Route 4: The Ultimate London to Meaford Road Trip

Driving from London to Meaford feels different than coming from Toronto. It’s quieter. More rural. Wind turbines, open farmland, small towns — and then suddenly, Georgian Bay.

The drive is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. But if you build in a few thoughtful stops, it becomes part of the getaway.

Here’s how to turn your Route 4 drive into a road trip worth remembering before you even arrive at Skipping Rock Cottages.

First Stretch: London to Neustadt & Hanover

Route from London: Take ON-4 North → Continue onto ON-23 North → Follow toward Listowel and Harriston → Head north toward Neustadt and Hanover.

Neustadt Springs Brewery

Neustadt Springs Brewery
456 Jacob St, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0
A historic brewery building with lots of character. Easy roadside stop with space to stretch your legs.

Noah’s Inn Fish & Chips

Noah's Inn Fish & Chips
183 King St, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0
Classic small-town fish and chips if you’re leaving London near lunch.

Hanover Stops

Schultz Bakery

Schultz Bakery
205 10th St, Hanover, ON N4N 1N3
A long-standing bakery known for donuts and baked goods — ideal for car snacks.

Hanover Market

Hanover Market
198 10th St, Hanover, ON N4N 1N3
Antiques and collectibles for a quick browse if you want a break from driving.

Springhills Fish

Springhills Fish
467 7th Ave, Hanover, ON N4N 2G8
Fresh fish and specialty items if you’d like to stock up for a cottage dinner.

Elmwood & Williamsford

Continue north on ON-10 toward Chatsworth and Williamsford.

Riverside Resort & Bistro

Riverside Resort & Bistro
924 Bruce Road 10, Elmwood, ON N0G 1S0
Overlooking the Saugeen River, this is a peaceful sit-down stop before continuing north.

Williamsford Pie Company

Williamsford Pie Company
293 Toronto St, Williamsford, ON N0H 2V0
Bring a pie to the cottage. You will not regret it.

Williamsford Mill

Williamsford Mill
293 Toronto St, Williamsford, ON N0H 2V0
A rare and used bookstore inside a historic mill — a charming family detour.

Optional Detour: Walkerton & Paisley

If you veer slightly west before heading to Port Elgin:

Starseed Acres

Starseed Acres
799 Sideroad 20 S, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
Organic vegetables and farm goods.

Bonfire on Queen

Bonfire on Queen
316 Queen St N, Paisley, ON N0G 2N0
A well-loved restaurant for a proper meal stop.

Port Elgin & Southampton

Continue north toward Lake Huron via ON-21.

Hi-Berry Farm

Hi-Berry Farm
72 Concession 6, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C7
Seasonal berry picking and fresh produce.

Smoky Cactus

Smoky Cactus
244 High St, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0

Outlaw Brew Co.

Outlaw Brew Co.
196 High St, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0

Dizzy Bird Coffee

Dizzy Bird Coffee
188 High St, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0

Southampton’s High Street is compact and walkable — ideal for a quick break before turning east toward Owen Sound.

Owen Sound: Waterfalls, Food & Family Fun

Follow ON-21 North → Turn onto ON-10 East 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

Jones Falls

Jones Falls
Jones Falls Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N4

Short scenic walks with big visual payoff — perfect for kids who need to move.

Food Stops in Owen Sound

Elsie’s Diner

Elsie's Diner
945 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5

Sugar Dust Baking

271 9th St E, Owen Sound ON N4K 1N8

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

Story Book Park

Story Book Park
1301 3rd Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4P6

A classic kids’ amusement park that makes for an easy family break.

Final Stretch: Wine, Cider & Farm Stops Before Meaford

Follow ON-26 East along the Georgian Bay shoreline 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

The Purple Hollow

The Purple Hollow
827160 Grey Rd 40, Meaford, ON N4L 1W5

Good Family Farms

Good Family Farms
157859 7th Line, Meaford, ON N4L 1W7

The Final Turn Into Meaford

Continue along Highway 26 East. Georgian Bay opens up on your right. The air feels cooler. The landscape shifts from farmland to shoreline.

And then you arrive at Skipping Rock Cottages.

Whether you stopped for waterfalls, donuts, farm markets, lakeside coffee, or an ice cream cone, you’ve turned a 3-hour drive into a road trip memory.

Because when you’re heading to Skipping Rock, the vacation starts long before check-in.