This Charming Little Great Lakes Getaway Has Scenic Shorelines And A Historic Downtown

Straddling both the United States and Canada, the Great Lakes are an otherworldly oasis of adventure. Perhaps the most iconic landmark of the five lakes is Niagara Falls, where the scenic White Water Walk lets travelers experience one of North America's most dramatic rivers. Cross over into Canada, however, and you'll find the crowds are more sparse, giving way to breathtaking landscapes tinged with solitude. For a spellbinding getaway, head to the southeastern banks of Lake Huron in Ontario, where the enchanting town of Goderich clings to the dazzling blue shoreline. Also known as the "Prettiest Town in Canada," the winding streets of Goderich will lead visitors to unforgettable adventures.

Guarding the town's coast is the Goderich Lighthouse, a sturdy stone tower dating to the 1840s, unique for being square rather than round. As if to underline this oddity, Goderich's historic town square is a circular lawn framed by breezy trees. Stroll the curved street encircling the square to admire Goderich's fantastic Victorian architecture, while delicious local eateries and delightful boutiques invite visitors to stick around for dining and shopping. Charming accommodations fronting the square make an overnight stay in Goderich a matter of convenience.

A long stretch of paved road along Goderich's coastline is perfect for taking a scenic drive, or you could head to the beaches dotted along the shore for sweeping views of Lake Huron. Spend the day reeling in fresh catch off the harbor with a fishing charter, while sunset boat cruises take passengers on a romantic journey across the water as Goderich's lights twinkle in the distance. Outdoorsy travelers can venture into the Ontario wilderness along picturesque hiking trails. Just under three hours by car from Toronto, the capital of Ontario province, this Great Lakes getaway is an absolute gem.

Anyone who enjoys a spot of cultural sightseeing should spend the day at the Huron County Museum north of downtown Goderich. Exhibits packed with fascinating artifacts help bring "the past back to life," according to a previous visitor's Google review. Emerging as an important salt mining town during the 1860s, the museum delves into Goderich's industrial heyday with displays of machinery, farming equipment, and even an original steam locomotive engine. The best part is, visitors are even permitted to hop aboard!

Fans of crime and punishment will no doubt enjoy a tour of the Huron Historic Gaol, an imposing octagonal stone fortress. Open to visitors from May until October, an accompanying audioguide reveals tantalizing tidbits of the prison's past. Ascend narrow, winding staircases and peer into former holding cells as you explore the facility, where explanatory plaques offer glimpses into the lives of the inmates who were once incarcerated here.

Escape the oppressive cells of the prison with a detour at the Goderich Lighthouse, perched on the edge of a wooded hilltop. The views of Lake Huron stretching to the horizon are spectacular. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy lawns shaded by trees, and stay until sunset for breathtaking panoramas of the lighthouse silhouetted against the lake. Just north of the lighthouse is Main Beach, where a boardwalk skirting the shoreline feels like standing at the edge of the world. Follow the boardwalk down to St. Christopher's Beach and find a spot amongst the rocks to sit and enjoy the view. No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, Goderich has it all. If you are making your way back to Toronto at the end of your trip, don't miss a stop at the tallest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower in Toronto.

Miles of hiking trails await travelers craving thrilling exploration. Just north of town is the start of the G2G Rail Trail, which follows the path of the abandoned Guelph & Goderich Railway line. Constructed in the early 1900s, the railroad stretched across Ontario's picturesque rural countryside. Hikers and cyclists can traverse the stony trail through swaying meadows and rushing streams, while blankets of snowfall during the winter make snowshoeing and skiing a delight. East of town is the Goderich Millennium Trail, where hikers can trace the flow of the Maitland River through idyllic woodlands. Travelers looking for more Ontario landscapes should head north to Owen Sound, where cascading falls create the ultimate natural retreat.

Want to extend your stay in Goderich? Book a night at the Bedford Hotel, tucked within a historic Victorian edifice overlooking the town square. Guest suites are delightfully rustic, and the hotel's restaurant offers tasty pub grub amidst convivial surroundings. Meanwhile, just a short walk from the town square is the Coldborne Bed and Breakfast, an enchanting red-brick Victorian manor. A spacious patio for relaxing, a dining room, and elegantly furnished bedrooms will make you feel right at home. International travelers can take a flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport and rent a car for the roughly two-hour drive to Goderich.

Head to the town square for a delicious meal while out exploring. Locals enjoy the tasty coffee and Insta-worthy vibes at Cait's Cafe, while Steve and Mary's On The Square is a fantastic lunch joint. A more upscale dining experience can be enjoyed at the Part 2 Bistro, known for delicious burgers and excellent service. For the most memorable Canada getaway, add this Great Lakes town to your itinerary.