Owen Sound’s roots run deep. The city is beautiful, filled with friendly locals and this area once functioned as an end terminal of the Underground Railroad for countless escaped slaves as they fled from oppression during the time of the American Civil War.
This city sits at the head of a bay on the southeast end of Georgian Bay, whose southern shores are characterized by sandy beaches.
The people of Owen Sound are warm and friendly. If you’re a local and you walk into one of the restaurants, chances are you will know about 10 people. Anonymity doesn’t exist in a close-knit city like this one.
Darrell Nash, from the sales marketing department of Georgian Shores Marina, said, “You can walk down the street and basically know everybody that you see.”
While the city has a comfortable small-town feel, it still has all the amenities present in big cities.
Georgian Shores Marina
An excellent example of one of the marinas in Owen Sound would be the Georgian Shores Marina.
“It’s a beautiful marina,” said Edie Molloy, one of the employees at the marina. “I would recommend it to anybody.”
With over 400 slips available for both seasonal and transient rent, this marina comes with plenty of perks that keep the boaters coming. Many people live there permanently on their boats in the summer because of the free Wi-Fi which allows them to work from their boats. Another reason is the brand new boaters’ lounge.
“Our boaters lounge is probably the nicest boaters’ lounge you’ll find on the Great Lake,” added Nash. “It is beyond spectacular.” Molloy also mentioned that this facility has attracted a lot of new boaters.
It’s easy to see why their new boaters’ lounge is held in high praise because it has everything you could want and everything is state-of-the-art. For those rainy days or when you’re entertaining more people, they have a TV, music, a laundry facility, a full kitchen and luxurious showers.
If you choose to stay here, you can be sure to enjoy your stay in style.
Arts & Culture
One of the places you can’t miss during your time in Owen Sound is Tom Thompson Art Gallery, affectionately referred to as the TOM. The TOM is considered one of the top five art institutions in Canada. The gallery is named after the iconic Canadian painter, Tom Thompson, and features his artwork and memorabilia.
The TOM also has both historical and contemporary Canadian artwork, so whether you have a more historical or modern taste in your art, they’ve got you covered. The exhibits also change throughout the year, making it so that even if you’ve been before, there will always be something new and exciting to see.
Then, if you’re looking for some entertainment, Roxy Theatre is the place to go for live performances. Nash highly recommended catching at least one of their shows.
“It’s got great plays that are put on by local performers,” shared Nash. “They bring in out-of town performances too, but there’s always lots of local talent on display.”
The theatre was built in 1913 and was once an opera house. Its foyer also doubles as an art gallery known as the Griffin Gallery. Even when you are waiting for the doors to open for the show, you’ll be surrounded by beauty and culture.
Inglis Falls
Owen Sound is also home to the beautiful Inglis Falls, nestled comfortably in the 500-acre Inglis Falls Conservation area. The scenic waterfall is created from the meeting of the Sydenham River with the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. Inglis Falls drops 60 feet and the pressure of the falling water has created a deep gorge at the fall’s base.
On a clear day, there is no beating the view. You can see all the way down the valley into Owen Sound and out to the Sound harbor. The Conservation area also has plenty of nature trails of varying difficulty so that everyone can have a chance to enjoy a pleasant walk or an advanced hike.
Underground Railroad
Owen Sound was the end destination for many escaped slaves from around 1830 to the end of the American Civil War. Back then, the city was called the Village of Sydenham.
Escaped slaves fled bondage by crossing the Canada-U.S. border through the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad, but a secret route that led to freedom. A route made up of a network of people offering shelter and assistance to escaped slaves.
Owen Sound has numerous walking tours to help understand the city’s Black history. Such tours include the Kennedy Foundry site, the Molock House and the British Methodist Episcopal Church.
Events
Owen Sound puts on a quite a few fun-filled events in the summer. Here are just a couple to give you a taste.
With the city’s rich history, it is no surprise they throw an annual Emancipation Festival. This festival is the oldest emancipation event in North America, and this year it’ll be held August 3-5. Join the joyful celebration of freedom and the triumph of one of the Underground Railroad’s safe havens.
Another event to put on the calendar is the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. Get ready to catch some fish! This event will take place from August 24 to September 2. There will be thousands of anglers out there at Owen Sound dropping in a line and having a good time. The 10-day derby includes a kids’ day, seniors’ day, ladies’ afternoon and two evening fish fries. Fun and delicious!
These are just a couple of events that Owens Sound hosts, but there are lots more. If you ever have the chance, stop on by this friendly and unique town. You won’t be disappointed.
For More Information
Emancipation Festival
www.emancipation.ca
Grey County
www.visitgrey.ca
Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association
www.sydenhamsportsmen.com
Visit Owen Sound
www.owensoundtourism.ca
Photos provided by Visit Owen Sound and Georgian Shores Marina
