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Waterfront and Beaches

People from near and far are drawn to Saugeen Shores to enjoy its 18 kilometres of beautiful sandy shoreline. Here, you’ll experience picture perfect sunsets, plenty of space to unwind, opportunities for water sports, delicious local ice cream and fun for all ages. 

Along the waterfront, you’ll also find charming attractions like sailboats passing in the distance, family-friendly playgrounds, and the historic Chantry Island Lighthouse, a must-see local landmark, which can be discovered up close. 

Find Your Beach 

Whether you're planning a lively day with the family at Port Elgin Main Beach or Southampton Beach along the boardwalk, or seeking a quiet escape at Eidt’s Grove to relax and read, our shoreline has a beach for every kind of day. 

Learn more information and locations of each of our beaches. 

Beach Rules and Etiquette 

To maintain an enjoyable experience for all beach users, the Town's Parks by-law governs what is and is not permitted on the Town's beaches. Please review the rules below when planning your visit. View the Parks by-law.

  • No barbecues, open fires or fireworks are permitted on the beach 

  • Public use barbecues are available in the park area east of the Port Elgin harbour 

  • Enclosed tents are not permitted 

  • Small sun shelters and umbrellas are permitted (maximum 2 metres by 2 metres) 

  • No motorized or electric vehicles on the beach 

  • Boats are not permitted to moor on or pick-up passengers from shore 

  • No motorized watercraft in designed swim areas marked by buoys 

  • Put garbage in provided garbage cans. If they're full, take it with you 

  • Do not dispose of household garbage or leave broken items beside garbage cans 

  • DO NOT FEED the wildlife. Geese and seagulls will become more aggressive 

  • Walk your wheels on the Port Elgin beach promenade and Southampton beach boardwalk 

  • Stay off the beach grass and dunes. Use designated boardwalks and access points 

  • No open alcohol 

  • Avoid loud music that is disruptive to other beachgoers 

  • Do not harm wildlife 

Waterfront Maintenance & Planning

The Saugeen Shores Beach Maintenance Plan outlines the actions taken by the Town to care for our 18 km of shoreline. The shoreline is divided into 10 maintenance areas, each with specific instructions regarding care of facilities and land.

Actions included in Plan: 

  • Garbage collection 

  • Litter removal 

  • Lifesaving station maintenance 

  • Beach access points 

  • Beach grooming 

  • Dunes 

  • Invasive species control 

  • Grass cutting 

  • Parking lot maintenance 

  • Washroom maintenance 

  • Water quality testing 

  • Playground maintenance 

  • Snow fencing

This Waterfront Best Management Principles guide supports sustainable shoreline properties in the Town of Saugeen Shores. Highlights include: Anatomy of a healthy beach 

  • Lake levels and beaches processes 

  • Restoring your beach 

  • Managing storm water, pathways and set backs 

  • Resilient property checklist 

Our beaches are a crucial part of our Waterfront Master Plan. View the plan to learn more about topics such as: 

  • Beach grooming 

  • Signage 

  • Dogs on beaches 

  • Parking 

  • Lookout areas 

The plan guides the Town of Saugeen Shores in enhancing the waterfront. It aims to coordinate and link the communities of Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen Township to protect the waterfront for residents, visitors and future generations. 

The Port Elgin Waterfront Design Concept provides a comprehensive year-round vision and conceptual design for the Port Elgin waterfront that complements the Waterfront Master Plan.

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140