The shallow waters of Ipperwash Beach have drawn people to this area for centuries. This beach on Lake Huron’s shores is one of the longest freshwater beaches in the province is less busy than other beaches in the area. On an ideal summer’s day you can listen to the waves gently lapping the soft sand and admire the vistas of the lake, beach and trees along the shoreline stretching to the horizon.
On an ideal evening, you can marvel at one the country’s most magnificent sunsets as the sun drops below sight, trailing colours across the sky that reflect in the water; bring your camera!
KETTLES & FLINT HISTORY
Nearby Kettle Point is the location of the famed “kettles”, scientifically called concretions. These spherical boulders can measure more than a metre across. Only two other places in the world are known to have these geological formations which are found imbedded in the shale. Over time sadly many of the kettles have either been taken away by visitors, halved for use as lawn ornaments or shattered in hopes of finding something even more special in the interior…a failed enterprise!
Stony Point got its name from flint beds that were an important trading commodity in the 16th and 17th centuries when the Europeans made first contact there. Flint from these beds has been identified great distances away, including the west and east coasts of North America, into the southern United States. The flint – chert, was used by the Ojibwe and other tribes for weapons including spear tips and tools essential for daily life and for making fire.
POW WOW – WOW!!
The Kettle & Stony Point Pow Wow takes place the second weekend in July each year. This is an opportunity to share in something truly outstanding – a celebration of native cultural heritage. The 50th Annual Competition Pow Wow will take place July 11 -12, 2020 at 9226 Lake Road (kettlepoint.org/powwow/). The Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Points invite everyone to enjoy their rich heritage at this wonderful event.
The Pow Wow is a social event as well as a spiritual and sacred occasion for all tribes and ages who celebrate heritage and culture and pride in one’s roots. More than 2,500 people attend each year, enjoying dancers from Canada and the U.S., drummers and booths that sell original art, jewellery, clothing, crafts, beadwork and more. Sample fresh Lake Huron fish, native flatbread strawberry shortcake and other delicacies.
Observe Pow Wow etiquette, including referring to dancers’ attire as regalia, not costumes. Follow announcements about when to stand, when to be silent, when to remove your hat etc.
SHOP, DINE, ENJOY
The historic Ipperwash Hotel, built in 1920, has been completely transformed by new owners with deep roots in the community and is now enjoyed as the Ipperwash Beach Club. Visitors and locals alike enjoy dining, drinks and ice cream indoors or on outdoor patios, within a stone’s throw of Lake Huron.
Arbor Acres Plaza is a one-stop-shop for cottagers, locals and visitors with Beer Store and LCBO agency outlets, laundromat, variety store, fresh produce and meats, beach wear, and chip stand take out. Don’t miss the selection of 24 flavours of soft serve ice cream.
Thunderbird Crafts is a unique store where you can buy native themed arts and crafts and check out the many items dancers use to create their regalia, imbued with spiritual significance.
Points Preference Supermarket and Kettle & Stony Point Gas & Convenience and Al’s Gas & Variety are other popular shop and fill-up destinations.