Parks & Trails

Port Elgin residents are fortunate to have access to many park sites, miles of trails, open space, waterfront, wooded areas and outdoor sports facilities. We would like to continue to realize the many opportunities our Parks & Trails and outdoor facilities provide. There are some things that we have problems with and which we need help from all park users.

To view the Saugeen Shores Parks & Trails Master Plan click here. (pdf 7.5Mb)

Garbage and Litter

One piece of paper or empty can does not seem like much but with the accumulation of several pieces of litter, a park can soon lose its appeal and become an eyesore, maintenance headache and possibly a danger to the users. Please help by using the litter containers provided and remind others to do the same.

Dogs

Dogs make good pets and many people enjoy them, however, it seems that many dog owners consider it their right to allow their pets to befoul public park areas. According to By-Law 36-04 for prohibiting and abating public nuisances dog owners are required to clean up dog defecation and control their dog in public parks. Persons can be fined for not adhering to the By-law. Please help to make our parks more enjoyable places to be by cleaning up after your pets.

Golfing

For reasons of public safety and park & athletic field maintenance, golfing is strictly prohibited in all parks and Board of Education property.

Vandalism

Vandalism can be defined as the deliberate destruction or defacement of property both public and private. Vandalism in our parks and public facilities costs you, the taxpayer, thousands of dollars every year. Please help us protect our investments by reporting any acts of thoughtlessness or willful damage of Town Property to the Public Works Department.

Motor Vehicles

Motorized vehicles of any kind are only allowed on established and designed roadways in any park and are subject to maximum speed of 20 kph. Trail bikes and all terrain vehicles are becoming a critical problem in park areas. Grassed sports field and open parks areas are being badly damaged and mutilated by irresponsible vehicle operators.

Our Parks Include...

Southampton Parks:

Pioneer Park. Located by the Lighthouse down by the Harbour in Southampton. Includes a picnic area and historical displays.
Jubilee Park. Located at the base of the Water Tower in Southampton. Includes swings, merry-go-round, climber, picnic area, pavillion, and washrooms.
Long Dock. Located behind Gerry's Fries in Southampton. Includes picnic shelters, swings, slides, washrooms and changerooms.

Port Elgin Parks:

Port Elgin Beach. Located on the main beach and includes benches, slides, swings, and play structures.
North Shore Park. Entrances on Stevens (by the harbour) & McVicar St. Includes benches, slides, swings, teeter-totters, fountain, and picnic shelter.
Fish Cleaning Station. Located next to Northshore Park. Includes washrooms, H/C, Sport fish cleaning facility.
Lakeview Park. Entrance on Bruce St. Includes benches and play structures.
Nodwell Park. Located on Highland St. and Market St. Includes picnic tables, benches, cement track and pad, swings, slides, tire climbers, and play structures.
Waterloo St. Park. Located on Waterloo St. (behind Pizza Delight). Includes a merry-go-round, slides, teeter-totters, picnic tables, and a multi-pad.
Cameron Park. Located behind the baseball diamonds at the Highschool. Entrance through Thede Drive. Includes benches, slides, swings, climbers, and play structures.
Eric Eastwood Park. Located at Eastwood Drive (North End). Includes benches, swings, slides, multi-pad, basketball nets, and a climber.
Peirson Field Park. Located at the north end of the south side of Bricker St. Includes benches, swings, slides, climbers, riding horse, and washrooms.
Davey Park. Located between Christopher Dr. and Davey Dr. Includes benches, climbers, swings, and slides.
Gobles Grove Park. Located on the Beach Road, on the beach front. Includes swings, slides, washrooms, and benches.
Skatepark. Located on Wellington Street, behind the police station. The skate park is 12,000 square feet of formed concrete. It includes features such as an open bowl, pole jam, up gap, a 6 sets and a big 3, a picnic table, curbs, ledges, rails and a quarter pipe with a wall to name a few. The park was designed by New Line Skateparks in association with van der Zalm & Associates, both from Vancouver , BC . Click on image to see more pictures of the skatepark www.skateparkcommittee.com

BMX Track. Located on Wellington Street, behind the The Plex. This 1000 foot track is great fun for all. Practises take place Tuesday, Thursday evenings at 7:00pm and races take place on Sundays. www.saugeenshoresbmx.com

Our Trails Include...

Rail Trail

The Saugeen Rail Trail, which is used by cyclists, runners and walkers, begins on Louis Street in Port Elgin and extends all the way into Southampton along Highway 21. For more information download the Saugeen RailTrail map here.

Deer Run

The Deer Run, near MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a perfect ride to see the area's wildlife, including deer and birds. It is a more challenging bike path that will take riders around the entire park through the bush.

Biener's Bush

A trail that is best known for its cross-country skiing is also a mountain bikers delight. The path is accesible from Nodwell Park in Port Elgin or at the West end of Concession 10. Its variety of sand, hills, roots, mud and streams is a challenge for most riders but full of entertainment.

Shore Road

The North Shore Road connecting Port Elgin and Southampton offers one of the best views in Saugeen Shores, not to mention Ontario. The winding road travels along the Lake Huron shoreline and if timed right, offers a beautiful sunset for your viewing pleasures.

For more information on all the trails in Saugeen Shores check out the list of trails in our Tourism section.