Top Things to do in Meaford
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Top 8 Things to do in Meaford, Canada
Discover the best top things to do in Meaford, Canada including Meaford Memorial Park, Irish Mountain Lookout, Beautiful Joe Park, Meaford Museum, Meaford Harbour Marina, Bighead River Conservation Area, Tom Thomson Trail, Beautiful Joe’s Leash-free Dog Park.
Restaurants in Meaford
1. Meaford Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Gla_Rangers - British Columbia, Canada
At the entrance they have crazy golf located within the forest. In entering the park, the road parallels the shore to the upper campground. Below that the lower road has lots of parking and passes the concession and washrooms.
They have a kids playground, covered area for groups, picnic table and a beach. Not much sand, more pebbles. A lower campground section also has sites that back onto the shore line. An abundance of trails are also available.
2. Irish Mountain Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
3. Beautiful Joe Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Libby2507 - Meaford, Ontario
Beautiful Joe Park is a hidden treasure nestled beside the Big Head River, on Edwin Street West, in Meaford. This is not just any old park! It's dedicated to a very special dog actually named Beautiful Joe. There is a monument with a statue of him, and if you rub his head you'll have 100 dog years of good luck! There is also a monument that marks his grave. There are some really special things to see there. It's great for the whole family to enjoy a nice walk &/or picnic, with their dog(s)! The book, "Beautiful Joe", was written by Canadian Author Margaret Marshall Saunders. The importance of this book is great as it brings the history of a special dog and a special town to life. But perhaps the most important thing is the raising of the topic of cruelty to animals. Unfortunately, when the book was originally written Margaret had to go by the name Marshall Saunders, due to the way women were treated in the 1800's. If she ever wanted to see it published she had to be a man! Also for some of the same reasons, she had to use a fictitious town in the United States, instead of using Meaford where Beautiful Joe actually lived. This book has been added to some school curriculums, and has been translated into several different languages. To make your time with Joe more meaningful, learn the story of Beautiful Joe by purchasing the book and visiting all 3 of Beautiful Joe's Parks! The other 2 B.J. parks are: a leash free park just before Memorial Park camp ground and a Beautiful Joe Dog Beach located right in Memorial Park! Proceeds from the sale of the book goes towards the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society. The BJHS uses these donations to help keep up all of our parks, and also towards projects that we hope to achieve. Including building a bridge across the Big Head River to join both sides of the park, and better parking among other things. Come to Meaford and make a part of your holiday a fun history lesson! You can purchase your copy of Beautiful Joe at the Meaford Museum.
4. Meaford Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Meaford Museum was originally built in 1895 as the Town's Pumping House. Later it was turned into the Public Utilities Offices and finally, in 1961 after a sizable donation of historical memorabilia was received by the town, the building was turned into the Meaford Museum. Since that time several renovations, additions and improvements have been made creating the new Meaford Museum as an interactive and exciting hub of local history. You will frequently find school or senior groups, individuals and families learning about the history of the former Town of Meaford and Townships of Sydenham and St. Vincent. The Meaford Museum is an important stop on the Apple Pie Trail, featuring information about the local apple growing history. Also for 2014, there is an exhibit about local inventor and hero Andrew Gawley, the Man with Iron Hands. Learn more about Meaford's internationally renowned story of Beautiful Joe and the area which inspired John Muir to create the Sierra Club. Meaford has a robust and unique history that transcends its borders and delights all those who visit to learn about it.
Reviewed By Joe_Ursano - Muskoka District, Canada
We visit Meaford about twice a year for camping, biking and the net shed. Although the museum is across from the net shed, 2014 was the first time that visited.
We were very impressed with the displays both inside and out. Displays wer labelled and did not come with paragraphs and paragraphs of Reading.
Well laid out and definitely worth a 1/2 hour tour
5. Meaford Harbour Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
The Meaford Harbour Marina features an administration and comfort station providing all the amenities of a big marina. The harbour office, located at 3 St. Vincent Street, contains the office with washrooms, showers, and a beautiful lounge to take in the breathtaking scenery. Downtown stores, restaurants, and concert hall within close walking distance. Parks and splash pads nearby.
Reviewed By temujin - ontario, Canada
Has all that a proper marina needs if you are a boater. River docking and an enclosed harbour docking with a Coast Gaurd detachment. Harbour master building with washrooms and shower. Small craft ramp, chip wagon close by (decent food) with some picnic tables.
Has great potential but has a somewhat run down feel - not quite a tourist attraction, but with some attention and development it could be great. salmon fishermen are the biggest users of this waterfront area, but its worth checking out just for the great view of georgian bay
6. Bighead River Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Phil G - Swindon, United Kingdom
6 onus hiked the Trout Hollow trail along both sides of the Bighead River. We meet a number of folk fishing during the first 4km, before the trail turns into the woods. The next 2km are a little bit more challenging but not difficult. When we reached the bridge at the furthest point of the trail we saw lots of big salmon battling upstream, quite a sight. The return leg starts with 2 stretches of road before returning to the river for most of the remaining walk.
A good 3-4 hour hike.
7. Tom Thomson Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Tom Thomson Trail is a non-motorized, multi-use (biking, hiking and horseback riding), 3-season (spring through fall) trail between Meaford and Owen Sound. The trailhead kiosk can be found at Fred Raper Park in Meaford. Travel through the countryside and along quiet country roads to see some of the most beautiful vistas in the area.
8. Beautiful Joe’s Leash-free Dog Park
Overall Ratings
3 based on 5 reviews
