Welcome to Meaford!
Welcome to Meaford, a charming town nestled along the shores of Georgian Bay, where natural beauty meets rich history. Whether you’re here to enjoy our scenic landscapes, explore our vibrant downtown, or simply relax, Meaford has something for everyone. Main Street Meaford is dedicated to revitalizing our downtown core, supporting local businesses, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. We invite you to discover the best of what our town has to offer.
Explore Our Downtown
Business Directory
Discover a wide variety of local businesses that make Meaford unique. From fabulous restaurants and pubs to artisanal boutiques, our downtown is home to a diverse range of shops, services, and dining options. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a delicious meal, or essential services, you’ll find it all here.
Historic Landmarks
Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Meaford has evolved from its early beginnings as a bustling regional centre for trade and commerce into a charming small town with a vibrant community spirit.
Established in 1874, Meaford later united with the neighbouring townships of St. Vincent and Sydenham, forming the Municipality of Meaford. Today, it offers a perfect blend of historic charm, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a unique and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Meaford is home to several historical buildings that reflect its rich heritage and add to the town’s charm. Some notable historical buildings in Meaford include:
Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre: Originally built in 1908 as the town hall and opera house, Meaford Hall is a stunning example of Edwardian architecture. The building was carefully restored and now serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, theatre performances, art exhibits, and community events.
Net Shed: Located at Meaford Harbour, this simple yet iconic wooden structure was originally used for storing fishing nets and equipment. It represents Meaford’s rich fishing history and is one of the last remaining net sheds on Georgian Bay.
Knox Presbyterian Church: Built in 1877, this historic church features beautiful stonework and stained glass windows. It is a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture and remains an active place of worship in the community.
Christ Church Anglican: Built in 1877, this picturesque stone church is another excellent example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. The atmosphere is remarkable as the church is surrounded by mature, towering trees.
Meaford Museum: Housed in a former pumping station built in 1895, the Meaford Museum showcases the town’s history, including exhibits on local industries, notable residents, and more.
The Old Firehouse (Station 87): Originally built in 1887, this historic building served as Meaford’s fire hall for many years and is a significant part of the town’s heritage. Now transformed into Station 87, a popular restaurant, the old firehouse retains much of its original character, with unique architectural features such as its iconic bell tower and red-brick facade.
Meaford’s Heritage District: Meaford’s Heritage District: Nestled in downtown Meaford, the Heritage District features beautifully preserved 19th and early 20th-century architecture. With its distinctive storefronts, heritage homes, and historic landmarks, this area captures the charm of Meaford’s past, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
Meaford Hall
Meaford Hall, the cultural hub of our community, offers a diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences. From live theatre and concerts to art exhibitions and film screenings, there’s always something happening at Meaford Hall. Learn more about upcoming events and exhibitions here.
Georgian Bay
The stunning waterfront of Georgian Bay is an absolute must-see. Enjoy a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming, or simply relax on the shores and take in the breathtaking views.
Scenic Trails & Parks
Fred Raper Park
A scenic waterfront park in Meaford, Fred Raper Park offers stunning views of Georgian Bay. Known for its sandy beach, it is a perfect spot for family outings and relaxation.
McCarroll Park
Features include lush treed green spaces with picnic areas, a splash pad, playground, and situated directly across the road from a popular beach and swimming area. McCarroll Park provides a serene setting for outdoor recreation and waterfront enjoyment.
Meaford Harbour
Meaford Harbour is a picturesque waterfront destination featuring a marina, beautiful walking trails, fishing spots, and stunning views of Georgian Bay, making it a favourite for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers.
Memorial Park
One of Meaford’s most beloved outdoor spaces, Memorial Park offers a sandy beach, scenic campsites, picnic areas, and wooded trails. It a the perfect spot for camping, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of Georgian Bay.
Beautiful Joe Park
A serene and historic park along the Bighead River, Beautiful Joe Park honours the famous dog from the novel Beautiful Joe and features walking trails, memorial statues, and peaceful picnic spots, celebrating the bond between humans and animals.
Bayfield Street Trail
Beginning at Frad Raper park, this trail guides you along the Georgian Bay shoreline, connecting you to McCarroll Park, Meaford Museum, the Net Shed, Meaford Harbour boardwalk, and more.
Visitor Information
Visitor Information Centres
Meaford Apple
This one you can’t miss! Located in the very centre of the downtown core, and managed by the Meaford Chamber of Commerce, the Meaford Apple is a popular hub for visitor information.
Meaford Hall
Located inside Meaford Hall’s main lobby, visitors can browse the visitor information area to learn about local attractions, businesses, events, and more.
Accommodations
Back Forty Glamping: While not located in Meaford’s downtown, BFG offers a unique and rustic glamping experience, offering cozy accommodations surrounded by nature for a peaceful getaway.
BayVu Motel: A waterfront motel offering comfortable, budget-friendly rooms with scenic views of Georgian Bay and easy access to downtown Meaford.
Hilltop Hotel: A charming, boutique hotel nestled near downtown Meaford, providing modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Hills: A quaint and cozy accommodation option located in downtown Meaford, perfect for travelers seeking a homey atmosphere and personalized service.
Meaford Inn: Also located in downtown Meaford, this inn offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to local shops, dining, and waterfront attractions.
Memorial Park: Located directly on the shores of Georgian Bay, Memorial Park is known for its camping facilities, long sandy beaches, wooded trails, and more.
The Landing: A stylish boutique accommodation in Meaford, featuring modern amenities, elegant decor, and a prime location near the town’s waterfront.
Dining in Meaford
Meaford’s dining scene offers a delightful mix of casual eateries, charming cafes, and unique restaurants, showcasing a variety of cuisines that celebrate local ingredients and flavors. From cozy coffee shops and family-friendly diners to waterfront dining and farm-to-table experiences, Meaford’s diverse food options provide something to satisfy every palate.
Events and Festivals
Annual Events
Meaford hosts a vibrant array of annual events, from lively festivals and cultural celebrations to outdoor markets and family-friendly gatherings, making it a hub of community spirit and entertainment throughout the year.
Local Markets
Apple Harvest Craft Show
The Apple Harvest Craft Show in Meaford is a popular annual event showcasing over 200 talented artisans, featuring a diverse range of handcrafted goods, local food, and unique finds, celebrating the region’s rich autumn harvest and creative spirit.
Canada Day Vendor Market
The Meaford Canada Day Vendors Market offers a vibrant celebration with local vendors, crafts, food, and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere along the beautiful Meaford Harbour.
Christmas on the Bay
Christmas on the Bay is a festive holiday market in Meaford featuring unique vendors, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday entertainment, creating a charming and cheerful atmosphere for holiday shoppers.
Farmer’s Market
The Meaford Farmers’ Market, held Fridays from June to Thanksgiving, features fresh produce, premium meats, baked goods, local crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Georgian Bay FanCon
Georgian Bay FanCon is Meaford’s premier pop culture event, celebrating anime, comics, video games, and more with cosplay, vendors, and interactive experiences for fans of all ages.
Summerfest
Meaford Summerfest transforms the downtown core into a vibrant festival with live entertainment, a poutine-off, street vendors, and family-friendly activities, creating a lively summer celebration for all ages.