Clinton Travel Guide

Discover the charming town of Clinton in Southwestern Ontario through this comprehensive travel guide. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, food and drink scene to transportation options, find everything you need to know about Clinton.


Introduction to Clinton

Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Southwestern region, Clinton is a small yet picturesque town that makes for a perfect getaway destination. From historical landmarks to scenic outdoor attractions, Clinton offers visitors a glimpse into the unique culture and natural beauty of Ontario. This comprehensive travel guide provides everything you need to know for exploring Clinton.

List of Places to Visit in Clinton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Clinton is full of well-preserved reminders of Ontario’s rich history. Start your cultural exploration of Clinton at the museum.

The Clinton Museum

The Clinton Museum is a great place to start your journey. It details the local history of the town using photographs, maps, and artifacts. It’s open year-round and is the perfect place to start your visit.

Harrison Park

You can reach the Harrison Park’s natural oasis from Dylan. The park offers free day-trip access for those looking to picnic, hike or birdwatch.

Central Huron Town Hall

Right across from the Museum is the Central Huron Town Hall, a lovely building that dates back to 1894. It’s worth a visit for its impressive architecture, vintage ambiance, and historical significance.

Natural Attractions of Clinton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Clinton’s beautiful natural surroundings are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some natural tourist spots you can visit.

Clinton Conservation Area

The Clinton Conservation Area is a natural paradise offering visitors the chance to explore everything from dense forests to serene rivers, while an abundance of wildlife is also present.

The Maitland Trail

The Maitland Trail is a 75-kilometer trail through scenic areas of Maitland valley. It has plenty of access points, and visitors can choose to take on one or multiple legs of the trail according to their fitness level. Combining a peaceful environment with beautiful views, it’s a perfect retreat to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Falls Reserve Conservation Area

Located just 15 minutes away from Clinton, the Falls Reserve Conservation Area is one of the town’s hidden gems. It features beautiful hiking trails that lead to scenic waterfalls, beautiful rivers, and stunning views of the Maitland River Valley. An onsite pavilion provides a shaded respite for those who need to relax for a bit.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Clinton

Clinton offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts to explore Ontario’s Southwestern region. Here are a few popular outdoor routes around Clinton:

Bannockburn Trail

The Bannockburn Trail is located east of Clinton and offers several different mountain biking trails spanning approximately 20 kilometers.

Greenway Trail

The Greenway Trail runs from Bayfield to Goderich, a distance of 10.5 kilometers, and is perfect for a nice leisurely bike ride. Along with the beautiful scenic views, the route also has several landmarks to soak up the local culture.

Best Things to Do in Clinton: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of activities and tours in Clinton. Here are some of the best things to do in this charming little town:

Visit the Pinery Provincial Park

Located just a short drive from Clinton, Pinery Provincial Park is an excellent place to experience nature. The park offers visitors a range of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Attend the Clinton Spring Fair

The Clinton Spring Fair is an annual event that takes place every year in May. The fair features a range of family-friendly activities such as carnival rides, craft fairs, and parades.

Take a Guided Tour of Clinton

If you want to learn more about the town’s history and local culture, consider taking a guided tour of Clinton. Local guides offer everything from walking tours to bus tours, and they’ll take you on a journey through Clinton, showcasing all the major tourist attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Clinton

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the best destinations and activities in Clinton:

Day 1: Visit the Clinton Museum and the Central Huron Town Hall

Day 2: Explore the beautiful nature of the Clinton Conservation Area.

Day 3: Go cycling on the Greenway Trail.

Day 4: Venture on the Maitland Trail or relax at Harrison Park.

Day 5: Visit the Falls Reserve Conservation Area.

Day 6: Attend the Clinton Spring Fair.

Day 7: Take a guided tour of Clinton to see the local landmarks.

Food and Drink Scene of Clinton

Clinton’s food and drink scene offer a little something for everyone. From farm-to-table restaurants to local breweries, here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks when in Clinton:

Must-Try Dishes

With the town’s proximity to so many farms, it’s no surprise that Clinton boasts a thriving farm-to-table eating scene.

