Our Guidebook! Contact us for more info, directions, etc 😊
Parks and beaches
Information on local outdoor spots we like : )
This is a large park area and beach right in Midland. The water is warm in the summer. Nice for paddling and swimming, especially if you prefer calm water.
There is a skateboard park on the water-side of the Young Street entrance as you drive in toward the parking areas.
Frisbee golf baskets are placed throughout the park on the grassy areas and amidst the trees.
A little burger place is in the middle of the park along the roadway, with lots of picnic tables close by on the grass.
44 locals recommend
Little Lake Park
606 Little Lake Park RdThis is a large park area and beach right in Midland. The water is warm in the summer. Nice for paddling and swimming, especially if you prefer calm water.
There is a skateboard park on the water-side of the Young Street entrance as you drive in toward the parking areas.
Frisbee golf baskets are placed throughout the park on the grassy areas and amidst the trees.
A little burger place is in the middle of the park along the roadway, with lots of picnic tables close by on the grass.
This is a nice little grassy park area, beside the boat launch and public dock in Victoria Harbour It’s a favorite destination for us to go for a picnic / refreshment and go for a swim. Water is warm and calm. Bonus: There are also public washrooms here and a grocery store and LCBO right there as well. *The Queens Quay pub is just up the road. We love that pub and regularly go there for meals or take-out.
Victoria Harbour Gazebo
This is a nice little grassy park area, beside the boat launch and public dock in Victoria Harbour It’s a favorite destination for us to go for a picnic / refreshment and go for a swim. Water is warm and calm. Bonus: There are also public washrooms here and a grocery store and LCBO right there as well. *The Queens Quay pub is just up the road. We love that pub and regularly go there for meals or take-out.
This is a gorgeous provincial park on Georgian Bay, featuring forest, hiking / biking trails, and beaches. Some words from a recent guest of ours who was also a dog-owner: " We drove up to Awenda pet beach and HIGHLY recommend it for future pet owners who come and stay."
117 locals recommend
Awenda Provincial Park
670 Awenda Park RdThis is a gorgeous provincial park on Georgian Bay, featuring forest, hiking / biking trails, and beaches. Some words from a recent guest of ours who was also a dog-owner: " We drove up to Awenda pet beach and HIGHLY recommend it for future pet owners who come and stay."
Pettersen includes a ball diamond and grassy area by a small beach, as well as a playground, and a boat launch with ample parking available. The paved Tay Trail runs right by this local favourite. Water is warm for swimming here, but it can be weedy.
Pettersen Park
Pettersen includes a ball diamond and grassy area by a small beach, as well as a playground, and a boat launch with ample parking available. The paved Tay Trail runs right by this local favourite. Water is warm for swimming here, but it can be weedy.
*Not to be confused with “Pettersen”, this place is in Port McNicoll—a nice ride via the Tay Trail. Patterson has large grassy areas, shade under the trees, a playground, and a rocky shoreline. There is a public gazebo, playground, and public washrooms.
Water access is from the rocks, or from a pebble beach at the west end. We recommend wearing footwear in the water, as the rocks can be slippery and/or sharp. This is one of our favourite spots for paddling when there's light wind, or windsurfing when there's lots of wind.
For a picnic here we recommend stopping by the Port Cafe on your way!
Patterson Boulevard
Patterson Boulevard*Not to be confused with “Pettersen”, this place is in Port McNicoll—a nice ride via the Tay Trail. Patterson has large grassy areas, shade under the trees, a playground, and a rocky shoreline. There is a public gazebo, playground, and public washrooms.
Water access is from the rocks, or from a pebble beach at the west end. We recommend wearing footwear in the water, as the rocks can be slippery and/or sharp. This is one of our favourite spots for paddling when there's light wind, or windsurfing when there's lots of wind.
For a picnic here we recommend stopping by the Port Cafe on your way!
Trails
Our favourites paths to walk, hike, and ride.
One of our beloved local "rail trails", the Tay Trail is paved between the towns of Waubaushene (at Hwy 400) and Penetanguishene. Beyond that it’s gravel, and usually well maintained. We love to ride our bikes to get a snack to bring to a beach or park, or just meandering along the way.
