 Sauble Beach, Ontario. Sauble Beach was just recently added to the list of Top 10 Beaches in the Country by the Canwest News Service via www.canada.com. The local Bruce County hotspot is profiled with other beaches such as Long Beach in BC, and Martinique Beach in Nova Scotia. “This type of validation and endorsement is extremely beneficial for Sauble. It proves what we as locals have always known, and sets the region out on the world stage by a major national media outlet”, says Chris Hughes, Bruce County Tourism Manager. This is not the first time Sauble Beach has received this kind of attention. Macleans magazine and the Toronto Star have both declared Sauble Beach as a major beach destination in the past 5 years. What makes this quaint little beach town so appealing? Jeff Lobsinger, owner of Lobby’s (beachfront) Restaurant says, “Sauble Beach has this magical ‘beach town’ charm that just draws you in. It creates lasting memories for families that keep coming back to the 11km of Sauble Beach sand each year. It is what a summer vacation is all about. 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 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 Farms5 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages. Horse-drawn wagon 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 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 Bay10 minutes from Lake Francis Cottages  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 Go To Tobermory Scuba-Diving or Snorkeling around 19th century shipwrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park. Ride a Zodiac and spend an afternoon on Flowerpot Island. Fishing on the Saugeen River is a sure way to catch the fish of the day. Paddle a canoe or kayak down the Maitland River. Take a Stroll down 2nd. Ave. in Owen Sound and browse through the many specialty shops. Stop for lunch at any of their quaint diners. Helicopter Tours Over The Beautiful Bruce Peninsula From Wiarton Airport What a wonderful way to have a front row seat for viewing and photographing. There are different packages to choose from and everyone is sure to offer spectacular sights of the Beautiful Bruce Peninsula. Fly over Lake Huron and Sauble Beach or follow the shoreline north along Georgian Bay over Lake Francis Cottages, Griffith and White Cloud Island. What a great gift for a birthday, aniversary or just because. Chief Pilot George Burnside will take you on a ride of a life time. Bruce Peninsula Helicopter Rides. Call today and Tour Over Sauble Beach, Wiarton, Tobermory, Owen Sound and Georgian Bay. Choose the tour of your dreams. 519-270-2252
|
