Travels With Stacey

Charlene was talking to her colleagues at her work when one mentioned doing the Grey Bruce Waterfalls Tour.  She had been talking about the places we started to go to, but before September 11, 2016, we were doing just one-stop destinations.  This waterfalls tour would be our first road trip.

I grew up in a time before the internet, and the only way to hear of an attraction is to know someone who has been there before or to find a tourist book or visitor centre.  I had no idea just how much is out there and assumed the only places to go were the ones we all know about, like zoos, the major museums and Niagara Falls.

I had naively assumed that the number of waterfalls in the world probably was under a dozen.  I had seen Niagara Falls several times but only heard of a few more on TV shows.  Hearing that nine falls just north of me left me flabbergasted!

I have no idea how much more is out there in this world!

After receiving a pamphlet from my wife’s co-worker, I began to map out the route I would take on this, our very first road trip.  This trip would be the inspiration for all our other road trips, and because we enjoyed this so much, I started to create a bucket list.

My bucket list was simple: to see as much as we could before I would undergo a drastic and dangerous surgery.  Time was running out, and the odds were not in my favour because of the nature of my health.

We left our home early and our first stop at Hoggs Falls. I found Hoggs Falls to be a miniature version of a bridal veil fall. I was immediately hooked.  

HOGGS FALLS:

• A small parking lot for about eight vehicles.
• Steep entrance to the parking lot.
• Uphill to falls.
• Access to the bottom by rope.  I have never been brave enough to try.

The second stop is not very far. Eugenia Falls is the central focus of the Eugenia Conservation Area. Hoggs falls is a mini version, Eugenia falls is a full-scale version of a bridal veil! The height is impressive. Walking upriver is an excellent path with an abandoned building and on the other side is an archway to a former mine.

EUGENIA FALLS:

• Ample parking
• Free entry when I first went.  Possible paid entry now.
• War memorial on site.
• Beautiful area with trails in either direction.
• The view of the falls is limited because of trees.

It was a bit of a drive to the next waterfall, which was okay.  Leaving this area, we drove into a vast and picturesque valley.  There are two lookouts, one of which has more hiking trails, allowing for even more views.  

Webwood falls is at a bend in a dirt road.  Nothing indicates its location.  It can be viewed from a platform on one side.  On the other side is an abandoned shed and a hand-operated water pump that still works.  It is also a punchbowl.  An interesting term is that a bridal veil falls created a large bowl-like structure around it.  Seeing the different layers of rock is fascinating for those interested in geology.  Waterflow is slow almost all year long, but it is still beautiful and worth the detour.

WEBWOOD FALLS:

• No parking.  Must park on the side of the road on a blind corner.  Be cautious!
• Access to the bottom is steep and is covered in vines—a trip hazard.

Back in 2016, Walters Falls was freely accessible.  COVID struck, and access became restricted to only those patrons of the Walter Falls Inn.  This fall is one of great character.  The remains of an old mill are at the crest, a beautiful inn, and a gazebo that is perfect for wedding pictures.  This fall is glorious no matter the season and is well worth the trek to the bottom.  Walters Falls would be our first example of a segmented fall – split down the middle making two falls out of one.

WALTERS FALLS:

• PRIVATE PROPERTY NOW.  Seek permission before venturing.
• Beautiful location.
• Steep access to the bottom that becomes rocky along the river to the base of the falls.  

Inglis Falls was our next stop.  The drive to this one was rather long, but we did get to see the county side that we had never seen before.  This is likely the most popular location on the route, and it was easy to see why when we arrived.  On our first visit, we were awe-struck at the amount of water flowing over the crest and the rocks of this natural wonder.  We spent the longest time at this one admiring its beauty. 

INGLIS FALLS:

• Small entry fee.
• Parking lot is large but can fill up quickly.
• Small visitor centre that always seems to be closed.
• Access to the bottom is challenging and is forbidden.
• Trails in the area.  One path along the side of the river has large rocks.  A challenge to hike but is very interesting.
• Consider going to Silent Valley Nature Reserve, which is before this location.  It has ruins, an abandoned well, fossils and a plane wreck.

It is a short drive to Harrison Park in Owen Sound, where a boardwalk leads to Weaver’s Creek Falls.  The trail meanders along the creek until reaching the falls.  It is in a valley the entire way and is rather scenic and well worth the short walk from the parking lot.

WEAVER’S CREEK FALLS:

• Located inside Harrison Park.  Be sure to check out the animal section on the way out.  There is a collection of exotic birds, such as swans and geese.
• It is possible to park at this location and hike to Inglis Falls, saving a few dollars and seeing the forested trails to and from each destination.
• There are other activities at Harrison Park that may pique your interest.
• Free access and plenty of parking throughout the location.

Inglis falls delivered on impact. Jones falls delivered on suspense.  From the parking lot, we followed the river as it winded through the forest.  It became evident that the river was beginning to speed up, and it was audible before we approached it.  The sound of water rushing was our first experience on this day way back in 2016, and we would use this auditory clue for future visits to other falls that had a longer hike.  This clue also helped us find the ephemeral falls of spring when we were out hiking.

Jones Falls has a lot to explore.  As we approached, the rapids before the fall were visible.  A small steel bridge crosses the river giving access to the best view.  The river makes a sharp turn before plunging.  This is my favourite of this tour and is in my top 10 of all falls.  

JONES FALLS:

• The trail is often muddy, especially in spring and takes a long time to dry after rain.
• Relatively flat getting there.  To see the bottom requires some effort and walking to a side trail that is along the edge of the cliff.  This side trail is beyond the falls on the steel bridge’s opposite side.  It is worth the effort if you are up to the challenge.
• Be aware of how close you are to the edge at all times!

Indian Falls is on the far side of Owen Sound.  When the water levels are just right, it is the most beautiful of all the bridal veil falls we have seen.  From the parking lot, it is the longest hike to it, where there is a steep hill near the beginning.  The falls plunge into a valley, and there are safe viewing platforms.  

INDIAN FALLS:

• Large parking lot.
• Often access is restricted due to flooding during the spring thaw.
• Be prepared for a walk in the woods (15 or more minutes) to see the falls.
• Hill is steep and can be muddy. 

During our first time doing the tour, I chose to skip the final two locations.  Within the title is “Dam.”  How can a dam be beautiful?  I was wrong and regretted missing the next stop, especially.  McGowan Falls and Dam convinced me that waterfalls can be dammed and still deliver on being incredible.  I was so impressed with this location I took my parents to see it on a small tour.

McGOWAN FALLS:

• Easy access and free.
• Parking lot is beside the falls.
• Sturdy bridge over top.

Depending on how you take this route, Holstein Dam is either your first stop or the final one.  It is a classic dam that can have an impressive flow during the spring.  Unfortunately, I have found this one to be the least impressive and have rarely visited since.  

The Grey Bruce Waterfall tour is something that we have done multiple times.  Winter, spring, summer and fall, these falls are constantly flowing.  Because of this tour, we would discover more falls, more locations to visit, and the value of repeat visits because when it comes to waterfalls, they change every day.

September 11, 2016, was our first official trip that started it all.

September 11, 2018, was the date of my surgery, a happy anniversary for a momentous occasion.

Psst, in case you are wondering, things turned out fine.

• The official website for Grey Bruce Waterfall Tour.
• A Google map highlighting these locations.