Snowmobile Grey Bruce - "Sled Heaven" Lake Francis Cottages has direct access to all trails.
 Grey Bruce has become one of the most popular regions in Ontario to go sledding. We receive an average of 3.57 metres, or 9 feet, of snow each winter and have the highest number of Clubhouses of any region in Ontario. There are 3,600 km, or 2,250 miles, of groomed trails in District 9 and no major bodies of water to navigate over. Wind your way from Lake Huron & Georgian Bay through to the Niagara Escarpment & Beaver Valley, enjoying twists, turns & rolling hills, or barrel down abandoned rail lines!
Experience Hiking On The Bruce Peninsula The Niagara Escarpment winds its way down the Bruce Peninsula and so does the famous Bruce Trail, offering hikers
a chance to witness the incredible views and unbridled nature that the Biosphere provides. The Bruce Trail was opened in 1967, and is Canada's oldest and longest hiking trail. The 150 kms of trails located on the Bruce Peninsula are considered the best in Southern Ontario, and offer hiking for both the beginner and veteran hiker. Much of the trail is on private property that the landowners generously offer so that everyone can enjoy the unique and incredible views and close experience with nature. Please remember to treat the trail and surrounding wilderness with respect so that future hikers can enjoy the same beauty for generations to come! Remember, “Take only pictures and leave only footsteps!”
Bird Watching
Located right at Lake Francis Cottages.
Many nesting birds are also found at Lake Francis. May and June celebrate the spring migration, offering a great opportunity for bird watching, although sightings are plentiful throughout the year. Some of the species you might see include:
| - Loons | - Cardinal | - Crane | | - Redpoll | - Heron | - Goldfinch | | - Great Egret | - Indigo Bunting | - Belted Kingfisher | | - Brown-Headed Cowbird | - Hummingbird | - House Finch | | - Eastern Bluebirds | - Morning Dove | - Baltimore Oriole | | - Purple Finch | - Screech-Owl | - Red-Headed Woodpecker | | - Rose-breasted Grosbeak | - Pileated Woodpecker | | The Bruce Peninsula also provides wintering grounds for Great Grey Owls and Bald Eagles.
Fishing on Georgian Bay  Come and fish from the harbour, bring your boat, or book a charter with Captain Tony. The fishing on Georgian Bay is world-class and is Ontario's best kept secret, and Captain Tony can help you to experience it! Drop the downriggers off his 40' Elite houseboat as you try for Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, or Georgian Bay Salmon. Fishing charters start as early as March and run through December. He will even clean and bag your catch for you! Take in the spectacular beauty of a Georgian Bay sunrise or sunset from the water, courtesy of Captain Tony. Please call in advance. (519)372-9366
Keady Market  25 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Open every Tuesday morning, come rain or shine, for 3 seasons. Shop for just about anything imaginable; fresh produce, handmade food and crafts, livestock, and yard items all side-by-side in an open field.
Tom Thomson Art Gallery 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
 Named for the iconic Canadian landscape artist, Tom Thomson (1877-1917), who called Owen Sound his hometown and final resting place, the gallery features a fine collection of paintings by Tom and the rest of the Group of Seven, which he is credited as having inspired. A regional public library and national cultural attraction with a top-notch and revolving program of contemporary and historical exhibitions, lectures, forums, films, concerts, and workshops, the gallery is a dynamic place where artist and audiences can meet and flourish. It provides enriching experiences through art, showcasing the art of today and influencing the art of the future.
Billy Bishop Home and Museum  10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
The first National Historic Site in Grey County and Owen Sound. Billy Bishop’s childhood home remains a testament to the humble beginnings of a national World War I aviation hero, his contribution to aviation, and the sacrifices of others for their country. The artifacts and exhibits displayed are an important part of our history that preserves the heroism of Billy Bishop and focuses on the life and military accomplishments.
Billy Bishop Regional Airport 20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Offering scenic tours by air over the Bruce Peninsula.
Must call in advance. (519)371-6936
Wiarton Keppel Airport  15 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
With the longest runway in Ontario, north of Toronto’s Pearson, and capable of landing a 737, the Wiarton Keppel Airport offers a 5,000 ft. paved airstrip, fully equipped terminal building, and fuel for your flight needs.
