+15 Awesome things to do in Kincardine Ontario

Set along the shores of Lake Huron is one of the best small towns on Ontario’s west coast! That town is Kincardine! This Bruce County gem is best known for its beautiful stretch of sandy beach. But there are so many more things to do in Kincardine! Full of Scottish charm, this town has a wealth of history to share. You’ll also find a charming downtown full of shops and restaurants. Plus, outdoor enthusiasts will love the long list of adventures to be found.

There’s something for everyone in Kincardine Ontario! So, whether you’re looking for a summer getaway or a hiking trip, Kincardine is the place for you!

Best Things to do in Kincardine

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Explore Downtown Kincardine

A great place to start your exploration of Kincardine is downtown! The downtown core runs along Queen Street. It’s filled with incredible shops, cafes, and restaurants.

These businesses need your patronage right now. Spring of 2023 marks the start of the big dig downtown. They are working on revitalizing Queen Street and its infrastructure below the street. So, while the street is closed to vehicle traffic, visitors can still walk the sidewalks and explore downtown.

Shopping in Kincardine is fun thanks to all the fabulous and unique shops. My favourite shop is Stilara! This colourful boutique features pieces from over 100 Canadian artisans. Many of which are from right here in Bruce County, as well as nearby Grey and Huron counties! Products include art, jewelry, sustainable products, and so much more!

A fab and fun clothing shop is The Loop! The boutique sells an assortment of items both stylish and unique. Plus, you’ll find plenty of Lake Huron inspired clothing items that are great for souvenirs! Another great clothing shop with beachy vibes is West Shore Clothing & Surf Shoppe.

Or if you’re a book nerd like me then you’ll be delighted to find two here. Condor Fine Books deals in second hand books. However, at Fincher’s you’ll find a mix of books, souvenirs and more.

Ontario street art fans will enjoy hunting for murals in downtown Kincardine! On the side of Sleepers Bed Gallery is a wing mural. This set of wings is filled with symbols that represent Kincardine, so be sure to take a closer look!

Looking north from in front of the library you’ll see another mural. This one depicts what Queen Street would have looked like over 100 years ago. On Harbour Street is a classic historic mural of the harbour.

Visit Kincardine Beach

One of the most popular things to do in Kincardine is visit the beach! The main beach area, Station Beach, is a large stretch of sandy beach along the shores of Lake Huron. Along with free parking, visitors will find amenities like washrooms and a summer snack shack.

Station Beach is prime for those looking to work on their tan in the summer or go swimming. It’s also a hot spot for surfing! Or you can join a game of beach volleyball. Plus, it’s a great beach for families with children. The water is shallow and has a gradual slope.

There’s also a charming boardwalk running along the beach. The trail is full of interesting information plaques that share the history and ecology of the area. Along the one side of the boardwalk you’ll find community gardens that are full of fun and quirky gems. There’s a chair made out of old driftwood, flowers, and so much more. Plus, between the boardwalk and the beach is another stretch of incredible dunes.

Another great activity at Station Beach is sitting in the big blue beach chairs! Scattered along the beach are a number of these oversized chairs that offer a fun spot to sit. You can easily climb up into them and soak in the views.

Take in the Views from Queen’s Lookout

I’m a sucker for a lookout and there’s one right downtown! At Queen’s Lookout you’ll get an unobstructive view over much of Kincardine! The lookout is located in a lovely little parkette with flowerbeds, a picnic table, and a sign showing the old view. There’s even a bench to sit and enjoy the view!

The view from Queen’s Lookout includes a stretch of the Penetangore River as it winds its way up from the harbour. You’ll also see the lighthouse, beach, and Lake Huron. It’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy a dreamy sunset!

Explore Geddes Park

Steps from downtown is Kincardine’s Geddes Park. It’s one of the quietest parks in town and there’s a number of highlights.

The main attraction in Geddes Park is the Kincardine Labyrinth Peace Garden. Created in a ‘chalice’ design the paths of the labyrinth wind through a garden. The garden is in full bloom in the spring with a variety of colourful flowers. I highly recommend spending time walking the labyrinth, it’s like meditating outdoors.

There’s also a picnic table by the garden. It makes for the perfect spot to enjoy take out from a downtown restaurant. Plus, one of the Kincardine trails runs through the park. The River Trail, or Red Trail, winds through the park and will take you over to the Kincardine Lighthouse!

Visit Kincardine Lighthouse & Museum

Built in 1880, visiting the Kincardine Lighthouse is one of the top things to do in Kincardine! Standing on the shore of the Penetangore River, the lighthouse sits atop of a two-story keeper’s house. It overlooks the marina and there’s a staircase from the River Trail leading up the side of it.

The lighthouse is 74 feet tall and eight sided. As of 1922, the light is now electrically powered, and has a range of 30 km. A red balcony circles the light and this is where the Phantom Piper pipes from. Every Saturday evening in July and August one of the members of the Scottish Pipe Band performs a serenade.

Fun Fact: It’s the ONLY lighthouse along the Bruce Coast that’s located in a downtown core.

Plus, the lighthouse is home to a museum! The museum and its staff is full of info about the lighthouse’s history, its keepers, and more.

