Proudly claimed to be Canada’s Prettiest Town, Goderich is a small town overlooking Lake Huron. I read somewhere that it was Queen Elizabeth II herself that made the statement – despite the fact that she had never visited the place.
I first visited the area after I read about the Menesetung Bridge. To be honest, I have never heard about the town before, and I was not even planning to visit the town – thinking it would be just to the bridge and go back home. Well, that’s until my friend mentioned the ‘nice beach with the boardwalk’. That day I got to witness gorgeous sunset from the bridge, and on the beach. I visited the town again twice within three months and got to know the town a bit more.
It turned out that the town is more than ‘just’ the bridge – in fact the bridge is not even that famous. But I will start with the bridge anyway as it is what started my visit.The bridge was originally a CPR railway bridge, which was still used until 1998. After the discontinuation, they planned to demolish the bridge, which brought a group of local citizen together to save it. The bridge was then turned into a pedestrian bridge
And that brings what makes the town famous: the sunset. Naturally, the beaches were the place to enjoy it
The boardwalk along the beaches also made strolling around the three beaches really enjoyable. There are benches, picnic tables and swings as well – so you can enjoy the beaches as you choose. And of course, it would not be complete without the Canadian geese!! 
Then there is the Beach Street Station restaurant. The building used to be the railway station, and the current owner moved it to the beachfront – piece by piece. The food was great and you can enjoy the sunset from the newly added sunroom or the patio.
Another place to enjoy the sunset is from the lighthouse area (you cannot go into the lighthouse). Fun fact: the town bought the lighthouse from the Crown for $1 in 2003. There is a trail (staircases) from where the lighthouse is to the beach – although they are pretty steep and I would not take them once it is dark or if it’s been raining.
The town has an interesting square: it has octagonal core, with the courthouse in the centre. The downtown area has cute shops and nice places to eat. Another interesting place was the old gaol.
The nice thing was that it is a small town – everything is so close. You can walk the trails that connects different points in the town if you prefer, or you can drive around (no traffic!).
And last but not least: sunrise view from the bridge. It was so quiet and beautiful. I really can’t argue with their claim of being the pretties town in the country. Well, I guess the Queen knows best after all….