29 locals recommend
Tay Shore Trail
145 Albert StOne of our beloved local "rail trails", the Tay Trail is paved between the towns of Waubaushene (at Hwy 400) and Penetanguishene. Beyond that it’s gravel, and usually well maintained. We love to ride our bikes to get a snack to bring to a beach or park, or just meandering along the way.
These trails are all on the lands of a handful of homeowners and farmers. Amber and I are really grateful for these folks 🙏
If you like hiking, cross-country skiing, Mountainview is a local gem.
27 locals recommend
Mountain View Ski Center
9266 County Rd 93These trails are all on the lands of a handful of homeowners and farmers. Amber and I are really grateful for these folks 🙏
If you like hiking, cross-country skiing, Mountainview is a local gem.
The majority of this rail trail is hard packed gravel. It is predominantly straight and goes through forests, fields and over creeks. It forms a part of the Trans Canada Trail, connecting Barrie, Elmvale, Perkinsfield, and Penetanguishene where it joins the north end of the Tay Trail. There are many different places to park—the closest to our house being at 10th, 11th or 12th Concession in Tiny Township. Here's a pin to the lot on 10th, which is the most accessible in our experience: Dropped pin
https://goo.gl/maps/yz2S7JRTV7iJszwP6
North Simcoe Rail Trail
North Simcoe Rail TrailThe majority of this rail trail is hard packed gravel. It is predominantly straight and goes through forests, fields and over creeks. It forms a part of the Trans Canada Trail, connecting Barrie, Elmvale, Perkinsfield, and Penetanguishene where it joins the north end of the Tay Trail. There are many different places to park—the closest to our house being at 10th, 11th or 12th Concession in Tiny Township. Here's a pin to the lot on 10th, which is the most accessible in our experience: Dropped pin
https://goo.gl/maps/yz2S7JRTV7iJszwP6
Food scene
The Boat House Pub & Eatery
Chief Kuno TrailNice large harbourside patio in Midland, often with live music.
A small locally owned specialty pizza spot. It's relatively expensive, but still our favourite dine-in pizza place in Midland. You will find the staff welcoming, and their food and drinks are amazing 👌
57 locals recommend
Dillon's Wood Fired Pizza
244 King StA small locally owned specialty pizza spot. It's relatively expensive, but still our favourite dine-in pizza place in Midland. You will find the staff welcoming, and their food and drinks are amazing 👌
Amber and I have had awesome service here from the owner and her staff, and we like bringing their diner-style food to Patterson Boulevard to picnic on the grass. The Hoagie and chicken Caesar salad (served on a bed of flaky pastry), are SO GOOD. The owner makes exquisite deserts too—high recommend for the turtle cheesecake 👌
They have their own driver and deliver for a $5 fee, which we feel is reasonable. Their number is 705 506 2233
Port Cafe
423 Talbot StreetAmber and I have had awesome service here from the owner and her staff, and we like bringing their diner-style food to Patterson Boulevard to picnic on the grass. The Hoagie and chicken Caesar salad (served on a bed of flaky pastry), are SO GOOD. The owner makes exquisite deserts too—high recommend for the turtle cheesecake 👌
They have their own driver and deliver for a $5 fee, which we feel is reasonable. Their number is 705 506 2233
Another local favourite for take-out or pub food. Amazing selection of sauces and flavours, and the staff is usually very friendly and helpful with selecting the best flavours for your taste. This place makes great wraps too; Amber loves the Knockout Wrap, but be careful, it's got some serious heat to it! It's too much for Gord 🔥😆
8 locals recommend
Wing House
32 Main StAnother local favourite for take-out or pub food. Amazing selection of sauces and flavours, and the staff is usually very friendly and helpful with selecting the best flavours for your taste. This place makes great wraps too; Amber loves the Knockout Wrap, but be careful, it's got some serious heat to it! It's too much for Gord 🔥😆
Great food and refreshments beside the marina, including selections of local craft beer and well-made cocktails. We also love ordering takeout from here to go bring down the road to the gazebo.
32 locals recommend
The Queen's Quay British Pub And Restaurant
67 Juneau RdGreat food and refreshments beside the marina, including selections of local craft beer and well-made cocktails. We also love ordering takeout from here to go bring down the road to the gazebo.
