Parks and Trails

Saugeen Shores is home to over 40 km of trails, nine athletic parks, 27 playgrounds and countless green spaces to enjoy. The Town continues to follow Ontario's current COVID-19 public health measures.

Trails

Each trail in Saugeen Shores offers a unique experience, whether you are walking along the North Shore Trail from Port Elgin to Southampton, through the brush of the Woodland and Biener Trails or along the Rail Trail that follows the old CN line through Saugeen Shores.

The following resources can help you plan your route:

Trail Etiquette and Code of Conduct

Our cycling page has information on trail etiquette and how you can share the trails.

Cycling

Saugeen Shores is a bronze level bicycle friendly community. Learn more about cycling in our community including information about bicycle safety.

Parks

Saugeen Shores has many parks for you to enjoy. One of our best known outdoor areas is Jubilee Park. It has a fully accessible playground, splash pad, accessible washroom, pavilion and ball diamonds.

Noxious Weeds

Plants such as Giant Hogweed, Wild Parsnip and Poison Ivy are toxic, can cause serious injuries and should be avoided.

Go to our page on Noxious Weeds to learn how to recognize these weeds and what to do if you encounter them.

North Shore Park Revitalization

The Town of Saugeen Shores has a unique opportunity to revitalize North Shore Park, after a storm in September 2021 destroyed approximately 200 mature cedar trees.

The Town is gathering public input on how to refresh the Park until July 25th, 2022.

For more information on the consultation, please click here: https://www.saugeenshores.ca/northshoreconsult/

Off leash dog park

Our fully fenced dog park is open daily from dawn until dusk, April 2 to November 30. The park is not maintained from December 1 to April 1 but can used. All dog owners are reminded to follow the Ontario's Dog Owner's Liability Act and the dog park rules.

Dog park rules

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park users, both two and four legged, please follow the rules of use.

Dog park is for dogs, their owners and handlers and those accompanying them
Do not treat the park as a children's playground
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and kept under strict supervision
Do not allow children to run in the area and chase after dogs
Leash your dog when entering and exiting the park
Do not both gates at the same time and please carry the leashes within the park
Limit of 3 dogs per handler
A handler aged 12 or older must be present and in control of their dogs at all times
Dogs should be spayed or neutered. No female dogs in heat allowed
Ensure that your dog(s) is vaccinated and in good health before using the dog park
Dogs must be licensed and have a visible dog tag at all times
Puppies must have their 12 week shots. Puppies should be four months old before coming to the dog park
Dogs must be under control and in sight of their handler at all times
Be ready to take control of any situation, you are responsible for your dog's behaviour
Owners and handlers must pick up after their pets per the municipal by-law
Fill in any holes your dog digs or make appropriate repairs to disturbed area
No toys, no human or dog food, or treats, no alcohol
No smoking (methane gas may be present)
Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the off leash area. Persistent aggressive action by dogs or people will not be tolerated; both the handler and the dog will be asked to leave
Violators may have their park privileges suspended
All dog owners and park users assume all risk related to park use
Dog owners are subject to Ontario's Dog Owner's Liability Act
Respect the rights of others
Be safe and have fun!

Amenities

Our trails and parks have the following amenities and facilities. Expand each section to learn more.

Pavilions

You can find pavilions at many of our parks, including the following:

Southampton

Pavilion at Fairy Lake
Jubilee Park pavilion beside the Rotary Accessible Playground and Bruce Power Sensory Gardens
Long Dock Beach pavilion on Lake Huron

Port Elgin

North Shore pavilion in North Shore Park
Emmett McGrath pavilion and shade shelters on Port Elgin Beach

Year-round garbage bins

Many garbage bins are removed from parks and trails during winter months due to snow and lack of access for maintenance. The following locations are maintained year-round. Visit our parks and facilities listing for more information about our outdoor spaces.

Port Elgin and Saugeen Township

10th Concession trailhead parking area (Biener's Bush and Woodland Trail)
Biener's Bush/Bushline Trail access from Summerside Place
Lane at Hilker and Gustavus Street
North Shore Park (at harbour parking lot)
Nodwell Park
Off Leash Dog Park
Pierson Park
Port Elgin Harbour (by office)
Port Elgin Main Beach parking lot
Saugeen Rail Trail at River St
Skate Park
Throughout Downtown Port Elgin (on Goderich St between Elgin and Catherine St)

Southampton

Chantry View Drive by beach access
Denny's Dam
Fisherman's Park
Helliwell Park
Jubilee Park
Long Dock parking area (at Gerry's Fast Food)
Millard Blvd/Southampton Flag (near washroom)
Perkins Park (beside washroom)
Saugeen Rail Trail at Memorial Gardens (Peel St side)
South Street at Rail Trail access
South Street by beach access
Throughout Downtown Southampton (on High St)

Public washrooms

The Town maintains public washrooms year-round and seasonally. All public washrooms are open for the 2022 season. Visit the listing for locations and addresses.

Public washroom listing

Parks and Trails Master Plan

View the Saugeen Shores Parks and Trails Master Plan.

Parks and Waterfront Tree Maintenance

Have a concern regarding a tree on Town property? Complete the Parks and Waterfront Tree Maintenance Request form to request a tree inspection for trees in parks, trails and waterfront property. Concerns may include:

Dead tree standing
Low branches
Cracks
Fallen limbs
General decline in tree health
Pest infestation or tree disease
Trimming request
Other tree health concerns or unexpected changes in the tree

Please note that the Town of Saugeen Shores is responsible for trees on Town property. If you have concerns about a tree on private property, contact a qualified arborist for an assessment.