Community Waterfront Heritage Centre (CWHC)
Celebrating the Marine, Rail and Industrial Heritage of Owen Sound, Ontario
The CWHC Blog
Three Tugboats in Owen Sound
Owen Sound’s harbour was recently busier than usual as three tugboats and barges dropped in. On June 5, the tugboat John D. was the first to arrive, tying up near a barge that had recently been assembled for the incoming tugboats. The John D. was followed on June 6th...
First Visit of 2026
Owen Sound had its first shipment of the season on May 30th. The Ontario Venture arrived in the harbour at sunrise to unload grain at the grain elevator. On top of being the first shipment of the season, it was also the ship’s first visit in Owen Sound. The Ontario...
Sailors Grave Stories & Great Lakes Ghost Stories
Join us on Saturdays at Greenwood Cemetery for Sailors Grave Stories. This guided tour will take guests through the cemetery with stops at the graves of Owen Sound’s greatest ship captains and other sites like the Potter’s Field Memorial. 📅 Saturdays starting June 20...
Tea on the Train
All aboard for Tea on the Train! This summer, we will be hosting three teas aboard Coach 4884. Each tea will feature desserts from the Reach Centre and a presentation about a new historical topic. This year's teas are: 📅July 23 | Today's Visitors: Modern ships in Owen...
Heritage Harbour Walks
Learn about the history of Owen Sound's waterfront with the return of our Heritage Harbour Walks! From the earliest ships to the end of the railways, this 45-minute walking tour is a great way to hear the city's stories while taking in the waterfront scenery! 📅...
Ships in Owen Sound, 2025
Owen Sound's harbour is now empty, but we've got a treat for all the ship watchers out there! This video features every ship we captured coming into the harbour. Enjoy a range of video, pictures, and information about each one!
Chi-Cheemaun Begins its 52nd Season
The Chi-Cheemaun has left Owen Sound to begin its 52nd season of transporting cars between Tobermory and South Baymouth. The ferry left yesterday, April 30th on its repositioning cruise, leaving Owen Sound’s harbour empty. Before leaving, the ‘Big Canoe’ held the...
North Gallery Guide
Welcome to the expanded guide for the CWHC’s north gallery! Here you can find expanded descriptions of the artifacts included in our printed gallery guides! Dugout Canoe: This birch bark canoe has a mysterious origin. It was discovered near Holland Centre in the early...
South Gallery Artifacts Guide
Welcome to the expanded guide for the CWHC's south gallery! Here you can find expanded descriptions of the artifacts included in our printed gallery guides! Masthead Lantern: A white navigation light which would have been mounted on a ship’s mast or the forward part...
The Algoma Compass Arrives for Winter Layup
The bulk freighter Algoma Compass arrived in Owen Sound on January 19th for Winter layup. The Compass has been a common visitor to Owen Sound for winter layup, with recent stays in Owen Sound in 2021-22 and 2025. The freighter also tends to have its fair share of...
CCGS Judy LaMarsh Breaks the Ice!
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh made an appearance in Owen Sound on January 18, making her the first vessel to enter the harbour in 2026! The Judy LaMarsh was called on to clear the path for the Algoma Compass. The Compass had been required to wait in the bay on its way to...
Last Visit of the Season
Owen Sound's last harbour visit of the 2025-2026 season came on December 22 when the Prentiss Brown and St. Marys Challenger arrived at the cement silos. Unlike the last few years where grain was the Saginaw was the most frequent visitor to the harbour, this tug and...
Trivia at the Museum
Join us for Trivia Night at the museum! Our first trivia night will feature historical trivia in the old CN Station! 📅Thursday, March 26th 🕙 6pm 🎟️ $10/person 📧 Email info@waterfrontheritage.ca to learn more.
Winter Shipping
On December 4, after a morning of intense snowfall, the Saginaw slid into port with its third grain delivery to Owen Sound for the 2025-2026 shipping season. While the "Witch of November" and bad weather on the lakes meant the end of the season for most ships...
Contact Us
Comunity Waterfront Heritage Centre (CWHC)
1155 1st Ave W,Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
Call Us: 519-371-3333
Email: info@waterfrontheritage.ca