Canoe and Kayak River Routes
The main Saugeen River canoe route stretches from Hanover to Southampton, winding 102 km through the scenic countryside. River conditions vary from broad placid sections to stretches with rapids and eddies. Please remember to take all necessary precautions on the water and always wear your life jacket. A number of access points and parks provide various facilities along the canoe routes.
Local outfitters, listed below, offer a wealth of knowledge, they can arrange trips and the rental of all equipment needed.
Some Favourite River Routes
- Saugeen Conc. 4 to Bruce County Rd. 17 (paddle time approx. 2 hours) A popular place to launch if you want a 5 or 6 hour daytrip ending at Denny's Dam in Southampton . Sandy treed islands await and help create some exciting small rapids. Canoe launch parking is found on the right side of the river at the bridge on Bruce County Rd. 17.
- Bruce County Rd. 17 to Bruce County Rd. 3 (paddle time approx. 2 hours) The most popular starting point for day tripping on the Saugeen River . From the bridge access area, the river winds past Port Elgin to Southampton . A few large forested islands sit along this section with Mill Creek emptying into the river about half way. This marks a hotspot for anglers. Enjoy a rising riverbank with tree lined cliffs before the next bridge.
- Bruce Country Rd. 3 to Denny's Dam to Lake Huron (paddle time approx. 2 hours). This is a very scenic section of the river, with rapids (small ones) appearing as the banks progressively rise to heights of 150 feet. The river slows as it approaches Denny's Dam with the take-out point on the left side just before the dam. Washroom facilities and ample parking space are available at Denny's Dam. After the Dam, the Saugeen River travels through two sets of rapids and then joins up with Lake Huron. About a mile offshore lies Chantry Island .
For a detailed canoe route of the Saugeen River supplied by the Saugeen Conservation Authority go to www.svca.on.ca
