Beautiful Joe Park isn’t only a lovely 8 acre heritage site, it is also an inspiration to animal lovers everywhere. The true story of Beautiful Joe is horrific and moving, as told by Margaret Marshall Saunders. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit a park dedicated to Meaford’s local canine hero and it was a gorgeous, but hot day to explore the park and to dig our toes into the Bighead River.
There are several different plaques and memorials throughout the parkland. Besides the plaque of Beautiful Joe, there is also a K-9 Monument and a Service Dogs Monument, both honouring the service that many of our canine friends provide for us. You can even have a plaque made for your own beloved pet and have it placed in the Paradise Islands part of the park.
The park has lovely gardens, trails and a pavilion for picnics. Meaford is also a very pleasant town to walk around or to stay. There are a variety of accommodations available, other parks, lots of trails in and around the area, plus live theatre, music, films and cultural events at the Meaford Hall. If you love the outdoors and quaint small towns, you’ll love Meaford.
Purchase the book online.
In 1892, in the town of Meaford, Ontario, Margaret Marshall Saunders was introduced to Beautiful Joe –a mongrel dog that had been cruelly mutilated by its’ owner. The author was inspired to write this story based on true events to emphasize the plight of domestic animals everywhere. Beautiful Joe has received worldwide attention, has appeared in several editions, and has been translated in at least ten different languages. It was the first Canadian children’s book to sell over seven million copies by the late 1930’s.
~ Beautiful Joe Heritage Society
Things to do in and around Meaford:
- Visit the beautiful waterfalls of Grey County
- Hike the Tom Thomson Trail
- Hike or bike the Georgian Trail
- Explore the Scenic Caves at Blue Mountain
- Discover the historical Trout Hollow Trail and learn about John Muir’s years in Canada
- Enjoy year-round attractions at Meaford Hall
- Hike part of the Bruce Trail
Comments(2)
Ruth Cox says:
November 4, 2017 at 4:37 amI just reviewed Beautiful Joe and in my research ran across your article on the park. I linked to this in my article…smiles. Thank you for sharing this lovely place!
Tricia McLellan-Dath says:
August 6, 2018 at 9:49 amGlad to hear you found the post useful. We love to take our dogs to this park and the story behind it is quite amazing.