Kincardine Centre for the Arts

A must stop downtown is the Kincardine Centre for the Arts! Located in the old town hall, the centre is full of Kincardine attractions!

Inside you’ll find two different galleries. One of which, the Victoria Park Gallery, showcases art created in various mediums by local artists. Browse of the incredible art and if you fall in love with one, you can purchase it!

Fun Fact: The art gallery is one of the many stops on the Arts Trail on 21 that’s in Kincardine. The trail follows Highway 21 along Ontario’s West Coast with art inspired stops. It starts in the south at Kettle Point and goes all the way to Owen Sound.

Along with being home to galleries and guilds, the Centre for the Arts is home to the Bluewater Summer Playhouse. If you’re visiting during the summer, from June through September, be sure to take in a show!

Walker House Museum

Across the street from the Lighthouse is the Walker House Museum. Built in 1850, it is the oldest wooden hotel in Bruce County! It was originally built by Francis “Paddy” Walker, who was a pioneer entrepreneur. Owned by two families over time, it was a hotel and a tavern for over 100 years!

Fun Fact: The Walker House is the oldest building in Kincardine!

The historic building is now a local museum that’s open during the summer season. Inside you’ll learn more about the history of Kincardine and Bruce County. There are also occasional tours.

Plus, the Walker House Museum is home to one of the hidden gems in Kincardine! The Industry Room is a seasonal prohibition-era themed bar. They serve a long list of fun and creative cocktails as well as wine.

Go Surfing

Did you know that Kincardine is one of the best places to surf in Canada? Surfer Today named Station Beach one of the best surf spots in Ontario! So, if you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Kincardine, consider catching a wave!

Thanks to its over 17 km of coastline, Kincardine is a gnarly spot on Lake Huron. Plus, it’s home to solid wind swells.

Various local businesses offer surf board rentals on the beach for those who don’t have their own. One of them is SurfSup Eco Shop. Along with board and wetsuit rentals they also provide lessons!

Or if you’re like me and prefer to catch a glimpse instead of a wave hop up into one of the big blue chairs on the beach! The chairs and the best spot for playing spectator and watch the surfers ride the waves.

Take a Historic Walking Tour

Whether you’re a history buff like me or looking for free things to do in Kincardine, you’ll enjoy one of their historic walking tours. The town has created over a half a dozen self-guided walking tours to choose from. Each will share the history of the area, specific places as well as stories from people who have made this place what it is.

The online tours have sound clips so you don’t have to do copious reading, you can look and take it all in. Plus, because they are broken up into sections, they are very digestible. You can do one or two over the course of a day. Or go hog wild and spend a few hours doing them all in a row!

There are two that stand out and offer the most iconic stops. I highly recommend doing the Queen Street and the Harbour Street tours. You can find the list of links to the tours here.

Travel tip: If you’d like a paper brochure of the walking tours you can pick them up at Kincardine Tourism Welcome Centre. It’s located in the Kincardine Centre for the Arts.

Attend the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Along with its beaches, Kincardine is known as the most Scottish town in Ontario! For over 20 years the town has put on the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games. This award-winning festival takes place every July and brings in visitors from all over.

The three-day festival hosts a variety of different events throughout the weekend. All of which celebrate all things Scottish! Things to check out include cultural workshops, live entertainment, and watching Highland dancers.

One of the biggest activities is the iconic Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band parade! Plus, there are visiting Scottish pipe bands that come to participate from all over Canada and the United States.

It’s a great way to experience a slice of the Scotland in Ontario!

More Kincardine Things to do

Macpherson Park – Another lovely park to explore is Macpherson Park. Set along the lakeshore, across the marina from the main beach, it has an Instagram-worthy trail through a lush garden. There’s also playground, tennis courts, and beach.

Hike Kincardine Trails – The town has an extensive trail system; each is follows a distinct colour. There are 5 coloured trails, red, pink, yellow, green and blue. The Red Trail is a popular one and also referred to as the River Trail. The Pink Trail follows the lakeshore. And they all link to another trail along the way.

Spot the Erie Belle Boiler – The Great Lakes are full of shipwrecks and one of them can be spotted off the shores of Kincardine. The steam ship the Erie Belle exploded in 1883 and sunk off the shore, just south of the Station Beach. You can still see part of the wreck poking out the of water.

Enjoy the Pipe Band Parade – Another of the fun Kincardine events that every tourist loves is the Pipe Band Parade. Every summer since 1948, on Saturday nights, the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band marches along Queen Street. And the best part is that if you are a fellow musician and want to join in, you are more than welcome! There is only one thing you need to do, and that’s be wearing proper Scottish attire.

Have Fun at Family Funland – If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Kincardine then swing by Family Funland! The amusement park is located just south of downtown, and is full of fun activities for the whole family. The park has mini golf, go karts, arcades, and a driving range. Plus, there’s even a snack bar for some fuel for the fun. It serves everything from burgers to ice cream.

More Outdoor Things to do Near Kincardine

Inverhuron Provincial Park

If you’re looking for things to do around Kincardine outdoors then head north to Inverhuron Provincial Park. Twenty minutes north of downtown, this park is tranquil trails. The park is also home to a beach and dunes.

