Queen Elizabeth II once named this Ontario town the prettiest in Canada

Goderich, Ont., was once named the “prettiest” in Canada by none other than Queen Elizabeth II. With clear blue skies, stunning landscapes and multiple beaches, it’s no surprise that this town has left many, especially royalty, in awe.

This small coastal town is situated on bluffs with a gorgeous view of Lake Huron. If you’re travelling from Toronto, it’s just under a three-hour drive. That means it’s a perfect day trip or weekend opportunity if you’re looking for some fun in the sun.

Historic take

The town is known for its almost turquoise-blue beaches (three in fact) and a very charming historic downtown.

If you’re looking for a taste of Goderich’s past, the town’s official tourism page recommends checking out the centuries-old stained-glass windows at St. George’s Anglican Church and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, along with a visit to Sr. William “Tiger” Dunlop’s grave.

You can also stop by the Bedford Hotel on the Square to visit one of Goderich’s original hotels. Oh, and you definitely want to grab a drink in one of Huron County’s oldest buildings, The Park House. It was built in 1837 and is currently operating as a pub.

What does the town offer?

But while you’re here, a visit to the town’s beaches is a must.

According to Destination Ontario, Main Beach, St. Christopher’s Beach, and Rotary Cove Beach are lined with playgrounds, fitness equipment, washrooms, and a spot for food and drinks. All are accessible thanks to the boardwalk.

Stop by St. Christopher’s Beach and take the wooden stairs to visit the Goderich Lighthouse on the edge of a bluff.

Thanks to Goderich’s location on the coastline, the town offers a lot of fun and adventurous activities to partake in. This includes walking trails that surround the town, showcasing its stunning views of nature and sightseeing.

While the weather is still warm, take time to explore its many parks! More than a quarter of its land is dedicated to parkland, most of which is overlooking the lake.

If you’re more of a city dweller, you may find some comfort in the town landscape. According to the official Goderich website, it is home to over 140 businesses and services.

From surrounding trails to Main Street and everything in between, clearly, there are a number of reasons why the Queen was so fond of the small Canadian town.

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Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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