Huron County Gaol
In French: Prison du comté de Huron
181 Victoria Street North, Goderich
About Huron County Gaol
Huron County Gaol is Goderich’s only place with National Historic Site status. Its record dates Huron County Gaol to 1839–1842. Its design is credited to Thomas Young.
Huron County Gaol National Historic Site of Canada is a walled prison compound dating from the first half of the 19th century. It contains a three-storey octagonal prison building with wings, a gaoler’s residence, and five enclosed exercise yards. Located at 181 Victoria Street North in Goderich, Ontario, it now houses a prison museum. Official recognition refers to the buildings and the property on which they sit.
From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, Huron County Gaol National Historic Site of Canada · Open Government Licence – Canada · the register’s own words, unchanged
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board recommends National Historic Sites; the designation marks national significance, not ownership.
Finding Huron County Gaol
Goderich
Its nearest historic neighbours are too far for a short walk.
Questions about Huron County Gaol
When was Huron County Gaol built?
By its record, Huron County Gaol dates from 1839–1842.
Can you visit Huron County Gaol?
Yes, most likely: it is recorded as a museum, though hours vary.
Is Huron County Gaol protected?
The designation recognizes its national significance; it doesn’t by itself protect a building the federal government doesn’t own. Provincial or municipal designation may.
What is Huron County Gaol?
Huron County Gaol is a National Historic Site of Canada, designated in 1973.
Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada (Parks Canada).
Sources: Parks Canada, Directory of Federal Heritage Designations · Canadian Register of Historic Places (federal extract) · Photos: Wikimedia Commons, each credited with its licence and copied to our own server · Wikidata (CC0) for map points, other names and articles.
Adapted from Statistics Canada (Census of Population 2021, population estimates 2025, 2021 census boundaries) under the Statistics Canada Open Licence; this does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada. Neighbourhood names in some cities © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).