City of Owen Sound

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Did you know?
One of the city's most famous sons is World War I flying ace and Victoria Cross winner William Avery "Billy" Bishop, Canada's leading pilot in the war and a veteran of Vimy Ridge. Bishop is also one of the few to have tangled with the Red Baron and survived, forcing the German pilot to retreat in a damaged aircraft.

Winter in Owen Sound

Ice Skating
outdoor rink at Harrison Park click image for large version

All ages and skill levels will enjoy lacing up their skates and meeting with friends and family on their choice of 2 indoor rinks and 1 outdoor artificial surface in Harrison Park. 

Paid Skating Options
Don't worry what the weather is outside as you delight in special skating times at either the Bayshore Community Centre or the Coliseum.  Plan your week with the skating schedule .

Pay as you go or buy a membership for the whole season!
REGULAR SKATING ADMISSION: Single - $3.00 Family $6.00
SKATING MEMBERSHIPS: *
Single-20 skates - $25.00 Family-20 skates - $60.00
* Memberships can be used at all skates except Shinney Hockey & Adult Skating times)
ADULT PUBLIC SKATING: (Thursday evening only)
Single - $4.00 Membership-20 skates - $34.00
SHINNEY HOCKEY: $9.00 per person
PRE-SCHOOL SKATE & SKATE-8: No instruction provided. Recommended children wear helmets for their own protection.

For memberships, schedules, or information, contact:
Community Services: 519-376-1440
Bayshore: 519-376-3594
Coliseum: 519-376-3611

FREE Skating Options
BAYSHORE BROADCASTING is pleased to offer FREE Public Skating every Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum, 1:30-2:50 pm

Savour the beauty of Harrison Park as you're enveloped by nature on the outdoor artificial ice surface.  This is where the HOSE rule takes effect; Hockey on Odd days; Skating on Even.


Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
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Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing can be enjoyed on numerous trails close to home.  Residents of the city break trails throughout Harrison Park or at neighbouring Conservation areas of Inglis Falls, Pottawatomi or Hibou.  Explore many more trail opportunities with the Bruce Grey Trails Network chart

Have you tried cross country skiing at night?  Try something new on a lit route at the Sawmill Ski Trail 1 km east of the lights in Hepworth.

Enjoy Cross Country Skiing and snowshoing on 10 kms of groomed trails at Cobble Beach and skating on a manmade rink.

Beginners or visitors may consider renting equipment at:

BikeFace (Snowshoes only)
269 10th St. East, Owen Sound - 519-376-9777

Cobble Beach (Snowshoes only)
221 McLeese Drive Kemble, ON 519-370-2173

Suntrail Outfitters (Skis & Snowshoes)
Highway #6 (100 Spencer / 60 Queen East)
Hepworth, Ontario 519-935-2478

Saint-Dominique-Savio School at 800 23rd St. East. 
Call Marc-Andre Proulx for a pick-up appointment at 519-477-0653. (Weekends only)

Don't forget your camera and remember to share your experiences on the Feedback page of our website.

 


Tobogganing
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For kids it's the best part of winter, and for adults it's one of the best secret workouts you can get.  Owen Sound's Harrison Park has one of the best tobogganing hills in the region, sporting both a smaller hill for toddlers and a more advanced decent for thrill seekers.  Later, stop at the Harrison Park Inn Restaurant for a hot drink and a bite to warm up. 


Winter Waterfalls
Inglis Falls in Winter click image for large version

Ever seen a waterfall in the winter? Spectacular natural ice formations can be found at Inglis Falls, Jones Falls, Indian Falls and Weaver's Creek Falls, all in or near Owen Sound. 

Inglis Falls is located just south of Owen Sound and is part of the Grey Sauble Conservation watershed. This beautiful cascading waterfall is must see any time of the year. There are over 8km of trails within the conservation at a variety of lengths and diffuculties, including the Bruce Trail which links to Harrison Park and Weaver's Creek Falls. Inglis Falls Conservation area is the perfect spot for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the winter months.


Weavers Creek Falls
is located in our beautiful Harrison Park. A short boardwalk west of the pool at the back of the park will lead you to this small yet intimate falls. The boardwalk is not shovelled in the winter, making it a great setting for a winter snowshoe. 

 


Hockey
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Owen Sound is the smallest city in Ontario (and one of the smallest in Canada) to boast an OHL Major Junior 'A' Hockey Team. The Owen Sound Attack - provincial champions in 2010-2011 - captured the heart of the community and it's first OHL Championship during its memorable run to the 2011 Memorial Cup. Experience the family friendly Bayshore Community Centre as Saturday nights are hockey nights in Owen Sound and the team plays many Wednesday nights as well. (Photo © John Carrick)

Minor Hockey plays a significant role to our youth, so support them and come out to a game or tournament.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach to hockey, bring your equipment for some shinney action at the Bayshore Community Centre, or remember that odd numbered days are considered hockey days on the outdoor artificial surface at Harrison Park.


Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing in Owen Sound Harbour click image for large version

Depending on weather conditions, ice usually forms in February and may last until the end of March. The best ice fishing can be found from the harbour channel out to Thompson’s Hole, approximately 3 miles out pending ice conditions. Under the ice you will find Rainbow, Brown and Lake Trout, whitefish –possibly salmon and maybe the odd Ling!  Parking is available at the East Side boat launch (1900 3rd Avenue East). Permits are available from the Service Ontario office in Owen Sound at 1400 – 1st Avenue West. For more information, call 1-800-387-7011 or visit www.ontario.ca/fishing

Live bait and tackle can be found at:

Watson’s Tackle
125 14th Street West – 519-371-0090

Something’s Fishy
1299 16th Street East – 519-376-7400

Walmart
155 18th Avenue East – 519-371-6900

 


Dog Sledding
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Dog sledding is an exciting activity that is becoming vastly popular.  Be lead through open fields on a manmade sled by a team of dogs into a winter wonderland.

Grey County is home to a couple of dog sledding outfitters, both offering their own unique experience and picturesque landscapes.  Orientation and guided tours are provided along with personal introductions of the dogs in hopes of alleviating any apprehensions.

Rob Roy Snow Dogs

Singing Dogs Dog Sled Adventures

 

 


Festival of Northern Lights
Festival of Northern Lights, Owen Sound click image for large version

Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 18+ kilometres of lights, 300+ displays and 54,000+ light bulbs twinkle along the banks of the Sydenham River in downtown Owen Sound and at Harrison Park during this popular annual festival. Enjoy several weeks of events, including concerts, craft shows, a Santa Claus parade, house tours and Christmas celebrations. The festival is a National Winter Lights Champion and Festivals & Events Ontario Multiple Award Winner. Horse drawn carriage rides around the lights provided by Windsong Horse & Carriage. www.windsongcarriage.com

Click here for more information on the Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound.


Snowmobiling
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The Owen Sound Eastside Snowmobile Club is an active local group involved in the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.  Snowmobile trails enter the city at various points with easy access to accommodations, restaurants, gas stations and shopping opportunities.  Current trail conditions change often during the season so check regularly, and please ride with safety in mind.  We want you to visit again.

For even more information on Snowmobiling check RideGreyBruce.com.


Curling
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The Bluewater Curling Club and The Grey Granite Curling Club offer curling as an indoor winter sport option.  This sport exercises strategic skill, team play and physical agility beneficial to mind, body and spirit of all ages.


 

©2012 City of Owen Sound

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