Free Things to do in Kincardine
Looking to stretch your legs? And your wallet? You’re in luck! You don’t need to spend a penny to have a blast in Kincardine. There are an abundance of free things to do in Kincardine, which makes this lakeside town the perfect Ontario road trip destination.
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Things to do in Kincardine — That are free
Having grown up in Kincardine, I’m excited to share with my fellow road trippers all of the free things to see and do — many of which are only known by a local.
Beach
I don’t know about you, but I think beach days are always the best days. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a family, or as a couple, the beach is the number one free thing to do in Kincardine.
Since Kincardine is situated along the shores of Lake Huron, there entire town fronts onto the water. The two main beaches are Station Beach and what I still refer to as the Tiny Tot Beach.
Station Beach:
The Station Beach is located on the south side of the pier, offering easy access to the harbour and the boardwalk.
The Station Beach is ideal for adventure enthusiasts as it offers the ideal situation for surfers and kiters. In fact, this is one of the top beaches in Canada for surfing. Since this beach is more susceptible to under-tows and rip-tides, it’s important to be safety aware at all times.
Tiny Tot Playground Beach
The Tiny Tot Beach is located on the north side of the pier, and considered to be more family friendly.
While it’s always important to be safety aware when swimming in any lake, this beach is much calmer than the Station Beach.
NOTE: Washrooms are available at both beaches.
Other Swimming Areas in Kincardine
While Station Beach and the Tiny Tot Beach are the two main beaches to spend the day, the water can also be accessed from anywhere along the lake. Some areas may be rocky and won’t have a beach area for lounging.
Stroll the Kincardine Boardwalk
The boardwalk is accessible from the harbour and Station Beach. This is a short, easy, accessible pathway, and is suitable for all fitness levels.
You can expect the walk down and back to take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on whether you stop to enjoy the view. The boardwalk follows the lake, offering beautiful lake views on one side. This pathway also runs behind some of Kincardine’s largest homes, which are always fun to see.
Swing and Picnic at the Tiny Tot Playground
The Tiny Tot Playground fronts onto the Lake Huron and the Tiny Tot Beach. This is the ideal spot for children to burn some energy, or escape the sun while having a picnic under the large, mature trees. Children always think that the Tiny Tot Playground is the best free thing to do when visiting Kincardine.
NOTE: Although I still refer to this park as the Tiny Tot Playground, the name has recently been changed to McPherson Park. Newer residents to Kincardine may not be familiar with the name “Tiny Tot”.
Visit the Kincardine Rock Garden
The Kincardine Rock Gardens are a hidden jewel that many visitors to Kincardine won’t find on their own.
To access the gardens, take a short walk from the Tiny Tot Beach, behind the pavilion and cross the road, where you will find the Kincardine Rock Garden.
Take a Walk Down Lover’s Lane
Adjacent to the Kincardine Rock Garden, you will come across what is known to the locals as “Lover’s Lane” — I’ll let you guess why it was nicknamed this 🙂 .
Lover’s Lane itself is a very short walk (about 5 minutes). I wouldn’t consider the lane to be wheelchair accessible, however, it is appropriate for all fitness levels.
Kincardine Lighthouse Museum
Location: 236 Harbour Street, Kincardine, Ontario
The Kincardine Lighthouse Museum can be found standing tall at the side of the harbour, between the north and south pier.
The lighthouse was built in 1881 over the light-keeper’s home. It’s now open to the public for tours between July 1st and Labour Day.
DRIVER’S TIP: The Kincardine Lighthouse is a must stop when on the Lighthouse Trail Road Trip.
Discover History at the Walker House
Location: 235 Harbour Street, Kincardine, Ontario
Directly across the street from the Lighthouse, you will find the oldest standing wooden hotel in Bruce and Grey Counties — the Walker House.
The Walker House was built by Paddy Walker in 1850 and operated as the Town’s inn and tavern. A fire destroyed the building in 1995. In 1998, the Paddy Walker Heritage Society was formed (which was initiated by my mother), and after thousands of hours and years later, the Walker House was re-opened as a museum.
While the Museum is one of many free things to do in Kincardine, you can also visit the Tea Room, as well as one of the weekend events put on by the Walker House.
Browse the Shops
Like many small towns, Kincardine has an abundance of quaint shops. You won’t find any big name stores when browsing the shops of Kincardine. They are all locally owned and operated, offering visitors many unique finds.
Market in the Park
Location: Victoria Park
The Market in the Park runs every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., commencing on Victoria Day and runs until Labour Day. Admission to the Market in the Park is always free!
Marvel at the Sunset
Next to the beaches, my favourite way to end the day when visiting Kincardine is to marvel at the beauty of a Lake Huron sunset.
Many visitors say that Kincardine offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Being an avid traveller myself (and I might be a little biased), I have to agree.
Listen for the Phantom Piper
Location: 236 Harbour Street
At dusk during the months of July and August, there are many nights that the sound of bagpipes will carry along Lake Huron’s shoreline. In honour of the memory of early Kincardine Piper, Donald Sinclair, a member of the Kincardine pipe band will play from either the top of the lighthouse or on the steps of the lighthouse.
NOTE: You won’t find the phantom piper on Saturday nights due to the Saturday night pipe band parade.
Saturday Night Pipe Band Parade
Saturday night throughout July and August are the best times to be visiting Kincardine. Listening to, and joining in the pipe band parade, is the best free thing to do in Kincardine. Whether young or old, this is sure to be the highlight of your time in Kincardine.
Thousands of people flock to Kincardine to take part in this epic tradition. It’s a time for locals to come together to catch up on the news (gossip) with neighbours. Kids love seeing Binky, and if they’re lucky, Binky will let them play his drum.
Kincardine: Know Before You Go
- The BEST time to visit Kincardine is during the Summer, June – August.
- Restaurants aren’t always open (they are hit and miss). I recommend bringing a picnic OR visit The Bruce (they’re open regularly)
- Highways leading into Kincardine are often closed during the Winter months
- For more about Kincardine, Visit Kincardine
Things to do in Kincardine that are Free
As you can see, there are so many free things to do in Kincardine, which is what makes it the perfect Ontario road trip destination.
Because of the beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and yes, the pipe band parade, you will definitely want to spend more than one day in this beautiful lakeside town.
As the saying goes….”Kincardine….where you’re a stranger only once 🙂 .
SAVE FOR A ROAD TRIP TO KINCARDINE
Wonderful ideas! Especially appreciate budget-friendly suggestions.
Thank you. It’s such a beautiful part of Ontario, with so many things to do. Nature never costs a thing!