Owen Sound and Inglis Falls – A Once Rough and Tumble Port and A Fabulous Waterfall
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Owen Sound
Located at the base of the Bruce Peninsula, Owen Sound presents an imposing natural harbour to the incoming vessel. Formally part of the ancestral lands of the Ojibwe people it was transformed into a settlement called Sydenham in 1840 after being discovered by the famed British explorer William Fitzwilliam Owen in 1815. The settlement would eventually be given his name in 1851, and would shortly thereafter become the seat of Grey County (1852)
Today it may look like an inoffensive little town but it was once a bombastic and tawdry place best known for its establishments of ill repute such as taverns and brothels. Sailors would disembark here by watched by madams who would ready their painted ladies for the arrival of the men, who would immediately proceed to local taverns such as the “Bucket of Blood” at Damnation’s Corners as it has taverns on all for corners (funnily enough an intersection with four churches called “Salvation Corners). The level of vice and villainy in “The Sound” led to its nicknames the Chicago of the North, Corkscrew City, and Little Liverpool and the eventual banning of the fiery spirits, in essence Owen Sound was “dry” until 1972. The city is no longer the port it once was but walking around the harbour you can still see tankers basking in its waters.
Speaking of the waterfront, it is here that you will find the old train station, now a Marine & Rail Museum. If you complete a walk along the water you will get to see the old grain elevator.
The town itself is rather typical for this part of Ontario, with a main street dating from the 19th century. In town you will find an art gallery dedicated to one of its native sons, the group of seven painter Tom Tompson. Among other important natives that lived here were John Bethume (his decedents known for the Bethune House Historic Site in the Muskokas)
In the old masonry homes outside the main district you will find a tribute to the city’s most famous native son, the decorated First World War pilot Billy Bishop. This tribute is a museum in the former airman home dedicated to his file and times. This Canada hero was an ace, downing 72 enemy aircraft and in the process winning himself a Victoria cross. Oddly enough he started his career in the Canadian Cavalry, where he was known for his good eyesight and crack shot!
The same neighbourhood is a collection of beautiful old masonry Victorians. The surrounding suburbs include attractions such as Jones falls and Weaver falls but neither compares to Ingles Falls see in the next section.
Inglis Falls
Located just south of the city, these massive falls are an attraction in their own right. Located near the Grey Roots Museum & Archives, the site is home to a historic grist mill located at the top of the fall.
Nearby you will find an old stone hut, that was likely an old ice storage space.
On the west side of the falls you will find a lookout showing the cascade in all its beauty. The 18 meters fall pours from the Sydenham River hitting the Niagara Escarpment, where it has carved out a deep gorge from its base.
Speaking of which, the grist mill bridge that crosses over the river offers a great view of Inglis Falls Conservation Area Valley heading towards Owen Sound itself.
On the east side of the falls you will find a pathway heading down towards the gorge. It is not recommended that you approach the waterfall, but many do!
Here is a quick video of the fall!
Conclusion
Owen Sound is a wonderful place to spend a weekend. From here one can drive up the Bruce Peninsula and visit many wonderful hiking destination and waterfalls. The town itself may be small but has all the amenities that one could need for a weekend away!
