Tours

A vacation just wouldn't be a vacation without at least one tour!! The Lake Huron Shoreline communities offer an assortment of tours--one of which is sure to appeal to your family's interests. Tour a lighthouse, museum, a cheese factory or take yourself on an historic tour. Check out the list below and pick one!

General Tours

Pine River Cheese Factory

In 1885, this cheese factory opened its doors and, in 1939, became an area farmers' co-operative. Operating still as a co-operative, the Pine River Cheese Factory is open to visitors who can watch the cheese-making process from a special viewing gallery. Cheese can be purchased in the on-premises retail store. Tours are offered during the summer; the store is open all year long. Tours are free of charge. 1-800-265-1175

Lighthouse Tours

Point Clark Lighthouse

Climb the 112 steps to the top of one of two imperial lighthouses along the Lake Huron Shoreline. The view of the Point Clark beach is breathtaking from the lighthouse --bring your camera! Be sure to wear sensible walking shoes, too, as the stairs are steep and narrow. Browse through the former keeper's home which is now a museum. Guided tours are offered daily from mid-June to Labour Day--please call ahead if you are booking a group! Admission fee.

Kincardine Lighthouse

Through the summer months until Labour Day, Kincardine's lighthouse and museum are open for public tours. The white wooden lighthouse is nestled close to downtown at the harbour; its unique location means it's close to shopping, restaurants and the beach, too! Tour as a family or bring a group. The haunting tunes of the phantom piper can be heard at dusk on summer evenings (except Saturday). Remember to call ahead to book for group tours. Admission fee.

Chantry Island Lighthouse

Accessible only by tourboat, Chantry Island sits about a kilometre off the shore of Southampton. The lighthouse is a sister to the one at Point Clark, but take note of the subtle differences. Chantry Island, for instance, has 115 steps to the top. Tours to this lighthouse must be pre-booked and pre-paid; only sanctioned tour groups are allowed on the island. Group tours can be booked by calling ahead at 1-866-797-5862 or 519-797-5862. Tours run from June to mid-October (weather permitting). Admission fee.

Historic Walking Tours

Check out the historic walking tour guides on line or pick one up in the local info centres. Each shoreline community is unique and has its own style of architecture, which is linked to each individual community's history. Kincardine has an annual Heritage Walk each August and, in Southampton, meet down by the flag for a guided historical tour of Southampton's oldest area.

Historic Horse Drawn Carriage Ride Tours
Tour historic Southampton the old-fashioned way--in a horse-drawn carriage! Call the Southampton Info Centre for more details. 1-888-757-2215

Museum Tours

Bruce County Museum & Archives

Tour the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre on your own or bring a group. Permanent exhibits trace the county's history through a series of galleries. Take in the special exhibits and events during the summer months and throughout the year. Group tours are welcome--just phone ahead to book your date and time. Open year round, seven days a week. Call 1-866-318-8889. Admission fee.

Paisley's Treasure Chest Museum

Suitably named, the Treasure Chest Museum is truly full of treasure! Lamps, furniture, glassware, tools, crockery, machinery and more make up an intriguing collection--a browser's delight! Group tours welcome--please call ahead. Open May to September, seven days a week. From October to April, by appointment or chance. 1-888-545-8117

Hint: Planning to be a repeat visitor to the area?--buy membership at either museum and save on admission fees!

Fish Hatcheries

Kincardine

In Kincardine, follow Huron Terrace to Rotary Park where the hatchery rests on the bank of the Penetangore River. The brown trout hatchery is open for tours whenever the “open” sign is in the window, usually 7 to 8 p.m. most evenings. Visit the Lake Huron Fishing Club website for more info.

Port Elgin

The Chinook hatchery on Upper Avenue in Port Elgin offers arranged tours only. To set up a tour, contact the Lake Huron Fishing Club through their website.