Beaches 

If a quieter, sandy beach stretching for several miles is your idea of heaven, the Southampton beach is the place for you! Stretching approximately 4 kilometers long, you will hear the gulls soaring above and the waves hitting the shoreline.  

Don’t forget to catch one of our world famous sunsets ranked second in the world by National Geographic!

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk has been a staple of the community of Southampton for over 100 years. It stretches along Lake Huron and offers great views of Chantry Island and its Imperial Lighthouse with benches and playgrounds along the way.

High Street

Walk downtown to Southampton’s High Street and check out an array of quaint boutiques ranging from high end women’s fashion to gift shops and ice cream parlors. The town has a definite maritime feeling, with its old cottages, a fine sand beach and local eateries. 

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

Experience the long and proud history of Bruce County beginning in the newly updated Anishnaabwe Endaat gallery through pioneer times to present day. Journey through thousands of years of natural and human history; come face-to-face with a baby mammoth, meet the shopkeeper while exploring Bevan's General Store, or play in our technology lab. Explore the rich marine history of Bruce County's lighthouses, shipwrecks and fishing industry; board the HMS General Hunter, an 1812 battleship replica, where an exciting virtual experience awaits, as you shoot the cannon to defeat the enemy. Step into the trenches of WWI and follow the life of a Bruce County soldier through the war.  

Southampton Art Centre - School and Gallery

For 50+ years, the Southampton Art School has been offering art classes, courses and workshops in all-round creativity! Come discover textiles, sculpture, painting, or encaustic while understanding how to technically create a composition and harness your artistic skills.

Fairy Lake Trail

Fairy Lake in Southampton is located right in the community's core, offering a pleasant respite from a bustling tourist community in the middle of summer. A frothy fountain splashes in the centre of the lake while a nature trail wraps itself around its perimeter.  

Swans, ducks and geese can be fed, the corn available at the dispensing machines along the lake's edge (avoid using bread crusts, as it is unhealthy for the waterfowl). On sunny days, snapping turtles congregate on their favourite log to soak up some sunshine. Keep an eye for them while walking the trail.  

Saugeen River Rear Raise Lighthouse

The Saugeen River Rear Range Lighthouse is a 9.5 metre (31 ft) square wooden structure with tapered walls, surmounted by a metal railed gallery and a wooden lantern. Located on a rise of land on the north side of the Saugeen River in the community of Southampton (incorporated in 1999 as part of the Town of Saugeen Shores), it and the nearly identical front range light located 750 metres to the west were constructed in 1903. Originally located 215 metres to the east of the front light, it was moved to its current location in 1906. The tower is painted white, with red trim and an orange day stripe facing west toward traffic approaching the harbour.

Denny's Dam Conservation Area

Denny's Dam Conservation Area is the perfect spot for avid fishermen. Located at the mouth of the Saugeen River, the fishing is excellent. Simply park your trailer, grab your fishing pole and make your way to the water! Fish species include salmon and trout.  

Chantry Island Lighthouse Tour

Stroll back in time with a visit to the Keeper's Cottage, restored to its original 1800s condition, and decorated with period furnishings. Marvel at the wonders of nature with a walk through the protected bird sanctuary, and surrounding gardens. Chantry Island Tours are brought to you by The Southampton Marine Heritage Society, a tireless group of dedicated volunteers.

Rotary Perkins Park If you are out for a walk or bike ride on one of our many bike trails, plan on stopping at Rotary Perkins Park for a rest break. This Parks boast flower gardens, shaded pergola, picnic tables, and a washroom facility. Bring the family to see and learn about our extensive Butterfly gardens. It really is the perfect spot to stop on a hot day while riding the Saugeen Rail Trail.  

Rotary Park Splash Pad

In the same place as the Rotary Accessible Playground, you'll find a Splash Pad for kids!

Rotary Accessible Playground and Bruce Power Sensory Gardens

The perfect playground for kids! 

• Regular swings and O-Swings for those with accessibility limitations 
• Unique climber 
• Teeter totter 
• Marine themed play structure 
• Green play space 
• Accessible family washrooms 
• Covered picnic shelter

Southampton Tennis Club

Since 1956, the Southampton Tennis Club has been providing the best summer tennis experience in Ontario. Throughout July and August, we offer a full range of lessons and programs for all ages and skill levels on 15 well-maintained hard courts. Memberships are affordable and come in flexible packages: join for a week, a month, or the entire summer as a family, adult, or as a junior. Daily guest rates are also available. And there are no court fees so you can play as often as you like for the duration of your membership.

Saugeen Rail Trail

The Saugeen Rail Trail is a year round, multi-use trail that connects Southampton and Port Elgin, Ontario. Built on an old railway line the trail is easily accessed and used by visitors and residents alike. A popular trip is to travel the entire trail by bike from Port Elgin to Southampton and loop back along the scenic North Shore Road where beautiful views of Lake Huron can be experienced.  

Pioneer Park Pioneer Park chronicles Southampton's marine history with a memorial to lost sailors, 2 cannons, and a replica storm signal basket. Located at the mouth of the Saugeen River, this park offers a relaxing destination from which you can view Chantry Island through a pay-for-use viewfinder, watch commercial fishing tugs, sailboats and motorboats come and go or perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch.