Links and Lighthouse

Skip the crowds and soak up the good vibes, visit Bruce County Sunday to Thursday for shorter lines, quieter beaches, and a more relaxing getaway!

Gather your friends and make a weekend out of it- play a round of golf with Lake Huron as your backdrop then spend the rest of the day wandering through the lakeside towns of Kincardine, Point Clark and Ripley.

Day 1

Take a stroll through town along the Kincardine Boardwalk where you’ll enjoy the scenic views of Lake Huron and beautiful planted gardens. As you wander through the town, stop by the Kincardine Lighthouse and Museum. Walk a little further and experience one of Kincardine’s Farmer’s Markets (on Monday’s) where you’ll find fresh local produce and handcrafted goods. 

Get a behind the scenes look at how cheese curds are made at Pine River Food. Stop by and stock up on locally made cheese, especially, the fan favorite curds! Then head to Ripley and stop by the FIG Studio (fun fact, FIG stands for FOOD IS GREAT) to experience a lunch made by local chefs. Check out Back Forty Bites to discover even more local spots to try.

Wrap up the evening with friends over dinner at The Bruce or George’s, where you’ll find a patio with views of Lake Huron and charming lighthouses as your background.  If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, head to Bar Down for a fun night out.

Day 2 

Fuel up before hitting the links with your friends for a sit down breakfast at The Breakfast Table and try out the famous breakfast poutine or grab a delicious protein ice coffee at the Daily Grind in Kincardine.

Reserve your tee time at one of the many scenic courses in the area, Blackhorse Golf Course or Ainsdale Golf Course both offering the options of 18- holes or 9- holes.

Make your way back to Kincardine and celebrate your round of golf by visiting Grey Matter Beer Co. to try out local craft beers or head down to Hawgs Breath Saloon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio.

Stop by West Shore Clothing Shoppe, pick up a blanket and end the evening with the crew by heading down to the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Huron.

Day 3  

Before you leave town, grab a coffee and a treat at Best Friends & Ice Cream.  While you’re in downtown Kincardine, explore the shops. Stop by Penetangear for some new outdoor gear or Accents for a new trendy piece of clothes.  On your way out of town, stop by the Point Clark Lighthouse and climb the nine flight of stairs to reach the lightroom for spectacular panoramic views of the Lake Huron coastline.

Recommended by a Local:

  • Grab some local cheese and crackers at Pine River Cheese in Ripley. Just think, fresh cheese curds or caramelized onion cheddar cheese topped with fig balsamic jam on a flaky cracker.
  • Pick up some deliciously made Rocky Road popcorn from Mill Creek in Kincardine
  • Check the calendar before heading into town to see if any local events are happening, such as the Scottish Festival, Blues Festival, Saturday Night Pipe Band performances, or a car show on a summer long weekend.
  • MUST DO: Catch a sunset on the beach, courtesy of Mother Nature.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!

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View and download the Trails Map to see all the best spots and how to access them.