Bliss in Bayfield: Explore Wisconsin and Ontario's Charming Twin Towns

Two tiny Great Lake towns, nominally and spiritually connected: one, an American enclave on an isolated peninsula of Lake Superior, the other, a quaint Canadian community on the southern shore of Lake Huron. Bayfield, Wisconsin, is the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with its sea caves, sandstone cliffs, and 19th-century lighthouses, whereas Bayfield, Ontario, leads to local parks and beaches, as well as the peripheral sand dunes of Lambton Shores. In addition to their outdoor recreation prowess, both Bayfields enjoy microclimates favorable to orchards and wineries, both boast engaging Main Streets lined with historic inns, one-off shops and restaurants, and creative outlets, and both communities spice up each of their four distinct seasons with diverse annual events. Intrigued? Then come along for a brief but blissful tour of these two international Bayfields.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

The Community

With just about 600 permanent residents and a footprint of less than one square-mile, Bayfield is Wisconsin's smallest incorporated city. She resides on the northeastern shore of the namesake peninsula, deep within Lake Superior's western wing, encompassed by the 22 Apostle Islands. Highway 13 (part of the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway) slows to become a pedestrian-friendly Main Street (i.e., Rittenhouse Avenue), and serves as the only thoroughfare into and out of town. Thirteen berry farms and orchards (many of them "U-Pick" venues) dot the terrestrial periphery, giving rise to the tourist-friendly "Fruit Loop" drive, the annual Bayfield Apple Festival, the downtown (Saturdays, June - Oct) Farmers Market, and the community's second nickname: "Berry Capital of Wisconsin."

Bayfield's 50-block Historic District speaks to its turn of the 19th-century boom - a period when the wealth generated by its timber, fishing, and brownstone industries translated into Queen Ann mansions, proud churches, and the elegant storefronts of its commercial core. Speaking of which, whether you're staying at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, the St. James Social, or any of the other surrounding homely accommodations, the steady pulse of Rittenhouse Avenue makes Bayfield a social beacon within the surrounding wilderness. Wonderstate Coffee is a natural rallying point for residents and visitors alike - whether you intend to patronize the few square blocks of of gift shops and galleries (such as Eckels Pottery - the oldest such studio in the state), cook up an adventure at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters (housed within the 1884 County Courthouse), skip down to the Bayfield Maritime Museum for an overview of Superior's capricious history, or, if those Great Lake winds happened to kick up that morning, simply set up shop in front of the window with a good book.

As for community events, Bayfield hits all the beats. We've already noted the Bayfield Apple Festival - a 63-year-running, three-day, 50,000-strong fall event that leverages the region's abundant microclimate. But there is also Bayfield in Bloom (late May - early June) for all you flower fans, the Bayfield Race Week Regatta (late June - early July), for sailing aficionados, the nearby Red Cliff Annual Pow Wow (July), for anyone seeking Indigenous culture, the 9-day Art Escape (Sept), for all you creative types, and last but not least, Snowy Traditions (Jan - March), to warm all those willing to brave the Superior winters. Even if your trip doesn't coincide with an annual festival, Concerts by the Lake brings live music to the Memorial Park gazebo every Tuesday and Thursday night all summer long.

The Shoreline

Known as the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands," Bayfield has a front row seat to the 22-island archipelago, as well as the 12-mile shoreline that falls under the purview of the namesake National Lakeshore. Regular ferries run to Madeline Island (the largest and only inhabited island of the lot), where the beaches, trails, and campgrounds of Big Bay State Park can be enjoyed. Local operators also offer kayak tours and leisurely cruises of the mainland shoreline, which features dramatic sea caves, striated, tree-topped cliffs, and the largest collection of lighthouses within the National Parks Service. Back on dry land, the Bayfield Peninsula is blessed with a bounty of hiking trails (including the beloved Lakeshore Trail), many of which become playgrounds for winter warriors armed with skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes. Finally, given its isolated setting and modest infrastructure, this region is enveloped by some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48. So as long as the clouds cooperate, the star-gazing is exceptional.

The Takeaway

Bayfield, Wisconsin's marriage of nature and community creates a grounded and nourishing scene - one that swells in the summer (as many as 10,000 visitors at its peak), but still has something to offer during the subsequent three seasons. It's a place to relax into small-town vibes or to launch into large-scale, multi-medium adventures. Whatever your preferred escapism, Bayfield is the place to be.

