338-2001 Adrenaline Junkies.................12 LIVE AT THE LAKE.................110 [email protected] Fairway Ninjas........................20 September to May: Healthy Hikers........................24 PLAN YOUR TRIP Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm Birders....................................28 June to August: Critter Quiz..............................30 Advertisers’ Directory.........................117 Monday - Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Master Anglers.......................32 Bayfield Map........................................121 Sunday Noon to 5pm Exeter Map..........................................122 iFnosrpmiraotrieonin, fvoirsmit aIttSiotnaratsnAdtTtrhaevHBeorleizao(PnrcetfaehrlreV.dec) rasion CULTURE VULTURES Hensall Map........................................123 Zurich Map..........................................123 Our Tourism Partners Theatre Goers.........................34 Regional Map......................................124 Art Lovers................................37 Tips For Travellers...............................126 Music Lovers..........................42 Heritage Hounds....................44 CONNECT WITH US SHORELINE @grandbendtourism SIPPING ROUTE.......52 2022 COVER & PHOTOSVertical Version (Optional) Cover Photo: Jeanette Baillie Unless otherwise noted, photography provided by amateur photographers through our photo contest and by special request. TASTE 1 | Ontario’s Southwest – Graphic Standards EXPLORERS.................56 PUBLISHED BY Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce Design: Track 21 Graphix Inc. Print: Commercial Print Management Inc.

Beach Bums With 65 kilometres of sandy beach shoreline from Bayfield to Lambton Shores’ southernmost point, Lake Huron’s shoreline has called to generations of families seeking the ideal beach vacation. Cottagers, vacation-seekers and residents agree — It Starts At The Beach... And Ends Where You Want! TOP 5 BEACHES canopies of all sizes are not allowed on the beach. Use single-pole sun umbrellas BAYFIELD BEACH of an 8 foot (2.4m) maximum diameter, Located beside the marina and a short positioned to not block the lifeguards’ seven-minute walk to picturesque Main view. Dogs are restricted to parking Street, Bayfield’s beach has Blue Flag lot and concreted areas only. No dogs allowed on the beach from May 1 to status. The beach has drive- September 30. Leashed dogs can be on up access, limited parking, the north beach (north of the blue and public washrooms, public white condo building) from 6am to 8am phone and fully equipped life-saving and 8pm to 11pm. station. Stroll the pier at sunset. Enjoy Covid-19 Note: There are no sports stunning lake views from the scenic equipment or games allowed on the lookout in Pioneer Park (top of the bluff). beach and no multi-person (3+) floatation The shipwreck of the “Linda Hindman” devices. Call the Welcome Centre (519- steamboat is visible south of the 238-2001) ahead of your visit to double- main beach. check what rules are in place. GRAND BEND BEACH DID YOU KNOW? The largest beach in the area, this family-friendly spot boasts a children’s Paid parking offsets the costs accessible splash pad and interactive of maintaining Blue Flag accessible playground found beside beach status and many of the The Beach House, which Grand Bend Beach amenities offers public washrooms, change rooms, outdoor including: Lifeguards, Daily showers, and elevator access to the Beach Cleaning, Washrooms, observation deck. Enjoy a stroll along Water Quality Testing and the the boardwalk to the gazebo and pier. An accessible beach mat from the Beach Patrol staff. boardwalk to the shoreline gives wheelchair access to the water. When IPPERWASH BEACH open, free lifejackets and amphibious The Ipperwash Beach area includes wheelchair lending programs are private and public beach access. Public available at the Information Booth (in beach access points are 6396 West the Beach House). Parkway Drive, 6476 West Parkway Lifeguards on duty mid-June to Labour Drive (seasonal washrooms), 6490 West Day, Monday to Thursday noon to 6pm Parkway Drive, and 6602 East Parkway and Friday through Sundays and holiday Drive. Most other areas of the beach Mondays 11am to 7pm. are private. Free parking is available Food kiosks, ice cream, restaurants and in the Ministry of Natural Resources stores are a short 5-minute walk from labelled lots. No lifeguards or overnight the beach. parking. Dogs must be leashed. Please leave the beach the way you found it; For Your Safety take your garbage home. Dune areas Barbequing, open fires and cooking, are environmentally sensitive. Keep to glass items, alcohol, smoking and established pathways, no climbing or vaping, and tents, sun shelters, and digging in the dunes and please do not use them as an outdoor toilet. 4 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Blue Flag Blue Flag (BlueFlag.org) water quality status means your family is assured of safe, consistent swimmable water for a weekend getaway or vacation. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACPTINIVEPERhoYtoB: JE. BAaCillHie5

Get Active Photo: S. Earl Photo: M. McCann PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK Pinery has nine day-use beaches, two of which are dog friendly. Enjoy day visits, camping and 10 kilometres of sandy beach and dunes. Two all-terrain wheelchairs are available for loan to provide accessibility to the beach and there are accessible ramps to the beach (call Park Visitor Centre, 519-243-1521). PORT BLAKE BEACH & DAY PARK At the north end of Grand Bend (Highway 21 and Dashwood Road), Port Blake offers a quieter stretch of sand with a bluff-top grassed picnic area with BBQs. Dogs are allowed on the beach and must be leashed with messes cleaned up. The park offers a picnic pavilion, washrooms, change rooms, playground equipment, BBQs and picnic tables. Open daily 9am to 9pm. Capacity limits are in effect. No cash accepted; debit only. The entrance fee is $5 per person or $12 per carload. BEACH WATER QUALITY INFOLINES Lambton County (Grand Bend and south): 519-383-3816 Huron County (Port Blake and north): 1-888-221-2135, hpph.ca Flag System Swim hazard flags are posted on the lifeguard chairs. No flags are posted when lifeguards are not present. GREEN FLAG – Good conditions, no unusual hazards. Lifeguard on duty. YELLOW FLAG – Caution. Moderate hazard. Rough water and strong current and/or strong offshore wind. Lifeguard on duty. RED FLAG – Danger, high hazard. Extreme wave action and/or currents and/or E.coli count over 100/100 ml of beach water. Swimming not recommended. Lifeguard on duty. RED & YELLOW FLAG – Limit of supervised swimming area. Swim between flags. NO FLAG – No lifeguard on duty. 6 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active pic GRAND BEND SOUTH BEACH soak up the sun sip, shop, and dine Photo: J. Cole with beautiful sandy beaches at unique shops, restaurants, along the clear, freshwater breweries, cideries, and reconnect with nature shores of Lake Huron. wineries. with the beautiful and serene surroundings of parks, trails, and conservation areas. ARKONA FOREST GRAND BEND IPPERWASH PORT FRANKS THEDFORD DISCOVER LAMBTON SHORES EXPLORE IT ALL AT LAMBTONSHORES.CA It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 7

Boaters Photo: G. Rosema Port Franks Marina, Grand Bend Harbour and Bayfield Marina are open Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend. Boaters can take the ’Safe Boater Get Certified Test’ at either the Grand Bend or Port Franks marina offices. Visit smartboater.ca and boaterexam.com. Grand Bend Additional Dockage at 319-3931), Port Franks Charters (519- & Port Franks Fees Grand Bend Harbour 521-8785), Sail Huron (519-878-4141), • One-day launch pass: $25 per launch • “Love Docks” Seasonal Dockage and Xtreme Water Sports (519-238- (serviced; ≥ 25 ft.): $66 per foot 5816 / 519-319-4864). Pricing varies • Seasonal launch pass: $375 • “Love Docks” Seasonal Dockage (serviced; < 25 ft.): $1,680 DID YOU KNOW? • Seasonal Dockage (serviced; ≥ 25 ft.): • Seasonal Dockage for Personal $79 per foot Water Craft: $600 Grand Bend, Port Franks and Bayfield • Seasonal Dockage (serviced; < 25 ft.): Boat RENTALS & Charters marinas boast Blue $1,896 Local outfitters offer boat cruises on Flag status. Blue Flag marinas the lake including Blue Line Fishing adhere to a code of conduct • Seasonal Dockage (unserviced): Charters (519-318-1102), Copper Blues concerning environmental $1200 Fishing Charters (519-331-4144), Grand responsibility, clean water and Bend Fishing Charters (519-852-3410), established and well-practiced • Transient Dockage (serviced): Maitland Valley Fishing Charters (519- marina management. $2.30 per foot/day • Transient Dockage (unserviced): $1.90 per foot/day 8 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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by the amount of time out on the lake, Parkhill Creek in Grand Bend. Westcoast Get Active the size of your group, and the boat. Beach Store (416-836-8706) in Grand Rent single and tandem kayaks and Bend offers daily stand-up paddleboard R&R Marina stand-up paddleboards by the hour or up rentals and lessons. In Bayfield, head 9346 Lake Rd., Kettle Point to two days from 360 Bikes ’N Boards to the Marina Office (519-565-2233) 519-786-5604 (519-524-7171) in Goderich. River beside the public washrooms, to rent Seven Winds Marina Adventures Grand Bend (519-868-RAGB) a canoe or kayak. In Pinery Provincial 10009 Superior St., Port Franks rents electric and gas-powered inflatable Park (519-243-2220), you can rent 1-888-770-1009 dinghies, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, corcls (double-hulled, extremely and tandem kayaks by the hour. They buoyant, polyethylene boat), and YACHT CLUBS also offer multiple, week-long, half-day stand-up paddleboards. Bayfield Yacht Club camps for kids to learn about open water bayfieldyachtclub.com safety, navigating waterways using a PRIVATE MARINAS 647-667-9056 variety of self-powered vessels (kayaks, Bayfield River Cottage Colony & Marina Grand Bend Yacht Club canoes, paddleboards), and how to tie 19 Fisherman’s Rd. Wharf gbyc.ca, 519-238-6676 marine knots. Adult lessons include 519-565-2632 Port Franks Yacht Club kayaking and paddleboarding. They even portfranksyachtclub.ca host a glow-in-the-dark group kayak along Harbour Lights Marina 519-333-8673 27 Chart House Hill, Bayfield MUNICIPAL 519-565-5150 MARINAS / HARBOURS Photo: C. Walton Photo: B. Sitter INTRODUCTION TO SAILING COURSE Enjoy a casual sail while learning the terms and www.grandbendsailingschool.com techniques of sailing aboard 519-854-5478 • [email protected] a 36 foot sailboat in beautiful Grand Bend on Lake Huron. • 3 hours for up to 4 people • Anchor and swim (weather permitted) GB SailingSchool Ad 10.75x2.25.indd 1 It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACT9/I1V6/E20 119:35 AM