This bakery in Midland makes the best donuts ever!!! Freshly made every day, they often sell out by noon. We have tried every kind and there’s just no going wrong.
20 locals recommend
Georgian Bakery
253 King StThis bakery in Midland makes the best donuts ever!!! Freshly made every day, they often sell out by noon. We have tried every kind and there’s just no going wrong.
A local chocolatier, need we say more?? 😁 He makes some of the best treats in Midland, a huge variety too.
The Elegant Gourmet
235 King StA local chocolatier, need we say more?? 😁 He makes some of the best treats in Midland, a huge variety too.
Midland Food Tours is run by our friend Kelly, a fellow local who is passionate about what the town offers, and she’s happy to share it.
208 King St
208 King StreetMidland Food Tours is run by our friend Kelly, a fellow local who is passionate about what the town offers, and she’s happy to share it.
Take a short road trip out to meet Hans and Saskia. They hold training from a fromager in the Netherlands! Yummy yummy selection. Be sure to call ahead.
Say Cheese
6353 Line 4 NorthTake a short road trip out to meet Hans and Saskia. They hold training from a fromager in the Netherlands! Yummy yummy selection. Be sure to call ahead.
Sightseeing and touring
This destination is just over an hour drive, which we enjoy… the drive itself is a beautiful journey through our region!
Scenic Caves has year round tours, each season offering it's own unique adventure.
258 locals recommend
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
260 Scenic Caves RdThis destination is just over an hour drive, which we enjoy… the drive itself is a beautiful journey through our region!
Scenic Caves has year round tours, each season offering it's own unique adventure.
This place is a special place to visit winter, spring, summer and fall. If you can shedule your visit when they have a bird show, it is remarkable!!!
156 locals recommend
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
16160 Highway 12 EastThis place is a special place to visit winter, spring, summer and fall. If you can shedule your visit when they have a bird show, it is remarkable!!!
Discovery Harbour
93 Jury DrTall ships, trails, history, and food, all in one place!
Saint Marie Among the Hurons
Martyrs' Shrine
16163 ON-12Huronia Museum and Huron Ouendat Village
549 Little Lake Park RdOn the water
Canoe and kayak rentals, boat tours
Swift Georgian Bay has super helpful and knowledgeable staff. From them you can rent or purchase canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, and with every rental they also supply mounting gear for your vehicle, PFDs, and paddles. Here's their rental page: https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/
9 locals recommend
Swift Canoe & Kayak - Georgian Bay
3048 Mayhew RoadSwift Georgian Bay has super helpful and knowledgeable staff. From them you can rent or purchase canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, and with every rental they also supply mounting gear for your vehicle, PFDs, and paddles. Here's their rental page: https://swiftoutside.com/rentals/
Landmark Cruises
2 Main StreetBeer and Wine
This local winery offers a bottling experience fitted to each persons taste. Call Barb to place your order 4 - 6 weeks prior to your visit and she will have a fresh batch of bottles waiting for you to savour.
Tell Barb you are guests of Gord and Amber's… she will take good care of you!
Great Lakes Winery
505 King StThis local winery offers a bottling experience fitted to each persons taste. Call Barb to place your order 4 - 6 weeks prior to your visit and she will have a fresh batch of bottles waiting for you to savour.
Tell Barb you are guests of Gord and Amber's… she will take good care of you!
A gorgeous property in farm country. We find it expensive but Quayles makes really good beer and food.
43 locals recommend
Quayle's Brewery
4567 12 Line NA gorgeous property in farm country. We find it expensive but Quayles makes really good beer and food.
Couchiching Beach Park
140 Canice StA bit of a drive, but the tour is worthwhile!! The staff has been super welcoming to us every time we have gone, and they serve samples at their little bar along with the tour.
65 locals recommend
Creemore Springs Brewery
139 Mill StA bit of a drive, but the tour is worthwhile!! The staff has been super welcoming to us every time we have gone, and they serve samples at their little bar along with the tour.
Dog friendly places (for guests staying at Hillside Charm in Midland)
Little Lake Park
606 Little Lake Park Rd
Tiffin Park
William Street
Wasaga Beach Dog Park
1724 Mosley Street