Bayfield, Ontario

The Community

Founded in 1832 by a Dutch nobleman in honor of a British surveyor, Bayfield, Ontario, preserves a distinctly European charm. Hugging the southeastern shore of Lake Huron, right off of the Bluewater Highway (i.e. Highway 21), this historic village forms a geographical triangle with Sarnia and London (opening the door to restorative lunch dates for anyone from those cities), and is just a little over 200 kilometers west of Toronto, which makes it an ideal weekend getaway for anyone in need of a respite from the concrete metropolis.

Bayfield's permanent population is approximately double that of Bayfield, Wisconsin - though you would never guess it at first glance. The one-square block Heritage Main Street is the sole touristic sector, though the limited space is well-utilized thanks to multi-level commercial courtyards and sidewalk patios. Housed within its 19th-century structures are elegant bistros and nautical-themed eateries, multiple craft breweries and ice cream parlors, a mix of boutique clothing stores, indie bookshops, and galleries, and an array of inviting accommodations to boot. Unfortunately, the 145-year-old Albion Hotel suffered significant fire damage in late 2024. So readers should note that as of the writing of this article, the hotel and pub are closed for repairs. But alas, progress is being made, and the Albion will thankfully live to see another era. In the meantime, the Little Inn of Bayfield continues to be a favorite, as does the Bayfield Boutique B&B, located just off Main Street, beside the stately Town Hall.

Like Bayfield, Wisconsin, this Ontario microclimate proves its own propensity for produce (particularly of the fermented variety). Schatz Winery (within the Hessenland Inn), Cornerfield Wine Company, and Bayfield Berry Farm & Winery - three of the 13 Taste-of-Huron-Vine-Ale-Trail stops - are mere minutes away by car.

As for its annual gatherings, Bayfield showcases several community events that are well-suited to its quaint yet touristic, lakeside scene. Every Friday afternoon, May through October, the Bayfield Farmers' Market takes over Clan Gregor Square (i.e., the roundabout green space at the base of Main Street). Next up is the Bayfield Vettefest, which sees colorful corvettes roll into town the first weekend in July. Then, as a nod to the resurging hippie/van-life movement, classic VWs set up shop in late September for the aptly-named Volksfest (note: the event has shifted up the street to Goderich for 2025). And injecting a bit of brilliance into the month of February is the townwide Winter Wonderscape.

The Shoreline

This idyllic slice of Lake Huron shoreline includes small-scale local natural attractions and larger sandboxes in the broader vicinity. Pioneer Park, for instance, awaits at the tip of Bayfield's Main Street, overlooking the breezy Great Lake, and when the time comes, picture-perfect sunsets (there is even a recurring Paint the Sunset gathering to leverage this inspiring asset). From there, take the lengthy wooden staircase, or backtrack to the Mara Street Walkway, to connect to Bayfield's main beach and the walkable/fishable South Pier at the mouth of the Bayfield River. Right next door, sheltered just inside the namesake waterway, boaters will find the Village of Bayfield Marina (the largest recreational marina on the Canadian portion of Lake Huron) and the Harbour Lights Marina.

While Bayfield proper is a great place for fresh air and sunshine, Pinery Provincial Park and Point Farms Provincial Park (which sit roughly equidistant to the south and north, respectively) open the door to longer and softer beaches, substantial trails through fragile forests and across sprawling sand dunes, expansive campgrounds, and ample paddling opportunities.

The Takeaway

Bayfield, Ontario, harkens back to Canada's British heritage while also showcasing the overlooked beauty of southern Ontario's Lake Huron habitats. Anachronistic taverns, swimmable beaches, and side-alley shops are all within a stone's throw of each other in this single-strip community. Bayfield, Ontario, may not have the crowd-drawing national park affiliation like its cousin in Wisconsin, but this Canadian village is still a sanctuary for nature lovers - by land or by lake.

A Tale of Two Bayfields

Bayfield, Wisconsin, and Bayfield, Ontario, overlap in many appealing regards. They both benefit from pristine Great Lake settings (Superior and Huron, respectively), they both have historic districts that thwart the arrows of time, and they both prioritize community over the insidious temptations of tourism. The Wisconsin version sports a wilder side in terms of outdoor adventure and annual events, but Ontario's entry has to get the nod in terms of everyday wining, dining, and shopping. Have you had the pleasure of dropping anchor in either Bayfield? If not, maybe a sweeping Great Lake road trip is in order this season. After all, there are many more attractions in the states/provinces in between