Summer may be over, but you can still stay in that beach-y state of mind without leaving the province! Southampton, Ont., is an adorable town nestled along Lake Huron, described as a nautical hideaway that’s like being in the Hamptons!
If you’re leaving from Toronto, driving to Southampton will take you around three hours by car.
The town is tucked between Sauble Beach and Port Elgin on the shores of Lake Huron. While these spots are popular in the summertime, there are plenty of things to do year-round.
The lakeside attractions here are not nearly as crowded in the fall, so it’s the perfect time of year to visit.
The town’s natural dune system is a must-see and has been intact for a century.
“One of the few intact natural dune systems in Ontario’s urban areas, the dunes protect the shoreline from destructive storm waves,” says Southampton’s website.
“They also provide a suitable environment for numerous types of flora and fauna which flourish in a hot, dry climate. Special grasses have been planted to prevent erosion of the dunes; trails marked by wooden rails allow visitors to view the dunes’ special characteristics without damaging or disturbing this sensitive ecosystem.”
Want to get your steps in?
The Southampton Waterfront Trail is popular any time of year, offering stunning views of Lake Huron. The best time of day to visit the trail is when the sun is going down. Lake Huron is known for boasting amazing sunsets, so be sure to get cozy and find a spot along the trail to catch the sunset.
If one day in Southampton isn’t enough, we don’t blame you! The Beach Motel is a beautiful boutique motel with a spa and a restaurant — we can’t think of a better place to go back to after exploring all day. Right down the road is its sister location, South Beach, which I have had the pleasure of staying at before. It’s great for families or a group of friends.
Southampton is calling!
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