Winter is a time for staying inside, eating warm meals and chilling out by the fire. WRONG! Winter is a great time to get outside and explore places that turn into magical wonderlands during the colder season. That’s why you’ve got to visit these Grey County waterfalls in winter. Not only do you get to experience a fun winter activity, with little to no crowds, but you might even be able to see some frozen ice formations.
NOTE: Travel is not recommended at this time. These posts are here to serve as inspiration when we can explore again. Hey there – this post likely contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. This helps me earn a few dollars to run this website.
Grey County is located two hours north of Toronto and encompasses a large swath of rural land and Georgian Bay coastline. It’s known for skiing at Blue Mountain, the apple orchards near Meaford, the most delicious cider in Ontario, the Bruce Trail along Beaver Valley and incredible views from the top of the Niagara Escarpment.
There are plenty of waterfalls in the area, but only six of them are open and accessible in the winter.
When to visit Grey County Waterfalls in the Winter
Knowing exactly when to visit Grey County waterfalls in winter can be tricky. The temperature and amount of snow that’s accumulated can fluctuate so much during the winter season. I’ve always found mid January to mid-February to be the sweet spot for visiting Grey County waterfalls if you’d like to see them when they are frozen.
If you’d rather see the waterfalls when they are flowing, then anytime after late December to mid-March is a great time to visit.
Grey County gets a lot of snow. Owen Sound can around nine feet of snow each winter season, which is snowier than some places in Northern Ontario. (All thanks to lake effect snow and high altitudes.)
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Hoggs Falls
I think Hoggs Falls is my favourite Grey County waterfall. This plunge waterfall of the Boyne River is surprisingly large at seven metres tall, and is an easy waterfall to access, even in the winter. Hoggs Falls is located in the picturesque Beaver Valley area. Because it’s a well-packed trail in the winter, crampons are a must. The trail is hilly and gets slick, so the crampon give you some extra slip-protection.
PS: If you come in the summer, then you’ll have to check out both Hoggs Falls and Eugenia Falls, or maybe hike the nearly 8km trek between them.
How to get to Hoggs Falls
There is a parking lot on Lower Valley Road near Flesherton. From there, it’s an easy few-hundred metres to the falls from there along the trail.
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Weaver’s Creek Falls
Weaver’s Creek Falls is one of the smallest waterfalls, at only a couple metres tall. But I think the setting around Weaver’s Creek Falls is one of the reasons you have to visit. This little guy is in the Owen Sound valley, so you’re surrounded on either side by tall hills and thick forest. The trail turns into a lovely boardwalk that follows Weaver’s Creek up to the falls. The surrounding area is just so lovely in the snow.
How to get to Weaver’s Creek Falls
Weaver’s Creek Falls is just a short walk from the parking lot in Harrison Park, Owen Sound. But the entrance to the trail is tricky to find, since it’s located behind the public pool. The trail is easy to follow once you find it. It’s an in and out trail, so don’t worry, you can’t get lost.
Note, there is a no trespassing sign at the end of the boardwalk. You can still see the falls from here, but you can’t get any closer. Please respect the private landowner’s wishes.
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Jones Falls
Jones Falls is 12 metre cascade waterfall inside the Pottawatomi Conservation Area. This waterfall is stunning, since you get to see it from above. From the parking lot, you get to follow the Pottawatomi River as it flows into Owen Sound Bay. Along the way, you get to cross over the river on this sweet foot bridge and spot the mini cascade waterfalls. The viewpoint at the end of the trail offers incredible views of the falls and the surrounding gully. Winter is an ideal time to visit this Grey County waterfall, since the river generally isn’t flowing in the summer and fall.
How to get to Jones Falls
There are two parking locations for viewing Jones Falls. The first is located at the Owen Sound Transportation Authority building, which offers a few free spots. This is the easiest place to park, since the trail to the falls from here is only 700m.
The other parking lot is located at the end of Youngs Drive in Owen Sound. You can park here if you’d like a longer hike of the Bruce Trail that runs through Pottawatomi Conservation Area. This trek is over 1.5km of Bruce Trail or side trail.
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Inglis Falls
Inglis Falls is the jewel of Grey County waterfalls. At 18m high, this cascade waterfall is always a great place to visit, no matter what time of year. During the summer, Inglis Falls is a popular place, since the waterfall is just steps from parking lot. But in the winter, I’ve never seen more than a few cars in the lot.
