Owen Sound, once a major port city, is now a hot spot for winter sport enthusiasts. From skiing to snowshoeing, activities abound in this picturesque Northern Ontario town.
Where to Sleep:
A warm and cosy room to return to is key on an outdoor adventure trip, and The Inn at Cobble Beach offers just that. Spacious rooms (starting at $155) with gorgeous views of the water and ski trails are perfect for hibernating after a chilly day.
There’s space for the whole family in The Manitou (from $235), with a second-floor loft for the kids. If a romantic escape is what you’re after, The Calypso (from $175) offers the perfect perch for love birds.
Where to Eat:
After working up an appetite, The Sweetwater Restaurant & Bar, located in the Inn, has everything to satiate your cravings. Comfort foods like burgers, Georgian Bay Whitefish and chips and steak frites are the perfect indulgences, après ski, along with a hot chocolate, naturally.
Time your trip with one of the Inn’s Wine Dinner Series. We enjoyed a delicious 5-course meal paired with wines from France, while learning all about the region and its wines. Next up, the series goes down under with wines from Australia.
What to Do:
Cobble Beach boasts winter sports galore with over 14km of groomed trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and dog sledding, all easily arranged through the Inn. There’s even a skating rink on the property. We recommend a post-dinner skate – but be sure to bundle up!
After a day outdoors, your body may be in need of a rest (who knew cross country skiing was such a workout?). Check out the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in the heart of Owen Sound. Not only does it display a permanent collection of Tom Thomson’s work, plus artifacts from his childhood, it also has a rotating gallery with pieces by local artists.
Wind down with a trip to the Inn’s spa and treat your chapped winter skin to a facial ($95), their signature treatment, complete with a hand, neck and foot massage.
Sweet Tip:
Cobble Beach is just a short (and picturesque!) drive from the home of Wiarton Willie. Visit the first weekend in February for the annual Groundhog Day Festival for tons of awesome activities, displays and, of course, an appearance by Wiarton himself.