When it comes to hiking trails in Ontario, the Bruce Trail must be on the list.
As the longest and oldest marked trail in Ontario, Canada, it is visited by more than 400,000 people each year, and its recreational activities range from hiking, photography, snowshoeing, and simply observing wildlife and enjoying the scenery. The route follows the Niagara Cliffs between Niagara and Tobermory in southern Ontario, and the total length is approximately 900 kilometres up and down, with more than 400 kilometres of trails. The trail runs through public and private land. To establish a continuous route, BTC (The Bruce Trail Conservancy) established a handshake agreement with approximately 700 landowners. Landowners will allow hikers to traverse their private land as long as they respect their property and do not make excessive stops.
A Brief History
Back in 1959, a man named Ray Lowes envisioned a public walk across the entire Niagara Cliffs. He told his friend Robert Bateman at a meeting of the Ontario Federation of Naturalists and got a lot of support.
On September 23, 1960, the first BTC meeting was held, and the four founding members helped establish the trail.
Since 1962, trail manager Philip Gosling has travelled to major towns to discuss proposed hiking routes. He and his team of volunteers went door-to-door to discuss the vision with private landowners, where they received tremendous support. Regional clubs were formed between 1962 and 1966, and each club was responsible for its own section of the path.
On March 13, 1963, the Bruce Trail Association was formed (later renamed The Bruce Trail Conservancy), and its membership grew to over 200.
In 1965, the first Bruce Trail Guide was published.
Coinciding with Canada's centennial year, the association decided to officially open the path in 1967. In June 1967, the Association announced the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail at Tobermory.
So since the background information is so detailed, let's take a look at which parks or nature reserves along the Bruce Trail are worth visiting.
#1 Overhanging Point
Location: Bruce Trail, Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON N0H 2R0
Here, if you look closely, you will see that the land in front of you was submerged under a tropical ocean for a while in the past. This location fully shows the charm of physical geography, because here you will find many traces of history left for us, such as grottoes, a cave dug out of a cliff in the beat of years, and overhangs point, a huge bowl hollowed out from a cliff. The trail is extremely steep and slippery on the hike, even in sunny weather, but once you get to Overhanging Point, you'll see why people rave about the majestic views.
On the way to the grotto, you will be lucky enough to see the underwater cave on a sunny day. If beaches are your thing, there are also some spectacular sights to be found between Grotto and the Halfway Log Dump Side Trail.
However, it is worth noting that in the peak season, there will be many tourists in the hanging trail loop and the grotto. If you prefer quietness, it is recommended to come in spring, autumn or winter. If you choose to come in the summer, it is best to bring waterproof boots, they will help you on the slippery rocks.
#2 Devil's Monument
Location: Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON N0H 1Z0
This is the largest flowerpot formation on the Bruce Peninsula and one of many spectacular locations on the rugged coastline, known for its incredible beauty. Park your vehicle in the Bruce Trail parking lot near the end of Borchardt Road. The walk to Devil’s Monument is actually short, but the trail in and out is steep, rocky and slippery. The hike isn't too difficult, but it's not a great place to bring kids or pets. Bring sturdy shoes, and a walking stick and keep an eye out for poison ivy - it's best to know what they look like before you set off to avoid poisoning. Follow the trails and stone steps down to the beautiful rocky beach. If the weather is hot, it is recommended to bring a picnic mat, swimsuit and shoes as the water in the shallow bay warms up in the summer, and you may choose to play in the water.
#3 Lion's Head
Location: McCurdy Drive Parkette, Bruce Trail, Lion's Head, ON N0H 1W0
There are stunning 200-foot cliffs where hikers can stand overlooking the incredible turquoise and deep blue waters. Lion's Head has two circular walks - the Main Walk and the Outback Walk, which are approximately 18km long. To begin your hike, park in the Bruce Trail parking lot on McCurdy Drive Parkette and follow the trail listed on the map provided at the trailhead. Moore Street is closed to parking, and the Moore Street Side Trail is currently closed.
It's best to bring a walking stick as parts of these trails can be challenging. Certain trails are also not recommended for young children or dogs. If there are children, it is recommended to bring protective equipment such as safety ropes. Lion's Head Trail has cliffs, sinkholes, and no handrails, so it's more dangerous.
#4 Cape Croker Park
Location: 112 Park Rd, Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0
Located on the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, Cape Croker offers what is essentially the most spectacular view of the Bruce Trail, and also accepts campers here, with several hikes around the campsite.
Drive northwest along the beach and take a comfortable stroll through the wetlands at Ginebek Miikaans (Snake Path Boardwalk). The meandering trails run through the park for nearly 4 kilometres, and the trails are marked by white flames and follow the Niagara Cliffs for 900 kilometres from Niagara to Tobermory. Follow the white (main walk) path leading up to the metal stairs to the top of the Sydney Cove cliffs. This vantage point is the best viewpoint in the entire park, and arguably the most beautiful spot on the entire Bruce Trail.
#5 Hope Bay
Location: 2 Hope Bay Rd, Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0
Hope Bay features the Jack Poste Side Trail, an easy but long four-kilometre loop. Here, you'll see the location of popular glacial craters formed by late glaciers. Meltwater flowing over the cliffs created small swirls that eventually carved these potholes out of the bedrock.
So, who is Jack Poste? He was a flying officer, holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) of World War II, a teacher, a historian, an environmentalist, and a beloved early Bruce Trail champion. He is local to Bruce Trail and often opens his home to volunteers.
Follow the Don Irish Side Trail from Cathedral Avenue, or the gravel trail from Bruce Road 9 for a blue flame, which climbs and descends a few ridges and gradually climbs an old logging track. This track is used to transport the logs to the log pile above Hope Bay.
Note: The glacier pothole is located near where the main road joins the Jack Poste Side Trail again.
These five Bruce Trails pass through the beautiful George Bay. The scenery along the way is very eye-catching. I like to walk on the cliff, watching the scenery change as I go. It is especially recommended for the ones who like summer activities. Plan camping activities for about 2 nights and see it on the spot. Look around and take a walk, are you feeling excited already?
In fact, in addition to the above hiking routes to see the water view, Bruce Trail has many other unique routes. Just in time for the children's summer break, Wow Nature calls on everyone to walk into nature and explore Bruce along the Niagara Bruce Trail, and take a close look at the scars of nature formed by the rupture of the earth's crust.
The material for this article is derived in part from Explore the Bruce
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WOW Nature Outdoor Discovery was established in Beijing, China in 2015, and is committed to advocating a lifestyle close to nature, a healthy, balanced, and environmentally friendly lifestyle. In 2016, WOW Nature settled in Canada and registered as a non-profit organization. Through carefully designed outdoor exploration activities, Wow Nature leads everyone to walk into nature and deeply experience local culture in the process of "playing", thereby improving the quality of life, enhancing parent-child relationships, expanding social circles, and gaining more health and happiness!
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