Paddle Through the Bruce

Take the family on a paddling adventure they’ll never forget.

Day 1

Find a place to stay and explore the communities of Walkerton, Mildmay and Teeswater.

Why? Make lasting memories with your family on a scenic countryside paddle of the Saugeen River. Enjoy the river bends, varying levels of currents and picturesque landscapes.

Day 2

For a paddling route, consider The Brockton, a 21 kilometre paddle that will take about 5 hours.

This route starts in Walkerton at Saugeen River Access Point #5 and ends at Access Point #7, just outside of town. Although this section has rapids, they are typically easy to navigate.

For the best paddling experience, come prepared.

Need equipment? Find a local outfitter to get you set up with the right gear here.

Photo credit: @explore.ontario

Day 3

After your big day of paddling, enjoy a slower pace and visit Folmer’s Botanical Gardens located just outside of Walkerton. Tour the beautiful gardens and pick up a plant or two. Other great experiences include The Healing Arc and Essentially Lavender, both located outside of Teeswater. Learn about the benefits of sea buckthorn at The Healing Arc and immerse yourself in lavender fields, taking in the relaxing aroma, at Essentially Lavender.

Stop by Gay Lee Country Store and Mildmay Cheese Haus for some local goodies that make for a great picnic. For dinner, enjoy a bite to eat at The Tees Tap House in Teeswater, or Harley’s Pub and Perk in Mildmay.

Looking for other route options, visit our paddling tours.

Remember to Explore Safely and Sustainably

Remember that parks, beaches and farms are carefully managed eco-systems, not just awesome Instagram backdrops.

It’s our responsibility to leave nature untouched and preserve its beauty for future generations. When visiting Bruce County, prioritize sustainable travel practices. Here are a few tips to help you leave no trace:

Pack in, pack out: Be mindful of the waste you generate. Bring reusable water bottles, food containers and bags to pack out any trash and minimize your impact.
Stay on designated trails: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent damage to flora and fauna. Resist the urge to venture off-trail.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed or disturb them. Remember, they are the rightful inhabitants of this land, and our presence should not disrupt their natural behaviour.
Capture memories, not souvenirs: Take plenty of photographs but resist the temptation to collect natural souvenirs like rocks or seashells. Leave them where they belong, as each element plays a vital role in the delicate ecosystem.

Remember to reduce your environmental impact while still exploring and having fun. Let’s make every adventure count for our planet!