In the 1990s, a municipal restructuring merged Southampton, Port Elgin and the township of Saugeen to form what is now known as the town of Saugeen Shores. The town also includes a portion of the communities of Burgoyne and North Bruce. Agriculture, tourism, small business and energy drive this small community’s economy, with livestock (including beef, dairy, cattle & hogs) operations leading the way. Bruce County beef is famous throughout the country; with over 1/3 of Ontario’s beef industry being located here.
Port Elgin, a busy harbor on Lake Huron, is an ideal spot for fishing. Be sure to visit the flea market, located right on the beach. Boating, and birdwatching are popular; amongst endless other outdoor activities, including 15 tennis courts and five golf courses in the area.
Southampton has been said to resemble a turn-of-the-century fishing village. With 12 beaches in the area, the population of the quaint community more than doubles in the summer as tourists and cottagers flood the area to take advantage of its many parks and beaches and the natural beauty that surrounds this small town. Sunsets in the region have been called the most beautiful in the country for years now and were even nominated as one of Canada’s Seven Wonders. Enjoy one of these while taking a stroll along the Southampton Boardwalk or meet others at the giant Canadian flag at the bottom of Main Street. A visit to the beautiful Chantry Island is a must; home to one of the six Imperial Towers, early lighthouses built by the Canadian Government. Built in 1858, it is still in use today and tours are offered year-round.
The Saugeen River, very popular amongst canoers and kayakers, runs 102 km, from Hanover to Southampton. With numerous walking, running, and cycling trails that transform into cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the winter, it is easy to stay active outdoors year-round. Jubilee Park is a fully integrated playground and the only accessible playground of this size in Bruce County. In addition to ball diamonds, green space, swings, merry-go-round, climber, picnic area, pavilion and washroom facilities, the park also includes a rotary accessible playground and the Bruce Power Sensory Gardens.
There is one Secondary school and 4 elementary schools in Saugeen Shores, as well as a hospital, located in Southampton.
MUNICIPAL CONTACT INFORMATION
http://www.saugeenshores.ca/en/
Phone: 519-832-2008
Fax: 519-832-2140
Address: PO Box 820, 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, Ontario N0H 2C0
CHAMBER & BIA
Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce
Port Elgin BIA
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
MacGregor Point Provincial Park camping & outdoor activities (
www.ontarioparks.com/)
Bruce Country Museum & Cultural Centre, Open year-round (
www.brucemuseum.ca)
Chantry Island Imperial Lighthouse Tour, Open year-round, (
www.chantryisland@bmts.com); (
http://www.brucecoastlighthouses.com/lighthouses/range-lights-of-southampton/)
Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary, May-September (
http://www.chantryisland.com/about.php)
Self-guided historic walking tours, Port Elgin (
portelgininfo@saugeenshores.ca)
Port Elgin Railroad & the Station, Open year-round (
http://www.visitportelgin.ca/profile/port-elgin-railroad-the-station/184/)
Southampton Summer Music Camp, Annual, July (
www.summermusic.com)
Southampton Art School & Gallery (
http://www.southamptonart.com/)
Annual Southampton Craft Show, Southampton Coliseum, Summer (
http://southamptoncraftshow.com/)
Pumpkinfest, Annual, October (
www.pumpkinfest.org)
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