It’s right about now that Owen Sound is a little crowded with some over zealous visitors. You see, every year in late September, the chinook salmon return to the Sydenham River and fight their way up the Owen Sound Fish Ladder. You can’t buy the salmon anywhere, and the only way to get a taste is to catch it yourself and befriend a fisherman! An easy feat when they’re lined up in droves along the harbour.
Pair that excitement with the spectacular fall colours painting the ridges of the Escarpment and the regions plethora of apples and you’ve got yourself a mighty perfect weekend!
1. Start your adventures at the Owen Sound Farmers Market. Open Saturdays year round from 8am-12:30pm, it’s the perfect place to grab a spot of breakfast and a bag of apples for the road.
2. Whether you’re traveling by bike (the region has some of the best cycling roads in Ontario!) or car, head for the city’s historic harbour. There you’ll see fish and fisherman a like fighting for a spot on the river. If you’re fortunate enough to be there October 10th, join in on the annual Salmon Celebration!
3. Follow the river (and the fish!) inland towards the Inglis Falls Conservation Area. Enroute, stop by the Mill Dam and Owen Sound Fish Ladder — the first of it’s kind in Canada. We love just hanging about, watching the swans and listening to the water. This is also the perfect time to bite into one of those apples your picked up at the Farmer’s Market!
4. If your stomach is beginning to rumble, we recommend tucking into a picnic at the base of Inglis Falls. If you’re not feeling al fresco, head to The Milk Maid Fine Cheese on 2nd Avenue for a bite. Order up a bowl of soup and a cheese plate, gingerly made by hand with local vegetables. Our favorite? The grilled tomatillo soup with dill and nutmeg!
5. We’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you to head to one of the areas best breweries. Kilannan Brewing Company brews a mean Grapefruit Kolsch — and is home to the province’s youngest brew master. Pick up a growler in their retail shop, that way you’ll always have a reason to return!
For more inspiring ways to enjoy Owen Sound, check out VisitGrey.ca — or explore the Saints & Sinners Trail throughout the area!
Originally published as part of the Perfect Weekends series on OntarioCulinary.com
