TRAILS
TRAILS IN PORT ELGIN
Ontario's Hiking & Biking Heaven!
Port Elgin is Ontario's hiking heaven. Situated on the coast of Lake Huron, Port Elgin's trails offer a wide selection of hiking and biking experiences plus snowshoeing & snowmobiling in snowy months. Wind through the rich forest trails of Beiner's Bush Trail or enjoy the views of Lake Huron on the North Shore Trail.
The trail system has been designed so that hikers can always make their way back to town and relax. In town there is an array of accommodation and dining options available. Only 2 hours north of Kitchener Waterloo, you will find Port Elgin's trail system really is Ontario's "hiking heaven".
Get your trail maps from the Visitor Centre and see for yourself why people are falling in love with Port Elgin's trails.
PORT ELGIN CYCLING TRAILS
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Saugeen Shores offers many different trails for cycling.
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Saugeen Rail Trail has access points all over Saugeen Shores and is a well traveled former rail bed that stretches 8km from Port Elgin to Southampton.
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Two of the newest trails include the Gore Drain Trail that starts off at the corner of highway 21 south & Count Road 25 (CAW Road) and the Rotary Way Trail which connects to County Road 33 & McGregor Point Provincial Park. Both Trails connect to over 30km's of a "looped" trail system that connects Port Elgin, Saugeen Township and Southampton, all of which are part of the amalgamated Municipality of the Town of Saugeen Shores.
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By taking the Gore Drain to the Rotary Way, you can then enter into the MacGregor Point Provincial Park trails. MacGregor Park boasts the Deer Run bike trail and many other trails which allow cyclists to enjoy the great outdoors. Biener's Bush ski trails, accessed through Nodwell Park or Concession 10, offers challenging paths with hills, mud, sand, and log covered streams.
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Northshore Rd. connects Port Elgin and Southampton and offers a picturesque ride along Lake Huron, with many twists and turns, and has a two lane bike path parellel to the road.
PORT ELGIN WATERFRONT PROMENADE
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This is the perfect place to grab an ice cream, stroll around and watch the activity on the beach, and the harbour. And of course don't forget to come down here at dusk to watch one of the best sunsets in the world.
Port Elgin Beach has a wheel chair accessible paved walkway; there is a historic break wall that offers a nice vista to take in an amazing sunset.
SAUGEEN RAIL TRAIL
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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.
Access: The trailhead is at River Street in Port Elgin, a few blocks north of the town and east of Hwy 21. There are several access points - some with parking some without.
The trail is maintained through a combination of volunteer labour, community funding and membership in the Saugeen RailTrail Association.
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NOTE: In the summer, a popular route is to bike the trail and loop back along the North Shore Road.
This route provides beautiful views of the Lake Huron shoreline. Length: 25 - 30 km with loops.
Difficulty: Easy. Surface: Hard-packed stone dust. Uses: Walking/hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
No motorized vehicles are permitted.
NORTH SHORE TRAIL
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This 6km asphalted Trail connects Port Elgin to Southampton and offers a great experience for bikers, walkers, roller bladers, and joggers along our scenic Lake Huron Shoreline.
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North Shore Trail offers a Lake front scenic route with an extended 2 lane paved path. Recently constructed in 2010, this trail offers a unique experience of Lake Huron to active visitors. Bring your camera as there are several scenic lookouts and photo opportunities.
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Pick your favourite spot for a remarkable sunset photo. There are benches placed along the trail for your comfort or to take in the view!
WOODLAND TRAIL
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Woodland trail is a truly beautiful trail that connects Port Elgin to Southampton. A relatively flat and easy trail meanders through lush green woodlands. The trails are well signed.
Perfect for walking or riding a bike, the Woodland Trails is perfect for people looking for a taste of nature. This trail is also horse friendly.
MIRAMICHI BAY LOOKOUT
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Please note: Some business hours may vary due to COVID-19.
This beach area offers a lookout for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. With a stone and pebble base in some areas there are benches to sit and watch sunsets and sunrises. This area is not known for sunbathing, but for it's scenic views and environmental friendly area for a variety of migrating birds. Parking is limited and it is suggested that these beaches be visited via the North Shore Trail by walking, running or cycling. The trail is paved and maintained by the Town of Saugeen Shores. There are no public washrooms in this beach area.
LAKE RIDGE TRAIL
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This trail connects to the town pond, Shipley trail and the Port Elgin main beach.