The community of Meaford is situated on the Southern tip of Georgian Bay just two hours from the GTA. This four-season destination is known for its historic downtown that features boutiques, eclectic eateries, and services, and its balanced way of living. Meaford is filled with acres of rolling countryside, sandy beaches, and natural areas providing plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and activities. This has made Meaford a popular place to retire, search for seasonal properties, or for families looking for a simpler way of living.
The Georgian Bay Community School is the lone school in Meaford and serves students from junior kindergarten through grade 12. Those who would like to attend a Catholic school must travel to the nearby town of Owen Sound.
Meaford provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities making it a popular place to retire and find seasonal properties. McCaroll Park is located along the harbourfront offering families hours of entertainment at the playground, splash pad, and sandy beach area here. Memorial Park is also a popular place for outdoor entertainment. Here you’ll find a mini golf course, a beach area for swimming, and a picnic and camping area.
There are also several different walking trails to explore in Meaford. The Georgian Trail follows the old northern rail line from Meaford to Collingwood stretching 34 kilometers long. This trail is an accessible trail, great for walking or cycling. Some residents and visitors use the trail for cross-country skiing in the winter.
The Bognor Marsh is a 12-kilometre hiking trail featuring unique flora and fauna. This trail offers many things to see with three major marshes and regenerative forests. Along the way, users can stop to read the interpretive signs posted.
As mentioned before Meaford has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities. The community offers various recreational programming for all ages, some of these programs include dance, group fitness, and yoga. In addition to its fitness programming, the community has also organized classes in the culinary arts, quilting, and painting for those interested in the arts.
Throughout the community, you will also find tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds all open for community use. Many local community clubs will also use these fields for their recreational sports leagues during the summer. The Meaford and St.Vincent Community Centre also hosts community co-ed youth hockey sessions that run through the winter months and are coached by Meaford’s Junior A hockey team.
For those who enjoy on the water, Meaford has many boat slips for resident and visitor use. You can park your boat at Meaford’s harbourfront and explore the historic downtown core of Meaford, or if you’d rather spend your time out on the range, Meaford has three golf courses to choose from. Meaford Golf course, Scenic City Golf Course, and Stone Tree Golf Course are all beautiful 18-hole courses that provide scenic views of the natural beauty surrounding the community.
If you’re looking for a great family activity to do in Meaford, visiting Meaford Hall must be on your list. This 330-seat theatre, concert, and cinema venue is a century-old landmark showcasing decades of architecture and history. Meaford’s historic downtown area features many unique local shops and services, café’s, and restaurants. It’s also home to the newly built Meaford Public Library which offers a variety of kids and community programs and events that enhance and provide much-needed education and learning service to the younger population in Meaford.
If you’re searching for a great coffee shop McGinty’s Café is a great place for a light lunch and coffee stop. The Leeky Canoe Pub and Eatery is another great restaurant you’ll find within downtown Meaford and it’s a popular place amongst locals and visitors for its casual atmosphere and pub fare food.
Arts and culture are big in Meaford, and you will see that shine through as you walk from shop to shop. You will find some fun and quirky gift ideas and home décor pieces, as well as a beautiful clothing store.
Meaford is a vibrant community that is developing to suit the changing needs of their residents and visitors. It’s full of recreational activities and provides a way of life that will help you find balance.
-The BDAR Team