Grey Roots Museum & Archives 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
 Imagine, Explore, Discover, Experience, Inspire, Research Local Heritage and Collections.
The gallery presents the history of Grey County's people against a backdrop of the county's natural features; its forests, farmland, waters, and rocks. Grey Roots has many stories of incredible people that have been part of Grey County's legacy, such as Billy Bishop, Harry Lumley, Agnes MacPhail, and Catherine Sutton.As you enter the museum, the smell of Mom's Home Baked breads will fill your taste buds. Enjoy fresh baked goods, a light lunch, and refreshments daily in their cafe.
Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
 Located in the former CN Railway depot, the museum showcases Owen Sound when it was a thriving port, serving as the gateway to the west. View the extensive displays of artifacts, models, photographs, and exhibits. A working G-scale model train moves along tracks and trestles. Visit the renovated caboose, open from April 1st to October 31st.
Glass-Bottomed Boat Tours 45 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat to see, up close, some of the many shipwrecks off Tobermory, plus see the unique “flowerpots” of Flowerpot Island in Georgian Bay.
Horse Back Riding 5 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Old Amarillo Stables -
20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Purple Valley Riding Stables - 4 season, 200 acres of bushed trail. Min. 1hr. trail ride. enjoy the horses with safety features, guided tours, foot guards and helmets.
Must call in advance. (519)534-0598
Catto Farms 5 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Horse-drawn wagon rides and sleigh rides through acres of beautiful wooded bush. Stop at a cabin and enjoy a  warm fire, apple cider, or hot chocolate.
Must call in advance. (519)376-9027
Dog Sledding Tours 5 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Singing Dogs.- dog sledding offered to the public with 12 huskies. Learn to drive a dog team! Guided Adventures available on the Bruce Peninsula. All tours are accompanied by experienced mushers. Experience the rush! (519)534-4160
Golfing Owen Sound Area
Cobble Beach - Dream Golf at the Water’s Edge 10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Award- winning Cobble Beach; this Doug Carrick designed course has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 New Courses in the World” for 2007/08 by Travel & Leisure Golf magazine. Also awarded “Ontario's Best New Course” 2007/08 by Ontario Golf, “Ontario's Best New Course” 2007/08 by Fairways, and “Best New Course in Canada” 2007/08 (third) by ScoreGolf. Doug Carrick has crafted a course that calls to mind the game’s legendary seaside locations. Each nine winds its way through open meadows edged with mature woodlands, rising to provide views of the course and the spectacular views of Georgian Bay. Come experience golf at its best! 1-888-278-8112
Other Golf Courses All located 10-20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Wiarton Golf Club – (519)534-0005
Chippewa Country Club - 1-877-465-3977
Northern Dunes – (519)935-3000
Sauble Beach Country Club – (519)422-1052
Owen Sound Golf Club – (519)376-1961
Cross Country Ski Trails All located 10-20 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages.
Sawmill Cross Country ski trail Maintained by the Bruce Ski Club, this is the best skate-skiing trail in the area. From mid-December to February, a weekly snowfall of 1/2 metre is common. The trail is both hilly and flat. Much of the trail is in the bush and there is also a heated chalet available to all skiers. Maximum loop is 8.5 km.
Sauble Cross Country Ski Trail Maintained by the Sauble Beach Ski Club, this trail provides approx. 18 km. of groomed, hilly trail in beautiful wooded country. Best classic ski trails in SW Ontario. About 4.5 km of the trails are flat (beginner friendly), the remainder being intermediate. Heated chalet is available to all skiers.
Massie Hills Ski Trail Maintained by the Owen Sound Ski Club, this property comprises 650 acres owned by the Conservation Authority. Mid-December to February snowfall of 1/2 meter a week is common. The trail is hilly, but not dangerous, with long run outs. This is a bush trail so it is great for seeing wildlife (deer, rabbits, hares, and many kinds of birds).
Come Visit us at: Lake Francis Cottages.com
Your Ontario Sauble Beach, Georgian Bay
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