Kincardine is named in honour of James Bruce, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine and the Governor General of Canada in 1850. One of the earliest towns in Bruce County, Kincardine grew rapidly and soon boasted of a harbour, breakwater, and lighthouse, a busy commercial fishing industry and salt mines.  When the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway arrived in the 1870s, Kincardine took off as the population swelled and new industries were built. The wealth of the community is today reflected in one of the largest gatherings of significant 19th century domestic architecture to be found anywhere in Ontario.

Kincardine is a romantic town with a strong Scottish heritage that seems to be everywhere.  Once upon a time, a schooner in peril was guided into the harbour by the sound of a bagpipe echoing from shore.  Today, a phantom piper plays on summer evenings, atop the Kincardine lighthouse.  And in July, the town resounds to pipe and drum bands during Kincardine’s annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games.

With its many parks, a lovely sand beach, the restored heritage Walker House, a boardwalk and trails, art galleries and arts centre, Kincardine is a destination of choice, a chance to step back in time at this Queen of the Huron Shore.

Fun Fact

Why not pay a visit to Dr. Solomon Secord?  His statue stands beside the Kincardine Public Library, a hometown tribute to the only Canadian doctor to serve with the Confederacy during the American Civil War.   A much beloved town physician, Dr. Secord came from the same family as Laura Secord, the heroine of the War of 1812.

The town of Kincardine’s Beach

Kincardine’s beach is small, just over 1 km in length and full of ambiance. Its main hub, Station Beach, has volleyball courts and giant beach chairs. The area north of the marina has a Tiny Tot Park, rock gardens, shade trees and a covered picnic area. A boardwalk borders the shore with benches, a gazebo, snack bar and interpretive signs about local shipwrecks. The beach itself is sandy with a gradual slope and you can find sand bars offshore at the north end, which are fun to wade to. Come sunset, the community’s Scottish character shows itself with the “Phantom Piper” playing a bagpipe most evenings from the deck of the restored lighthouse that overlooks the beach and harbour.  Amenities: Public washrooms, showers, change rooms, concessionaire, free parking, marina, boat launch

Top Things to Do in Southampton

    •    Guided tours of the Kincardine Lighthouse and marine museum are offered all summer. You can climb to the top of the tower and see historic marine artifacts including archival photos of Kincardine harbour.
    •    At the north end of the beach, the Penetangore Path, runs inland 4 km along the Penetangore River to Geddes Property Environment Park.
    •    Reunion Park, next to Station Beach provides a shady place for a picnic. You’ll also find a snack bar here.
    •    Browse the boutiques and antique shops of downtown and pick a restaurant for lunch.

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