WIARTONOntario
Located on the Bruce Peninsula, at the head of Colpoys Bay which is part of Georgian Bay, Wiarton is a small town of 2,300 people, and is just 20 minutes drive from the resort of Sauble Beach.
From 1881 onwards, there had been a line of the Grand Trunk Railway running here. Due to the popularity of the automobile, however, demand for rail travel diminished and in 1957 the line ceased carry passengers, although freight continued to be transported along these lines until 1968.
Those who enjoy hiking and walking, will know of the Bruce Trail which runs along the Niagara Escarpment, through town on its way up the Bruce Peninsula to its end in Tobermory, Ontario. This trail has wonderful views of the local scenery, especially the views of Georgian Bay. There is some great Snowmobiling to be had in this area, and riders can enjoy the trails in the Grey Bruce area, where they can enjoy sledding around Tobermory and Sauble Beach.
Our favourite activity in this area is to visit the
Bruce's Caves Conservation Area
and see the magnificent cave formations, which were formed over 7,000 years ago by the waters of the ancient Lake Algonquin which covered this area of Ontario after the recession of the last Ice Age.
There is also great fishing in the area and there are Fishing Derby's in the summer with Salmon and Trout being caught in the waters of Colpoys Bay. During the winter months there are cross country skiing trails for all levels of skiers at the Bruce Ski Club and the Sauble Beach Ski Club. This rodent is likely the most famous resident of this town, and until 2003 resided at the Wiarton Hotel, but now he is housed in a special house located in front of the Public Library across from Bluewater Park. Each February, the Wiarton Willie Festival is held here, with National and International press coverage!
Journalists wait anxiously to find out if this famous groundhog will or will not see his shadow on February 2nd each year.
Legend says that, if the Groundhog sees his shadow as he emerges from his burrow on February 2nd, then the area will have to endure six more weeks of winter - which, seeing as this is Canada, never is such a big surprise to us! This festival dates back to 1956 when the original Willie began predicting the arrival of Spring, and has been an annual event ever since, with up to 10,000 people attending each year.
Wiarton Info Guide
Cottage Country Holidays - Wiarton info |
Formerly a great timber producing area, this town was well knownq for the manufacture of items from lumber, until the forests were depleted and the industry ground to a halt.
Early in 20th century there was a Federal Fish hatchery here, however, by the mid 1900's that industry was also dying.
