Inglis Falls
The waterfall that carved its own canyon
The limestone cliffs around Owen Sound are roughly 430 million years old. The Sydenham River is a newcomer by comparison, but it has made an entrance. At Inglis Falls, it drops 18 metres off the Niagara Escarpment, plunging into a gorge it has spent millennia carving. On a mid-May morning, with spring meltwater pushing it to full volume, it is one of the most powerful waterfalls in southern Ontario.
More than just a waterfall
The falls sit inside a 200-hectare conservation area with 7.4 km of trails through old-growth cedar forest, dense fern colonies, and geological potholes carved by ancient glaciers. The trails connect directly to the Bruce Trail. You don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy them, just sturdy shoes.
Owen Sound itself is a small city with outsized cultural weight. Tom Thomson grew up just outside town, and his namesake gallery still operates on 1st Avenue. The harbour town has reinvented itself with craft breweries, independent restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.
What's waiting for you
A brand-new museum exhibit. Your first stop is Grey Roots Museum & Archives, where the new Wild Weather exhibit opens on May 16, the very day you arrive. You’ll have about an hour to explore, and your admission is included.
European gardens you didn’t know existed. Right next door sits Morland Place, a 1920s estate with formal French and Italian-style gardens, a hedge maze, and hand-poured concrete statues. It is strange and beautiful and completely free.
The main event. From roughly 2:00 to 4:30 PM, you’ll hike through the Inglis Falls Conservation Area. Trails range from easy strolls to moderate sections with rocky footing, offering multiple viewpoints of the falls and the valley below.
Dinner at a brewery in a train station. After the hike, the bus drops you in Owen Sound with time to explore. Mudtown Station is housed in a beautifully restored 1947 CPR rail station, with a dozen local craft beers on tap. Book ahead if you can.
The post-hike bus nap. You will be tired in the best possible way. The coach has reclining seats. Nobody is judging you.
The people
This trip is built for connection, but only as much as you want. Some people come with friends; plenty come alone. The shared experience of arriving together, without cars, creates its own kind of easy camaraderie. There’s no pressure to keep a certain pace. You can hike the full trail system, park yourself at a viewpoint, or wander through the museum longer. This is your day.
Before you board
Join the ActiveDays Facebook group before the trip. It’s the easiest way to connect with your fellow travellers, ask questions about what to pack, and turn a busload of strangers into familiar faces before you leave Toronto.
Tickets
- Adult $85.00
- Student/Senior $76.50
- Children $42.50
Pickup Locations
34 Asquith Avenue
Pick up at 34 Asquith Ave, just north of the Yonge and Bloor Subway stop. We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Departure Time
9:00 AM
Return Time
8:30 PM
Grey Roots Museum & Archives
Wrap up your day at Inglis Falls. We will pick you up at Grey Roots Museum -- a 15 min walk from the falls.
Estimated arrival
11:45 AM
Departure
2:00 PM
2
Inglis Falls
Hike to the Falls and then into Owen Sound
Estimated arrival
2:00 PM
Departure
4:30 PM
3
Owen Sound Mudtown Brewery
Estimated arrival
4:45 PM
Departure
6:00 PM
Getting There
Where does the bus pick up?
34 Asquith Avenue in downtown Toronto. Arrive by 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure.
What time do we get back to Toronto?
The bus departs Owen Sound at 6:00 PM. Expect to arrive back in Toronto around 8:30 PM, depending on traffic.
What kind of bus is this?
A full-size coach bus with reclining seats, air conditioning, a washroom, large windows, and ample storage for bags and gear. This is not a school bus situation.
How long is the drive?
Approximately two and a half hours each way.
The Itinerary
What does the day look like?
- 9:00 AM: Depart Toronto (34 Asquith Ave)
- 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Arrive at Grey Roots Museum & Archives
- 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Explore museum, Morland Place gardens, eat lunch
- 2:00 – 4:30 PM: Hike Inglis Falls Conservation Area
- 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Explore Owen Sound, grab dinner
- 6:00 PM: Depart Owen Sound for Toronto
Is the museum's heritage village open?
Not on May 16. The outdoor Moreston Heritage Village opens later in the season. However, the indoor exhibits, including the new Wild Weather exhibit from Science North, the Grey County Gallery, and other rotating exhibits, are all open and included with your admission.
Is Morland Place included in the trip?
It's next door to the museum and free to explore during your museum/lunch break. The gardens are open daily.
The Hike
How difficult is the hike?
The Inglis Falls Conservation Area has 7.4 km of trails ranging from easy to moderate. Some sections are rocky with tree roots and modest elevation changes. You don't need to be a serious hiker, but you do want sturdy footwear with good grip. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal. Leave the flip-flops at home.
Can I get to the base of the falls?
No. Access to the base is closed for safety. There are multiple viewing platforms and lookout points along the rim that give you excellent views of the full cascade.
Is this on the Bruce Trail?
Yes. The conservation area has direct access to the Bruce Trail, which runs through the property. You'll be hiking sections of both the Bruce Trail and the conservation area's own trail network.
What will I see besides the waterfall?
Geological potholes carved by ancient glacial whirlpools, the remains of a 19th-century grist mill, a historic water filtration plant (operated from 1912 to 1969), old-growth eastern white cedar forest, more than 20 species of ferns, and valley views stretching to Owen Sound harbour. In mid-May, you may also spot spring wildflowers and early migrating bird species.
Food & Drink
Is lunch included?
No. Bring your own lunch to eat during the museum/garden portion of the day (roughly 12:00 to 2:00 PM). There are picnic spots at Grey Roots.
What about dinner?
You'll have time in Owen Sound after the hike (approximately 4:30 to 6:00 PM) to grab dinner. Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant is a popular choice, housed in a restored 1947 CPR train station on the harbour with craft beer brewed on-site and locally sourced food. We recommend booking ahead by calling (519) 371-3575, as they can get busy. Other restaurants in Owen Sound are also within walking distance.
What to Bring
What should I pack?
- Sturdy hiking footwear (trail runners or hiking boots)
- A packed lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
- Layers (mid-May in Grey County can swing between warm sun and cool breezes)
- Rain jacket (just in case)
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- A small daypack for your gear
- Cash or card for dinner in Owen Sound
What's Included
What does my ticket cover?
- Round-trip coach transportation from downtown Toronto
- Inglis Falls Conservation Area admission and parking
- Admission to Grey Roots Museum & Archives (including the new Wild Weather exhibit)
- Guided waterfall viewing from multiple viewpoints
- Scenic walking trail access
- Owen Sound town exploration time
Solo Travellers
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Very much so. A significant number of people on ActiveDays trips come alone. The bus ride, the museum, and the trails all create natural opportunities to meet people without any forced socializing. Join the ActiveDays Facebook group before the trip to connect with your fellow travellers in advance.
Accessibility
How accessible are the trails?
The viewing platform at Inglis Falls is accessible and provides excellent views of the cascade. However, the trail network includes uneven, rocky terrain and some steep sections that are not wheelchair accessible. Grey Roots Museum is a modern, fully accessible facility.
Weather & Season
What's the weather like in mid-May?
Grey County in mid-May typically sees daytime temperatures between 10°C and 18°C. Mornings can be cool, especially near the falls. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. Mid-May is also one of the best times to see the falls at high volume, as spring meltwater keeps the cascade running strong.
Partnership
This trip is offered in partnership with Grey County Tourism.