Adrenaline Junkies Photo: J. Baillie UP, UP AND AWAY! lakeshore, beautiful countryside, and DID YOU KNOW? Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center picturesque towns - or even your own Since 1982, the centre has operated as home or cottage. Details, prices, and You need to be over the age of the only skydiving facility in Southwest online booking available on the website: 16 and pass an exam before Ontario. Qualified professional instructors pappleaviation.ca or text/phone you head out on the water to assist beginners to advanced skydivers 519-319-4224 or 226-378-9268. operate a water craft. Be sure with freefalling. Whether you’re a Grand Bend Parasail freefalling expert or this is your first jump, View the beach from 1000 feet up. to get your Pleasure Craft there’s something for everyone at the Several qualified instructors and operators Operator Card. You can take the parachuting centre. Instructors recognize provide instruction to all participants, boater education course, pass a first jump can be frightening, so they no matter their experience level. Deals offer new skydivers a freefall skydive can be had! Take advantage of early the exam and print off your with two instructors assisting until the bird flights from 9am to 11am daily, temporary card - all online at parachute is activated, which is when sunset loads where you can enjoy one of the beginner steers the parachute with Canada’s best sunset destinations from boaterexam.com/canada. instructions via radio. skydivegrandbend. a bird’s-eye-view above the beach, and com, 1-800-363-5867. group rates and specials for groups of electric and gas-powered inflatable eight or more people. grandbendparasail. dinghies, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, Great Lakes Helicopter com, 519-525-3596. and tandem kayaks by the hour. They Enjoy spectacular views of the Lake also offer multiple, week-long, half-day Huron shoreline and marvel at the make a splash camps for kids to learn about open water pattern created by the area’s agricultural Are you looking to rent kayaks, canoes, safety, navigating waterways using a crops. Combine a scenic return trip from paddleboards, and dinghies? You can variety of self-powered vessels (kayaks, Grand Bend’s launch pad with dinner at rent canoes, corcls (double-hulled, canoes, paddleboards), and how to tie Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth, Eddington’s extremely buoyant, polyethylene boat), marine knots. Adult lessons include of Exeter or Langdon Hall in Cambridge. stand-up paddleboards, and single and kayaking and paddleboarding. They even Call ahead to book your sightseeing flight. double kayaks for use in the Pinery host a glow-in-the-dark group kayak greatlakeshelicopter.ca, 519-650-4542. Provincial Park (519-243-2220) from along Parkhill Creek in Grand Bend. the park store. In Bayfield, head to the Westcoast Beach Store (416-836-8706) Papple Aviation Marina Office (519-565-2233) beside on Main Street West offers daily stand- Enjoy a unique experience with a scenic the public washrooms to rent a canoe or up paddleboard rentals and lessons. In flight from their grass farm runway near kayak. In Grand Bend, River Adventures Goderich, rent single and tandem kayaks Seaforth or a scenic flight from Goderich Grand Bend (519-868-RAGB) rents and stand-up paddleboards by the hour Airport. Get a bird’s-eye-view of the or up to two days from 360 Bikes ’N Boards (519-524-7171). 12 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Grand Bend Sailing School Xtreme Watersports Get Active Ken Otte, holder of a Sail Canada Why not whip around on the waves in a certified Basic Cruising Instructor seadoo, launch into the lake off a 20-foot All About Horses and an RYA Yacht Masters Offshore water trampoline, try out a tube or water Located in Thedford, All About Horses Certificate of Competency, can teach ski? Experience the latest adrenaline- is not just a friendly boarding facility or you the sailing skills and knowledge rousing water thrill called flyboarding, place to learn to ride, they offer team you’ll need to operate a 30 to 35-foot which lets you ride water pressure to building events, birthday parties and trail sailboat safely. With 28 hours of direct dive and jump out of the water. Or relax rides. allabouthorsesthedford.info, sailing and classroom instruction, you’ll with their exclusive jet boat charter 226-678-1471. be ready to take the Sail Canada Basic service, so you and up to eight friends Home on the Range Frontier Town Cruising exam. Perhaps you’re more can sit back and enjoy a lake cruise. Add Located in Londesborough, Home on interested in a sailing sightsee. Ken tubing, wake boarding, water skiing or the Range offers 100 acres of trails can accommodate a family or group kneeboarding to your cruise for extra fun. throughout some of the area’s most of up to four people on his 36-foot xtremewatersports.ca, 519-319-4864. spectacular scenery. frontiertown.ca, sloop for a 3-hour sailing experience. Splash Water Sports 519-523-9478. grandbendsailingschool.com, Offers seadoo, jet-ski and pontoon Grace Farms Horseback Riding 519-854-5478. boat rentals, as well as flyboard, jetpack In Brucefield, Grace Farms offers year- Sail Huron and jetovator rides with experienced round Western and English-style riding Chris Thatcher and Lorraine Foster have instructors to help you out. Or take lessons to riders of all ages and skill 30 years of combined sailing experience a bowrider boat charter for a simple levels. Day and week camps for kids are and are members and instructors of the cruise on the lake and add tubing, available. gracefarms.ca 519-233-3165. Canadian Power & Sail Squadron. Join wakeboarding and waterskiing action. Clinton Raceway them for a sail out of Bayfield on “Stir splashseadoos.com, 519-671-4865. Maybe you would rather place a bet on Crazy”, a 34-foot Beneteau sailboat. a horse rather than your buttocks! Head Chris and Lorraine can host your group HORSE RIDING to Clinton Raceway for an exciting day for a 3-hour sail during which you can A great family activity or just a way to of harness racing. The facility offers relax on the deck, enjoy a lake dip, or relax, horse riding can include trail rides, families a picnic area, swimming pool, watch the sunset. They also provide horse-drawn wagon rides and more and slots. The 2022 racing season non-accredited sailing instruction on structured skill development. highlights are the $50,000 Kin Pace, boat and sail handling. Custom sail Annual Driver’s Challenge, and multiple packages are available. sailhuron.com, Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots events. 519-878-4141 or 519-868-4507. clintonraceway.com, Slots: 519-482- 7540. Race Office: 519-482-5270. GRAND BEND 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE *ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE!* It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 15

Get Active just for the Tony Hawks of this world, it a rough camping area, paved roads provides opportunity and inspiration for throughout the pit area, washrooms with CYCLING kids and adults. Riding rookies benefit showers, and a licensed trackside food Pinery Provincial Park from training on courses with foam pits and beverage court. Events include the Offers a safe, family-friendly 10km loop and padded ramps. Whether biking, Ontario Nostalgia Drag Racing (ONDR) for family cycling. Rent mountain bikes, skateboarding or testing your scooter Series, Stratford Spectacular, Windsor coaster bikes, tandems and classic bikes, skills, safety equipment and appropriate Weekend, Sportsmen Nationals, including kids bikes, trailers and strollers, course levels ensure injury free fun. Thunder by the Beach, Berlin Klassik by the hour, day or week. The bike rental Packed with wall-to-wall incredible Euro Car Show, and IHRA Canadian is open daily 9am to 9pm and is located courses and features, All In hosts Nationals, the largest and longest- beside the park store. ontarioparks.com/ professional competitions, including running national event in Canada. park/pinery, 519-243-2220. the World Championships. Kids summer grandbendmotorplex.ca, 519-238-7223. camps give young riders a chance Grand Bend Speedway 360 Bikes ’N Boards to work with some of the pros that Located in the Grand Bend Motorplex Located in Goderich, 360 Bikes ’N compete in advanced competitions. complex, the Grand Bend Speedway Boards rent bikes by the hour, day or Equipment rentals available - bring includes a drag strip and road course longer. Available styles include hybrid your own helmet, guards or pads. track for racing enthusiasts. The bikes suitable for road or trail riding, quarter-mile tri-oval track boasts a tandem and fat bikes. They also provide MOTOR SPORT 10-degree banking corner, making it complete bike care and repairs. No Grand Bend Motorplex the fastest and trickiest track for its need to call ahead, just leave your bike Home to Ontario’s largest drag race size. Considered a “driver’s track”, it with their Certified Professional Bicycle events and popular race series, Grand was formerly dubbed “the Bull Ring” by Mechanic on staff and they will call you Bend Motorplex is one of Canada’s former promoters, staff, and racers. The when it’s ready, usually within a day. major motorsport facilities. It welcomes front straightaway behind the start-finish 360bikesnboards.com, 519-524-7171. 60,000 fans of heart-pumping action line features a 400-foot long natural annually. This multi-purpose motorsports amphitheatre hill capable of seating BOARDING facility boasts a quarter-mile dragstrip, 4,000 spectators, and the track has an Ramp it up! Zurich is home to Ontario’s a quarter-mile, high-banked paved oval additional 684-seat grandstand. This largest indoor skatepark. All In Action track, and a multi-circuit road course for summer, the National Compact Touring Sports & Skatepark (519-236-7203, cars, bikes, and go-karts. The facility has Series heads to Canada to host “Battle allinactionsports.com), a 40,000-square ample parking, unobstructed seating, -foot indoor skatepark facility, is not 16 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Get Active get you there. In 2022, the Introductory Jolt Fitness (Centralia): Offers personal Program runs May 20-22, June 3-5, July training services, fitness classes, yoga at the Border 50” featuring drivers from 15-17, and the Endurance Series takes and open gym hours in renovated Canada and the United States. Races are place September 17 and 18. racer5.ca, 2,000-sq-ft facility. joltfitness.ca, 519- on Saturday nights, so families can enjoy 416-225-5000. 614-4594. the beach during the day and head to the My Fit Room (Forest): From low level and evening races. grandbendspeedway.ca, BOWLING circuit training to Sweat & Sculpt and 519-369-6969. Looking to take it easy after an Boot Camp. myfitroomstudio.com. GTA Exotic Cars action-packed day or seeking rainy- Oakwood Resort (Grand Bend): Drop-in, Ever wanted to take a Ferrari or day activities? Hit the lanes at Town & monthly and seasonal gym, pool and Lamborghini or other exotic car for Country Bowling Lanes in Zurich. Family- fitness class passes. oakwoodresort.ca/ a drive? The GTA Exotic Cars track friendly 5-pin bowling can include glow-in- pool-fitness-oakwood, 519-238-2324. experience program lets drivers select the-dark fun! townandcountrybowling. South Huron Fitness (Exeter): 24-hour, their dream car and take it for a spin. com, 519-236-4923. 4,000 square foot gym facility; passes Choose from more than 10 exotic and and memberships, southhuronfitness. super cars. Hopeful drivers must be at GYMS & YOGA LOCATIONS com, 519-235-4555. least 17 years old with a valid driving Maintain your fitness routine away from YMCA Fitness Centre ymcaswo.ca licence. Instruction is provided, all cars home at one of the area’s gyms. Forest: Inside the Shores Recreation are automatic and paddle-shift and Birch Bark Trailer Park (Grand Bend): Centre. Adult and student priced day instructors accompany drivers. Motorplex passes and memberships available to passes available. 519-786-9622. hosts two track days (July 9 & 10, 2022), non-park visitors. birchbarkcamping. Goderich: Inside the Maitland which normally sell out. So plan your com, 519-238-8256. Recreation Centre. 519-524-2125, visit and book early. gtaexotics.ca, Grand Bend Gym (Grand Bend): 4am to 190 Suncoast Dr. E. 905-815-1300. 10pm daily, secure carded entry, passes Parkhill: Inside the North Middlesex Racer 5 Motorcycle Training School and memberships, 6,200 square foot Arena & Fitness Centre. This motorcycle training program is gym facility. grandbendgym.com, 519-524-2125, 225 McLeod St. offered weekends and with their level 519-238-6093. 1-3 stages running seamlessly, they can enhance a rider’s skills from one day to the next. Whether you’re looking to build your street skills or interested in more advanced racing abilities, Racer 5 can 18 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Fairway Ninjas WIDDER STATION GOLF, GRILL & TAPHOUSE Photo: J. Baillie What could be more enjoyable than a little outdoor fun and exercise, spending time with friends and family amidst nature on a beautiful golf course. Bring your clubs to the lake! There are fourteen golf courses within a 5 to 20-minute drive from the beach. Golf can be good for your health and There is not much forgiveness for shots (18-hole and 9-hole courses) with many your heart. Walking an average course that veer too far offline. As such, few par 3 holes complemented by some for a round of golf can chalk up five to golfers escape without using all their longer holes to keep your driver from seven kilometres. If you walk 18 holes clubs. Good control over all aspects getting rusty. New for 2021, Disc golf was three to five times a week, you’ll get an of your game is needed to score well. added. Part of the GolfNorth family of optimal amount of endurance exercise Bluewater’s multiple tee system allows courses, Darrell Bankes and Innova Disc for your heart and improve muscle tone its nine holes to be played almost Golf designed a course for the public and endurance. 400 yards longer on the second nine to play in a golf course setting. Resort (6,122 yards total). The most dramatic amenities include an on-site restaurant, Arkona Fairways difference occurs on the 9th hole, which pub, indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and Golf Club* transforms from a 395-yard par four to a meeting and event rooms. 8562 Townsend Line, Arkona 473-yard par five. golfnorth.ca/forest, 1-800-265-0214 519-333-6446, arkonafairways.com The maturity of this course provides Exeter Golf CluB* Goderich Sunset irresistible natural beauty. Lush, 40374 Kirkton Rd., Centralia Golf Club* mature tree-lined fairways and fast, 519-235-1517, golfnorth.ca/Exeter 33937 Golf Course Rd., Goderich well-manicured greens are just a taste In 1961, when this golf course was 519-524-8047, sunsetgolfclub.com of what golfers can expect. Don’t miss established, golfers could play all day for Offers two courses: a Baby Boomer par out on Mulligans Bar & Grill, this eat-in or a dollar! This gently rolling, well-treed, 3 course of 9 holes of fun for everyone take-out on-site restaurant will have you 9-hole golf course supplies challenges and an 18-hole course for challenge returning to Arkona for more than just golf! from its strategically placed bunkers. and excitement. The Boomer course Finish off your round at The Barn, the is designed for short game practice, Bluewater Golf Course on-site restaurant, pub, and popular beginners, families, parties and seniors. and Campground* wedding venue that’s just the right mix of Golf holes range from 86 to 213 yards in 77416 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield rustic and modern. length, taking only a couple of hours to 519-482-7197 Forest Golf Club & Inn** play. The 18-hole course designed to test This 9-hole course dates to the 1920s. 102 Main St. S., Forest golfers’ skill levels features strategically A target-style course, it presents the 1-800-265-0214, golfnorth.ca/forest placed sand traps, narrow tree-lined golfer with shot variety on each round. A resort-style, walkable 27-hole course fairways, and water holes. 20 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Get Active difficult yet friendly. Consistently Even advanced golfers playing from the rated one of the best courses in back tees will be tested. Longer hitters Indian Hills Golf Club* the London region. will need to hit well-executed shots, as 6991 Lakeshore Rd., Lambton Shores Oakwood Resort several shorter par 4 holes are reachable 519-786-5505, indianhillsgolf.ca 70671 Bluewater Hwy., Grand Bend but peppered with interconnected water This Ross Axford designed 18- 519-238-2324, oakwoodresort.ca hazards ready to drown your ball! There hole championship layout is one of A perfect balance for avid golfers, are also no flat, straight-to-the-hole putts. southwestern Ontario’s truly scenic families or conference attendees. Relax in the Old Western-style clubhouse courses. This par 71, 6,539-yard course, This scenic 18-hole, par 70 golf course after a game or practice on the putting assigned a Golf Ontario slope rating of never strays far from the resort complex and chipping green. 133 (standard playing difficulty is 113), and offers 5,356 yards of course requires careful shot consideration. Enjoy amongst mature coniferous and oak Sawmill Creek Golf the challenge of water hazards and sand trees. Clusters of trees play a part in Resort & Spa traps against a picturesque backdrop. narrowing the fairways and approaches 3790 Lakeshore Rd, Camlachie The course was rated “best southwestern to the greens. The resort also offers 519-899-4653, facebook.com/ Ontario golf course” by the London Free on-site dining, spa, indoor pool, sawmillcreekgolf Press (2003). suites and cottages. This course is a par 71 “links-style” Ironwood Golf Club** 6,445-yard championship layout 70969 Morrison Line, Exeter Sandhills Golf Club** featuring lots of undulation and bent 519-235-1521, golfnorth.ca/ironwood 9767 Port Franks Rd., Thedord grass on tees, fairways and greens Golfers of every skill level will experience 519-243-1800, golfnorth.ca/sandhills with little to no trees. An original Rene challenges on this 18-hole 6,165-yard Modest in length, this course is perfect Muylaert design, refreshed with touches course, which first opened in 1965. for the novice golfer and offers the by Doug Carrick on several holes, the The course offers four sets of tees ideal layout to sharpen the short game. course offers playability and challenge to for different skill levels. Well-groomed all levels of golfers from 4 tee locations. fairways and greens keep Ironwood 22 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Golf At A Glance Seaforth Golf Club Woodlands Links Golf Course 42990 Front Rd., 1-A Doig Dr., Seaforth 37858 Huron Rd. (Hwy. 8), Clinton 519-522-0985, seaforthgolf.com 519-482-7144, woodlandslinks.com This 18-hole, par 71 course on 100 unspoiled acres was re- An Audubon and championship links-style course, Woodlands designed in 2005 by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member, Dan offers lush landscapes and wooded areas. No two holes play Halldorson. A mature course with entertaining stories behind alike, offering a challenge for beginner and avid golfers. Water each personalized hole, the course promises golfing pleasure hazards, strategically placed sand and grass bunkers, and and fun to all who come to play. Amenities include a complete natural roughs will challenge. The 8,000-square foot clubhouse practice facility with a full-length driving range, two practice was built from the original post and beam barn dating back putting greens, one short game chipping green, and a 90-yard 175 years. It’s accented by rusticated fieldstone architecture, pitching area so players can hone every aspect of their game. surrounded by rock gardens, flanking outdoor patios, and offers excellent views overlooking the course. White Squirrel Golf Club* 72538 Bluewater Hwy., St. Joseph MINI PUTT LOCATIONS 519-236-4030, whitesquirrelgolfclub.com Beginners to Pros, this course suits all levels. Challenging yet Gold Coast mini putt walking-friendly, White Squirrel is known as having the best 75526 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield, 519-565-9154 greens in the Bluewater Area. For the last few years, the owners Golfers of all ages will enjoy this 18-hole mini-putt. The outdoor have invested heavily in revamping all the bunkers and upgrading course offers a fun and unique mini-golf experience for everyone! to better quality sand found at high-end courses. Features a newly built Pro Shop. The bar and restaurant have been Grand Bend Mini Golf extensively renovated and boast the largest patio in the region; 72 Main Street West, Grand Bend, 519-317-2781, great spots to have lunch or dinner before or after your game. grandbendminigolf.com Explore Grand Bend’s historic past while taking your shot at a hole- Widder Station Golf, Grill & Taphouse in-one. This course highlights Grand Bend’s historic buildings. 8395 Decker Rd., Thedford 519-296-4653, widderstation.com This scenic 18-hole, 72 par, 6,271-yard championship golf course winds through rolling terrain and offers a variety of interesting holes for even the most experienced golfer. The fun layout provides great hole variety and challenge, and fast greens will take the break out of putts. Several holes are blind, dog-leg shots with chances to drown some golf balls. Strategic shot-making is critical on a few holes. Enjoy Widder’s “Train Wreck” beer in the Taphouse or newly-built event space dubbed “Widder Flats”. * Tee-On Network course (tee-on.com) It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 23 ** GolfNorth course (golfnorth.ca)

