Goderich – One of the Prettiest Towns in Ontario
Sitting on the edge of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario is the charming historic town of Goderich. So charming, that it was once described as “the prettiest town in Canada” by Queen Elizabeth II. Goderich offers visitors a great mix of history, sandy beaches, arts & culture and a vibrant downtown. It is also close proximity to other popular small towns in Ontario like Bayfield and Grand Bend. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Ontario small town getaway or a fun day trip you’ll find all the best things to do in Goderich here.
About Goderich
Goderich has an interesting history in Canada. After the War of 1812, John Galt and a group of investors formed the Canada Company. The British government granted the Canada Company 1,100,000 acres of land stretching from Lake Huron to Guelph. The location of the proposed town was cleared of its dense trees and a log cabin was erected. When John Galt arrived by boat to the shores on June 29, 1827, it was celebrated as founder’s day for Goderich.
John Galt then drew up the town plan. Similar to the design of the charming village of Bayfield it includes a central square and streets fanning out from it. Very different than the usually grid patterns you seen in most small towns in Ontario.
Top Things to Do in Goderich
STROLL DOWNTOWN GODERICH
Like any small town in Ontario, the heart of the community can be found in its historic downtown. And the downtown in Goderich is surprisingly large. At the centre sits Courthouse Square, nicknamed ‘The Square’, which is an octagonal shaped public space with eight streets radiating out from there. It’s the location of the County Courthouse built in 1857, and later replaced with a Art Deco style after a devastating fire.
Most of the buildings around The Square were built in mid-to-late 1850s. There are almost 200 unique shops that line the historic downtown. Everything from antiques to art galleries to specialty stores making shopping in Goderich a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
CHECK OUT A MUSEUM
If you are looking to learn about the history of Goderich and surrounding area head to Huron County museum. Goderich has a number of interesting facts. Did you know:
- the last public hanging in Canada took place in Goderich?
- the Huron County Jail operated from 1842 to 1972? The Huron Historic Gaol is now a National Historic Site and operates as a museum which offers ghost tours.
- Goderich is home to the largest underground salt mine in world? It sits under Lake Huron.
WATCH A LOCAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
Goderich has a thriving arts community. It also has one of Canada’s longest running community theatre groups that put on productions out of the Goderich Little Theatre. As well, The Huron County Playhouse offers musicals, comedies and dramas.
ATTEND A FESTIVAL
This family-friendly community offers year-round festivals. A highlight in the summer is listening to the local highlanders pipe band ‘Pipe Down the Sun’ every Friday evening. And, in the winter, don’t miss the Tree lighting ceremony followed by a holiday parade and festival of lights. As well, every Saturday Goderich features a large Farmers Market in the Square. Be sure to check out upcoming events in Goderich to plan your trip.
GRAB A BITE
There are a lot of great restaurants in Goderich. My favourite is Cait’s Café – a Parisian inspired eatery. A must-try are their butter croissants. For breakfast, it’s the decadent chocolate croissant and for lunch it turns into a delicious sandwich with your favourite toppings. Their delicious croissants can stand up to any boulangerie in Paris- they are that good!
GO TO THE BEACH
There is no doubt that one of the biggest draws to Godrich is the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Goderich offers visitors three beaches to choose from. There’s the Goderich Main Beach – perfect for families or Rotary Cove Beach – a shallow sandy beach. Then, there is St. Christopher’s Beach – a dog-friendly beach.
Walk the Menesetung Bridge that crosses over the Maitland River, or the Goderich boardwalk stretching 1.5-kms along the beach front. With the main beach on one side and green space on the other.
GODERICH LIGHTHOUSE
No visit to this small town is complete until you check out the Goderich Lighthouse. It is the oldest Canadian light station on Lake Huron. Built in 1847, it only stands at just over 6 metres. As it sits on a hill above the shoreline, it has a focal plane of 46 metres. Be sure not to miss this Goderich attraction, the views alone are worth it.
As a holidaymaker…
The entire shoreline of Lake Huron has been recognized as one of Canada’s best beach areas. And, beyond the beach it’s in close proximity to some other amazing small towns – explore Bayfield, Kincardine and Sauble Beach. This is now becoming the new hot spot for Torontonians to come for the weekend.
Goderich easily earns the title of one of the prettiest towns in Ontario. With its scenic backdrop of Lake Huron and so many amazing things to do, it makes for the perfect small town getaway in Ontario or a fun day trip. If you are looking to stay and rent a cottage nearby, check out 10 Best Airbnb Properties in Ontario’s West Coast.
Popular day trips from Goderich include along Ontario’s West Coast. Check out some of my featured articles:
If you are interested in visiting other small towns in Ontario, check out these featured articles:
76 Comments
Kelly
I grew up just down the highway from Goderich. For us older folk, Goderich is known as the place where Steven Truscott was jailed as a young boy.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, I heard about that story too. Great coastal town with a rich history is always a good place to visit.
