The City of Owen Sound 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Nestled below the Niagara Escarpment on the shores on Georgian Bay, the city of Owen Sound offers a wide variety of sights and activities for any age or interest. A cultural hub for the Grey-Bruce region, Owen Sound offers live theatre, an amazing array of artists’ studios, galleries (including the Tom Thomson Art Gallery), and museums, many types of restaurants, boutiques, specialty shops, a mall, and farmers’ markets, where fresh, locally produced food is offered every Thursday through Saturday. Many of the homes and businesses around town maintain their original heritage charm and Owen Sound has been nationally recognized for the award-winning beauty of the city’s floral displays. Nature abounds and you can discover the view from the escarpment, enjoy the many parks, explore the waterfront or connect with the Bruce Trail. Visitors enjoy a banquet of natural beauty no matter what the season.
Harrison Park (in Owen Sound) 20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages
Located within city limits, Harrison Park, the Crown Jewel of Owen Sound's park system, straddles the scenic Sydenham River and features beautiful landscapes, century-old trees and hiking trails. There is a picnic area, tennis courts, swimming pool, paddle boats and canoes for rent, mini golf, fishing, a large bird sanctuary, and licensed restaurant where the locals love to eat. In the winter, it is lit up and looks like a winter wonderland offering cross country skiing, tubing, sleigh rides, an ice rink, and snack bar.
Take a Waterfall Tour in Owen Sound Area: Inglis Falls 15 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Situated in the heart of the 200-hectare Inglis Falls Conservation Area, Inglis Falls is an 18-metre high, multi-tiered cascade created by the Sydenham River meeting the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. The erosive power of the water has carved a deep gorge at the base, creating one of Ontario’s most breathtaking waterfall displays, especially in the spring and fall when water levels are highest. Extensive year-round trails also wind through the park and include access to The Bruce Trail. Parking (fee applies May-Sept), public washrooms, and picnic pavilion are provided, and there are concrete, stone, and wooden pathways and stairs leading down to the bottom of the falls. There is also a small interpretational center on site that is open weekdays during the summer months.
Jones Falls 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Part of the Pottawatomi Conservation Area, Jones Falls is a 12 metre cascade waterfall over the Niagara Escarpment. A one-kilometre walking trail leads over the river to the top of the falls, allowing for a view of the falls and surrounding countryside. There are also extensive hiking trails, including access to the Bruce Trail. Parking, picnic area, and washrooms are available.
Indian Falls 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Part of Indian Creek, Indian Falls is a 15-metre high, classic plunge waterfall with a slight horseshoe-shape. These falls are most impressive in spring and fall, when the water levels are at their highest. Summer levels can vary greatly. A 15 min. walk takes you along the river and through the woods to the falls themselves. Some climbing is necessary, including a wooden staircase. Be careful due to the sheer drop. Parking and washrooms (May-Oct) are available and there is a playground at the access point.
Owen Sound Twin Drive-In
10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own car or bring a lawn chair and radio and relax under the starts. Relive your drive-in memories at Owen Sound Twin Drive-In. There is a snack bar and a large playground for the kids. Children 13 and under are always free. Plays 4 movies each night (2 on each screen) with `Dusk-til-Dawns``on long weekends. Open 7 days a week in the summer months and weekends from May to September. Highway 70 at Springmount. For movie info, call 519-376-2190.
Sauble Beach
20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Located on Lake Huron, beautiful Sauble Beach boasts 11 kilometres of white sand, making it the second-longest freshwater beach in the world and sparking comparisons to the beaches of the Mediterranean! Created by unique sandbar deposits that make the water shallow and warm, the sand dunes at Sauble Beach are part of an ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of years. The dunes are home to many rare and unique plants, grasses, and birds. Sauble Beach sunsets are some of the best in the world! Wave action creates a lot of fun, but they can sometimes be quite large, so be aware with young children.