Healthy Photo: B. Sitter Hikers Photo: B. Sitter Photo: L. Kittmer The area is blessed with many gems of nature, being located Photo: L. Kowalchuk on the northern fringes of the Carolinian Life Zone. This zone Photo: B. Sitter represents less than one percent of Canada’s landmass, and is home to the largest diversity of fauna and flora species in the country, as well as the highest number of species at risk. The landscape features miles of sandy ESLI DODGE beaches along the shores of Lake CONSERVATION AREA, Forest Huron, bare and forested dune lands, Twenty-acre conservation area (part fresh-water coastal wetlands, rare Oak of the St. Clair Region Conservation Savanna, steep and forested ravines in Authority) with an artificial lake (no river and creek valleys, remnant prairies swimming). Access at 88 Main Street. of tall grass and wildflowers, spherical Portable washrooms May to October. concretions or Kettles in black shale Playground, picnic area, tennis courts, beds, and brachiopod and trilobite fossils paved walking/cycling paths, gazebo. from the Devonian Period. The island in the lake acts as a stage for theatrical and musical performances LAMBTON SHORES TRAILS during the summer and the hillside The pullout map in this guide features opposite seats 6,000 people. Home hiking route maps and trail features. to Forest’s Canada Day Celebrations. Lambton Shores Nature Trails/ FOREST TRAIL SYSTEM, Forest LSNT (lsntblazers.com) is a volunteer Access from Rotary Civic Square. organization dedicated to the Asphalted 2.8-kilometre walkway leads development, upgrade and maintenance south to Esli Dodge Conservation Area. of trails in Lambton Shores in partnership The trails along the Old Railway Track and with landowners, residents, the around lagoons west of Forest offer a municipality, sponsors and donors. Other 4.5-kilometre return trip over flat lands. than Pinery Park (pinerypark.on.ca/trails), GRAND BEND ROTARY Rock Glen Conversation Area (abca. NATURE TRAIL, Grand Bend on.ca) and Esli Dodge Conservation area Asphalted 9-kilometre walking and (scra.on.ca), the following information is cycling trail alongside Highway 21 from courtesy of LSNT. Grand Bend to the Pinery Provincial Park entrance. AUSABLE RIVER CUT JOANY’S WOODS TRAIL, Sylvan CONSERVATION AREA, Northville 367 acres in the Ausable River Valley Developed hiking trail through 32 offers a challenging 4.8-kilometre kilometres of forested acres in the trail and an easy 3.2-kilometre trail Carolinian Zone. Access at 9984 through mixed Carolinian and Great Northville Crescent, off Highway 21 Lakes Hardwood swamp forest, and a by the Ausable Cut Bridge. Offers a 2.2-kilometre trail along the river. Two challenging two-kilometre looped trail access points: (1) Drive east on Elginfield over a high sand dune. Easy short cuts Road from Sylvan, turn right onto Vernon available. Trailhead sign. Road; (2) Drive north from Sylvan on Sylvan Road, turn left onto Elliot Road and right onto Boot Hill Road, watch for signage. Trailhead and On-trail signs; trail guide available. 24 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Trail Etiquette • Stay on trails and follow “blazes” (marks show turns and endpoints) •Don’t litter •Keep dogs on leash •Follow trail uses and activities •Take only photographs, leave only footprints. JOANY’S WOODS TRAIL Photo: A. Rasimus It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 25

Get Active glen’s steep sides and 10.7-metre-high HERITAGE TRAIL, Bayfield waterfall. Scenic lookouts, picnic area, Follow Pioneer footsteps through Bayfield LAMBTON COUNTY BBQs, pavilions, museum, washrooms on an easy 2-kilometre stroll along tree- HERITAGE FOREST, Port Franks and two playgrounds. Drive north of lined streets, passing heritage buildings. Hiking and mountain-biking trails in Arkona on Arkona Road (County Rd. 79); MAVIS TRAIL, Varna 570-acre Oak Savannah and Carolinian turn right on Rock Glen Road, and look Four-season 2.5-kilometre challenging forest. Access from Port Franks Community for signage. looped trail to Bayfield River and back. Centre, 9997 Port Franks Road. Offers WOODLAND HERITAGE Access from Stanley Recreation Complex, three trails: 3.1-kilometre, 5.2-kilometre TRAIL, Grand Bend 38572 Mill Rd., Varna. and 6.6-kilometre. Trailhead and 1-kilometre looped trail through Oak RIVER FLATS TRAIL, Bayfield On-Trail signs. Savanna. Point Of Interest panels 4.75-acre riverside property purchased L-LAKE MANAGEMENT explain the area’s natural history with donations from the community, AREA, Port Franks and a Storybook Trail completes the now owned and protected by the Huron 69-acre area offers gentle 1.5-kilometre experience. Access from Lambton Tract Land Trust Conservancy on behalf trail through cedar wetlands and mixed Heritage Museum on Highway 21. of Bayfield. Woodland setting. Ruins of Carolinian forest. Access at 7101 Outer gristmill visible near bridge. Drive. Trailhead sign. BLUEWATER TRAILS SAWMILL TRAIL, Bayfield PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK, Grand Bend The following information is courtesy of Access the 1.67-kilometre woodland 6,300 acres of Oak Savanna, Carolinian the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association and riverside trail from Highway 21, turn woodlands and Freshwater Coastal (bayfieldtrails.com), the Ausable Bayfield east onto Old River Road, then right onto Dune ecosystem. Home to endangered Conservation Authority (abca.on.ca) and Sawmill Road, watch for signage. Varied plants, animals and insects. Extensive Friends of Hullet Marsh (hullettmarsh.com). terrain changes from flood plain nature trails and 13-kilometre asphalted, BANNOCKBURN to coniferous forest and hillsides. close-loop bike path. Bike and helmet CONSERVATION AREA, Brucefield TAYLOR TRAIL, Varna rentals (mountain, coaster, tandem, kids, Year-round, 62-acre conservation area This 1-kilometre looped trail features child trailers and helmets). Wheelchair with wet meadows, eastern white cedar a variety of landscapes. Joggers, accessible trails and two beach-friendly forest, deciduous forest, old-field and fitness enthusiasts and pet owners will wheelchairs available for use. Cross- mixed scrub and marsh. Main trail leads appreciate the flat terrain and the scents country ski and snowshoe rentals from the parking. The first 500 metres of pine and colourful meadow grasses. available. consists of accessible boardwalks over A peaceful and tranquil stroll. Access ROCK GLEN river and creek; balance of trails feature from Stanley Recreation Complex, CONSERVATION AREA, Arkona hilly terrain with few stairs or boardwalks. 38572 Mill Rd., Varna. Home of Lambton County’s ONLY Access at 76249 Bannockburn Line, WATERFALL. Plunge your hand in the between Brucefield and Bayfield. water and grab some pebbles – it’s likely you’ll find a brachiopod, crinoid or gastropod fossil! Stairs, boardwalks and bridge allow visitors to explore the Heritage Trail, Bayfield Woodland Trail, Bayfield BLUEWATER HIGHWAY 26 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

