Tourist Activities in Southampton, Ontario

There's always lots of things to do in Southampton, Ontario- Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter

For such a small community, there is an abundance of things to see and do -- a return visit to the Southampton Inn and Southampton Ontario is a must!

Southampton’s icon is the Chantry Island Lighthouse, lying approximately 1 km offshore.

Continue to explore the past with a visit to the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. This new, state of the art, muli-million dollar facility is a must on your to do list while staying in Southampton.

Pick up an historic Walking Tour Guide at the Southampton Visitor’s Centre and check out the stories behind the unique architecture. Tap into your creative side and sign up for a course at the Southampton Art School. There are a variety of courses in various media to tempt the “artist within”. Visit the Art School’s gallery, in the Old Southampton Town Hall, with its showcase of work by local talented artists and artisans.

Browse and shop at the Southampton Market whose specialty is unfinished wood products. Take a canoe trip down the Saugeen River or a sunset kayak cruise to Chantry Island with the aid of Thorncrest Outfitters.

Try out one of Southampton’s 13 tennis courts during your stay. Forget your racquet? No problem, rentals are available!

Bring your bike to explore the town, travel the RailTrail or coast along the Lake Huron shoreline.

The Saugeen River is nearby for the fly fishing enthusiast!

Visit the Saugeen First Nation’s Amphitheatre on Hwy 21 N. A spectacular vista of the river, the beautiful gardens and an incredible outdoor theatre are worth the trip. Follow the nature trail around Fairy Lake, feed corn to the swans, ducks and geese and keep an eye out for the snapping turtles sunning themselves on a log. On Sunday evenings, bring a lawnchair or a blanket for an outdoor concert.

Golf enthusiasts can try out several of the golf courses in the area, all within a short driving distance of the Southampton Inn. Many other Southampton events take place all year long.

For tourist info, details and more things to do in Southampton Ontario, see the Saugeen Shores Tourism site.

Winter

During the off-season, including winter, Southampton is quieter, but no less beautiful than in the summer. Cuddle up with a good book in a cozy room at the Inn or bundle up and tackle an outdoor activity.

Cross country ski buffs will enjoy gliding along the RailTrail or along the Lake Huron shoreline on a clear day. Groomed trails are close by in Port Elgin and Sauble Beach. MacGregor Point Provincial Park is open for those who like to swoosh through the bush! Snowshoeing is a fast-growing sport and snowshoes come in all shapes, weights and sizes. Both cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented locally at Thorncrest Outfitters. Outdoor packages are available. For more trail info see Bruce Grey Trails Network web site.

Snowmobiling can be done in town and on trails close by. Enjoy a day trip up the beautiful Bruce Peninsula.

Ice skating is available at the Southampton Coliseum, the local arena. Click here for more information. If the winter weather is cold enough, outdoor ice skating can be done on a pond at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.