I highly recommend the Inverhuron River Trail! Winding through various terrain and along the Sauble River. You’ll also find a number of information boards share history and facts about the area. One of the coolest stops on the trail is a massive that has a circumference of over 12 feet and is estimated to be around 400 years old!

MacGregor Point Provincial Park

One of the best provincial parks in Ontario is just north of Kincardine! Set along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Huron MacGregor Point Provincial Park is an awesome place to hike. The park is home to a number of trails that venture through varying landscapes. There’s also camping and yurts. It’s also a popular spot in the winter with cross-country skiing and a skate trail.

It’s home to a trail running along the shoreline. You’ll also find an epic boardwalk trail where you might make a few wildlife friends. Plus, this is an amazing park for birders! One of the best trails is the Tower Trail. The trail loops around a wetland that’s full of bird life. Plus, there’s a lookout tower that gives you a bird’s eye view of the area.

Every spring the park hosts a birding festival too! Huron Fringe Birding Festival is a great way to experience the tail end of the spring migration. There are over 90 events that take place across two back-to-back weekends.

Stoney Island Conservation Area

Another great park that’s just 5 minutes north of downtown is Stoney Island Conservation Area. The park’s namesake was destroyed over 150 years ago by strong winds. It covers nearly 100 acres and is home to over 6 km of trails.

Running along the shores of Lake Huron, you’ll find a scenic lake lookout along the Shore Trail. With all of the trails short, it’s an easy spot to hike the whole conservation area in a morning. There are a number of creeks winding through the park and you’ll find cute little footbridges crossing them.

Stoney Island Conservation Area is another hotspot for bird watching, especially from spring through fall! But you’re looking for things to do in Kincardine in winter, the park has groomed trails. It’s a popular spot in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Where to Eat in Kincardine

With all the exploring you’ll be doing you’ll need fuel to keep you going! There is a wide array of restaurants in Kincardine.

I recommend starting at The Daily Grind for a solid cup of coffee. They even have a Scottish Mist, which pays homage to the town’s roots and is their version of a London Fog. Along with a coffee and tea, they sell a long list of goodies. Options include sweet treats, sandwiches, minced pies, and more. Beyond the great drinks and food, it has an enchanting interior, with living plant walls and cozy nooks.

For one of the best patios in Kincardine head to The Bruce! Located downtown, this steakhouse has an incredible patio with views of Lake Huron. They are known for hosting local bands for live entertainment and have a diverse menu. I recommend ordering the mighty Dill Pickle Burger! Another great restaurant with a lakeview patio is The Tusk!

Another staple is Erie Belle Restaurant, which has been in business for over 35 years. Known for serving up the best fish and chips in town, they also have local craft beer on the menu.

For an eclectic mix of pub grub, shareables, tacos head to Locals Pub & Eatery. There’s something for everyone on the menu! Plus, they make a house made beaver tail that you’ll want to save room for! Another awesome pub is Hawgs Breath Saloon! Two of their top dishes include their soups and nachos made with Doritos.

The Watercress Bistro is known for offering the best breakfast in Kincardine! Along with the tradition breakfast of bacon and eggs, their menu features a smoked salmon bagel, granola bowl, and more.

For a sweet treat visit Best Friends Bakery! Made fresh daily, this shop is filled lots of delicious goodies. Inside you’ll find cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and awesome donuts! The trick is not leaving with a large box full!

Day Trips from Kincardine

Port Elgin – Just south of north of Kincardine is Port Elgin. You’ll find a full list of things to do in Port Elgin, including more beaches, shops and restaurants. It’s also home to a number of trails. Plus, close by is MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

Southampton – Roughly 40 mins north of Kincardine is another charming small town. Visitors will find plenty of things to do in Southampton! In addition to beaches and trails, it has a lively art scene, museum, and fabulous restaurants.

Goderich – Just over an hour south of Kincardine you’ll find what is often called the prettiest town in Canada! That town is Goderich. Much like nearby towns on the coast, there is a wealth of things to do in Goderich. There’s something for everyone including beaches, fantastic restaurants, hiking trails and more.

Places to Stay in Kincardine

Inn at the Harbour – One of the best places to stay in downtown Kincardine is the Inn at the Harbour! The inn is across the street from the lighthouse and minutes from shops. Rooms feature lake views, balconies, and kitchenettes. Plus, breakfast is included in your stay!

TownePlace Suites by Marriott – This classic hotel is a five-minute drive from downtown in a quiet neighbourhood. Rooms at TownePlace Suites by Marriott are spacious and contemporarily furnished. There’s also a complimentary breakfast buffet, indoor pool and gym.

Lakeview Motel – The Lakeview Motel is located close to top destinations in town. In under 10 mins you can walk to the lake, plus, in 15 mins you can be at the beach or downtown. Rooms are bright and have coffeemakers, microwaves, and fridges. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool!

Conclusion: Things to do in Kincardine

A charming small town with a Scottish heart of gold, you’ll find a ton of fun things to do in Kincardine! So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation in Ontario or an adventurous escape, plan your trip to Kincardine today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kincardine

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