WOODLAND TRAIL, Bayfield Get Active Medium difficulty, 5-kilometre trail meanders along village roads, Mavis Trail, Varna dips into woods and follows old gravel pit and lumber roads and deer paths. Closed for hunting during designated hunting seasons. River Flats Trail, Bayfield Access at David Street and Hill Terrace. HULLETT PROVINCIAL WILDLIFE AREA, Clinton 5,420 acres along the South Maitland River and located on the paths of two major waterfowl flyways (Atlantic & Mississippi). Seven trails from 0.4 kilometres to 4.6 kilometres, featuring grassland, wetland and wooded terrain. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, canoeing, snowmobiling, and geocaching. Multiple parking lots and access points. Refer to hullettmarsh.com for hiking map and information. SOUTH HURON TRAILS MORRISON DAM, MACNAUGHTON PARK & SOUTH HURON TRAIL, Exeter 10-kilometre round-trip hiking trail from the Morrison Dam westwards along the Ausable River to Exeter’s MacNaughton Park. Hiking, cross-country skiing, birding and wildlife watching and fishing. Picnic areas and washrooms. Access from Exeter’s Main Street by the river or drive east of Exeter on County Road 83, turn south on Morrison Line, and watch for signage. abca.on.ca SAVANNA STROLLERS WALKING CLUB Every Wednesday at 9:15am, walkers meet at the south side of Lambton Heritage Museum, where participants are led in a short warm up and stretching routine before carpooling to the trailhead. Fast walkers are welcome to do the trail two or three times to get their steps in. pinerypark.on.ca/walking-club/ BAYFIELD POLE-WALKING Men’s, women’s and all-comers’ pole-walking sessions occur four times per week year round. Participants meet at 13 Main Street, Bayfield. Group leaders can provide lessons in use of regular or activator poles. @bayfield.pole.walking, bayfieldactivities.info Sawmill Trail, Bayfield BLUEWATER HIGHWAY It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 27

Get Active Birders Photo: J. Cole The area boasts habitats ranging from Carolinian Forest to sand dunes and shorelines, offering opportunities to engage in bird watching throughout the year. Popular spots include Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend Rotary Trail, Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, Old Ausable River Bed, Karner Blue Sanctuary, Lake Smith, Lambton County Heritage Forest, Kettle Point, Ipperwash and the Grand Bend Lagoon Area. RETURN OF THE SWANS 350+ SPECIES OF BIRDS breasted Nuthatch, American In March, upwards of 15,000 Tundra Lambton County is located on the Goldfinch, Red and White-winged Swans return to their favourite resting northwestern edge of the Carolinian Life Crossbills and Red-tailed Hawks are grounds – the Thedford Bog – located Zone (Eastern Deciduous Forest biome) common. Bald Eagles can be spotted east of Lambton Heritage Museum just that extends from Georgia and the along the shoreline from Port Franks south of Grand Bend. The Museum Carolinas west to the Mississippi River. to Grand Bend and water areas provide offers a pop-up exhibit about the swans The climatic conditions support large observation of a great diversity of throughout March. Exact dates when colonies of waterbirds in mild winters and waterfowl in all seasons. the swans return is entirely up to numerous nesting landbirds in summer. Mother Nature. The county is part of the Mississippi Handy Flyway over which migrating northern Websites Tundra Swans winter in Chesapeake Bay, nesting birds pass in Spring and Fall. Maryland returning via a 3,000-kilometre This offers sightings of species usually Ausable Bayfield Conservation flight to their summer breeding grounds found elsewhere in North America the Authority abca.on.ca in Canada’s Arctic every spring. They rest of the year. Fall or Spring bring Lambton Wildlife Blog stop to rest and feed on remnants of last migratory bird populations which include lambtonwildlife.com year’s crops. Much honking, squawking, Common and Red-throated Loons, Lambton Shores Nature Trailblazers and small-group v-formation flying can be numerous Raptors, Snowy Owls and lsntblazers.com witnessed on the still-flooded farmland. the Tundra Swans. Summer provides Ontario Field Ornithologists ofo.ca opportunity to observe Scarlet Tanagers, Pinery Park Bring binoculars to view the swans from Baltimore Orioles, Cerulean Warblers, pinerypark.on.ca/what-lives-in-pinery Greenway Road. The best viewing time Pine Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings, St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is in the morning. Swan updates and Great Blue Herons and over 200 other scrca.on.ca news: ReturnOfTheSwans.com or species of birds. In the winter, Horned call 519-243-2600 to check on Larks, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, the swans’ arrival status. Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, White- 28 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active How many of these birds can you find? While walking the trails, keep a sharp eye out for these birds, all can be found BALD EAGLE locally. These are just a sampling of the hundreds of bird species in the area. We’ve selected photographs of those you are more likely to spot. Thank you to David Bannister, a local photographer and artist, for these incredible shots. Find more of David’s photographs at davidbannister.zenfolio.com. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH HERMIT THRUSH PURPLE FINCH BROWN CREEPER RUFFED GROUSE ROUCH-LEHGAGWEKD NWUHTIHTEA-TBCRHEASTED NOORRIOTLHEERN-BALTIMORE Rock Glen Conservation Area 8680 Rock Glen Road Arkona • Ontario • Canada #RockGlenWedding • Museum • Falls • Trails • Fossil viewing • Picnic pavilions • Book weddings, reunions abca.ca • 1-888-286-2610 Home of Rock Glen Falls It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 29

Get Active A Critter Quiz Unless otherwise noted, all photographs provided by Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue SHORT-TAILED WEASEL Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation and Education Centre near Sarnia, Salthaven Wildlife B Rehabilitation and Education Centre near Strathroy, and Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation provide care and rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned, or otherwise compromised wildlife. They rely on donations to return healthy animals to the wild and educate the public on issues affecting Canadian wildlife. RED FOX Who am I? C Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species. Can you match up the descriptions of these animals, birds and insects to the correct photos? 1. I use my bushy tail for balance, warmth, and to signal mood. I live in a large leaf nest in a tree. I don’t hibernate. I eat nuts, seeds, fruit, insects, and especially like the buds of maple trees. I use my excellent sense of smell to find where I have hidden food for the winter. I may have two litters of up to six babies each year and live for six years. My kind is important to reforestation. I am... SNAPPING TURTLE 2. I dig holes other animals use for shelter. When I am not looking after babies or hibernating, I eat and sunbathe. My burrow has a main entrance, Photo: J. Baillie spyholes, a bedroom and a bathroom. I hibernate from September to March. I eat wild plants, clover, alfalfa, and garden vegetables (!). Sometimes I eat D snails, insects and young birds. My kind can be brown, black or white. I may live for 10 years if I am careful. I am... 3. I am Ontario’s smallest carnivore. I eat mice, chipmunks, birds, rabbits, fish, insects, eggs and frogs. In winter, my coat turns white, and my tail stays black-tipped. I have excellent hearing, sight and smell. I live in a burrow another animal made and decorate with dry grass, leaves, feathers, and fur. I have eight brothers and sisters but live alone. When I speak, I make trills and whistles of greeting and loud, high-pitched squeaking when threatened. My kind lives two years. I am... OPOSSUM 4. I have grey fur, small black eyes, a white face, black ears, a pointy nose and a long, scaly tail that can hold things. I sleep during the day and hunt for food E at night. I eat worms, insects, grains, fruit, grass, carrion, snakes, and eggs. I can eat 5,000 ticks in a season. I live in damp woodlands near water and am Canada’s only marsupial. I have up to 25 babies in a litter. I have 50 teeth, the most of any North American mammal and play dead if scared. I am... 5. I eat voles, mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds and eggs. Sometimes I catch Lake Trout. I bury extra food for later. I have excellent hearing, sight and smell. I can hear a mouse move underground and smell rabbits’ nests hidden in the grass. I live in thickets and heavy bush, but make a den from 30 ItStartsAtTheBeachP.cILaEA|TED1-W8O8O8D-3P3E8CK-2E0R01 Sources: natureguelphtracking.wordpress.com, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Geographic, Hinterland Who’s Who, www.allaboutbirds.org Photo: L. Kittmer

Get Active another animal’s burrow when I have kits in the spring (March-May). I speak F using sharp barks. WHITE SQUIRREL I am... Photo: B. Sitter 6. I dig my burrow in forests, under rocks and fallen trees and live in the same one for several years. I store nuts and seeds under bedding of leaves and G grasses. My cheek pouches expand three times the size of my head to hold food, like fruits, nuts, seeds and mushrooms. Sometimes I eat birds’ eggs and MONARCH CATEPILLAR worms. My cheek pouches get bigger with age. I do not hibernate; I sleep a lot and wake up for snacks every few days or weeks. I have 3 to 5 babies in a Photo: B. Sitter litter who venture from the burrow after six weeks. I can live for five years. H I am... GROUNDHOG 7. I winter in Florida and Mexico like other Canadians. I am an egg, then a stripy caterpillar, then a green chrysalis, then a beautiful butterfly with I stained glass-like wings. Milkweed is essential because it is the only food I eat when I am a caterpillar and where I lay my eggs when I am a butterfly. I GREAT BLUE HERON am an important pollinator. Because I eat milkweed, I am poisonous to eat for many birds, other than robins, orioles, grosbeaks, grackles, cardinals, Photo: J. Cole sparrows, and jays. I live up to 32 days. When I migrate, it will be my great- grandchildren that return. J I am... 8. I make a home using my beak by chipping out an oblong hole of 10 to 24 inches deep in a dead tree. This can take six weeks. I use this nest for a season and find other birds move in after I have left. Striking dead trees and fallen logs, I make deep holes in the wood where I find my favourite foods, carpenter ants, beetle larvae and termites. I also like flies, caterpillars, cockroaches, grasshoppers, wild fruits and nuts, but I will visit your backyard for suet! You can tell I am a male because I have a red cheek stripe. The oldest of my kind has lived to 12 years. I am... 9. I am a large, majestic bird, weighing only 5 lbs (2.5 kg). I eat fish, frogs, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and birds. I have night vision to hunt for food at night, not just during the day. I prefer to nest in trees but can make do on the ground or in bushes. Building a nest takes two weeks, and I will have three to five eggs in April. My kind is found year-round in North America, although typically only from spring to fall in Canada. I clean my feathers by combing them downwards with the claw of my middle toe. I may live 17 years. I am... 10. I am a reptile and have “cold-blood” that matches the temperature of my surroundings. I am the largest freshwater turtle in Canada. My scaly skin allows me to live out of water, and I have a long spiked tail. My shell has a back carapace and a belly plastron of bony plates. Unlike other turtles, I cannot pull my entire body inside my shell. I eat water plants, worms, snails, fish, frogs, snakes, small turtles, water birds and freshly dead animals. When I am 17, I will lay eggs in loose, sandy soil at the shoreline, an embankment or side of a road. I hibernate in winter, burying myself in sand or mud in the river or lakebed not far from shore. I can live 70 years. I am... Handy Websites • salthaven.org • heavenswildliferescue.org • raptorrehabilitation.com Answers: 1. White Squirrel (f) 2. Ground Hog (h) 3. Short-tailed Weasel (a) 4. Opossum (d) 31 5. Red Fox (b) 6. Chipmunk (j) 7. Monarch Caterpillar (g) 8. Male Pileated Woodpecker (e) 9. Great Blue Heron (i) 10. Snapping Turtle (c) It Starts At The Beach... CaHnIdPMenUdNsKWhere You Want! | GET ACTIVE Photo: J. Baillie

