Wrapped by the Niagara Escarpment -- a unique eco-system recognized by UNESCO -- and the lapping waters of the Georgian Bay, Owen Sound's natural beauty is striking. Approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Toronto, travelers will have no shortage of scenic landscape to admire along the route. A suitable destination in all seasons, the city is liveliest during the summer months as people attend an assortment of festivals, leave footprints on the sandy beaches, or ripple through its lustrous waters on boats. Culture and heritage buffs may peruse several galleries and museums. The Billy Bishop Museum is the childhood home of the World War I flying ace and concentrates on air warfare as well as recounts of some of Bishop’s daring battles with the Red Baron and others. The Tom Thompson Memorial Art Gallery contains works by regional artists, including the esteemed landscape artist Tom Thompson and various members of the Group of Seven.