Things To Do
in Angus
Angus is a small, close-knit community in Essa Township in Simcoe County, Ontario, known for its rural charm, historic main street and surrounding farmland. It serves as a quiet residential hub for commuters to Barrie and the Greater Toronto Area while retaining a friendly small-town atmosphere. The town is well placed for day trips to Wasaga Beach, Barrie and nearby conservation areas, offering easy access to outdoor recreation.
Local life centers around community events, farmers' markets and a handful of cozy cafés and pubs that give Angus its welcoming character.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Angus Historical Centre, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming town. Take a guided tour to learn about the early settlers and significant events that shaped the community. Don't forget to snap some photos of the picturesque buildings as you wander around.
After lunch, head to the nearby Earl Rowe Provincial Park for an afternoon of adventure in nature. Explore the well-marked hiking trails or enjoy a relaxing picnic by the calm waters of the Nottawasaga River. The serene environment is perfect for birdwatching or simply soaking up the sun.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, celebrating the regional flavors of Angus. Experience live music at a cozy venue to cap off your day with some entertainment. Reflect on your adventures while savoring a sweet dessert under the stars.
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before setting out for some outdoor activities. Rent a kayak and paddle along the scenic waterways of the Nottawasaga River, taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you glide through the calm waters.
In the afternoon, swap the kayaks for bicycles and tackle the nearby cycling trails that weave through stunning landscapes. Enjoy the thrill of pedaling through lush forests and rolling hills, stopping periodically to appreciate the scenic views. Relax with a packed lunch at one of the picturesque rest areas.
Conclude your adventure-filled day with a backyard barbecue experience at a local friend's home or community event. Share stories of your day's escapades while enjoying delicious grilled treats and refreshing drinks. Watch the sunset together, wrapping up a day filled with nature and camaraderie.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per litre equivalent) | $1.00-1.50 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short taxi | $2-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly small-town atmosphere and close-knit community events
- Great access to outdoor recreation: forests, rivers and nearby beaches
- Easy base for day trips to Barrie, Wasaga Beach and other Simcoe County attractions
- Lower costs and quieter evenings compared with larger cities
- Limited nightlife, dining and specialized services within the town itself
- Public transportation options are limited — a car is very helpful
- Fewer cultural institutions and museums compared with larger urban centres
- Weather can be challenging in winter with snow and icy roads
Places to Visit in Angus
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming small-town scenes, historic storefronts and seasonal decorations provide classic Main Street photography opportunities.
Riverside views, gentle rapids and surrounding trees create scenic compositions in all seasons, with good reflections in calm weather.
Woodland trails, mossy rocks and varied light conditions make this a favorite for forest and macro photography, especially in spring and fall.
Open fields, fencing, barns and rural skies are ideal for golden-hour and sunset landscapes.
Short drives provide broad lake vistas, long sandy beaches and colourful boardwalk scenes at sunrise and sunset.
Food in Angus
Angus Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Ontario specialty — peameal (cornmeal-crusted) back bacon served on a bun; you’ll find it at breakfast spots and local delis in town and nearby Barrie.
Must-Try!
Classic Canadian baked treats available at bakeries and farmers’ markets — great for a quick sweet snack with coffee.
Local takes on poutine using regional cheese curds and gravy, common on pub menus and comfort-food restaurants in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal vendors and pop-up markets sell fresh produce, baked goods and preserves; perfect for sampling regional honey, berries, cheeses and pies.
Short drives away, these larger markets offer a wider selection of artisans, prepared foods, and street food stalls on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value politeness and small talk — greeting shopkeepers, saying please and thank you and keeping a friendly demeanour goes a long way.
Many scenic areas are privately owned farmland—do not trespass, follow posted signs, and close gates if you open them.
As a residential and rural area, people tend to appreciate lower noise levels in the evening; respect posted quiet hours at accommodations.
This region is within the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples — show respect at cultural sites and seek information from local sources when appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in Angus
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for table service, $2–$5 for café counter service if desired, and round up or 10–15% for taxis and rideshares. Tip hotel housekeeping a few dollars per night and porters $1–2 per bag.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for small vendors at farmers' markets or rural stands that may be card-averse.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours — ideal for beach trips, hiking and farmers’ markets. Expect busy weekends at nearby Wasaga Beach and increased traffic heading to lakeshore areas.
Crisp air and vibrant fall colours make it an excellent time for scenic drives, hiking and photography; harvest festivals and farmers’ markets continue into early fall.
Cold temperatures, snow and ice are common; winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and skating at local rinks. Roads can be icy — winter tires and cautious driving are recommended.
Weather can be changeable with thawing fields and muddy trails, but spring flowers, migrating birds and budding trees create appealing outdoor experiences.
Angus at Night
Hiking in Angus
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mixture of trails through forested areas and wetlands, suitable for hiking, birdwatching and nature photography.
Park trails around a scenic reservoir offer easy to moderate hikes, picnic areas and lookout points; good for family outings.
Trails near the beach provide a combination of shoreline walks and small inland paths — great for sunrise/sunset photography.
A network of paved and unpaved paths along Kempenfelt Bay, ideal for relaxed walking, cycling and scenic views.
Riverside walking routes with opportunities for quiet nature observation and photography along gentle waterways.
Airports
How to reach Angus by plane.
Major international airport serving the Greater Toronto Area, about 1–1.5 hours' drive depending on traffic — the main gateway for long-distance travellers.
Smaller downtown Toronto airport with regional flights and convenient access for business travellers, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car and transit connections.
Smaller regional airfields serve private planes and some charter services; they are convenient for private aviation and are closer geographically but have limited commercial service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in Angus, attracted by affordable housing compared with larger cities and local schools.
A portion of residents commute to Barrie or the Greater Toronto Area for work, combining rural living with urban employment.
The area attracts retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle, local amenities and proximity to healthcare in nearby towns.
Local farmers and agricultural workers contribute to the community character and seasonal markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a major community sport with youth leagues, local rinks and strong participation across ages.
Curling clubs and recreational leagues are common through the winter months in small Ontario communities.
Summer baseball and softball leagues are popular for families and community teams.
Youth and adult soccer leagues are active during spring and summer, with turf and grass fields in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Angus.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities. Ask cafés and pubs for salads, grilled vegetables, egg-based dishes or vegetarian poutines; larger nearby towns like Barrie have dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants.
Vegan choices may be limited in Angus itself — plan ahead by checking menus or visiting Barrie for more variety. Many places can adapt dishes (swap cheese, request plant milk) if given notice.
Some bakeries and restaurants offer gluten-free options, but cross-contamination can be a concern; inform staff of strict allergies and consider bringing gluten-free staples if needed.