Master Anglers GRAND BEND PIER Photo: J. Baillie Fishing Lake Huron, you’ll have the opportunity to fish for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout and Walleye on fully-equipped vessels using top-notch fishing tackle and electronics. According to local fisherfolk, trolling with downriggers and dipsy divers will yield the best catch on the lake. FISHing charters BANNOCKBURN MORRISON DAM Local outfitters offer fishing charters CONSERVATION AREA, Brucefield CONSERVATION AREA, Exeter on the lake including Blue Line Fishing Runs of Blue Gill, Brook Trout, Brown Area boasts a 30-acre lake, which is a Charters (519-318-1102), Copper Blues Trout, Chub, Dace, Darter, Rainbow Trout, popular spot for family fishing. Access at Fishing Charters (519-331-4144), Grand Salmon, Smallmouth Bass and Sunfish. 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter. Bend Fishing Charters (519-852-3410), Access at 76249 Bannockburn Line, Maitland Valley Fishing Charters (519- northeast of Varna between Brucefield PARKHILL CREEK, Grand Bend 319-3931), Port Franks Charters (519- and Bayfield. Has a similar fish habitat to the Ausable 521-8785), and Xtreme Water Sports OLD AUSABLE CHANNEL, Pinery Park Cut, with lake-resident Yellow Perch (519-238-5816 / 519-319-4864). Pricing Supports a warm-water fish community. present at the pier at times. varies by the amount of time out on the It is home to nearly 50 common species, lake and the size of your group. including many kinds of Minnows, PARKHILL RESERVOIR, Parkhill Sunfish, Catfish, Perch and some top Located in the Parkhill Conservation FISH A QUIET RIVER predators like Northern Pike and Bass. Area. Populations of White Crappie and Fly Fitters (flyfitters.ca) located near the The Channel is also home to three Largemouth Bass. Take Country Road town of Goderich offers guided fly fishing, species at risk - Pugnose Shiner, Lake 81 to Highway 7, turn onto Centre Road. spey fishing and sport fishing adventures Chubsucker and Grass Pickerel - please Brochure available on abca.on.ca. on the Maitland River, Bayfield River and help protect them and do not remove Saugeen River and along the shore of them from the river. Boat motors are not MOTORIZED BOATS Lake Huron. allowed on the Channel at any time and & CATCH-AND-RELEASE there is a ban on baitfish use. Motorized boats are not allowed AUSABLE RIVER CUT, Port Franks on the Old Ausable Channel or the Offers a diverse warm-water fish habitat, Parkhill Reservoir. Catch-and-release is including Channel Catfish, Walleye encouraged and anglers should always and Smallmouth Bass. There are also return any species at risk to the waters migratory runs of Rainbow Trout and of any watercourse. Chinook Salmon. 32 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

FISHING LICENCE (Card & Tag) Ontario Family Fishing Get Active Before fishing in Ontario, it is important Ontario Family Fishing events are to read and understand the applicable province-wide opportunities for Canadian Report a Poacher sections of the Ontario Sport Fishing residents to fish Ontario waters without If you see any fishing violations, please Regulations Summary (ontario.ca/ the need for a fishing version outdoors contact a local Conservation Officer at document/ontario-fishing-regulations- card. There are four event weeks during 519-482-3333. summary). Learn the catch limits and the year that are licence-free: season dates and do your part to help • February 19-21, 2022 Handy conserve Ontario’s waterways. • May 7 & 8, 2022 Websites CANADIAN TIRE: • June 18 & 19, 2022 100 Thames Rd. E., Exeter - 519-235-0160 • July 2-10, 2022 Ausable Bayfield Conservation 84 Union St., Forest - 519-786-2121 Authority abca.on.ca RONA HARDWARE: Note: During these family fishing Maitland Valley Conservation 57 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend weeks, Ontario fishing regulations, Authority mvca.on.ca 519-238-5500 fees and limits still apply. At all other Ontario Family Fishing SERVICE ONTARIO (ontario.ca): times of the year, Canadian residents ontariofamilyfishing.com 388 Main St. S., Exeter - 519-235-4578; aged 18 to 64 years must buy a valid 93 Main St. S., Forest - 519-786-2929 fishing licence to fish in Ontario legally. ontariofamilyfishing.com Photo: S. Vandenberk Source: Ontario’s West Coast Fishing & Paddling Guide It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 33

Culture Vultures ~ Theatre Goers Photo: J. Baillie \"TRULY ELECTRIC\" BY PAT MORDEN There are many barn surrounded by farmers’ fields, the ALEX MUSTAKAS theatre was renovated ten years ago to opportunities to experience create a modern lobby and an additional, Photo: Drayton Entertainment smaller venue, while keeping the classic the jolt of live theatre. barn feel. The lush grounds are well building that burned down in 1989 and positioned to enjoy the shoreline’s famous was faithfully rebuilt. The Playhouse Some have a vision that going to the sunsets during intermission. features a summer season of concerts, theatre can be a rather starchy affair – HCP is well known for its Broadway musical reviews, and plays. Artistic high-priced tickets, fancy clothes, velvet musicals featuring top performers from Directors David Hogan and David Rogers curtains, and ornate chandeliers. But not across Canada. Mustakas notes the recent attract world-class artists to the quaint here at the lake! production of Come From Away in Toronto little town. At Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) featured several actors who performed at Development Coordinator Callandra and other local theatres, theatre-going is HCP in 2019. The theatre also produces Dendias says it’s the focus on customer as relaxed, comfortable, and accessible as giddy comedies and classic dramas. experience that sets Victoria Playhouse a day at the beach (and the ideal way to A key focus for Mustakas is keeping ticket apart. “We really roll out the red carpet for end one!). Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director prices accessible. “We pride ourselves not our patrons in every possible way,” she and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, puts only on the artistic experience,” he says, says. “We build personal relationships it this way: “What you see on the stage is “but also on value for money. When I see with our audiences. David Hogan has been the icing on the cake. Going to the theatre empty seats, I never think ’lost revenue’— known to walk people to their cars after in Grand Bend is a whole experience - I think ’lost experience.’” In common a show!” the beach, the shopping, the dining, the with theatres everywhere, HCP has been When COVID hit, that focus didn’t waver. sunsets, and some of the best theatre in shuttered since 2020 due to Covid-19. Ticket holders received personal phone North America!” The theatre is poised to offer the 2020 calls to find out how they were coping Although the pandemic has been tough on playbill this year, with some sets and during the lockdown. The theatre also ran local theatres, the passion for producing costumes already in waiting. a series on YouTube called “Stay Inspired” world-class productions still burns brightly. Less than an hour south of HCP is the that featured archival footage of past And that’s good news for visitors. Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, the town performances introduced by the artists Huron Country Playhouse (HCP), operated where Ontario’s short-lived oil boom involved in them. by Drayton Entertainment, has been part started. The theatre is housed in Victoria of the Grand Bend community for an Hall, a flamboyant late nineteenth century amazing 50 years. Starting in a converted 34 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

The Playhouse has been exploring different scenarios for Arts & Culture making the theatre as safe as possible for patrons this year. Says Dendias, “Welcoming patrons back is our focus- we want to LIVE THEATRES get back to sharing that wonderful energy between the artists and Blyth Festival, Blyth | 1-877-862-5984 | blythfestival.com the audience.” Goderich Little Theatre / The Livery, Goderich Forty-five minutes northeast from Grand Bend, there is yet another 519-524-6262, thelivery.ca unique theatrical experience on offer. The Blyth Festival produces Huron Country Playhouse new Canadian plays at historic Blyth Memorial Community Hall, (Main Stage & Playhouse II), Grand Bend originally built to honour the fallen of World War One. Says Artistic 1-855-372-9866 | draytonentertainment.com Director Gil Garrett, “Our mission is to give voice to the region Stratford Festival, Stratford | 1-800-567-1600, and the country. We are constantly working with playwrights and stratfordfestival.ca directors and actors to tell stories of the moment we are living.” Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia | 1-800-717-7694, thevpp.ca One of Blyth’s most innovative productions, The Outdoor Donnellys, was a retelling of a nineteenth century blood feud that included MOVIE THEATRES live horses and a carriage performed at the Blyth fairgrounds. This year, the company is hoping to return to the fairgrounds to present Kineto Theatre, Forest productions safely in the age of COVID. 24 King Street West, 519-786-2303, kineto.ca Blyth, Petrolia, and HCP are welcoming spaces that anyone with In operation since 1917, Kineto is open four days a week, a taste for entertainment and social commentary can enjoy. Says year-round. One of the world’s oldest movie theatres, it recently Garrett, “You don’t go to Blyth in your three-piece suit with your underwent a $1.4-million renovation to meet current health and pocket square. If you show up in jeans shorts and a T-shirt, you safety and accessibility requirements. Renovations included an won’t stick out. The only thing we want audiences to bring is an expanded and accessible lobby, functional concession area, main open heart.” floor accessible washroom and more accessible theatre seating. All three say the experience of live theatre will enrich your vacation Starlite Drive-In, Grand Bend immeasurably. Says Dendias, “Depending on the show, it’s a 36752 Crediton Road, 519-238-8344, starlitedriveintheatre.com time to let your imagination run wild, it’s an escape, it brings back What could be more fun than enjoying the remaining heat of a memories, it’s cathartic.” Garrett agrees, adding, “There’s summer day while bundling the kids up in their pajamas to watch something remarkable about being all together and imagining the a movie under the stars? Call or go online to find out what is same thing in the same moment. Live theatre is truly electric.” playing. The 2022 season opens May 6 with Dr. Strange 2. The Park Theatre, Goderich 30 The Square, 1-800-265-3438 movielinks.ca/park-theatre-goderich Two screens playing current movies. The Livery Film Fest, Goderich The Livery runs a film series between September and April of national and international films in partnership with the Toronto Film Festival and Film Circuit Board. Screenings at The Park Theatre, 7pm (rush seats available at 6:45pm). Visit thelivery.ca/film-series. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 35

Arts & Culture Welcome to the Beach! #EveryoneIsWelcomeHere Follow us on Instagram: @HuronCountyImmigrationPartners Find us online: www.HuronCounty.ca/immigration-partnership HURON COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE 36 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Culture Vultures ~ Art Lovers Photo: ?? EXPLORING THE LIFELONG ARTISTIC LOVE AFFAIR OF BAYFIELD ARTIST JIM TALESKI BY JUDY JOHNSON Southwestern Ontario’s lake shoreline borders fields of corn, wheat, and soybeans dotted with historic towns and villages scattered under a big sky, enticing many artists to call this place home and a place of inspiration. It’s also home to Paint Ontario, Ontario’s foremost, juried, original art competition, show, and sale. Discover artist workshops, studios, and galleries. A chance to meet and chat with artists at their galleries may inspire you to take home original pieces of art! Many people come to beautiful, historic Jim. This is one of the first things Jim other birds, deer and foxes. As a child, Bayfield on the shores of Lake Huron to shares about himself and the long- the area offered a magical stomping soak up the village’s atmosphere and standing artistic framework that shaped ground for Jim, who spent many happy discover Main Street Gallery and one of his career and decades of personal and hours and days exploring that idyllic the area’s artistic treasures, Jim Taleski. professional life. place. Jim identifies those early preteen Others travel from near and far to visit Jim grew up in the countryside just north years as having “a direct influence on my the gallery and its trove of fine art and of London. At the bottom of a nearby hill, future career and subject matter as an discover the charms of Bayfield. a forested area with two spring-fed ponds artist.” Jim’s love of nature and wildlife, “Art has been an important part of my provided a home to fish, frogs and crayfish and hiking and sailing, took root in those life for as long as I can remember”, says and a water source for pheasants and experiences. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 37

