Grey-Bruce Adventours: Wiarton Wonders

Grey-Bruce Adventours: Wiarton

By Sandra J. Howe for Aug/13 MOSAIC

Wiarton has long been a favourite destination for me, not only as a gateway to the Bruce Peninsula, but as a lively, historic community. It retains much of its pioneering feel: fisheries, agriculture, and quarrying are still active industries. Lumbering and furniture-making, which were critical in Wiarton’s early development, have been largely replaced by tourism. For me, it is among our most scenic towns, nestled along the Niagara Escarpment with limestone cliffs rising above the natural harbour of Colpoy’s Bay.

On August 9 and 10, Wiarton plays host to the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race (www.brucepeninsulamultisportrace.ca ). This great family event encourages athletes of all ages to get outdoors and active. Kid, youth, and adult races involving run, cycle, and kayak events engage participants. Incredible community support sees local businesses, and volunteers rallying in the fun. Peninsula Adventure Sports Association (www.peninsulaadventure.ca) sponsors the event, and funds raised provide support to outdoor sports, infrastructure, and athletes in the Bruce Peninsula.

Wiarton is a spectacular hiking destination with the Bruce Trail passing right through town. My favourite walks include Bruce’s Caves and Skinner’s Bluff along the south shore of Colpoy’s Bay. Best is the Spirit Rock Loop: following Colpoy’s northern shoreline pass the water plant and follow the white blazes to the spiral staircase; on top visit the ruins of the Corran; the blue blazed trail leads to Spirit Rock Lookout, and brings you back to town. The Corran was a 17- room mansion with the most extensive private library north of Toronto in the early 1900’s.

Downtown Wiarton offers great eating. Lloyd’s Smoke Shop, owned and operated by the Nusko family, serves homemade ice cream, and you can play pool on the massive billiards table in back. Red Fish, Blue Fish-remember this Dr. Seuss book?-offers a superb local whitefish and chips dinner. Cocoa Vanilla provides tasty meals, live music, and a rotating show of local art. Shopping ranges from whimsical to practical, and service is friendly. Friday is the Farmers’ Market, and Saturday is the Historic Walking Tour; details at www.visitwiarton.ca

Grey-Bruce Adventours (howesandraj@gmail.com) invites you to explore the amazing variety of our area. Let me know if I may be your guide. Happy Adventouring!