Boardwalk

The John C. Grace Boardwalk extends 1.5 kilometers and is 10 feet wide and runs from the main beach at the mouth of the harbour to Rotary Cove, following a spectacular stretch of waterfront along three of the finest beaches in Huron County. More than just a scenic walkway, the boardwalk offers a journey through Goderich’s rich marine and waterfront history. Along the route, visitors can explore heritage signs that highlight the origins of the Canada Company piers, the area’s role in early settlement and shipping, and the evolution of Rotary Cove from the once-infamous “boneyard” of abandoned ships into a valued community destination.

The boardwalk itself was developed gradually and was fully completed in 1999, thanks to the efforts of Rotarians, Town staff, and participants in the Workfare Program. Its character was further enhanced in 1997 with the installation of street lamps repurposed from the Town Square, while thousands of trees and shrubs were planted to stabilize and beautify the shoreline. Today, the boardwalk also connects visitors to the area’s ongoing heritage interpretation through the Marine Heritage Walking Tour (available at the Tourist Information Centre).

Visitors can enjoy sunsets on Ontario’s West Coast, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, rest stops, waterfowl, and views of a waterfront shaped by generations of community effort and maritime history.

Explore Goderich’s rich Marine Heritage on the Town of Goderich website.

Boardwalk Accessibility: 

The Goderich waterfront boardwalk is designed to support accessible use and is complemented by accessible beach features at Main Beach, including a Mobi-Mats from the boardwalk to the water, a water wheelchair, and a beach access chair. A Mobi-Mat is also installed at Rotary Cove allowing for direct access from the parking lot to approximately the water’s edge.

The 10 foot wide boardwalk is a combination of wood and concrete, with benches conveniently installed along the 1.5 kilometers route to allow for frequent rest and viewing points. There are 4 public washroom facilities located along the waterfront which include accessible washrooms. Flat entry points make it suitable for many people using wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. 

Explore more about Goderich’s Beaches and Waterfront, and Accessibility on the Town of Goderich website.