Arts & Culture has held exhibits of Winslow Homer’s work. These visits included the art THE EMERGING ARTIST studio and home of an American friend Jim remembers racing home after school and celebrated watercolour artist and to watch the latest television episode of author, Philip Jamison. Jim and Philip LEARN TO DRAW AND PAINT WITH JON corresponded and remained friends for GNAGY. “I loved that show – watching many years. it on my parent’s little black and white A few years ago, searching for another television”, recalls Jim. Gnagy’s books and art challenge, Jim switched to acrylics lessons remain popular today. on canvas. Today, his work runs the When Jim was 12 years old, artist Joyce gamut of watercolour, semi-abstract Hughes became a neighbour. She set expressionism and realism paintings. He up a painting studio in her basement has also handcrafted more than 40 folk and gave art lessons to neighbourhood art style sailboats in various sizes, using kids. Recognizing Jim’s natural talent driftwood, sea glass and hand-made sails for oil painting, Joyce remained a huge sewn by his wife Linda. Jim’s sailboats supporter for years and attended Jim’s grace residences far and wide with first solo gallery show in London. Despite whimsical charm. being only in his early twenties, the show received a rave review from the London CHARTING THE COURSE Free Press art critic. Jim continued painting and exhibiting fine Jim also recalls his uncle Bill Winegarden, art while working for 20 years as a senior who “came up with cartoon ideas and had graphic designer, art director and creative me draw them so he could caption and director for a national advertising agency submit them for publication. Sadly, none and design studio. were published, but it was great fun!” For many years, his work was exhibited Jim attended H.B. Beal Secondary and sold at galleries in Toronto, London, School in London, which still today offers Kitchener and Stratford, as well as at art specialized programs for students while festivals throughout Ontario. In 2006, Jim meeting Ontario diploma requirements. received the Curator’s Choice Award at Jim studied under “several amazing art Watson’s Legacy Show that celebrated instructors” in the three-year art course. the 100th Anniversary of Homer Watson One of them was Hugh Mackenzie who Gallery in Kitchener. announced while handing out marks As time went on, Jim’s love of meeting art for an art project, that when a student fans brought on a shift from exhibitions surpasses the teacher, the teacher must at galleries to art festivals, including two give that student 100% on their project. decades with Toronto’s prestigious One Jim smiles as he remembers, “only one of a Kind Show. Jim discovered “that person achieved that level of praise…no, meeting people in person at festivals and it wasn’t me, it was artist extraordinaire developing a rapport with my customers Barry Richman, my classmate and buddy was very enjoyable and rewarding.” from Grand Bend!” CHANGING TACK: TAKING THE HELM: MORPHING MEDIA & STYLES HOME PORT - BAYFIELD During the next 20 years, Jim had Jim and Linda have enjoyed sailing out several successful gallery shows. of Bayfield Harbour since the 1970s. He focused on abstract paintings and Sharing a love of sailing, they bought their mixed-media constructions in his twenties first sailboat shortly after they married and thirties. Gradually elements of fifty years ago. Jim’s dad, aunt, uncle and realism were introduced into his abstract cousins have all been boaters, “I guess work, eventually transforming into water and boating are in our blood”, full-blown realism. muses Jim. Over the next decade, Jim’s medium of The couple eventually moved from London choice was watercolour, a challenging to Bayfield – to what they realized was and exciting medium even for the most truly their home port. Artist-in-residence adept artist. Jim would often travel to took on a new, very literal meaning! art galleries and museums to view and About 12 years ago, they purchased an become inspired by the talent and art of empty, one-hundred-year-old building on other artists. Brandywine River Museum Bayfield’s main street that became the of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania is home of Main Street Gallery, Jim and home to original paintings by Andrew Linda’s love child. This couple has always and Jamie Wyeth and Philip Jamison and 38 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

worked as a team, a true collaboration textile and macramé work is done – and Arts & Culture of talents and effort. This is very evident when the gallery closes. We call our when you visit the gallery. They share a current sailboat ’Evening Star’, as we are Relationships formed with collectors from love of exhibiting and promoting the work often on Lake Huron as the sun sets.” all over the world means Jim’s paintings of 35 award-winning artists and artisans When the Lake is too rough for sailing, the are found not only in Canadian provinces – painters, potters, photographers, wood couple walks the beach looking for sea but also in almost every state in the U.S.A. turners and craftspeople, sculptors, glass and driftwood for their many projects. and throughout Europe, including the U.K., jewellers, textile, metal and ceramic Today Jim’s paintings, whether abstract or France, Germany, the Netherlands and artists. Covid-19 shutdowns of 2020 and realist, often celebrate water. farther away in South Africa, New Zealand 2021 produced challenges but also a and Australia. silver lining – more Canadians discovered NAVIGATING THE WORLD PASSIONATE ALWAYS and bought local art. Main Street Gallery’s When travelling Jim and Linda visit Jim shares, “our enthusiasm and passion artists have used this time to produce galleries and artist studios in Canada for all forms of artistic endeavours have exciting new works. and the U.S.A. “I think over the years never waned. Our love of art is probably we’ve visited almost every gallery from stronger today than it was way back in the SAILING ALONG Maine down to Key West and across the old Beal Art days decades ago.” Among Jim’s fondest memories are sailing Florida Panhandle to Louisiana, Texas, with Linda from Bayfield to Tobermory and Arizona, New Mexico and California”, Handy then up to the North Channel in Georgian Jim estimates. Along the way, they have Websites Bay for summer vacations. “We lived on collected friends in the form of artists and the boat for several weeks at a time. Now, gallery owners. facebook.com/ most of our sailing takes place in the MainStreetGalleryBayfield/ evening, after my painting and Linda’s Photo: L. Taleski It Starts At The Beach.\"..BaAnYdFIEeLnDdLsIGWHhTHeOreUSYoE\"u Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 39

Arts & Culture picture GALLERIES / LOCAL ARTISTS ONLINE EXPLORE YOUR INNER ARTIST WORKING STUDIOS Paintings / Sketches Check websites for details, dates and • Josy Britton, josybritton.com times of drop-in and scheduled art Art By 3 • Ann Fullerton, annfullerton.com classes for all ages and levels. 7710 Clayton St., Port Franks • Jeffery “Red Dog” George, artby3.com, 519-243-3321 reddogartstudio.com Art By 3 Studio, Port Franks Beanstalk Art Gallery & Studio • Mark McLean, artby3.com, 519-243-3321 111 King St., Hensall markswatercolours.com Variety of one-day art workshops, beanstalkgallery.ca • Bill Nieuwland, theartistbill.com including encaustic hot wax, photo 289-946-1430 • Barbara Helen Pickett, encaustic, glass jewellery, stained glass Richman Gallery wowbybarbara.com drip, fused glass and garden art. 30 Alberta St., Grand Bend • Fran Roelands, franroelands.com 519-238-6213 • R. Jean Taylor, Bayfield Art Centre, Bayfield D. Culbard Fine Arts Studio rjtaylorart.squarespace.com bayfieldarts.ca, 24 Main St. N., Bayfield 30 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend • Jeff Vola, jeffvola.com 519-238-0021 Grand Bend Art Centre, Grand Bend Main Street Gallery Photography gbartcentre.com, 519-238-1155 4 Main St. N., Bayfield • Janette Baillie, Scheduled and drop-in art classes, facebook.com/ janettebailliephotography.com seminars and workshops for all ages MainStreetGalleryBayfield • David Bannister, including summer camps for kids. 519-565-2048 davidbannister.zenfolio.com Marten Arts Gallery Port Franks Camera Club, Port Franks 17A Main St. N., Bayfield Wood Turning portfrankscameraclub.com facebook.com/MartenArtsGallery • Ron Ferris, Sloping Pine Woodworking, Member organization fosters photographic 519-565-2222 slopingpine.ca creativity and skill enhancement through Patina Studios • David Hudgel, events, guest speakers, and information 12B Main St. N., Bayfield davidhudgelwoodturninganddesign. sessions. Meetings are held online on the patinastudios.ca, 519-955-6517 weebly.com second and fourth Monday of the month. Skwirl Gallery/The Gallery House Treehaus Canada Studio, Grand Bend 16 The Square, Bayfield Other Media treehauscanada.ca, 226-678-5118 skwirl.ca, 548-388-1101 • George & Brenda Couckuyt, Offers fused glass workshops to Sunset Arts facebook.com/stylensilver everyone 10-years and up. 63 River Rd., Grand Bend • Anne Thornton, annethornton.ca The following locations host group sunsetarts.info, 519-238-6914 creative and art events. Check websites Treehaus Canada Studio for details, dates and times. Grand Bend, treehauscanada.ca • Oakwood Resort,Grand Bend 226-678-5118 oakwoodresort.ca, 519-238-2324 • Pinedale Motor Inn, Grand Bend pinedale.on.ca, 519-238-2231 • White Squirrel Golf Club, St. Joseph whitesquirrelgolfclub.com, 519-236-4030 40 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Arts & Culture It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 41

Culture Vultures ~ Music Lovers MUDMEN, GRAND BEND MAIN STAGE Since 1919, Grand Bend’s Main Beach has been a popular venue for live music. First with the Lakeview Casino, operating for five decades until 1969, and now with Summer Sunset Sounds. SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS, GRAND BEND BAYFIELD Popular series features original Canadian music in a variety of Bayfield’s charming town hall (bayfieldtownhall.com) is the venue genres, including rock, folk, celtic, jazz and blues. Performers for many a concert and performance. Concert organizers will take the stage at 7pm Sundays or holiday Mondays. Opening announce concert dates on Facebook (@BayfieldTownHall) act followed by headliner performance. 519-238-1472, and on their website thebayfieldconcertseries.com summersunsetsounds.ca, @grandbendsunsetconcertseries. (@bayfieldconcertseries). Tickets through ticketscene.ca. FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS, GRAND BEND EXETER Well-loved cover songs performed by area musicians every One of the area’s finest restaurants now combines food with other Wednesday evening in July and August. music on the patio during summer months and has an outdoor facebook.com/wed.familiarfavourites dog-run for patrons’ pooches. Check Eddington’s (eddingtons.ca, @Eddingtonsofexeter) website for events and dates. CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS, GRAND BEND Enjoy live music from the Rotary Stage on Grand Bend’s Main Beach, followed by fireworks at 10pm. Free event with donations solicited. Always held July 1 (rain date July 2). canadadaygrandbend.ca JAM SESSIONS, OPEN MICS & OTHER MUSICAL OFFERINGS Patio dining while enjoying live musical performances is a popular summertime activity. Local venues make great use of Facebook to announce events, follow FB @grandbendtourism. GRAND BEND The Lake Hound thelakehound.ca (@thelakehound) Midori Sushi midorigrandbend.squarespace.com (@midorisushigrandbend) Oakwood Resort oakwoodresort.ca (@OakwoodResort) Pinery Market pinerymarket.com (@pinerymarketgrandbend) The White Squirrel Golf Club whitesquirrelgolfclub.com (@whitesquirrelgolfclub) 42 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Culture Vultures ~ Heritage Hounds KETTLE & STONY POINT POWWOW KETTLE & STONY POINT FIRST NATIONS Ontario’s indigenous people call are the peacemakers; the Martin clan turned against the Huron, who were themselves the Anishinabek Nation are the warriors, and the Bird clan are nearly decimated by the mid-1600s. (the “Anishinaabe”), a First Nations the spiritual leaders. The Huron fled southwest seeking political organization representing 39 Anishinaabe aid, and war broke out Anishinaabe communities (anishinabek. HISTORY between the remaining Huron, their ca). This union predates European The Anishinaabe were one of four Anishinaabe allies and the Iroquois. contact. Kettle Point or Wiiwkwedong indigenous groups that lived in Although the Anishinaabe pushed the is unceded territory (ownership not southwestern Ontario, including the Iroquois back to their territories along surrendered) that runs along Lake Huron, Neutrals and Iroquois. Wampum the St. Lawrence River, the Huron did Huron’s shoreline from Lambton Shores agreements between the four groups not survive the conflict. to Sarnia and is officially known as the declared the shared rights of all to use Between 1927 and 1929, Kettle and Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point. the land and its resources. Products Stony Point’s beachfront was sold by fashioned from local resources, such as the Indian Agent, and in 1935 Ipperwash HOW KETTLE POINT flint for tools, weapons, and making fire, Provincial Park opened despite claims GOT ITS NAME were important trade goods in North of a burial site within the park. The First Nation is named for Kettles or America. Wampum beads made from In 1942 the Canadian government concretions, sedimentary rocks formed shells were used for gift and monetary expropriated Stony Point to become a millions of years ago, unique to only exchanges, storytelling, ceremonial WWII training camp, promising its return three locations in the world. The Kettles gifts, and recording important treaties. to First Nations status after the war. In have cultural and spiritual significance. Wampum such as “the dish with one 1995, Anthony “Dudley” George was Traditional stories teach that the Kettles spoon” records the agreement of shot and killed in Ipperwash Provincial are Thunderbird eggs, and Thunderbirds the four nations to share the land’s Park defending claims to the burial site. are powerful spirits that bring rain to the resources for the common good. His death sparked an official public land and its people. The point is said to First contact with French and British inquiry. In 2007, the inquiry’s report be the Thunderbird’s nesting place. traders in the 1600s upset the balance recommended the return of Ipperwash of peace between the indigenous groups. Park to reserve status and suggestions CULTURE & BELIEFS Traditional economic competitors, to improve the land claims process. Anishinaabe cultural practices centre on the French allied themselves the In 2008 the land returned to reserve the “Seven Grandfathers’” teachings of Anishinaabe and the British with status, and in 2009 the official signing Wisdom, Love, Trust, Respect, Bravery, the Iroquois. The Neutrals, so-called over of the park set in motion one of the Honesty, Humility and Truth. The Crane by Samuel de Champlain for their inquiry’s many recommendations. clan are the traditional chiefs; the Loon peacekeeping role between the Huron, For more information, visit clan are the sub-chiefs; the Turtle clan Anishinaabe and Iroquois, were kspcommunityculture.ca. are the mediators; the Bear clan are the eradicated by the Iroquois when guns herbalists and guardians; the Hoof clan were sold for pelts. The Iroquois then It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 43

