Explore our Communities
Grey County is a family of distinctive communities which values its heritage, natural beauty, clean, healthy environment and rural lifestyle. As the fourth largest county in Ontario, Grey County is home to more than 96 thousand residents.
Grey County is made up of 9 local municipalities, which are listed below, and several communities of varying sizes.
Communities
Anna - Leith
The villages of Annan and Leith are a little off the beaten path but reward visitors with natural beauty along Georgian Bay, historic sites like Tom Thomson's gravesite, and a stunning winery - Coffin Ridge.
Ayton
Ayton is at the heart of south Grey's farm country. It is home to both Filsinger's organic apple orchard and (thanks to all that open space) Starfest - one of North America's best night sky events.
Big Bay
Big Bay is situated on picturesque County Road 1, and is an ideal stopping point for day trippers traveling by car, motorcycle or bike. Grab a home-made ice cream and skip stones!
Blue Mountain Village
Ontario's #1 all-season destination has it all: Skiing and boarding in winter; golf, swimming and cycling in summer plus fabulous resort amenities of all kinds.
Chatsworth
Chatsworth is a historical crossroads where two of Ontario's major routes (now known as highways 6 and 10) merge to the south of Owen Sound. We think of it as a springboard to many good things.
Clarksburg
At the base of the Niagara Escarpment and the mouth of the Beaver River you'll find the charming villages of Thornbury and Clarksburg, known for fine dining, great shopping, wonderful galleries and a great little beach and pier.
Cobble Beach
Cobble Beach is many things: a community, an inn and spa, a golf course, a wonderful place to eat, and a place to enjoy events year round. Cycle, drive or fly in, or dock your boat at the private pier!
Craigleith
Craigleith is rich with history: the first skiers at Blue Mountain came by train to the station and by horse and carriage to the ski hills! Today it is home to four-season activities of all kinds.
Dundalk
Dundalk greets visitors to Grey at the very south-east corner of the county, home of big skies, country living and Mennonite culture on the surrounding backroads.
Durham
Durham is blessed with a conservation area, a waterfall, two beaches and public art gallery all within a stone's throw of one another. Come for the day or reserve a campsite and stay for a while.
Eugenia
Eugenia sits at the top of the Beaver Valley and Eugenia Falls tumbles a dramatic 30 meters to the valley below. Come to Eugenia to eat, hike the Bruce Trail, cycle or visit nearby galleries.
Flesherton
For decades, Flesherton has been known as the hub for arts, culture and food in southern Grey. It is also a designated "walking village", a great place to stroll of to start a hike.
Hanover
Hanover is a thriving town in southwest Grey, home to lots of downtown shopping, a racetrack and slots, a rec complex, theatres (live, movie and drive-in), a comprehensive trail system, paddling access points and lots more.
Heathcote
Heathcote may look like a "blink and you'll miss it" village but it has lots to offer!
Holstein
Holstein is the little village with a huge heart, home to some of Grey County's most popular events: Holstein Maplefest, and the famous Holstein Non-Motorized Santa Claus Parade.
Keady
The name "Keady" means one thing: the Keady Market. On top of the livestock auctions, thousands of people stream to the village of Keady every summer for fresh produce, home-style baking, meats and cheese and lots and lots of other items.
Kemble
Whether you're enjoying stunning views of Georgian Bay form the historic Women's Institute monument or enjoying country hospitality during the Kemble Maple Syrup Festival, this is a great place to relax and unwind.
Kimberley
Kimberley is a little village at the heart of many good things: the Beaver Valley and Bruce Trail, hiking, paddling, car-touring and cycling routes.
Markdale
Markdale has been a hub for central Grey County for many decades. In the heart of cattle country, Markdale is home to Canada's frozen treat maker, Chapman's Ice Cream.
Meaford
Meaford is situated on the Georgian Bay coast and is at the heart of Ontario's apple country. U-pick farms, an annual scarecrow festival and a thriving farmers' market help to make up Meaford's unique character.
Neustadt
Neustadt was once named "One of the Prettiest Towns in Ontario" and for good reason! Historic stone buildings house antique shops, studios, restaurants and a fantastic brewery.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound is the urban heart of Grey County. Protected by the Niagara Escarpment, Owen Sound is a beautiful, green city home to cultural riches.
Priceville
The picturesque village of Priceville is home to one of the area's greatest Canada Day celebrations. Come winter, enjoy a skate on the outdoor rink! Be sure to try the home-cooked treats at the Priceville General Store.
Ravenna
The hamlet of Ravenna may look like a dot on the map, but a visit to the Ravenna Country Market for food and travel advice will prove otherwise. Amazing cycling, hiking, apple picking and wine-tasting are all just a stone's throw away!
Rockford
Many visitors turn west at the lights in Rockford on their way up the Bruce Peninsula, but continuing north or turning east will bring you to great things including an auction house and flea market.
Shallow Lake
Shallow Lake boasts the perfect pond for shinny (bring your shovels) and the Shallow Lake Arena is home base for the Highland Dames roller derby team.
Singhampton
Singhampton is a village due south of the Blue Mountains; the perfect spot to stop for a stroll and a bite on your road trip.
Springmount
Springmount boasts one of Grey County's biggest visitor service centres in the Owen Sound Transportation building (buy your tickets for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry here). Be sure to hike the Bruce Trail to Jones Falls while you're here!
Thornbury
At the base of the Niagara Escarpment and the mouth of the Bighead River you'll find the charming villages of Thornbury and Clarksburg, known for fine dining, great shopping, wonderful galleries and a great little beach and pier.
Varney
Varney is all about motorsports. Known best for Friday night stock-car races, Varney is also on the OFSC Distict 9 snowmobile trail and there's a motorcycle shop nearby.
Walter's Falls
With the first sawmill at Walter's Falls established in 1854, the town remains the home of Hallman Lumber and Sawmill. Just above the falls themselves, The Falls Inn has become a popular wedding and vacation spot.
Williamsford
This tiny village on Highway 6 offers some unique attractions right on the main highway. Visit the Williamsford Mill or take the turn on MotoPark Road for some great off-road action.