Toronto 
A summer trip to Kincardine may be filled with adventure, relaxation by the water, sightseeing, or all of the above family fun.
The town, which follows the Lake Huron Shoreline and is divided by smaller rivers, is an escape for anyone, including families, couples, groups of friends, and those wanting to celebrate special occasions.
It is a beach destination first, but also a wonderful place to explore local history, Lake Huron, and the wetlands or forests that surround the area.
Beach Fun & Water Adventures in Kincardine
- Station Beach is Kincardine’s main beach and is located beside the Marina. The park has tons of helpful amenities like washrooms, change rooms, showers, and accessibility features, and it offers more opportunities for other fun. Enjoy the playground and boardwalk trail with interpretive signage, picnic areas, and access to Wi-Fi.
- The Inverhuron Provincial Park Beach offers a bit of a quieter beach experience but still has handy amenities like picnic areas, washrooms, and changing rooms. Anglers may also find water adventures in the park, such as fishing from the banks of the Little Sauble River. The river contains a wide variety of fish species.
- Get the ultimate Huron fishing experience with Dwindle’s Dream Fishing Charters. They offer half-day and full-day fishing charters during the summer months.
- Kincardine Boat Cruises offers sightseeing cruises on Lake Huron with trips that range from an hour to 3-hours. They also offer a special sunset cruise.
Historical & Family Attractions
There is a ton to see and do around Kincardine, which will help you learn more about the area’s history and heritage.
- Kincardine Lighthouse and Museum is open from July 1st to Labour Day each year, allowing visitors to climb up to the top while viewing several local artifacts.
- Walker House Museum is housed within Kincardine’s oldest building and is open each summer for guided tours. Also on site is an evening cocktail bar, The Industry Room.
- Bruce Power Visitor’s Centre host summer bus tours which offers a look into the area’s nuclear energy industry. The Visitor’s Centre also houses displays and interactive exhibits.
- East of Kincardine is the Family Funland with mini golf, go karting, a driving range, and a concession.
Best Hiking around Kincardine
The Kincardine Trail Network can bring you along Lake Huron’s shores, the adjacent river valley, right through downtown, or much further out to Inverhuron Provincial Park. Plus, Inverhuron is home to its own great hiking and cycling opportunities.
- If you want to keep walking or hiking within Kincardine, there are some great local trails and routes like self-guided tours of local gardens, the beach boardwalk trail at 4km one-way, or those within Helliwell Park.
- The town’s “Red” and “Green” trails run through the park at varying lengths while following the Penetangore River.
- Take your hiking a little way east of Kincardine to Ontario’s largest forested wetland. The Greenock Swamp Wetland Complex offers natural experiences alongside some historical education. Start your adventure at The Cargill and Greenock Swamp Visitor Centre and Museum who have trail maps and paddling maps.
- The Inverhuron trails are shared use for hikers and cyclists, and total over 8km. The Chain Trail is the longest at 4km and will bring your hike out onto the Lake Huron shores for about half of the length of the trail.
Summer Dining in Kincardine
One of the best parts about finding food in Kincardine is all the variety that is offered! Find something for everyone in your group around downtown Kincardine, as well as on the outskirts near many hotels.
- Enjoy some exceptional patio dining around Kincardine at local spots like George’s on the Harbour, Erie Belle Restaurant, The Bruce Kincardine, or Watercress Bistro.
- Find all the sweets and cold treats from Best Friends Bakery & Ice Cream, Roli’s Ice Cream, The Ice Cream Shack, or The Gelato Shoppe.
- Restaurants for groups or families are easy to find around Kincardine. Book a spot with Knotty Pines Restaurant, Sushi Won, or Locals Pub & Eatery.
Summer Events in Kincardine
No matter when you visit Kincardine in the summer, July or August, there is something happening almost every night of the week. Weekends are the busiest, too, with many festivities taking place downtown or at the local parks.
- The Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games are normally held in July and are an ode to the area’s heritage and history. The three-day festival includes the Highland Games (sporting competitions), several local food vendors on site, and live music.
- The annual Gathering of the Bands takes place in August each summer in Kincardine with a full day of live music, great food, and a parade. If you can’t make it for this specific day, you’ll have a chance every Saturday during the summer to watch the Pipe Band Parade
- The “Best Little Blues Festival,” Lighthouse Blues Festival returns every July with over 35 artists.
- Also in August is Kincardine’s annual Marine Heritage Festival and KCF Regatta Cardboard Boat Races. Along with the races, the event boasts ship tours, sailing tours, museum and lighthouse tours, and performances from the local Sundown Theatre Company.
- Cruise Nights happen every Friday evening before summer long weekends in Kincardine. Get a glimpse at numerous types of shined-up cars from nearly every era!
- Market in the Park sets up in Kincardine’s Victoria Park, in the shade of the trees, every Monday during the summer.
Where to Stay in Kincardine
Kincardine is home to a large number of private vacation rentals, chain hotels, local motels or inns, and is close to several campgrounds. Even among the campgrounds alone, there are different ways to stay, like tenting, RV sites, or cabin camping. Plus, there are also a number of reliable hotel chains across Kincardine.
- A few notable waterfront options include the Inn at the Harbour or these Airbnb rentals.
- There are several great places to camp around Kincardine. Overnight campgrounds include Green Acres for RVing and tenting, with a pool; Inverhuron Provincial Park with RV and tent spots, or cabins; and the Brucedale Conservation Area.
