Meaford
At the mouth of the Big Head River, Meaford's waterfront attracts visitors now as it did Native people and early settlers. From its dignified Opera House to the whimsical "big apple" information centre, The Golden Town shows many welcomes. Visitors may arrive by Highway 26 - Meaford's main street, or by water to its sheltered harbour.
Meaford is featured as one of ten favourite locations in the book Beautiful Ontario Towns by Fred Dahms, Professor Emeritus, founding member and former Chair of the Department of Geography, University of Guelph. In addition to many academic publications, he has written and edited popular books, including The Heart of the Country, and contributed articles to Canadian Geographic.
Historical Facts
- Early name Peggy's Landing honoured a pioneer settler
- Incorporated as a Town 1874
- Centre of Industry and Commerce, with early Mills and Factories
Visitor Services
- Chamber of Commerce Information Booth in the Big Apple on Sykes Street
- Harbour with Marina and Public Boat Launch
- Canada Coast Guard Station active mid-April to December
- Fairview Trailer Park
Community Facilities and Points of Interest
- Beautiful Joe Park - Legend of Beautiful Joe
- Meaford Harbour Park
- Memorial Park and Campground
- Medieval Memorial Stain Glass Windows - Anglican Church
- Meaford Museum
- Meaford Hall, home of Georgian Theatre Festival and Academy (summer)
- Meaford General Hospital,54 bed facility, part of Grey Bruce Health Services
- Elementary and secondary schools - Bluewater District School Board
- Georgian Cycle and Ski Trail
- Meaford Public Library
- Meaford & St Vincent Community Centre
- Historic home (from June 1864 until March 1866) of conservationist John Muir
- Grandma Lambe's Fruit Market on Highway 26
Annual Events
- Blue Mountain Studio Tour
- Summer concerts at the Harbour
- Georgian Theatre Festival
- Fishing Derbies
- Apple Harvest Craft Show
- Annual Scarecrow Invasion