Trip Rating
Description
Lion's Head is a beautiful small town on the Saugeen Peninsula. In the summertime the main street is bustling with tourists, hikers and kayakers. There are lots of cute shops, cafes and activities to look through while you are there. The area is also perfectly set up for sea kayaking. Lion's Head harbour is a nicely sheltered area to set up and launch from; even if windy, it provides a large protected area to paddle in.
The view from Lookout Point
Launch Spot Options
Parking in town is at the best of times difficult. I have attached a map of the parking situation; the most up-to-date version can be found here.
Option 1: The Beach
If you want the convenience of launching from your parking spot, the beach is a good option. However, depending on where you park, it can be expensive. If you have mobility issues, this is definitely your best bet. The park has very clean and heated washrooms with running water, and you can get snacks and drinks at the shop up the road.
Cost: $15–$30 for the day
Option 2: The Marina
This option is not advertised anywhere. If you go to the marina office and pay them $5 for a kayak launch, it includes use of the specialized dock as well as day parking. It can be insanely busy on weekends and fills up fast. Be sure to arrive early!
Cost: $5 to use the kayak launch
Trip Length
Launching from either spot allows you to have the same trip options. Most of the time I launch there I handrail Lion's Head Provincial Park to McKay's Harbour, round the headland and explore Barrow's Bay, then return home. If you go the other direction, you can paddle to White Smokey Head Bluff.
If you take a bit of time to explore the harbour, you can see some pretty amazing shipwrecks on a clear day. The most exciting one is a decent-sized tugboat in about 15 feet of water just off the C-docks.
https://www.loveofdiving.com/portfolio/lions-head-harbour-2020/
When you leave the harbour, you are instantly met with one of the most stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. The water turns turquoise and the towering cliffs dominate the landscape.
As you work your way up the coast, the views are incredible. One of the most interesting formations is a small sea cave — great for photos, but also large enough to be dangerous. Use caution.
I spent way too long inside taking pictures. It also always seems cooler inside than out in the sun.
The scenery continues on and is beautiful the entire length of the point. Once you get to the end you can continue past McKay's Harbour to Barrow's Bay. It’s less dramatic than the first stretch, but still worth exploring.
Some words of caution: the area can be extremely wind-sensitive. On an east wind, you need to be very careful. Waves here have damaged the lighthouse on multiple occasions.
The area is also known for thick fog appearing with little warning. It has happened to us a few times — be careful.
For another trip report:
Après Options
My favourites for food after a paddle in Lion's Head are Bear Tracks (pizza and butter tarts) and The Taste Kitchen.
If you are interested in supporting Kayak Ontario, please do so by attending our kayaking lessons (clinics, classes and events). Visit our shop by clicking here.
This trip requires a minimum of Level 2 skills or higher depending on conditions.
0 comments