A Local’s Guide to Outdoor Adventures in Southampton

One of the things guests tell us most often is how easy it is to spend an entire day outside in Southampton.

Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend or an active escape, the natural beauty of Saugeen Shores offers something for every pace. Here are a few of our favourite ways to experience the outdoors.

Paddle the Saugeen River

A peaceful paddle down the Saugeen River is one of the most memorable ways to see the area.

Thorncrest Outfitters offers convenient shuttle services, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed, hassle-free trip downstream. The river winds gently through calm stretches and shaded bends, offering a quiet rhythm that feels worlds away from busy everyday life.

It’s the kind of outing that leaves you sun-warmed, smiling, and ready for an early dinner back in town.

Walk or Bike Along the Waterfront

Southampton’s boardwalk and lakeside paths are perfect for morning walks or leisurely bike rides.

From High Street to Port Elgin, the 12-kilometre stretch offers sweeping views of Lake Huron and glimpses of Chantry Island Lighthouse. The route is mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it ideal for couples, families, and casual cyclists alike.

In the evening, this same stretch becomes one of the best places in town to watch the sky change colour over the water.

Explore Trails & Conservation Areas

If you’re craving forested paths and quieter spaces, the trails around MacGregor Point Provincial Park and the surrounding conservation areas offer miles of exploration.

In summer, you’ll find shaded pathways, wildlife sightings, and the scent of pine in the air. In winter, these same trails transform into snowshoeing and Nordic skiing routes — peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly invigorating.

Every season brings a different version of the landscape.

Time on Lake Huron

There’s something grounding about being on the water here.

Whether you’re kayaking along the shoreline, paddleboarding in the shallows, or casting a fishing line into Lake Huron, the vastness of the lake has a way of resetting your perspective.

For some, it’s about adventure. For others, it’s about simply floating and listening to the waves.

Parks, Tennis & Community Sport

Southampton’s green spaces are woven into daily life here.

A walk around Fairy Lake is a lovely way to ease into the day. The Southampton Tennis Club — long a fixture of the community — remains a hub of activity, with courts often filled throughout the season. Lawn bowling is another local favourite, offering sunshine, gentle competition, and easy conversation.

These aren’t just activities — they’re part of the town’s rhythm.

However You Spend the Day

Some guests come to hike and paddle. Others prefer long beach walks and sunset views. Most do a little of both.

The beauty of Southampton is that you can shape your stay around the kind of pace you need — active, relaxed, or somewhere in between.

And when the day is done, it’s always nice to return to a place where you can kick off your shoes, open a window, and let the lake air drift in.