Winter amenities in Saugeen Shores

bridge with snow with text: Get outside and explore. Share the trail and respect each other.

Saugeen Shores is providing amenities to enhance the outdoor experience this winter. Garbage cans and additional portable washrooms are available for the public. While enjoying our trails please follow all posted signs, share the trail, respect other users and adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

Winter trails

Designated winter trails

The Saugeen Rail Trail Association maintains and grooms the Saugeen Rail Trail regularly, weather permitting. When snow conditions allow, cross country ski tracks will run parallel to packed trail. Walkers, please do not walk on the tracks.

Trails that are not listed are not maintained during the winter months. Use at your own risk.

Permitted uses

Hiking and walking
Snowshoeing
Cross country skiing

Share the trail and keep dogs on leash. Do not walk on cross country ski or snowshoe tracks. Motorized vehicles are not permitted at any time unless designated by signage.

Plan your outdoor adventure

The following resources can help you plan:

Winter trail etiquette and COVID-19 safety protocols

While enjoying the outdoors, please remember:

COVID-19 safety protocols

Stay 2 metres apart from others outside your household
Avoid crowding at trail entrances
Choose a different trail or time of day if your regular spots are busy
Move to the side when approaching others
Say 'hello' as you pass familiar faces instead of stopping to chat

Winter trail etiquette

Do not walk on cross country ski or snow shoe tracks
Share the trail, show courtesy for all users
Alert other users when approaching from behind
Leave no trace put garbage in its place
Stay on the trail, respect private property and natural vegetation

Dog etiquette

Keep dogs on leash and in your control at all times
Pick up your dog's poop, bag it and bin it. If there's no garbage can nearby, take it with you
Leashed dogs are permitted on the beaches from Oct 1 to May 1

Year-round washroom and garbage facilities

Search our parks and trails listing for more information about locations and amenities.

Public washroom facilities

These public washrooms are open during the winter months:

Biener Bush/Woodland Trail trailhead (345 Concession 10, Port Elgin)
Coulter Parkette beside BMTS (Port Elgin)
Saugeen Rail Trail trailhead (Port Elgin)
Southampton Town Hall (Southampton)

Additional portable washrooms (due to COVID-19):

Long Dock Beach Access parking lot (1 Beach St, Southampton)
Nodwell Park (788 Highland St, Port Elgin)
Port Elgin Harbour (132 Elgin St, Port Elgin)
Saugeen Rail Trail Memorial Gardens (Laird Lane and Peel St, Southampton)

Garbage receptacles

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)

Explore the Shores: local itineraries

Check out these local itineraries and enjoy winter in your own backyard.