Sauble Beach

Set on Lake Huron, Sauble Beach is a sandy reprieve on Ontario's west coast boasting endless outdoor activities like boating, fishing, windsurfing, golfing, camping or beachcombing. 

Plenty of nearby restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries will keep you busy when spending time out of the water. Kids and families love the nearby mini golf course and Ascent Aerial Park for rock climbing and free falls. If you visit in August, mark your calendar for the town’s annual Sauble Sandfest.

To learn more about all there is to see and do in Sauble Beach, scroll down or visit the town's tourism website.

Where is Sauble Beach?

Hugging the shore of Lake Huron, Sauble Beach is only 30 km west of Owen Sound and about 220 km northwest of downtown Toronto.

Things to Do in Sauble Beach

As the second-largest freshwater beach in the country, and regarded as one of its finest, it’s no surprise that the area’s most popular attraction is its 11 km long sandy waterfront. Not only is it beloved by local and regional residents, but the Toronto Star also named it one of the best beaches in the world. 

When touring the town, you’ll notice most visitors flock to the surf to enjoy various water activities. At Sauble Beach, you can swim, surf, boat, fish, waterski, windsurf, SUP, jet ski, build sandcastles, play volleyball and more. If you’re looking for a more relaxing retreat, try sunbathing, strolling the beachfront, reveling in the area’s legendary sunsets or catching a glimpse of the famous beach bird, the Piping Plover. You can also explore nearby Sauble Beach South (a private beach with an admission fee) or Oliphant Beach to the north.

Beyond the lakeshore, take a stroll through the streets of Sauble Beach. Main Street runs perpendicular to the lake and offers an assortment of restaurants, cafes, shops and the town’s famous pastries for a treat. You’ll discover Giggles Arcade and Ascent Aerial Park right at the entrance to the main beach. Enjoy classic games, a rock-climbing wall, a free fall and a high-ropes obstacle course.

Sauble Beach has been a popular lakeside retreat since the 1950s, and much of the nostalgic, relaxed vibe is still intact. Some of the most beloved town activities are long-running festivals like the Sauble Beach Sandfest and the Sauble Beach Classic Car Show. Both occur in August, where you'll enjoy entertainment like live music, children's activities, sandcastle-building competitions, contests, prizes and the classic car show. You can also watch the races at Sauble Speedway.

In the winter, when enough snow accumulates, you can experience snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The Sauble Beach Cross Country Ski Club provides a few trails. In all seasons, hikers can enjoy walking through Oliphant Fen. This nature preserve features accessible wooden boardwalks that weave across marshes and swamps filled with unique plant life and plenty of birds.

Other nearby trails include the riverside path in Sauble Falls Provincial Park, where you can watch the spawning Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon in the spring and fall. The waterfall once provided power to a timber mill and generating station. For a bit more solitude, check out the Sauble Trail, which winds through a densely forested area near Sauble Falls.

Sauble Beach Neighbourhoods & Districts

Sauble Beach is a community set in South Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, which stretches from Highway 21 to the south and north into the Bruce Peninsula. Sauble Beach sits in the town’s southern portion between the Sauble Falls and Sauble Beach South’s communities and on the Saugeen First Nation’s northern edge.

Sauble Beach & Main Street

The town’s Main Street runs east-to-west along County Road 8, perpendicular to Lake Huron. Here you’ll find most of the town’s action, with grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and cafes lining the road. If you’re camping or enjoying sports, you can find necessities at sporting goods and hardware stores. 

Sauble Beach North

Although the town’s main beach is its largest and most popular, several others line the lakeshore. You’ll find more parking and beach access north of the downtown, as well as tennis courts, plenty of accommodation rentals and campgrounds near the Sauble River.

Sauble Beach South

Much of Sauble Beach to the south is on Saugeen First Nation land. Sauble Beach South's township is entirely Saugeen First Nation territory, and where you'll find a quiet shoreline, accommodation rentals and another popular private beach.

Things to Know About Visiting Sauble Beach

Make the most of your trip to Sauble Beach with these insider tips.

Favourite local beach

Sunbathe, beach comb, watch the sunset or simply stroll along the sand. You can't go wrong setting up your umbrella and towels on any of the areas beaches.

Where to go rock climbing

Brave the climbing wall, obstacle course or free-fall at Ascent Aerial Park.

Where to go bird watching

Try to spot the area’s beloved Piping Plovers or stroll along walkways over marshes in Oliphant Fen.

Where to go shopping

Peruse the town’s art galleries, souvenir shops and boutiques along Main Street at the waterfront.

Last updated: January 17, 2023

Looking for Ontario travel advice?

Our experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Call or book today.