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A popular summer resort area, the southern section of the Lake Huron shoreline is trimmed by sandy beaches and a steep bluff that's interrupted by the occasional river valley. The water is much less polluted than Lake Ontario, the sunsets are fabulously beautiful, and in Bayfield and Goderich the lakeshore possesses two of the most appealing places in the whole of the province. Of the two, the more southerly is BAYFIELD , a wealthy and good-looking village whose handsome timber villas nestle amongst well-tended gardens beneath a canopy of ancient trees - all about 80km north of London. The villagers have kept modern development at arm's length - there's barely a neon sign in sight, never mind a concrete apartment block - and almost every old house has been beautifully maintained: look out for the scrolled woodwork, the fanlights and the graceful verandas. Historical plaques give the lowdown on the older buildings that line Bayfield's short Main Street , and pint-sized Pioneer Park on the bluff overlooking the lake at the west end of Main Street is a fine spot to take in the sunset, but it's the general appearance of the place that appeals rather than any particular sight. If you've the time, you should also venture down to the harbour on the north side of the village and from there ramble up along the banks of the Bayfield River where, in season, you can pick wild mushrooms and fiddleheads. The Mara Street footpath down to the harbour begins just behind Pioneer Park - it's signed. In winter there's ice fishing and skating to enjoy. You'll need your own transport to get to Bayfield - there are no buses at all. The tourist office (May-Sept daily 10am-6pm; tel 519/565-2499), in the booth by Hwy 21 just north of the Bayfield River bridge, has a full list of local accommodation and they will help you find a room, though their assistance is only really necessary in July and August when most places - including the B&Bs - are heavily subscribed. At other times of the year, it's easy enough to find a place yourself. The best hotel for miles around is the outstanding Little Inn of Bayfield , Main Street (tel 519/565-2611 or 1-800/565-1832, fax 519/565-5474, www.littleinn.com ; $100-125), a tastefully modernized early nineteenth-century timber-and-brick building with a handsome second-floor veranda and delightfully furnished rooms, most of which have whirlpool baths. The hotel has an annexe just across the street and, once again, the rooms here are simply splendid. Incidentally, do not confuse this hotel with the Bayfield Village Inn , a very different proposition. Other good places to stay include the pleasant Albion Hotel , in another old building on Main Street (tel 519/565-2641; $40-60), and several charming B&Bs : try beside the village green at either the Clifton Manor Inn , 19 The Square (tel 519/565-2282; $80-100; reservations required), or Clair on the Square , 12 The Square (tel 519/565-2135; $60-80). There's camping at Pinery Provincial Park (tel 519/243-2220), a popular chunk of forested sand dune beside Lake Huron about 40km south of Bayfield. Bayfield has several great places to eat , but it's hard to beat the smart and chic restaurant of the Little Inn of Bayfield , which is the best place to sample fish from Lake Huron - perch, white fish, pickerel or steelhead. Footsteps away, the Red Pump Restaurant (tel 519/565-2576) is similarly classy, whilst the Albion Hotel has more routine, but appetizing and less costly bar food and meals.
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