Kelso Beach
Owen Sound, ON, Canada
Kelso Beach, now Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, is Owen Sound's harbourfront park on the west shore of the sound in Ontario. It has a beach, a splash pad, picnic shelters, sports fields, and an amphitheatre. Since 1976 it has hosted Summerfolk, the folk, roots, and world music festival held here every third weekend of August.
A busy community park with real festival history, though the beach is more a backdrop than a destination.
How we score beachesPlan a visit around Summerfolk in August, when the beach becomes a festival ground on Georgian Bay.
Parking at the park on the west side of the harbour.
Park paths lead to the beach, playground, and splash pad.
Summerfolk takes over the third weekend of August, and Canada Day brings big celebrations. The bay is warmest in August.
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