Bicycles and jet skis are available for rent, or play mini golf, go on water trampolines, visit the arcade or amusement park, or enjoy the many restaurants and unique shops. Hourly and daily paid parking is in effect along the beach, some side streets, and in the municipal lots. Public washrooms are available.
Sauble Falls and River 20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Every spring, Rainbow Trout struggle over each ledge of the cascading Sauble Falls to spawn upstream in the Sauble River. Huge fish can be seen leaping and thrashing their way up the falls. In autumn, the salmon also make the same journey up the river for spawning.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent to take your own tour up the river or you can spend the day playing the in the waterfall itself. Bring your bathing suit!
Wiarton 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Nestled on the stunning shores of Colpoy's Bay (part of Georgian Bay) and home of Wiarton Willy, the town of Wiarton offers some excellent shopping and restaurants. Visit Bluewater park with the kids for a great playground and breathtaking views of the marina set against the escarpment. Many artists' studios and galleries are located in or around Wiarton and information can be found at many of the stores downtown. The Bruce Trail goes right through Wiarton and free parking is available in most parts of the town.
Bruce’s Caves
10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Now part of a 97 hectare property owned by the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, Bruce’s Caves were formed at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment by wave action on glacial Lake Algonquin, some 12,000 years ago! Two large limestone caves, one featuring a huge stone column that separates the entrance, allow visitors to explore up, down, and around, deep inside the Escarpment. The caves are an easy 5 min. walk from the parking area but the terrain gets significantly more rough once you reach the caves.
Spirit Rock 15 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Named for a legend involving an Indian maiden, Spirit Rock encompasses 87 hectares of the Niagara Escarpment. The site features the historical ruins of The Coran, a 17-room mansion built in 1881 by Alexander MacNeill, Federal Member of Parliament for the North Bruce Riding from 1881-1901. In 1975, shortly after the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority bought the property, vandals destroyed the house by fire, leaving only a crumbling stone shell. There is an impressive view of Colpoy’s Bay from the top of the escarpment and a spiral staircase that leads you down to the water’s edge, where it meets the Bruce Trail.
Bruce Penninsula National Park 45 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Consisting of 140 square kilometers, the park’s shoreline cliffs are part of the Niagara Escarpment which are eroded in many places to create caves, unusual rock shapes, pitting, and overhangs. As a result, each location along the 20km Georgian Bay shore has remarkable features. The Bruce Trail follows the shoreline, climbing up 40-metre-high cliffs and providing some of the best hiking and scenic lookouts in Ontario.
The park has the largest block of contiguous forest in southwestern Ontario, which is critical in maintaining the peninsula ecosystem. The Bruce Peninsula is also home to 39 species of ferns and over 40 species of orchids that are at their peak in mid-June. When you visit, be sure to do the hike to Indian Head and the Grotto – you won’t be disappointed!
Tobermory 50 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
This historic fishing village is located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. It is a great place to shop, scuba dive, people watch, or sample yummy ice creams and fudge. Tour boats depart frequently from the harbour for views of shipwrecks, lighthouses and Flowerpot Island. Here, the deep and clear waters at the mouth of Georgian Bay are home to Fathom Five, Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area and a world-renowned scuba diving location. The Conservation Area preserves a rich cultural legacy that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic lightstations. Fathom Five’s freshwater ecosystem contains over 20 species of fish and some of the most pristine waters of the Great Lakes.
Chi-Cheemaun – the "Big Canoe" 50 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Every year from early May until October, The Chi-Cheemaun links the Bruce Penninsula to Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island with 100 inland lakes, and home of the Ojibway, and centre for First Nations culture and history. Completing the 30 mile route between Tobermory and South Baymouth in less than two hours, the "Big Canoe" as it is known in Ojibway, is the longest passenger/car vessel on the Great Lakes, able to transport 638 passengers and 140 automobiles. Passengers can purchase light meals, snacks and refreshments, browse for souvenirs, or enjoy the magnificent views from inside or out on the deck. Dinner cruises are also available and reservations are required.
Sails early May through October. (519)596-2510
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