Ami Bhat
I love the very laid-back feel of the town. The beaches for sure would be the top most for me . I like the sound of those cafes and colorful street art that you have shown. The lighthouse is definitely an interesting stop too.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, there is a lot of top things to do in Goderich.
Trisha Velarmino
If this is the place I’d be strolling to, I wouldn’t mind. It’s indeed pretty. Basing it on the photos and the description, it has its own unique charm!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for stopping by.
Sherianne
Goderich has got to have one of the cutest city signs I have seen! Would love to see the light house, check out the street art and browse the farmer’s market. Thanks for introducing me to Goderich
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks so much for stopping by and I do hope you get a chance to visit the pretty town of Goderich one day.
Paul Johnson
Proximity to the lake would be a big draw for me. It’s always nice to be near water and this just adds to Godrich’s obvious charm.
The.Holidaymaker
I agree Paul, it’s the perfect beach town, with a great mix history and charm.
Krista
Goderich isn’t too far from my hometown, but to be honest I haven’t explore the town itself in much detail. I’ll have to drive there this summer!
The.Holidaymaker
It’s the perfect beach town to visit in the summer.
Bhushavali
As someone who loves visiting small towns, Goderich looks like the typical place I’d visit. Interesting to know that the central square is octagonal. I would definitely do a quick visit to the Huron County museum. The lighthouse looks nice. Is it possible to climb it too?
The.Holidaymaker
It’s not possible to climb it. It’s actually not a tall lighthouse as it sits on a cliff over the water. The views from the area around the lighthouse are stunning.
kmf
I can see why Goderich is considered as the prettiest town in Canada. Such a charming and historic town. Love places like this!
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so glad you agree that is a pretty little town.
Travel A-Broads
I had never heard of Goderich before, but it looks so charming! I would personally love to just stroll around, taking in all the sights, and spend some time on the beach for a day. Thanks for sharing. Xx Sara
The.Holidaymaker
Beach days in Goderich are the best! Thanks for stopping by.
Catherine
I’d never heard of Goderich, Canada but you’re right: it’s such a pretty town in Ontario! I pinned this for my sometime in the future trip to Ontario. Can’t wait.
The.Holidaymaker
Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit Catherine, it’s a town worth seeking out.
Megan
I love that it’s a family friendly community. And I love the murals!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, you’re right it’s definitely a family friendly community.
Kez
It’s definitely a cute little town. I love that the downtown area looks so open and uncrowded.
The.Holidaymaker
Going to these hidden gems means it’s a locals’ secret.
Kemkem
I’ve been hearing such good things about Ontario lately, I think the universe is trying to tell me something. Goderich looks like a charming town, one that l would love to explore further. Thanks for the details on this very pretty place.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, Ontarian is full of amazing small towns, everyone comes and never leaves Toronto, but there is a lot behind that city.
Jen Nilsson
That butterfly mural is just absolutely beautiful! What a fun town to explore. I’m putting a day in Goderich on the list!
The.Holidaymaker
Isn’t that mural so fantastic?! It’s definitely a reflection of how fun this town is.
Kelly Francois
Goderich is a fantastic little town with some great restaurants. Anyone from the area will remember the Steven Truscott murder which occurred in the 60’s. He was tried as an adult and incarcarated in to Goderich jail. It is interesting to tour. He was found innocent many many years later in his life.
The.Holidaymaker
I didn’t know that, interesting indeed. All the more reason to check out the museums when visiting to hear about these stories.
Nicoll
Wow! Such a great list. I saved this for later so I can check Goderich out someday when I visit Canada.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear it inspired you to add to the list.
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Gustavo A Feliciano
Looks like such a lovely hidden gem! Would love to visit it one day!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Gus, appreciate you stopping by and for your comment.
Shireen
Loved learning about Canada’s prettiest town! I can even tell from your pictures how gorgeous it looks.
Lake Huron sounds right up my street and would love to visit this place while there.
Also, I didn’t know that people from Ontario are called Ontarians until this post!!
The.Holidaymaker
Lake Huron is pretty amazing, hopefully your get to experience it one day.
Emma
This is a really pretty town, although I might have to visit to really appreciate how pretty it might be. With the quaint shops and lighthouse out might take some beating. That butterfly artwork is gorgeous. So stunning
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, you’ll have to visit to really appreciate it Emma!
Natascha
This town looks like the perfect place to get away for a few days: Cute and walkable with a lot of history and a lot of things to do. I would start with the Huron History Museum and then browse the small shops until I get hungry. And in the evening I would visit one of the small theater performances. I have the feeling it is easy to get into contact with the people in Goderich.
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so glad you liked the look and feel of the town!
Kevin
Having just moved to Chicago, Canada (and Ontario in particular) is on my travel wish list once borders reopen. I love small towns, so naturally I have to bookmark “Canada’s Prettiest Town”! The layout sounds interesting with the courthouse at the very center with the eight streets surrounding the circular park. It looks small enough to be very walkable as well. I would love to check out the historic center, and the waters of Lake Huron look so pretty and bright blue in Goderich!