Arts & Culture NOSTALGIA FOR NARCISSE: Photo: J. Baillie ST. JOSEPH'S GRAND VISIONARY! NARCISSE & JOSEPHINE BY LAUREN IHRIG Lake Huron shoreline in the present day. Visionary, inventor, entrepreneur A three-story hotel, bustling sawmill, pipe the late 1880s. Cantin’s adventures and family man are but some of the organ factory and winery were but a taste included seven years spent in Buffalo accolades for the “wizard of St. Joseph” of the hub and hype, which characterized with his wife, Josephine, before returning - a man limited to an elementary Narcisse Cantin’s dream for the planned home in 1896 with a treasure trove education but whose life experiences town of St. Joseph at the turn of the of experience, business acumen and and ingenious spirit led him to be nineteenth century. enthusiasm for the canal project. remembered as “The Father of the St. If this epic figure in Huron County’s At over 6-feet tall and 240 lbs, Cantin Lawrence Seaway”…and the subject of local history were to boast a twenty- was as strong in physical stature as he an award-winning play in 2011! first century ’C.V.’ it might include such was resilient in his quest for a deep-sea For more on Narcisse Cantin (1870- highlights as a bilingual salesman, connection and transportation network 1940) and the story of St. Joseph, see farmer, promoter of industry, between the Great Lakes and the Joseph L. Wooden’s “A Drum to Beat businessman, patent holder for an Atlantic. He was as creative in promoting Upon,” and visit stjosephmuseum.ca. “instant crockery mender” and liquid St. Joseph as he was charismatic in A commemorative plaque to Narcisse furniture polish, amateur boxer, advocating for his community over the is located in St. Joseph on the west side transportation planner and founder of next 44 years of his life. of Highway 21 at Road 84. The story The Great Lakes and Atlantic Canal and Despite Cantin’s best efforts, his dream of Narcisse was the subject of a play Power Company - to name but a few! of transforming St. Joseph into a hub by Paul Ciufo staged by local actors For Cantin, the development of St. of commercial and industrial activity and community members in 2011. Joseph at the site of the former Village was never fully realized. The arrival of The production received the Governor of Lakeview (Johnson’s Mills) was the First World War and rededication General’s History Award for Excellence intrinsically tied to his desire for the of energies to the war effort, along in Community Programming! construction of a deep water canal with competing interests for hydro- system - one that would connect Lake electric power, most notably from the Huron to Lake Erie from St. Joseph to Beauharnois Light, Heat, and Power Port Stanley, and, in turn, the Great Company ahead of the 1930 election Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. (and ensuing scandal!), were but two of Cantin was an enterprising man. His the challenging tides Narcisse was forced experience in his French-Canadian to navigate. family’s ship-building traditions, along Although Cantin’s aims fell short, due in with his knowledge of farming, equipped large part to circumstances beyond his him with the drive and enthusiasm to control, his legacy helped set the stage take on the cattle trading market in for the rich and robust character of the 44 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Arts & Culture MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVES Arkona Lions Museum & Information Centre 8680 Rock Glen Rd., Arkona April-October: 519-828-3071; November-March: 519-235-2610 Forest Lambton Museum 8 Main St. N., Forest forestlambtonmuseum.ca, 519-786-3239 Huron County Museum 110 North Street, Goderich huroncountymuseum.ca, 519-524-2686 Lambton Heritage Museum 10035 Museum Rd., Grand Bend lambtonmuseums.ca, 519-243-2600 Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum 171 Main St., Lucan donnellymuseum.com, 519-227-0756 School on Wheels Museum 76 Victoria Terrace, Clinton centralhuron.com/schoolcar, 519-482-3997 St. Joseph Museum & Archives 72981 Bluewater Highway stjosephmuseum.ca, 519-236-7707 LAMBTON HERITAGE MUSEUM THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE Grand Bend www.heritagemuseum.ca 519-243-2600 10035 Museum Road • New feature exhibits rotate throughout the year. Check our website to see what’s on! • Trek the Woodland Heritage Trail • Explore five historic buildings including the schoolhouse and blacksmith shop (seasonal) • Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our pavilion • Visit our website for special programming It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 45

Must See Events GRAND BEND NATIONALS, GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX Photo: M. Lacelle Covid-19 Note: The pandemic has had a CANADA DAY EXETER RAM RODEO detrimental impact on planning, booking, July 1, 2022 August 6 & 7, 2022 and implementing live area events, most of canadadaygrandbend.ca exeterrodeo.ca which volunteers organize using grants and Grand Bend’s Main Beach hosts one Witness the challenges and thrills donated funds. The information supplied of the largest Canada Day celebrations experienced by competitors participating here is correct under normal conditions. on Lake Huron’s shoreline. Live music in bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull Limits, restrictions, and closures may be at 8pm; fireworks at 10pm. FREE event, riding, barrel racing and pole bending. in place when you visit. Be sure to check donations welcome. @grandbendfireworks The grounds are open all weekend so you the websites and Facebook pages of these can chat with competitors, see behind venues and events. KETTLE & STONY the scenes and grab autographs. POINT POWWOW @RAMRodeoTour HURON WAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL July 9 & 10, 2022 ZURICH BEAN FESTIVAL May 2022 kettlepoint.org/powwow August 26-28, 2022 huronwavesmusicfestival.ca The Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point beanfest.ca Annual music festival showcases the First Nation invite EVERYONE to enjoy Wrenchbenders Cruise Night takes place best of professional Canadian and a North American cultural gem – the on Friday with live entertainment on visiting international artists from a PowWow. Enjoy traditional dance stage starting at 7pm and fireworks at variety of genres. Venues are throughout competitions (jingle dress, fancy shawl, dusk. Saturday sees Zurich’s downtown the region (i.e. Grand Bend, Exeter and traditional, grass and more), drumming, morph into festival ground-zero with other communities). traditional foods and crafts, and vendors, midway rides, entertainers and @HuronWavesMusicFestival1 ceremonial and traditional clothing. musicians. This festival features one of the largest car show and shine events SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS MOPAR CANADIAN NATIONALS in Ontario. Dig into home-cooked, locally July & August Sundays July 29-31, 2022 produced baked beans and pork-chops. or holiday Mondays grandbendmotorplex.ca PAINT ONTARIO summersunsetsounds.ca Canada’s biggest drag race! The MOPAR September 2-25, 2022 Free concerts at the Rotary Community Nationals host 350 racing teams paintontario.com Stage on Grand Bend’s main beach competing in multiple vehicle classes. Ontario’s foremost juried original feature opening and headliner Don’t miss Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro representational art competition, show, performances of Canadian musicians. Funnies, Nitro Harleys, Pro Mods, the Jet and sale. In 2021, the show was attended Previous years’ performers have included Truck and more. @grandbendmotorplex by thousands of art fans and featured The Mud Men, Rant Maggie Rant, Emm more than 200 pieces of artwork, Gryner and Stacey Kay. Donations including a new sculpture category, artist welcome. Bring your own chairs. @grandbendsunsetconcertseries 46 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Festivals & Events demonstrations, live music, an inaugural Perch ’n Paint event, and VOLKFEST outdoor art installations. The gallery of Lambton Heritage Museum is undergoing renovations that promise a modern, sophisticated Photo: J. Jewell exhibition space for the 2022 art show. The gallery’s physical redesign provided the perfect opportunity to redesign the show, organized by Grand Bend Art Centre volunteers in partnership with Museum staff. Still open to artists across Ontario, the theme’s subject matter will no longer be specific to Ontario. Artists will be able to explore their favourite subject matter, people and figures, wildlife, landscapes or waterscapes, florals and gardens, urban or rural scenes, or something else entirely. @PaintOntario LAMBTON FALL COLOUR & CRAFT FESTIVAL October 15 & 16, 2022 lambtonmuseums.ca Artisan show and sale of Canadian-made, non-manufactured products ranging from food items to home and garden décor, jewellery, clothing and gift items, 50+ vendors! MIDORI SUSHI, BEACHFEST Photo: J. Baillie ZURICH BEAN FESTIVAL Photo: J. Baillie PAINT ONTARIO PAINT ONTARIO Photo: J. Cuckovic Photo: J. Cuckovic It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | FESTIVALS & EVENTS 47

