The Ultimate Lake Huron Road Trip in Ontario
If you’re craving wide open views, charming towns, and the kind of sunsets that make you pull over just to soak it all in, planning a Lake Huron road trip might be the best decision you make this summer. This underrated stretch of Ontario is a sun-soaked playground for anyone looking to explore over 100 km of pristine coastline dotted with Blue Flag beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and some of the most adorable small towns you’ll ever stumble upon.
Whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, or someone who just wants to chase the golden hour along winding coastal roads, Lake Huron delivers. Picture yourself strolling through Goderich’s postcard-worthy square, grabbing an ice cream in Bayfield, or watching the sky light up in technicolour from the shores of Southampton—because in my opinion, the best sunsets in Ontario are here.
As someone who has road tripped along Ontario’s Lake Huron coast numerous times over the years, I’m sharing all of the best places to stop between Grand Bend and Southampton. While it only takes 2 hours to drive between the two towns, I recommend slow travelling and spend a few days to soak in all of the sights. I’ve enjoyed this road trip in both summer and spring, and love that diverse mix of places to visit that it has to offer.
So, pack the car, cue up your summer playlist, and get ready—this road trip along the coast of Lake Huron is full of scenic stops and feel-good vibes you won’t want to miss.
What to know before you go
- Time/Distance – The distance between Grand Bend and Southampton is 145 km and takes approximately 2 hours. However, you can extend your road trip by staying a night in a few of the small towns along Lake Huron.
- Route – Highway 21,also known as Bluewater Highway, is the best route for a road trip along Ontario’s Lake Huron coast. This scenic highway has most of the towns and stops are along it.
- Accommodations – While there is a wealth of places to stay along the coast, if you want prime waterfront accommodations, book at least 3 months in advance.
- When to go – The best time to do a Lake Huron coast road trip is in the summer to take advantage of everything being open.
- Responsible travel tip – For a more sustainable visit, I recommend planning this road trip for the late spring or fall.
Where to Stop between Grand Bend and Southampton
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Grand Bend
Best known as one of the top beach towns in Ontario, Grand Bend is the perfect place to start a summer road trip along the Lake Huron coast.
Grand Bend comes alive every summer with visitors keen to soak in its sandy beaches. The main beach is one of the most pristine in the province and has blue flag status. For those unaware, Blue Flag beaches are an eco-conscious label that has strict guidelines for water quality and other factors.
It’s also an adventure lover’s playground! Beyond swimming, you can go parasailing and rent water jetpacks. If you’d like to stick closer to ground, check out the cool elevated lookout at the main beach for awesome views!
If you’re looking for a great lunch spot, I love the food and views at The Growling Gator. It’s right next to the beach!
For those looking to break up the beach days, you’ll find fun shops selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and more. Also, just minutes from downtown is Dark Horse Estate Winery, where you can enjoy a wine tasting.
Photo with White Squirrel
I love fun photo-ops on road trips and if you do too, then stop at White Squirrel Golf Club. Located along Highway 2, it’s home to one of the cutest and biggest roadside attractions – a white squirrel.
Bayfield
The village of Bayfield is a true gem along Lake Huron. It offers a lovely stop for those looking for history, a spot to grab food, and dreamy sunsets. Plus, it’ll make you feel like you’ve been swept away to a rural English village.
Your first stop should be the historic main street. Here you’ll find adorable shops, including a bookstore, and cafes–like my favourite, The Pink Flamingo Bakery. There’s also the Little Inn that has welcomed travellers since the 1830s.
If you love learning about a place’s history, like I do, then check out the Heritage Trail. This 2.5 km trail takes you around Bayfield and features historic locations. I love all the storyboards along the sharing information about the locations.
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a picnic lunch, sweeping water views, or a spectacular Lake Huron sunset, stop at Pioneer Park. There’s plenty of picnic tables and benches to sit and soak in the views. Plus, there’s a set of stairs that lead down to the beach.
Goderich
Said to be one of the prettiest towns in Ontario, Goderich is a must-stop on a Lake Huron road trip. It also makes for a great place to stop and spend the night since there’s so much to do and see in town.
Take a wander around downtown, with its stunning main square that’s actually an octagon. You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. For a sweet treat, try one of the best bakeries in the province – Culbert’s, which has been around for over 140 years.
One of the best places to visit in Goderich is the Huron Historic Gaol. Built over 100 years ago organically as an octagonal jail, it’s now a museum and National Historic Site.
For more fun in the sand head to the beach. Enjoy the stunning turquoise waters, play area, and a 1.5 km scenic boardwalk. Nearby is one of my favourite places to eat in Goderich–Beach Street Station. This converted train station is now a restaurant!
Another must stop is to one of the many Lake Huron lighthouses. The Goderich lighthouse is located in a park on a hill above the beach. I think it offers epic views and is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset along the coast.
Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic Site
Another must-stop on a Lake Huron lighthouse tour is Point Clark. It’s one of the few lighthouses along the coast that you can go in!
The Point Clark Lighthouse was built of limestone between 1855 and 1859. It stands 24 metres (78 feet) tall and is open daily from the end of June through to Labour Day.
The run regular daily guided tours and you can climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse. In addition to the lighthouse, the historic site also features a museum and gift shop.
Kincardine
Couniting on the tour of Lake Huron lighthouses, another cool one to visit is in Kincardine. The lighthouse is one of the top attractions in Kincardine. Dating to 1880, it’s also home to a museum.
Station Beach is also a must-visit! You can enjoy the views from the massive blue chairs or wander along the dunes trail.
Downtown Kincardine is full of great places to eat, shops and cafes. Plus, if you’re visiting on a weekend in the summer, you might just run into the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band. Since 1948, the band marches its way through downtown’s Queen Street every Saturday night in the summer.
If you’re looking for lunch or dinner, I recommend eating at The Bruce. This staple restaurant downtown has a diverse menu and an awesome patio with views of Lake Huron. For adventurous burger lovers–order the Dill Pickle Burger!
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the fun wing mural for a fun photo-op! It’s on the corner of Lambton & Queen Streets.
Inverhuron Provincial Park
Another must stop between Grand Bend and Southampton is Inverhuron Provincial Park. This hidden gem of a park has 4 hiking trails, dunes and a beach.
Located 20 minutes north of downtown Kincardine, I recommend the River Trail. This scenic 3 km trail winds its way through the park and along the river.
One of the highlights for me was a massive trail that is over 12 feet wide and is said to be around 400 years old.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
One of my favourite provincial parks is on Lake Huron–MacGregor Point Provincial Park. This incredible park is great to visit all year long and home to a number of activities. You can enjoy everything from a skat trail in the winter to beaches in the summer.
You can stop to camp or enjoy a hike or two. MacGregor Point is home to 4 hiking trails. For a short hike with a mix of views of the beach and forest, hit the Huron Fringe Trail.
My favourite trail in the park, Tower Trail, features one of the best boardwalks in the province. Plus, it’s a must for birders! It loops 3.5 km around a wetland and has a lookout tower.
Port Elgin
Nearing the end of your Lake Huron road trip, plan a stop in Port Elgin. Best known for its numerous beaches found all along the coast. Some of which are hidden gems.
Downtown you’ll find cute shops, including bookstores, as well as fun cafes–like Rabbit Dash Coffee House. Keep an eye out for murals and historic homes!
If you’re looking for places to eat in town, pop into Allan’s Fireside Grill. With a variety of tasty options on the menu, my favourite is their nachos–which is the best and biggest I’ve had!
Then take a wander along the scenic beachfront trail between Port Elgin and Southampton. It’s also a great spot to take in the epic Lake Huron sunsets!
Southampton
You’ve arrived at your final stop on the road trip!
Southampton is one of the cutest beach towns on Lake Huron in Ontario! And you’ll want to spend at least a night or two to enjoy it.
For your first stop, head to the Bruce County Museum. This museum and cultural centre has a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of the area.
Next continue your tour of lighthouses in Southampton! As the oldest port in the area, it’s home to a few lighthouses. My favourite is Saugeen Front Range Lighthouse! Just watch the waves crashing over the pier. Another cute one is the Saugeen River Rear Range Light.
Downtown has a fab food scene, with everything from pub grub to cozy cafes. For dinner, I recommend Southampton Thai Cuisine.
End your night with the one of the best things to do in Southampton–take in a sunset! You can soak in the cotton candy-coloured skies from the benches at Dominion Lookout or from a blanket on the beach.
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Want to extend your road trip? You can easily add on Sauble Beach to this itinerary. Or opt to going further and extend the road trip to Tobermory.
Best Places to Stay on the Lake Huron Coast
Below are some of the places I’ve stayed during my previous road trips along the Huron coast. I recommend doing the road trip over at least 2 to 3 days. The following places to stay are close to Highway 21.
Oakwood Resort
A 5 minute drive from the main beach, Oakwood Resort a great place to stay in Grand Bend. There are a mix of rooms and cottages available. Plus, the resort features a golf course, restaurant, and indoor pool.
Comfort Inn & Suites
In a quiet neighbourhood, the Comfort Inn & Suites is a quick 10 minute walk to downtown Goderich. Along with the option of a room or suite, it has an indoor pool and free breakfast.
The Beach Motel
This is my favourite place to stay along the coast! The Beach Motel is located in Southampton, it’s a short walk to the beach and downtown. It features stylish, modern rooms, a rooftop patio and free breakfast.
Looking for more road trip ideas? Check out my other guides:
25 Stops on a Toronto to Thunder Bay Road Trip
Top Stops on a Toronto to Tobermory Road Trip
Best Stops on a Toronto to Ottawa Road Trip
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