Coastline Chic: Sip, Shop, Cycle

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!

Round up your friends, grab your bikes and hit the trails for the ultimate friends getaway. Enjoy a couple of days of refreshing Lake Huron air with plenty of stops at boutique shops and restaurants at both ends of the trail. With your crew by your side, you’ll be laughing your way along every stretch of the trail.

Explore Lake Huron shoreline and discover the beautiful communities of Port Elgin and Southampton.

Jump onto The North Shore Trail in Southampton. The trail is hardpacked and surfaced with crushed limestone. It’s an easy cruise without hills or vehicles, amidst fields and through the backyards of both towns. Fuel up before your ride in Southampton with a freshly brewed coffee from Dizzy Bird or grab a healthy treat and freshly pressed juice from Refresh. As you and your pals are pedaling down the trail, take in the beautiful views of Lake Huron, pedal a little slower as you go by Miramichi Bay to take in the stunning sights.

When you make your way into Port Elgin, take a break from the bikes and stroll through the downtown to discover its charming mix of local shops and hidden gems.

Here are a few spots to check out while you’re in Port Elgin:

• Stop by Casual Corners, Mensch, Cabana, Beachin’, to find a few new stylish additions for your wardrobe.
• Pick up some chocolate covered jube jubes made by the local artesian chocolate shop, Mill Creek Chocolate.
• Hit up one of the local pubs in the area, Three Sheets Brewing, Wismer House, The Queen’s or Allan’s Fireside Grill.
• Pick up a cup of coffee or a holistic herbal tea from the local café, Rabbit Dash.
• Celebrating a birthday? An anniversary? Treat yourself to a locally currated meal at Ristorante Rosina or The Berkshire.

Once you reach Southampton, explore the town.

• Checkout the Sandbar at The Beach Motel.
• Get lost in the bookshelves at Larkspur Books for a beach read or a gift for a friend.
• Sample over 65 of the most delicious oils & vinegars at the Southampton Olive Oil Company.
• Indulge in the smell and pick up the famous flax bread and pastries from the Offshore Bakery.
• Go enjoy a cold brew on the patio of Outlaw Brew Co. downtown Southampton.
• Pick up your beach side lunch curated from Little Black Dog made by Chef Kendra who was a Chopped Canada winner.

Swap out your cycling gear and get ready for a night out with friends. Go for an authentic Italian dinner at Ristorante Rosina in Port Elgin or go to Walker House in Southampton for dinner on a beautiful patio.

Must Sees:

• Check out the Chantry Lighthouse. Book a tour of the Chantry Lighthouse which is only accessible by tour boat. Chantry Island sits about a kilometre off the shore of Southampton.
• North Shore Park is nestled just north of Port Elgin’s harbour. A pathway that offers picturesque photo opportunities of the lake.
• Pioneer Park highlights Southampton’s marine history with a memorial to lost sailors. It is located at the mouth of the Saugeen River and offers a view to Chantry Island through a pay-for-use viewfinder.

Important Things to note on this trip :

• Bring a bike lock so you can park easily and check things out along the way.
• Tune up your bike at one of the tune up stations on the trail.
• Don’ t own a bike or need a tune up? No worries, check out Martin’s Bicycle Shop for bike rentals.
• Need outdoor gear? Check out Thorncrest Outfitters.

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!