Sarnia Travel Guide

Explore Sarnia, Ontario with this comprehensive travel guide featuring a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, cultural customs, safety and health tips, transportation options and logistics, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Sarnia

Located in Southwestern Ontario, Sarnia is a beautiful city dotted with magnificent parks, serene lakes, and wonderful museums. A port city on the shores of Lake Huron, Sarnia is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and natural wonders. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a history lover, Sarnia has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Sarnia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery: This stunning art gallery is the perfect place for art enthusiasts to explore the works of Canadian and international artists.
  • The RBC Centre: Home to the Sarnia Sting, this multipurpose arena is also used for concerts, trade shows, and exhibitions.
  • The Sarnia Heritage Museum: Housed in the beautiful former train station, this museum showcases the history and heritage of Sarnia.
  • Stone Road Alpacas Farm: Visit this beautiful farm to learn about alpacas, watch fiber spinning and weaving, and shop for alpaca products.

Natural Attractions of Sarnia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Canatara Park: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, hike the walking trails, or explore the playgrounds, picnic areas, and animal farm in this beautiful park.
  • Lake Huron: The magnificent lake offers stunning views, swimming and other water activities.
  • Bright’s Grove Beach: This beautiful beach features well-maintained amenities with lifeguards and provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun.
  • Pinery Provincial Park: This park boasts of beautiful hiking trails, campsites, and bird watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sarnia

Howard Watson Nature Trail

This trail follows along the old CN Railway Line and is great for hiking, running, or biking. It stretches for 16km and is dotted with beautiful scenery.

Lambton County Heritage Trail

This trail winds through agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands and offers beautiful views of the countryside. It’s ideal for hiking, biking, and horse-riding.

Best Things to Do in Sarnia: Activities and Tours

  • Bluewater Fun Park: A wonderful place to take your kids, this park features mini-golf, bumper boats and go-karts.
  • Sarnia Bay Marina: Explore the gorgeous marina and enjoy boat tours of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.
  • Wakeboard Sarnia: For adventure lovers, Wakeboard Sarnia offers the perfect opportunity to go wakeboarding in the beautiful Lake Huron.
  • Theatre Sarnia: A cultural hub, Theatre Sarnia offers an array of stage plays and musical performances for visitors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sarnia

Day 1: Visit the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery and the RBC Centre, followed by dinner at the Cromwell Grill.

Day 2: Take a hike along the Howard Watson Nature Trail and spend the evening at Lake Huron Beach.

Day 3: Explore the Sarnia Heritage Museum, followed by lunch at Ups ‘n’ Downs. In the evening, enjoy a Bluewater Fun Park, mini-golf with your family.

Day 4: Visit Pinery Provincial Park for hiking and bird-watching; enjoy dinner at Sarnia Bay Restaurant.

Day 5: Bike ride along the Lambton County Heritage Trail followed by lunch at The Foursome Diner. After lunch, explore Stone Road Alpacas Farm.

Day 6: Take a boat tour of St. Clair River and Lake Huron with Sarnia Bay Marina and spend the rest of the day at Bright’s Grove Beach.

Day 7: Enjoy a stage performance at Theatre Sarnia followed by dinner at Refined Fool Brewing Company

Food and Drink Scene of Sarnia

Must-Try Dishes

  • Famous burgers and hand-cut fries at Ups ‘n’ Downs
  • Fried chicken and waffles from The Foursome Diner
  • Pan-fried fish and chips from The Cromwell Grill
  • Craft beer and gourmet pizza from Refined Fool Brewing Company

Local Beverages

  • Bluewater beer from the Refined Fool Brewing Company
  • Wine tasting at Alton Farms Estate Winery

Where to Stay in Sarnia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Express Sarnia: A cozy hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to all the major tourist spots.
  • Comfort Inn Sarnia: This hotel is ideal for business travelers as it is located near the Lambton Mall and offers easy access to major highways.
  • Bamboo Hostel: A budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers, this hostel is centrally located and provides a friendly and social atmosphere.

What to Buy in Sarnia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca scarves and socks from Stone Road Alpacas Farm
  • Bluewater beer from Refined Fool Brewing Company
  • Maple syrup and homemade candies from Ravenswood

Local Culture and Customs of Sarnia

Sarnia is a friendly and welcoming city, known for its strong commitment to cultural diversity. It is common courtesy to say “hello” or “hi” to strangers. Tipping 15-20% is standard in restaurants and bars.

Best Time to Visit Sarnia

The best time to visit Sarnia is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are plentiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sarnia

Do:

  • Do try out the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do interact with the friendly locals and learn about their cultural customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the parks and beaches.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin during outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sarnia

Sarnia is generally a safe and friendly city. However, visitors should exercise caution when walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and when using public transportation.

Health in Sarnia

There are no major health concerns in Sarnia; however, it’s important to pack sunscreen, bug spray and any medications you may require.

Getting to Sarnia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sarnia

The closest airport to Sarnia is the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport, although it offers limited flights. The next closest airport is the Detroit Metro Airport, which is located 90km away from Sarnia.

Bus Stations Near Sarnia

Greyhound Bus Lines offer services to/from Sarnia to other cities in Ontario and across Canada.

Other Options

Driving to Sarnia from Toronto (287 km) or Detroit (94 km) is also an option.

How to Get Around in Sarnia

Public transportation in Sarnia is limited, so visitors may prefer to rent a car to fully explore the surrounding area. Other options include cabs and ride-share services.

Where to Go Next from Sarnia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • London: A two-hour drive from Sarnia, London has beautiful parks, museums, and art galleries.
  • Windsor: Known for its amazing casinos and nightlife, Windsor is just over an hour’s drive from Sarnia.
  • Detroit: Just a 40-minute drive from Sarnia, Detroit is home to several world-class museums, music venues, and sports arenas.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, art galleries, or historical museums, Sarnia, Ontario has something for everyone. From beautiful hiking trails and sandy beaches to locally-sourced cuisine and friendly locals, Sarnia is truly a hidden gem worth exploring.

Canatara Park Canatara Park