Biking
Several off-road trails make it easy to get around the park and to connect to trails in the area. Cycling along trails is recommended as park roads are busy.
Deer Run Trail: 4.7 km loop (Easy)
Gravel and compacted dirt cover with a few minor inclines and declines. Low sections can become muddy in rainy conditions. Sections cross park roads, please stop and watch for traffic.
Deer Run Trail Extension: 1.6 km linear (Easy)
Gravel and compacted dirt cover. Sections cross park roads, please stop and watch for traffic.
Old Shore Road Trail: 7.2 km linear (Easy)
Gravel, compacted dirt cover and sandy sections. Several side trails lead to areas of interest.
Tower Trail: 3.5 km loop (Easy)
Gravel, compacted dirt cover and boardwalk sections. Please walk beside your bike on boardwalk sections. Low sections can become muddy in rainy conditions.
Kempf’s Trail 0.8 km linear (Easy)
Gravel and compacted dirt cover. Low sections can become muddy in rainy conditions.
Birding
More than 200 species of birds have been sighted here, including the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Great Egret which find the wetlands in the park to be ideal feeding grounds. The shoreline is a recognized spring and fall migration route. MacGregor Point is the northern and southern nesting limit for several northern and southern species.
In winter, don’t forget to make time to wander near the Visitor Centre, which is an excellent spot to see chickadees and nuthatches. Hand-feeding birds is not permitted. Please do not leave nuts, seeds and bird feed out on railings and picnic tables.
Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Each spring, naturalists’ celebrate the return of songbirds during the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. This festival has been developed to coincide with the arrival and establishment of territories by these migrating birds. The focus is on birding, however, other areas of natural history are included, such as butterflies, wildflowers, astronomy, nature art, poetry and photography. The festival is held annually for ten days from the Friday following the Victoria Day weekend.
For more information, please visit the Huron Fringe Birding Festival website.
Camping - Winter (including Roofed Accommodations)
If you haven’t explored a snow-covered MacGregor Point Provincial Park, you don’t know what you’re missing. Good roads and a scenic drive get you to the park, nestled against the shores of Lake Huron in Port Elgin.
The ice-skating trail is the premier winter attraction (and best-kept secret!), but MacGregor Point also offers skiing, snowshoeing, camping and other winter fun.
Cross-country Skiing
The Deer Run Trail (11 km) suits both novice and experienced cross-country skiers. This track-set trail combination gently winds through upland hardwood forest and wetland areas.
Additionally, there are several kilometres of unplowed park roads that are not groomed but would be suitable for cross-country skiing.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe trails are located in Nipissing Campground, as well as on all unplowed roads and non-track set trails. Snowshoeing through the (typically) giant snow drifts along Old Shore Road Trail is worthy of a bucket list. (Note: for safety reasons please stay off ice, ice formations and snow drifts on Lake Huron and all ponds within the park.)
Skating
Glide through the woods on MacGregor’s ice-skating trail. The 400-metre skating trail provides an unforgettable outdoor experience. The park turns on the trail lights for skating under the stars until 10:00 pm every day of the week, and that’s when things get truly magical.
There is also a large ice pad for outdoor hockey enthusiasts.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is permitted on park roads only.
Canoeing
Caution should be used by anyone canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the shore of Lake Huron as water and weather conditions change quickly. The nearby Saugeen River is better suited for these activities. Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available through various outfitters in the area.
Discovery Program
Programs for visitors are held year-round throughout the park. Guided hikes, campfire programs, stargazing, and reptile and raptor shows occur during peak season. In the shoulder season there is still lots to do, including self-guided hikes and activities, and special events to embrace the season. Program schedules are posted on social media. Outdoor events are weather dependent.
Fishing
Fishing along the shore is limited. The nearby Saugeen River is good for bass, perch, lake trout, pickerel, pike and salmon. Please follow all fishing regulations.
Hiking
Huron Fringe Trail: 1.2 km loop (Easy)
Named after the Huron Fringe Birding Festival held in the park annually, this boardwalk trail highlights two of the park’s wetland areas, Turtle Pond and Ash Swamp. Several viewing platforms and interpretive signs guide visitors and provide insight into some of the most unique ecosystems in Southwestern Ontario. Keep your eyes open for turtles, frogs, shore birds and other creatures that call MacGregor Point home.
This trail connects with the Old Shore Road trail and is accessible for those with disabilities.
Old Shore Road Trail: 7.2 km linear (Easy)
This shoreline trail connects the north and south boarders of the park along Lake Huron. In pioneer days it was part of the route that provided land transportation between Goderich and Southampton. Travelling along this trail you will find excellent views of the Lake Huron and many beach areas. Viewing platforms and benches are in several areas of interest along the trail, including the Pitcher Plant Marl, Seiche Pond, Cranberry Bog and Watersnake Pond.