Lamb Loin Chops from Thyme On Twenty Three

Thyme On Twenty Three is one of Clinton’s premiere fine dining establishments, offering a delightful menu with beautiful lamb loin chops as one of its signature dishes. The meat is extremely tender, seasoned well, succulent, comes with an array of sides to enjoy.

Parmesan House Fries from Blyth Inn

Blyth Inn is a casual family restaurant that offers a variety of dishes such as hamburgers, pizza, and wings. But the standout dish is undoubtedly the parmesan house fries. Fried to a perfect crisp and smothered in a generous amount of parmesan cheese, these fries are a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Local Beverages

Clinton has a thriving brewery scene that caters to beer lovers. Here are some of the best local brews in town:

Chocolate Milk Stout from Bayfield River Mill Brewery

If you’re a beer lover with a sweet tooth, make sure you try Bayfield River Mill Brewery’s chocolate milk stout. Infused with rich flavors of chocolate and caramel, this beer pairs perfectly with a steak dinner or dessert.

Chardonnay from Stonehaven Farm

Stonehaven Farm offers a surprisingly fantastic selection of wine. Its chardonnay is a hit among locals and visitors alike, with its smooth and buttery taste that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.

Where to Stay in Clinton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Clinton has a variety of lodging options for visitors. Here are some popular picks:

The Little Inn

The Little Inn is a charming place to stay in Clinton. It has a boutique-style atmosphere with beautifully decorated rooms, luxurious amenities, and a fantastic restaurant that offers a range of delectable dishes.

Clinton Inn

Clinton Inn is another popular choice. The inn has cozy rooms that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. It also has a fantastic on-site restaurant with a decent wine selection.

What to Buy in Clinton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Clinton is known for its locally made artisan products. Here are some things you should consider taking back home as souvenirs:

Artisan Cheese from Blyth Farm

Blyth Farm is a local dairy with a reputation for producing high-quality cheeses that have won several awards and accolades. Consider picking up some artisan cheeses when you visit the area.

Maple Syrup from the Reid Century Farm

Reid Century Farm is a 100-year-old farm that specializes in producing pure maple syrup. The syrup is rich in authentic taste and is perfect for pancakes, waffles, and desserts.

Local Culture and Customs of Clinton

Ontario is a diverse area of Canada, and Clinton is no different. The town is welcoming to all cultures and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Clinton

Clinton is gorgeous all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Clinton

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities in the area.
  • Visit the local landmarks and museums.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disrespect the environment.
  • Make noise or be disruptive in residential areas.
  • Ignore local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Clinton

Clinton is a safe town, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions to ensure your safety.

Health in Clinton

Clinton has a good medical infrastructure, and you can easily get medical assistance if you need it.

Getting to Clinton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Clinton is easily accessible by car, bus, or train.

Airports Near Clinton

London International Airport is the closest airport to Clinton. From there, you can easily reach Clinton by renting a car or taking a bus. Toronto Pearson International Airport is also an option, but it’s much further away.

Bus Stations Near Clinton

Greyhound Bus Lines have a station in nearby Goderich with a daily service which makes it easy to reach Clinton. Murray’s Coach Service operates regular bus services between London and Clinton on weekdays.

Other Options

Clinton is also accessible by car. The town is well-connected to the rest of the province by major highways.

How to Get Around in Clinton

The town is small enough to walk around, but for those who want to travel to attractions further out, renting a car would be a better option.

Where to Go Next from Clinton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Clinton is located in the heart of Ontario’s Southwestern region, which is home to numerous other tourist destinations. Here are some areas you could add to your travel itinerary:

  • Stratford
  • Goderich
  • Grand Bend
  • London
  • Bayfield

Conclusion

Clinton is a charming town that offers visitors a glimpse into Canadian culture and history. From natural landmarks to historical sites, visitors will find plenty of things to see and do in Clinton. Use this comprehensive travel guide to make the most of your time in town and the surrounding area.

Town Hall Town Hall This old wind mill lies along the road from Clinton to nearby Bayfield. This old wind mill lies along the road from Clinton to nearby Bayfield.