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Paddle, Pedal, Wander

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!

Let the Saugeen River lead you through rolling farmland, forested banks, and gentle turns in in the current. When you’re ready to unwind explore the towns of Walkerton and Paisley.

Day 1  

Start your adventure in the town of Walkerton, known to the Ojibway as Hahskosesing meaning “Little Marsh”. Walkerton is the perfect place to start your paddling adventure and immerse yourself with the locals in town.

For a paddling route, consider The Brockton Tour, 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. Once you’re headed downstream, take a breath and let the Saugeen River do the rest of the work.

Want a little more relaxed paddling tour? Check out The Paisley Tour. The tour is a 19-kilometer paddle good for beginner paddlers that features mostly calm waters.

For the best paddling experience, come prepared. Need equipment? Find a local outfitter to get you set up with the right gear and tours.

Day 2 

Start the day at the Guest House before you head out, an indoor plant shop with a café. Grab a coffee, walk around the store, and find a gift for a friend. Or settle in with a vanilla iced latte and stock up on chocolate date bars and protein balls to keep you energized for the adventure ahead. Pop next door to pick up a handcrafted sandwich from Simply Deli-cious, perfect to tuck into your bag for a trail-side lunch.

Grab the bikes for day two of the adventure and head to the Brant Tract, located outside of Paisley. The Brant Tract features approximately 20km of multi-use trails for all ranges of bike riders. While riding the property you will view spectacular vistas of valleys, wetlands and towering pines.

Important to note: The trail is made up of boardwalks, bridges to mineral soil and clay and can be very slippery when wet.

Day 3

On day three, lace up your hiking boots, grab your binoculars and head to Schmidt Lake which is located outside of the village of Chepstow. Schmidt Lake is part of the Greenock Swamp and offers over 7 km of trails. Schmidt Lake offers floating boardwalks and a lookout of the lake. While you’re there, watch for one of the 11 different species of birds and beautiful wildflowers on your venture.

Looking for a longer route? Hop onto the Bruce Rail Trail. Stretching 80 km end‑to‑end, it passes right through the town of Walkerton. Don’t miss the beautiful Willow Creek Trestle Bridge in Paisley.

Places to Eat in the Area
Looking for a delicious place to eat? Here are some places to check out!

Bonfire On Queen,Paisley
Checkout Bonfire on Queen for specialized homemade pasta and pizza made from scratch baked in a stone-oven. Chef Chris makes as much as he can in house using locally sourced ingredients.

The Paisley Common, Paisley
. The Paisley Common offers breakfast, lunch and dinner all made with locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to checkout the Maple Pecan Salmon.

519 Table & Pour, Walkerton
Dinner and a game? Grab some honey garlic wings at 519 Table & Pour, followed by a game of darts or shoot some pool

Walker’s Landing , Walkerton
Walker’s Landing is a cozy, welcome restaurant in Walkerton where there’s good food and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a favorite gathering place for family and friends looking to enjoy a hearty meal.

Walkerton Golf & Curling Course, Walkerton
Come check out the Walkerton Golf and Curling Dining Room. Whether you’re hitting the course or just stopping by, enjoy a delicious meal and relax on the beautiful patio.

Buddha, Walkerton
Looking to diversify your palette? The butter chicken is a must-try and will hit the spot after a day of adventure. Buddha offers a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, prepared by chefs with years of experience cooking Indian food.

Keyzer Fruit Farm, Paisley
Stop by Keyzer Fruit Farm and walk through the fields to pick your own fruit or visit the onsite farm store to pick up some local products.

Orchard Landing, Paisley
Orchard Landing is home to Paisley’s Produce Market and Christmas Market. Check out the variety of local products such as pickled garlic, gluten free bread or try freshly made Tomboi Artisan Ice Cream.

Brant Drive In, Walkerton
The Brant Drive in Walkerton’s iconic restaurant and ice cream shop. It has been around for over 40 years and offers over 30 flavours of ice cream. Treat yourself to a burger, made with 100% locally sourced Bruce County beef.

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!