Route 3: A Scenic Country Drive from Guelph to Skipping Rock Cottages
If you're travelling from Guelph or Kitchener-Waterloo, this route winds you through farmland, Mennonite country, waterfalls, and small-town bakeries before opening up to Georgian Bay.
Driving overview: From Guelph/Kitchener → Head north toward Fergus → Continue through Mount Forest → Durham → Neustadt → Hanover → Owen Sound → Follow Highway 26 East to Meaford → Arrive at Skipping Rock Cottages
The total drive is roughly 2.5–3 hours — but with a few thoughtful stops, it becomes part of the vacation.
First Stretch: Acton & East Garafraxa
Heartwood Farm & Cidery
Heartwood Farm & Cidery
5438 Second Line, Erin, ON N0B 1T0
A peaceful farm cidery just north of Acton. Open land, picnic tables, and space for kids to stretch their legs before heading farther north.
Hereward Farms
Hereward Farms
141051 15 Sideroad, East Garafraxa, ON L9W 7B4
Lavender fields in season and a lovely farm shop. A calm, scenic early stop.
Mennonite Country & Durham Area
Misty Meadows Market
(Conn, ON – Cash only Mennonite bakery)
A classic countryside stop for cinnamon buns, fresh cheese, and baked goods to take to the cottage.
All Sorts Acres Farm & Gallery
All Sorts Acres Farm and Gallery
307930 Hockley Rd, Ayton, ON N0G 1C0
Sheep’s milk ice cream and farm views. A fun and memorable stop for families.
Durham
West Grey Premium Beef
West Grey Premium Beef
309752 Grey Rd 4, Durham, ON N0G 1R0
Perfect for picking up steaks or burgers for the cottage barbecue.
Pebbles Family Buffet
Pebbles Family Buffet
112 Garafraxa St N, Durham, ON N0G 1R0
An easy, casual family lunch stop.
McGowan Falls
McGowan Falls
McGowan Falls Rd, Durham, ON N0G 1R0
A short scenic waterfall stop just off the main road.
Dragonfly Alpaca Ranch
Dragonfly Alpaca Ranch
734060 West Back Line, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0
Book ahead for alpaca visits — always a highlight with kids.
Neustadt & Hanover
Neustadt Springs Brewery
Neustadt Springs Brewery
456 Jacob St, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0
Noah’s Inn Fish & Chips
Noah's Inn Fish & Chips
183 King St, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0
Schultz Bakery
Schultz Bakery
205 10th St, Hanover, ON N4N 1N3
Hanover Market
Hanover Market
198 10th St, Hanover, ON N4N 1N3
Elmwood & Williamsford
Riverside Resort & Bistro
Riverside Resort & Bistro
924 Bruce Rd 10, Elmwood, ON N0G 1S0
Williamsford Pie Company
Williamsford Pie Company
293 Toronto St, Williamsford, ON N0H 2V0
Williamsford Mill
Williamsford Mill
293 Toronto St, Williamsford, ON N0H 2V0
Optional Stop: Horseback Riding
Windsong Ranch
Windsong Ranch
627581 Sideroad 20, Bognor, ON N0H 1E0
Trail rides through countryside landscapes — a unique family experience before heading into Owen Sound.
Owen Sound: Waterfalls & Food
Follow Highway 6/10 into Owen Sound.
Inglis Falls Conservation Area
Inglis Falls
237897 Inglis Falls Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6
Indian Falls Conservation Area
Indian Falls
7007 ON-6, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N7
Story Book Park
Story Book Park
1301 3rd Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4P6
A nostalgic children’s amusement park — easy to pair with a lunch stop.
Family-Friendly Dining in Owen Sound
Elsie’s Diner
Elsie's Diner
945 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5
Mudtown Station Brewery & Restaurant
Mudtown Station Brewery & Restaurant
187 8th St E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1L2
Casero Kitchen Table
Casero Kitchen Table
946 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5
The Milk Maid
The Milk Maid
945 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5
Sundays Ice Cream Parlour
Sundays Ice Cream Parlour
1047 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H8
Final Stretch Into Meaford
Follow Highway 26 East along Georgian Bay toward Meaford.
Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery
Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery
599448 Concession 2 NDR, Annan, ON N0H 1B0
Windswept Cider
Windswept Cider
7955 21/22 Nottawasaga Sideroad, Clearview, ON L0M 1P0
Good Family Farms
Good Family Farms
157859 7th Line, Meaford, ON N4L 1W7
Honey Bee Baked Goods
Harbour Beach Drive Meaford Ontario
A sweet little stop known for its incredible homemade treats — especially the cinnamon rolls, which guests can’t stop talking about.
The Bread Shed
80 Airport Rd, Keene, NH 03431
A charming roadside stop for fresh, artisan sourdough. Perfect for picking up bread for your cottage breakfasts or charcuterie nights.
The Purple Hollow
637295 St. Vincent-Sydenham Tline, Meaford ON N4L 1W5
A peaceful and scenic stop to wander through lavender fields, shop small-batch products, and soak in the beauty of Grey County.
Welcome to Georgian Bay
As you follow Highway 26 east, the water appears on your right. The pace slows. The farmland gives way to shoreline.
And then you arrive at Skipping Rock Cottages.
Whether you stopped for alpacas, waterfalls, cinnamon buns, farm-fresh beef, or ice cream in Owen Sound, you’ve turned a simple drive into part of the experience.
Because when you’re heading to Skipping Rock, the vacation starts long before you unpack.