Toronto 
Summers in Southampton are often centred around the beaches in town.
And for good reason.
Part of the Municipality of Saugeen Shores, Southampton is home to beautiful Lake Huron beaches with white sand, soft pebbles, and shallow swimming spots.
And in Southampton, many of these beaches are only a short walk from local dining and shopping. But many other adventures away in Southampton, whether you want to be near the water or not, with local events, attractions, and sightseeing.
Beach and Water Fun
Most of Southampton’s shoreline is also public beach space. It is easy to find picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming areas, sunbathing spots, and more all along the west side of Southampton.
- Southampton Beach and Pioneer Park Beach are both at the end of Southampton’s Front Street and near the Saugeen River. These areas offer amenities like washrooms, picnic areas, and parking. Plus, these are excellent places to catch the area’s famous sunsets.
- The South Street Beach is a much quieter swimming and picnic area with less amenities. A bit further south from this beach is the Miramichi Bay area, which has great wildlife viewing opportunities.
- One of the more unique water adventures offered in Southampton is the Chantry Island Boat Tours. Embark on a historical boat tour of the island and enjoy the sights of Lake Huron.
- The Southampton Boardwalk offers great views of Chantry Island across the water and connects much of the beach space around town.
Summer Arts & Culture
The Bruce County Museum in Southampton is open year-round for visitors to enjoy and learn through the exhibits.
- Over the summer, they offer a variety of additional events and programming, like the weekly Wonderful Wildlife Shows. These weekly shows include hands-on experiences with certain animals and hands-off experiences with other animals.
- The Museum also helps to host the Summer Symphony in August each year.
- Summer Museum Tours are every weekend and offer a chance to walk through the exhibits with a guide. Tours are about 45 minutes to an hour, and the museum usually puts on a new feature exhibit each summer.
- Other museum activities to save for a rainy summer day include LEGO nights, Pop-up summer crafting, and Multicultural Demonstration days.
If you are looking to add a little bit of live theatre performances during your summer stay, Bruce County Playhouse has 2 great shows lined up.
Hiking and Cycling around Southampton
Whether you’re after a lakeside hike and adventure, one near the rivers, or town sightseeing, this part of Lake Huron’s shores offers many trails and trail systems.
- The Southampton Boardwalk offers stunning views of Lake Huron, Chantry Island, and its lighthouse. Stretching from High St. to Long Dock Beach, it features benches, playgrounds, and scenic beach tours.
- The 6km (one-way) Saugeen Rail Trail connects visitors in Southampton to Port Elgin, another Lake Huron shoreline town.
- Enjoy a quick walk in the heart of Southampton with the 1km loop around Fairy Lake. High Street can also bring your walk back to the beach.
- The Beiner’s Bush Trails can create a decent 1-2 hour hike and can be accessed from town via the Woodlands Trail. The Beiner trail system is open to hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and permits leashed dogs.
Dining in Southampton
Looking for somewhere to eat in the summer or after a day at the beach might require certain things like a patio, cold treats, or somewhere fast but tasty. Southampton has all of the above and much more like the local brewery, a historic cocktail bar, and international cuisine.
- Gerry’s Fast Food is a perfect beach picnic spot with casual takeout and a beachside location.
- Dine from Southampton’s best patios this summer with The Walker House, Elk & Finch Coffee Pub, or Highview Food & Drink.
- Relax with the more upscale atmospheres of Southampton’s Outlaw Brew Co., or The Lighthouse Restaurant.
- And when the heat rises in Southampton, find your sweets at Fun in the Sun Ice Cream Parlour or Atlantis Eatery.
Summer Events in Southampton
Southampton celebrates all summer with arts festivals, live music, local shopping, local food, and by diving into the area’s history. There is something happening this summer in Southampton on almost every weekend, including a few weeknight parties too.
- Bruce County Comicon takes over the Southampton Coliseum each summer with cosplay and prizes, art exhibits, entertainment, and much more comic or cartoon fun.
- Make your way to Southampton in late July for the massive Marine Heritage Festival. The event includes festivities across town like food events, live music or theatre, and ghost walk tours.
- Southampton is part of the Saugeen Shores Summer Concert Series. Catch live music every Sunday at the Fairy Lake Pavilion (June-September).
- Shop your way through tons of local vendors and creators at the weekly Saugeen First Nations’ Night Market, held every Thursday on Cameron Drive.
Where to Stay in Southampton
If you’d prefer to stay closer to Southampton’s shores and beaches, there are plenty of options between B&Bs, hotels, inns, motels, and private cabin or cottage rentals. Southampton is also close to a handful of family camping resorts with their own on-site events and activities.
- Downtown Southampton has many great places to stay like The Southampton Inn, The Beach Motel, Chantry Breezes Bed & Breakfast, or The Manor Motel.
- If camping is more your vacation style, the area offers wonderful spots like Southampton Tourist Camp, Holiday Park, or Dreamaker Family Campground.
- There are dozens of awesome private rentals available in Southampton. Choose between cabins and cottages, single rooms, apartments, places with hot tubs or pools, and large homes for large groups.