Because of how large the falls are, the spray can reach quite far. Much of the pathway and surrounding area gets covered with ice and it makes for very slippery passage. You’ll want to bring some crampons to see this Grey County waterfall in the winter.
You can even stand on top of the waterfall on a bridge that crosses the Sydenham River and see the rushing water beneath your feet. You can’t get to the base, as it’s prohibited and very dangerous, but the view from the trail is spectacular.
How to get to Inglis Falls
Inglis Falls is one of the easiest Grey County waterfalls to get to. Inglis Falls road is a quick turn off from Grey Road 18, and the driveway to the falls is just a quick turn off from that road. From the parking lots, you’ll be able to hear and see the spray from the waterfall and it’s only a few steps to the viewpoint.
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McGowan Falls
McGowan Falls is a small cascade waterfall of the Saugeen River. While it’s not as picturesque as some of the other Grey County waterfalls, it’s still a cute place to stop. McGowan Falls, which is connected to a dam is located in the town of Durham and surrounded by the Durham Conservation Area. In the summer you can camp, hike and swim here. In the winter, you’ll be treated to a flowing waterfall.
How to get to McGowan Falls
During the winter, the best viewpoint of McGowan Falls is off of George Street East in Durham. This little parking lot is located right next to the river and is just a short walk to the falls.
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Stew Hilts Falls
Stew Hilts Falls is the hidden gem of Grey County waterfalls. Hidden deep in the wood in Beaver Valley, you’ll have to work to get here. The plunge waterfalls is a great hike along the Bruce Trail and a side trail that leads you right to the base of the falls. In the winter, the falls freeze over, creating an awesome ice castle for you to explore.
How to get there
The Stew Hilts Falls is located at the end of the 460m Stew Hilts Side Trail, which you can access by following the Bruce Trail from a small parking lot off Johnson Sideroad. The total trek, in and out, will be around 3kms. In the winter you’ll want to wear snowshoes, since the trail can be almost impossible to walk on without them.
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Rather visit in summer? Don’t miss seeing these Grey County waterfalls in summer
If winter isn’t your style, then you’ll want to come back in summer to visit these Grey County waterfalls. There are plenty of them. Some are harder to get to than others, but they are always worth the trek.
Eugenia Falls
Eugenia Falls is one of the more popular Grey County Waterfalls, because it’s so tall and ease to get to. Eugenia Falls is located in the village of Eugenia in a conservation area that is closed during the off-season. The flow of the river can fluctuate throughout the season; your best bet would be early summer. You cannot access the base of the falls, as it is extremely dangerous. There were two high-profile rescues just last year.
Indian Falls
This 15m plunge waterfall located north of Owen Sound can dry up quickly in the summer, so the best time to go is earlier in the season. Indian Falls is located inside a conservation area that closed during the off season.
Bruce Trail cascade waterfall
I’m not sure if this waterfall has been given a name, but it’s just a beautiful and surprising cascade waterfall. You’ll have to work to get to it, since it’s located along the 2k trek between Concession 12A and Grey Road 30.
Webwood Falls
This plunge waterfall is located on the Bruce Trail inside the Webwood Falls Nature Reserve north of the town of Kimberley along Sideroad 25. Two unnamed streams converge then burst out over the side of the Escarpment, creating this neat, multi-step waterfall. The property is closed during the winter, but it’s a great place to visit in the summer.
Walter’s Falls
Walter’s Falls is also located along a side trail of Bruce Trail near the town of Walter’s Falls. You can access the falls from the private property of The Falls Inn, where there is parking available. The falls is located just a short walk from the lot and offers a great photography backdrop.
Bruce Trail creek waterfall
Another Bruce Trail waterfall you’ve got to check out is along the 5.5km trek between 10th Line and 9th Sideroad of the Beaver Valley Section. This is not an easy trek, but it’ll take you through the beautiful Duncan Caves area and bring you to some breathtaking views.
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Map of Grey County Waterfalls in the Winter
Need a little more direction to find Grey County waterfalls? You got it! Here’s a handy map of all the Grey County waterfalls. The unnamed Bruce Trail waterfall locations are approximate.
Have you been to any of these waterfalls? Let me know in the comments below!
