Bayfield, Ontario is a charming community nestled in the municipality of Bluewater, Huron County in southwestern Ontario, Canada. With a population of 1,112 as of 2016, Bayfield is a popular tourist destination known for its historic Main Street, beautiful marina, and public beaches.
Bayfield was founded in 1832 by Carel Lodewijk, Baron van Tuyll van Serooskerken, a Dutch nobleman who purchased a large holding in the Huron Tract from the Canada Company. The community was named after Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield, a noted Great Lakes surveyor and British naval officer. Over the next decade, a community plan was developed and two mills were built.
By 1869, Bayfield had become a port of entry with a population of only 125. Despite its small size, the settlement boasted a wagon and plough making shop, two blacksmiths, a distiller, a brickyard, and two tanneries. A large, permanent harbour was built during the 1870s, and by 1876, Bayfield was incorporated as a village with a population of 846.
In 1982, Bayfield was declared a heritage conservation district. The Town Hall, built in 1882, was moved to its present location on Clan Gregor Square in 1920. After being closed as a fire hazard in 1984, the hall was reopened in 1993 following fundraising efforts for repairs. On January 1, 2001, Bayfield merged with Hensall, Zurich, Stanley, and Hay to create Bluewater Municipality.
Bayfield is located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron at the mouth of the Bayfield River. The mouth of the river provides a natural sheltered harbour, which has played a significant role in the community's history and development.
Being located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, Bayfield experiences a climate heavily influenced by the lake. This results in significant rainfall and snowfall in the community, particularly close to the shores.
As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Bayfield had a population of 1,250 living in 628 of its 906 total private dwellings. This represents a 2.6% increase from its 2016 population of 1,218. With a land area of 2.79 km2, Bayfield had a population density of 448.0/km2 in 2021.
Bayfield is home to many yearly traditions, including the Bayfield Fair in August and Christmas in Bayfield, which includes the lighting of the trees in Clan Gregor Square and an annual Christmas Parade. Other annual events include the Fireman's Breakfast, Pioneer Park 5k Run, Santa Run, Halloween Witches Walk, and Corvette Fest and Volks Fest. Bayfield also boasts the largest croquet club in North America, with members competing internationally. The Bayfield Historical Society operates a heritage centre containing historic artifacts, newspapers, and photographs.
Bayfield is conveniently located on Kings Highway 21, also known as Bluewater Highway, just 20 kilometres south of Goderich.
