Atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Huron sits the port town of Goderich, Ontario. Known nationwide since Victorian times and hailed as the “prettiest town in Canada,” Goderich is rich with impressive architecture, stunning views, and combines small-town charm with world-class amenities. 

Goderich has plenty to offer whether you’re moving to the area or just visiting—from Instagram-worthy beaches and an abundance of accessible parklands to heritage and culture, shopping, and great-tasting food. 

Co-founded in 1829 by John Galt and William ‘Tiger’ Dunlop, the town’s unique layout draws inspiration from first century Roman architect, Vitruvius, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Virtruvian Man. 

Goderich is sectioned into eight blocks centring around its courthouse; the streets radiate out from the downtown core—known as The Square—to create the shape of an octagon, or a representation of the eight points of the Vitruvian man.

Goderich has a colourful history painted throughout the port town’s museums and historical landmarks, and it’s home to more than 70 artisans with 140 businesses supporting the local economy. 

During the summer, flea markets and farmers’ markets pop up in The Square on the weekends, and outdoor enthusiasts revel in the opportunity to reconnect with nature along Ontario’s beautiful western coast. 

There are lots of places to stay and play if you’re venturing to the area, while the town’s trademark hospitality makes you feel right at home. In fact, you just might not want to leave! 

For those interested in calling Goderich home, contact a REALTOR® today.  

Did you know?

Goderich’s heritage is celebrated in the Huron County Museum and Historical Gaol giving residents and visitors a chance to look back in time. 

Here are a few notable facts to explore before you visit the museum yourself:

Constructed in 1856 and standing proudly in the middle of Courthouse Park, the town’s courthouse has handed out justice for more than 160 years—a fire in 1954 destroyed the original building, but it was rebuilt and later reopened in 1956. 
The Hotel Bedford was built in 1896 on the original foundation of the Albion Hotel which had burnt down the year prior—it features an impressive Italian cupola and has accommodated famous guests such as Walt Disney.
In the summer of 2011, a vicious tornado ripped through Goderich causing severe damage to Courthouse Park—the town rallied together replanting trees and repairing damaged buildings to restore the park to its former glory. 
During the restoration of Courthouse Park, the bandshell was topped with a roof resembling the hull of a ship—this is a salute to the port town’s marine heritage and a tribute to the great storm of 1913.

For more interesting facts about Goderich, check out these audio tours on the town’s website. 

Did you know there was an Albion Hotel in Stratford, Ontario too? It was later renamed Eddison’s Inn in honour of its famous guest in 1863, Thomas Eddison.

What to do 

Despite being a small town, there’s plenty to see and lots to do in Goderich. It hosts a variety of events such as live concerts and cultural festivals, and theatre-goers adore the intimate atmosphere of The Livery Theatre and the Goderich Little Theatre, a community-driven initiative that gives voice to the region. 

Everything in Goderich is within walking distance, and the quiet county roads are perfect for a bike ride. If you’re without a vehicle, you can easily hail a taxi or jump on the shuttle, and One Care Transportation is available for seniors who need a hand getting around.  

And don’t forget the beaches and acres of natural beauty that earned Goderich the accolade of the prettiest town in Canada. 

Out of the three beaches—Main Beach, St. Christopher’s Beach, and Rotary Cove Beach—Main Beach is the most popular. Of course, all three offer summer fun for the whole family with great swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, and blissful vistas along the boardwalks. Free parking is available along with public washrooms and concession stands.* 

If you’re a beach bum, then you’ll appreciate the 14-kilometres of white sand at Wasaga Beach near Barrie, Ontario! 

*Details on the reopening of Goderich’s waterfront and beaches during COVID-19 are found here. 

If the beach isn’t your thing, or during the cooler months, the Maitland Recreational Centre features an expansive 70,000 square-foot building with a complete workout facility, gymnasium, indoor track, and five-lane lap pool.

After working up an appetite, there are plenty of small, locally-owned restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Here are three highly recommended places:

West Street Willy’s Eatery, a homey diner which was featured on season three of the hit television show, You Gotta Eat Here; 
For casual fine dining, Thyme on 21 offers scrumptious food and impeccable service—the menu includes tasty vegan dishes for the culinary-conscious; and 
Charwood Villa Tearoom lets patrons dress up in Victorian hats, tiaras, and royal jewelry while enjoying their afternoon tea in the historically decorated sitting rooms—for another royal experience, plan a road trip to Guelph, Ontario, which was named after the British Royal Family.

For a taste of culture and art, you have to check out the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. The event brings song and dance, stories, art, as well as hope and joy to the community while exploring Celtic expression—given the need for social distancing, the 28th annual festival is postponed until further notice.  

Housing market

The presence of COVID-19 in early 2020  slowed housing sales across the province with new physical distancing measures that can impact how a REALTOR(r) normally would do business. 

Within the jurisdiction of Huron Perth Association of REALTORS® (HPAR), listings dropped 50.3% in April compared to the previous year. Moreover, HPAR shows home sales across the region plummeted more than 50%. 

That said, the average sale price of properties held steady—the median price of a single-detached home currently sits at $460,000. And as the local economy slowly begins to re-open, the housing market is forecasted to gradually recover. 

There are a combination of empty-nesters and families in Goderich—those with kids have access to schools in the town and throughout Huron County—and English dominates as the language spoken at home. 

Single-detached homes account for the majority of housing, but there are a mix of semi-detached buildings and row houses for those on a fixed budget. 

ome stay and play in Goderich, Ontario, the prettiest town in Canada. Like most small towns, finding your dream home in Goderich is an exercise in patience, especially in the first quarter of 2020. Stay in touch with your REALTOR® to be kept informed of new listings. 

Source CREA cafe June 2020