Deer Run Trail: 4.7 km loop (Easy) and Deer Run Extension: 1.6 km linear (Easy)
This multi-use trail provides visitors with a safe and scenic way to travel through the interior of the park. Deer Run Trail and its extension connect several areas of the park, including the main park entrance, all three campgrounds and the Park Store. This is also the main trail that extends outside of the park and connects with several other trails (Rotary Way Trail and Gore Drain Trail) to lead to the town of Port Elgin.
Lake Ridge Trail: 3.8 km loop (Moderate)
The trail is named after the shoreline ridge of glacial Lake Nipissing which existed here some 5,500 years ago. A short side trail takes you to a boardwalk overlooking a former beaver pond and abandoned lodge. Storyboards tell about an old corduroy logging road, early settlement, and the forest. The terrain here is rough and only suitable for hikers wearing sturdy shoes. Bicycles are not permitted on this trail.
Tower Trail 3.5 km loop (Easy)
The Tower Trail takes you around the Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetland, providing great opportunities for waterfowl and wildlife viewing. A two-storey observation tower provides a panoramic view of the wetland, and a bird hide offers excellent viewing opportunities at water level. The trail surface is compacted gravel and boardwalk. Storyboards located along the trail provide insight into the wetland environment.
Forest Therapy Trail: 1.2 km linear (Easy)
Opened in 2023, the Forest Therapy trail is a new way to connect with nature. Several self-guided signs along the first 1.2 kilometers of the Tower Trail prompt visitors to stop, breathe and connect with the natural surroundings.
Kempf’s Trail 0.8 km linear (Easy)
Kempf’s Trail offers a connecting route between the main park road and the Old Shore Road Trail. It is named after one of the former landowners in this part of the park and provides an excellent route to the southern shoreline of the park.
Rotary Way Trail: 1.2 km linear (easy)
This exterior trail connects the park to the town of Port Elgin though winding wooded areas and crossing county roads.
Swimming
Throughout the park there are several beaches and shoreline access areas. There are no buoyed areas and no lifeguards posted.
Day Use
The gradually sloping, 50-meter beach is sandy with rocky sections in and out of the water. On the shore, several picnic tables and available for enjoying the views of Lake Huron. A washroom/changing area beside the parking lot is open during peak season. Pets are permitted to enjoy the beach as well; however, they must be kept on a leash not exceeding six feet.
Camper’s Beach
Despite the name, this beach is available for day users and campers to enjoy. The wide and sandy beach has many areas to sit and enjoy the shoreline. A playground and vault toilet are close by. Pets are not permitted.
Huron Campground Beach
This pet-friendly beach is a short walk from the Huron Campground overflow parking lot. The shoreline and water are very rocky, and caution should be taken if you or your pets intend to swim here.
Winter Activities
Enjoy the snow-covered trails by hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and take a skate around our outdoor skating loop. All outdoor winter activities are weather dependant. Please check the Snow Report for details before your arrival. For safety reasons please stay off ice, ice formations and snow drifts on Lake Huron and all ponds within the park.
Cross-country Skiing
All cross-country trails are groomed and track-set once conditions are favourable. When these trails are open, dogs and walking are strictly prohibited.
Deer Run Trail: 4.6 km loop (Easy)
This track-set trail suits both all levels of cross-country skiers and gently winds through upland hardwood forest and wetland areas.
Tomsett Trail: 5.9 km loop (Easy)
Taking this track-set trail, you will be gliding through two closed campgrounds and along the Old Shore Road trail in the center of the park.
If you’re looking for a longer skiing experience, take the track-set Ski Trail Link (700 meters) between the Deer Run Trail and the Tomsett Trail.
Snowshoeing and Hiking
Trails that are not track-set are permitted for snowshoeing and hiking. Dogs are permitted to be on these trails and must always be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
Skating
Glide through the woods on MacGregor Point’s ice-skating trail in the Cedar Lane section of Algonquin Campground. The 400-metre skating trail provides an unforgettable winter experience. At dusk the park turns on the trail lights for a magical skating experience under the stars until 10:00 pm. Hockey is not permitted on the Skating Trail. Skating aids and strollers are permitted on the skating trail surface provided the wheels are cleaned off to prevent salt/sand from being put on the ice surfaces.
Skating Trail parking is offered in two-hour intervals only. Visitors can reserve two hour timeslots up to 5 days in advance here. Ontario Parks Annual and Winter Seasonal vehicle passholders must book a parking space to reserve a timeslot to use the Cedar Lane parking lot, there is no additional charge for skating if using an Annual and Winter Seasonal vehicle pass at the time of reservation.
At the Visitor Center there is a large ice pad for outdoor hockey enthusiasts. At dusk the lights come on for after-dark skating and hockey until 10:00PM. Nets are provided. Full-day parking is permitted in this area with a valid daily vehicle permit, a valid seasonal vehicle permit, or the vehicle is registered to a campsite.
Dogs are strictly prohibited from coming onto any skating surface.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is permitted on park roads maintained by plow only.
Dogsledding (Mushing)
This activity is not permitted at MacGregor Point.