If you’ve landed on this page, you’re most likely looking for things to do in Owen Sound, ON. In this local guide, I cover some of my favourite Owen Sound activities and things I would highly recommend doing on your next visit to Owen Sound. Enjoy!
What to do in Owen Sound
Visit Kelso Beach At Nawash Park
Kelso Beach at Nawash Park is a really amazing park in Owen Sound. This is also the location of so many events and festivals throughout the year. Some of these events include Summerfolk Music Festival and the Canada Day celebrations which I attended this year and really enjoyed – especially the dog show!
There’s a lot of different areas to explore within Kelso Beach park. There are playgrounds, a splash pad, beach, grassed areas perfect for having a picnic, reading a book or just enjoying a summer afternoon. There’s also an outdoor amphitheatre and different trails that you can bike or walk on. They do have public washrooms. I highly recommend visiting Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound.
Visit Morland Place
Morland Place is one of the most recent additions to this guide for things to do in Owen Sound but it definitely deserves a major highlight and is something that we highly recommend.
We visited Morland Place, which is just outside of Owen Sound, and were immediately transported to, what felt like, a luxurious home and garden in Europe. It really is such a beautiful property and that I walked around in awe. You are allowed to walk around the property as you wish but it is still a private residence. As you’re walking around the property and through the gardens, you might even run into the owner, Barry, who maintains the property and who lives there full-time. The owner, you will likely see him around working on the property trimming the shrubs, cutting the grass or fixing things. He does most of this work on his own and it’s incredible what he has achieved and been able to maintain of this estate. The estate is actually where he grew up and was left to him by his parents.
There are signs that say to stay on the path and grass cut areas but other than that you’re allowed to wander the property as you wish. Many times I thought we had reached the edge of the property and to my surprise, there would be another garden or trail around the bend. It felt like it just kept going and it was a lot more grand than we thought it would be. There was even sections where you would follow a little trail through a tree canopied tunnel that then led to more statues and elegant shrubs, and fountains. It was incredible. There are no public washrooms and there is no entry fee, but there is a donation box.
What’s the address of Morland Place?
- 102645 Grey Road 18, Owen Sound, ON
Go To The Keady Market
The Keady Market is located in Keady which is about 10 minutes from Owen Sound and well worth the trip.
I’ve been going to this market for my whole life and it’s now somewhere I like taking guests and visitors because it’s such a unique experience. I actually got my entrepreneurial start at this market and set up a booth one Tuesday morning as a teenager. That’s a story for another time!
That’s what makes this market unique. There are regular vendors there weekly but there’s also new vendors that pop up. So you just never know what you’re going to get!
The Keady Market is only open on Tuesdays from May/June to September/October, which may change depending on the weather. I recommend going in July or August when most of the vendors are there.
This market has an incredible variety of vendors including people selling handmade crafts and home decor, vintage items, to fruits & veggies, baked goods, candy, meat, salsa, etc. Some vendors even sell toys or bedsheets. It really is a unique experience because on Tuesday mornings this tiny little rural community becomes a hub for shoppers. People travel far and wide to not only be vendors at this market but to shop. It’s definitely a well-known market among locals and visitors.
What’s the address of The Keady Market?
- 102645 Grey Road 3, Keady, ON
What are the hours of The Keady Market?
- 7am to 2pm
Things To Do In Owen Sound: Visit Harrison Park
Harrison Park, I would say, is one of the most popular public parks in Owen Sound. I have been going to this park since I was a little kid and then running cross country running races at this park and now enjoy it with my family and friends to wander and walk the trails. I still really enjoy all this park has to offer. It’s one of the best parks for kids because there are so many different sections with playgrounds, an outdoor swimming pool, and lots of areas where families can have a picnic and enjoy time together. There’s also a stream that runs through the park so you can sit and watch the geese and ducks. There is also a restaurant at the park, a place where you can get an ice cream cream, a complete campground, and they do have public washrooms.
What’s the address of Harrison Park?
- 75 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, ON
Take A Class At Georgian Bay School Of The Arts
Georgian Bay School Of The Arts is a really unique art workshop studio, local shop, and cafe. They offer a huge variety of really amazing workshops ranging from pottery to stained glass, jewellery, bird houses and watercolour painting, and more. They also have a cafe within the studio space which anyone can visit and enjoy a coffee and baked goods, regardless of whether you’re attending a workshop.
If you’re looking to get crafty and do something creative, they do offer a number of workshops that are ‘tasters’ so they’re only a few hours long. If you’re just visiting Owen Sound but would like to spend some time getting crafty, these taster classes are a great option.
Georgian Bay School Of The Arts is located in downtown Owen Sound in the old bingo hall. It’s awesome because they’ve kept a lot of the old signs from the bingo hall so it has a really eclectic and unique feel to this large studio space.
I signed up for a pottery class and had a great time ‘attempting’ to make a pottery mug. The instructors are great, the space is fun to be in and pottery is a lot harder than I ever imagined.
Derek and I have also stopped in there to grab a coffee and do some local shopping.
What’s the address for Georgian Bay School Of The Arts?
- 938 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, ON
Owen Sound Farmer’s Market
The Owen Sound Farmer’s Market is a great place to grab some produce and baking and do some local shopping. This farmers market is awesome because it’s located in a really beautiful building and operates year-round. They are open every Saturday from 8am to 12:30 PM.
What’s the address for the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market?
- 88 8th St. East, Owen Sound, ON
Hike Pottawatoni Memorial Forest Trail To Jones Falls
Hiking in the Pottawatoni Memorial Forest is another really fun thing to do in Owen Sound if you’re craving a bit of outdoor time.
It’s such a neat hike that follows along the Niagara escarpment and eventually ends up at Jones Falls which is beautiful. The trail goes between huge rock faces and crevasses which makes it a really unique hike.
Shop At Local Boutiques
Owen Sound is home to so many amazing boutiques and shops. 2nd Avenue is a popular street to park on, walk and check out all the stores and do some local shopping in Owen Sound. The best part is that this street is also home to a number of amazing Owen Sound restaurants. Some of our favourite shops along this street are Wild Flowers Consignment, Artists’ Co-Op, Dr. Cobbler’s Shoes & Swirls, and Barebirch.
Indoor Rock Climbing
The Climbers Crush is a brand new business and addition to the Owen Sound community. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or want to give it a try, visit The Climbers Crush for a fun indoor activity! This activity is perfect for something to do on a rainy day in Owen Sound.
Address: 1580 20th St. East Unit 11, Owen Sound, ON