The.Holidaymaker
Lake Huron can rival any beach in the world. It’s that amazing.
Umiko
Goderich reminded me of historic downtown in America. A courthouse in the middle with other buildings surrounding it, occupied by different businesses. I like admiring the old buildings when visiting historic town like this, and visiting local’s favorite cafe or antique stores.
The.Holidaymaker
Great to hear there are some similarities to some towns in the US
Jason
What a beautiful town, John Galt and his investors built did an amazing job. Can’t help think it had something to do with the salt mine tho. These business men and very cleaver. Lovely place would definitely love to visit.
Candy
What a gorgeous quaint town in Ontario. The museum sounds pretty interesting and I’d be curious to know what the charge was for the last public hanging in Canada. I’ll have to visit the museum to find that out 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Now you made me curious! Thanks for stopping by.
Aradhana
Seems like a quaint find, I’d visit for the Lake Huron coastline, a big draw for me. The arts scene too looks quite vibrant. You mention some interesting facts as well about the historic town, which have piqued my interest.
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for stopping by, pleased to hear you liked it
Ha
Goderich looks so lovely! I can picture how to spend a weekend here. I’d love to visit the Huron County Playhouse for musicals and comedies, then wander around the art gallery and shops in the historic downtown. Of course I wouldn’t miss the Goderich Lighthouse and spend a lovely evening at the beaches.
The.Holidaymaker
You’ve just captured the essence of this small town! Hopefully you’ll be able to visit and experience it all yourself one day soon!
Sherianne
I love that the town square is the focal point with everything spanning from it, cities set on grids aren’t as pretty. Looks like a great downtown to wander, lunch in a café and take the butterfly selfie. A bike ride on the boardwalk next to Lake Huron sounds like the perfect end to the day
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so glad you found that there is so much to do to send the perfect day in this small town.
Saurabh
Goderich indeed looks like such a pretty town. A place where one would want to lose oneself 🙂 I would like to attend the festival and paid my visit to the local theatre.
The.Holidaymaker
Checking out the local talent is definitely a must-do. Thanks for stopping by.
barry
Well, if it’s good enough for her majesty … it’s good enough for me! It looks a perfect weekend getaway – if only it was closer to me,lol. It certainly fits the “prettiest town” category.
Love the effect of the rays of pink/purple with the butterflies on that building – very creative.
I never thought that there were beaches on the Lake but then …. why shouldn’t there be. Makes the getaway even better.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, the entire coastline of Lake Huron has some fantastic beaches – each one offering up some amazing sunsets.
Riana Ang-Canning
What a cute little town! This is exactly how I’d like to spend a long weekend – eating, shopping, festivals, the beach! Bagpipers and a butterfly mural sound so lovely too. All of your spotlights on Ontario’s small towns are giving me lots of inspiration for our honeymoon in case we can’t travel into the US or the Maritimes.
The.Holidaymaker
Oh yes, too many lovely places in Ontario!
Raksha
I love visiting lighthouses and the Goderich lighthouse is the first place I will go when I visit Goderich. The town definitely looks beautiful and every corner is pretty. I would love to visit Lake Huron shores as well as it looks amazing. I am adding Goderich to my list of places to visit.
The.Holidaymaker
If you lighthouses, then the Goderich lighthouse is among one of the nicest ones. The entire surrounding is picturesque with great views of Lake Huron.
Yukti
Goderich looks rustic laidbook place with lovely things to do. I would love to visit museum and book some show at local theatre. Even Goderich lighthouse looks very interesting as it is oldest Canadian lighthouse at Lake Huron.
The.Holidaymaker
It is a laid back, friendly community- everything you might expect from a small town!
Linda (LD Holland)
I am loving all the new Ontario gems you are introducing me to. I do love small Ontario towns like Goderich to just wander. And as the summer weather comes we are definitely looking for new ideas for a beach. We will definitely be heading that way this summer.
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so glad I introduced a fellow Ontarian a new place to go! You’ll love it Linda, the whole west coast of Lake Huron is great to go!
Suzanne Jones
I’d never heard of Goderich before reading this. I love a beachside town – there’s always so much to see and do and if there’s a lighthouse even better!
The.Holidaymaker
I agree nothing beats a beachside town!
Sarah
This town is beautiful! It definitely deserves the name of “prettiest town” and the beaches look fantastic. Looks like yet another place to add to my list for when I eventually visit Canada!
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like it might be a long list! Hopefully you’ll be able to experience the country soon.
Sue
What a beautiful place! I had never heard of Goderich but it looks like the perfect place to get away from the city.
The.Holidaymaker
It definitely is a great escape from the city.
Jeff Albom
This town looks very cute. I like the town square and radial street design. I guess you can do a lot when the town is planned and didn’t just spring up and grow from commerce.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, you are so right! If only that were true in more cases than not.