Festivals & Events BAYFIELD LIONS BREAKFAST MOPAR CANADIAN SUPERBIKE May 22, 2022, 8am to Noon CHAMPIONSHIP Covid-19 Note: The pandemic has had a detrimental impact Bayfield Arena, Bayfield June 9-12, 2022 on planning, booking, and implementing live area events, bayfieldlions.ca • villageofbayfield.com Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend most of which volunteers organize using grants and donated 519-565-5170 grandbendmotorplex.ca • csbk.ca funds. The information supplied here is correct under normal 519-238-7223 conditions. Limits, restrictions, and closures may be in place LAMBTON SHORES FARMERS’ MARKET when you visit. Be sure to check the websites and Facebook GRAND BEND STRATFORD SPECTACULAR WEEKEND pages of these venues and events. Wednesdays, May 25 - October 5, 2022, 8am-1pm, June 17-19, 2022 Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend ONGOING ACTIVITIES Lambtonshoresmarkets.com • 226-520-0144 grandbendmotorplex.ca • 519-238-7223 SAVANNA STROLLERS PINERY LAMBTON FILM & FOOD FESTIVAL SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE WALKING CLUB May 26-29, 2022, Kineto Theatre, Forest June 24-26, 2022 Wednesdays Year-Round, 9:15am Kineto.ca Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend Lambton Heritage Museum soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] pinerypark.on.ca/walking-club GRAND BEND VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET 519-243-1713 8am-1pm, St. John’s-by-the-Lake, Grand Bend JULY Shop local farmers, bakers, food producers, BAYFIELD URBAN POLE WALKERS winemakers, and brewmasters online. Order and CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS & FIREWORKS Change ordinary walking into fitness walking pay online then pick up on market day. Market day July 1, 2022, 8-10:30pm using specially designed poles. Meet at Hive is every second Wednesday until May when it Main Beach, Grand Bend in Bayfield Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays switches back to Wednesday 8am-1pm. canadadaygrandbend.ca & Sundays, 9am-10am FB @GBVFM, Grandbendvillagefm.com, [email protected] Facebook.com/bayfield.pole.walking [email protected] ONTARIO FAMILY FISHING MARCH EXETER FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays, May 27 - October 7, 2022, 3pm-7pm, July 2-10, 2022 RETURN OF THE TUNDRA SWANS MacNaughton Park, Exeter Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend March 2022, Thedford Bog (behind Lambton Series of 6 market days at the Exeter Parkette. ontarioparks.com/park/pinery/events Heritage Museum), Grand Bend Treats, handicrafts, artisanal items, pizza, 519-243-1521 Most swans are seen at the beginning of produce and more! the month, with their numbers tailing off @exeterfarmersmarket • [email protected] FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS from mid to end of March. - LEISA WAY stjohnsbtl.com • 519-235-2565 LAMBTON SHORES FARMERS’ July 6, 2022, 7-9pm MARKET, FOREST Main Beach, Grand Bend SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Thursdays, May 26 - October 13, 2022, 4pm-8pm, facebook.com/Wed.FamiliarFavourites March 1, 2022, 6pm Jefferson St. & Main St., Forest St. John’s-by-the-Lake, Grand Bend Lambtonshoresmarkets.com KETTLE & STONY POINT returnoftheswans.com • 519-243-2600 [email protected] COMPETITION POWWOW [email protected] July 9 & 10, 2022 SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE Kettle Point Park, 9226 Lake Rd., Kettle Point APRIL May 27-29, 2022 kettlepoint.org • 519-786-2125 Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend [email protected] BAYFIELD LIONS HOME & GARDEN SHOW soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] April 22-24, 2022, Bayfield Arena GTA EXOTIC CAR LAPPING WEEKEND & Community Centre, Bayfield SPRING LADIES NIGHT July 9 & 10, 2022 bayfieldlions.ca • 519-565-2894 May 27, 2022, Main St., Exeter Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend [email protected] Ladies enjoy VIP treatment, prizes, special offers, grandbendmotorplex.ca • gtaexotics.ca extended hours, treats and more! 519-238-7223 MAY experienceexeter.ca • 226-423-3028 SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS MORRISON DAM FISHING DERBY JUNE July 10, 2022, 7pm May 7, 2022 8am-Noon Main Beach, Grand Bend Morrison Dam Reservoir, Exeter CLINTON SPRING FAIR summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 abca.on.ca • 1-888-286-2610 June 3 & 4, 2022, REACH [email protected] 168 Beech St., Clinton SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE clintonspringfair.com • 519-482-7925 SIDEWALK SALE May 14 & 15, 2022 [email protected] July 14 – 16, 2022, Main St., Exeter Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend Three days of bargains! Individual store soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] ALICE MUNRO FESTIVAL OF hours may vary. THE SHORT STORY experienceexeter.ca • 226-423-3028 BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL June 4-6, 2022 May 21, 2022, 2-9pm Wingham, Blyth, Goderich & Bayfield SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS Bayfield Arena Community Centre, Bayfield alicemunrofestival.ca July 17, 2022, 7pm facebook.com/bayfieldbeerandfood Main Beach, Grand Bend BAYFIELD LIONS WALK FOR DOG GUIDES summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 BAYFIELD FARMERS’ MARKET June 5, 2022, 9:30am-1pm [email protected] Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield Shop local farmers, bakers, food producers, bayfieldlions.ca FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS winemakers, and brewmasters online. Order and - YURI POOL pay online then pick up on market day. Market GRAND BEND BEACHFEST July 20, 2022, 7-9pm day is every second Wednesday until May when June 25, 2022 Main Beach, Grand Bend it switches back to Friday 3pm-5pm. Main Beach, Grand Bend facebook.com/Wed.FamiliarFavourites bayfieldfarmersmarket.com Festival of craft beer, wine, cider, food and music. Ticketed event. @grandbendoptimistclub 48 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Festivals & Events ZURICH COUNTRY FAIR SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS FALL LADIES NIGHT July 22-24, 2022 August 14, 2022, 7pm September 29, 2022, Main St., Exeter Zurich Agriplex, 15 East St., Zurich Main Beach, Grand Bend Ladies enjoy VIP treatment, prizes, special offers, zurichcountryfair.com • 519-494-1609 summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 extended hours, treats and more! [email protected] [email protected] experienceexeter.ca • 226-423-3028 SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE July 22-24, 2022 August 17, 2022, 7-9pm September 30 - October 2, 2022 Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend Main Beach, Grand Bend Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] facebook.com/Wed.FamiliarFavourites soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 [email protected] SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS BAYFIELD FAIR July 24, 2022, 7pm August 19-21, 2022 OCTOBER Main Beach, Grand Bend Bayfield Fairgrounds, Bayfield summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 bayfieldfair.ca • [email protected] JOE BRANDON MEMORIAL RAINBOW [email protected] TROUT DERBY - 41ST ANNIVERSARY SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS October 14-16, 2022, Friday 11am to Sunday Noon MOPAR CANADIAN NATIONALS August 21, 2022, 7pm Rainbow Valley Campground, Bayfield July 29-31, 2022 Main Beach, Grand Bend bayfieldlions.ca • 519-565-5142 Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 grandbendmotorplex.ca • 519-238-7223 [email protected] LAMBTON FALL COLOUR & CRAFT FESTIVAL facebook.com/grandbendmotorplex October 15 & 16, 2022, 10am-4pm ZURICH BEAN FESTIVAL & ANTIQUE CAR SHOW Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend AUGUST August 26-28, 2022 lambtonmuseums.ca • 519-243-2600 Zurich Fairgrounds & Bluewater Arena, Zurich CELTIC ROOTS COLLEGE & CAMP beanfest.ca • 519-236-2326 PINERY FALL CLASSIC August 1-4, 2022 [email protected] October 16, 2022 Goderich District Collegiate Institute, Goderich • Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend celticfestival.ca • 519-524-8221 SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE pineryfallclassic.ca • 519-243-1521 [email protected] August 26-28, 2022 [email protected] Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] JACK-O-LANTERN JAMBOREE - LEAVE THOSE KIDS ALONE October 28, 2022, Main St., Exeter August 3, 2022, 7-9pm SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS Bring the kids or come on your own and enjoy Main Beach, Grand Bend August 28, 2022, 7pm the custom designs by all of the carvers. facebook.com/Wed.FamiliarFavourites Main Beach, Grand Bend experienceexeter.ca • 226-423-3028 summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 CELTIC ROOTS FESTIVAL [email protected] NOVEMBER August 5-9, 2022 Lions’ Harbour Park, Goderich FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS LIGHT UP GRAND BEND celticfestival.ca • 519-524-8221 - MONDAY AT MIKES November 12, 2022, [email protected] August 31, 2022, 7-9pm Main Beach, Grand Bend Main Beach, Grand Bend Itstartsatthebeach.ca • 519-238-2001 BERLIN KLASSIK EURO CAR SHOW facebook.com/Wed.FamiliarFavourites [email protected] August 6 & 7, 2022 Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend SEPTEMBER CHRISTMAS IN BAYFIELD Berlinklassik.ca • 519-594-0022 November 12 – December 31, 2022 [email protected] PAINT ONTARIO Bayfield • [email protected] September 2-25, 2022, facebook.com/christmasinbayfield EXETER RAM RODEO Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend August 6 & 7, 2022 paintontario.com • 519-243-2600 HELPING HANDBAGS South Huron Recreation Centre, Exeter November 25, 2022, 4pm-7pm exeterrodeo.ca • 519-235-2833 THUNDER BY THE BEACH St. John’s-by-the-Lake, Grand Bend [email protected] September 2-4, 2022 Bring donated items to the parish hall. Fundraiser Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend in support of women in shelters in local area. SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS CONCERTS grandbendmotorplex.ca • 519-238-7223 stjohnsbtl.com • 519-235-2565 August 7, 2022, 7pm Main Beach, Grand Bend SOAR MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACE DECEMBER summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 September 9-11, 2022 [email protected] Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW & SALE soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 December 2-4, 2022 ANNUAL WESTERN ONTARIO [email protected] Lucan Community Memorial Centre, Lucan STEAM THRESHERS FESTIVAL facebook.com/lucancraftshow August 12-14, 2022 FOREST FALL FAIR [email protected] • 519-227-4442 Forest Fairgrounds, Forest September 23-25, 2022, Forest Fairgrounds, Forest steamthresher.com forestfair.ca • 519-786-3353 • [email protected] CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & BAKE SALE December 3, 2022, 10am – 2pm WINDSOR WEEKEND VOLKFEST St. John’s-by-the-Lake, Grand Bend August 12-14, 2022 September 22-25, 2022, 10am-4pm stjohnsbtl.com • 519-235-2565 Grand Bend Motorplex Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield One of the largest community driven drag racing Gathering and celebration of classic and vintage VW events in the country. Windsor Specialty Classes campervans, busses, beetles, and more! With a show, will determine who has the fastest street car festival, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, live music, from Windsor/Essex! windsorweekend.ca campout, cruise, and more fun for the whole family! facebook.com/bayfieldvolkfest [email protected] It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | FESTIVALS & EVENTS 49

Shoreline Sipping Route SHALE RIDGE ESTATE WINERY & CIDERY, THEDFORD \"GO WEST\" HAS NEVER BEEN ALTON FARMS ESTATE WINERY MORE FITTING FOR WINE, BEER & CIDER ENTHUSIASTS WINERIES Alton Farms Estate Winery BY EMILY BAILLIE & SUSAN MILLS (Lambton Shores) Lambton County’s first winery, this LAKE HURON’S SHORELINE the Huron County Viticulture Investor small-batch producer is big on flavour. SIPPING ROUTE Guide, there is a strip of land five to Marc and Anne Alton offer up to 18 seven miles inland from Lake Huron different wines per year through Some said it could not be done, that that for years supported the growing sustainable practices in vineyard and Ontario is too far north to grow grapes of tender fruit. This “Huron Ridge” winery. Sheep keep the vineyard weeds for wine. Others suspected (especially grape-growing region stretches from under control and soil fertilized. Year- some sage olde farmers) it just needed Port Albert to Grand Bend. In recent round wine tasting events include some hard graft. The reality? Ontario’s years, an impressive wave of craft cuisine and wine pairing evenings on wine regions share the same latitude as breweries, cideries and wineries have the patio, wine and chocolate tastings, Tuscany and Oregon. It’s all about the taken root. From polished state-of-the and Wine Wednesdays. Quench your angle of the sun as it touches the earth -art wineries to down-to-earth farm thirst with a special summer wine and kisses the grapes. Wine aficionados breweries, there is something to suit slushie, test your wine IQ with a blind say wines from cooler climates are more all tastes. tasting, stroll groomed nature trails or aromatic, lighter in body and higher Visit the following liquid libation simply relax on the patio. Buy online: in acidity, making them a refreshing creators by car (take a designated altonfarmsestatewinery.com. alternative, well matched with food and driver), small group tour or limousine Bayfield Berry Farm (Bayfield) offering good aging potential. Learn more and, in some cases, by helicopter! Operating for more than 20 years as about Ontario’s wine regions at Wave Limo & Tours (wave.limo) offers a sustainable family berry farm, Fritz, winecountryontario.ca. several tipple tours for up to 32 people. Huron County’s terroir (natural Great Lakes Helicopter (glheli.ca) offers environmental factors like soil, sunshine, “Fly & Dine” trips with stops at Cowbell temperature and proximity to mediating Brewing Co., Eddington’s of Exeter and factors, like the lake) is contributing to Dark Horse Estate Winery. Ontario’s next emerging wine region – Lake Huron’s shoreline. According to 50 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001