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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 4 days self-guided hiking
  • 1 day self-guided optional excursions
Accommodation
  • 6 nights inns/B&B's
Meals
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$1790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: BRP

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Experience some of the Bruce Trail's best day hikes
  • Take in sweeping coastal views atop the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment
  • Dip your toes into Georgian Bay's inviting crystal-clear turquoise waters
  • Hike through fairy-tale like forests of moss-covered boulders and lush foliage
  • Enjoy worry-free self-guided hiking with the use of an emergency satellite transponder
  • Relax as local hosts take care of trailhead transfers and luggage movement

Due to popular demand, we are happy to offer a shorter version of our Bruce Peninsula self-guided hiking tour. We give you the best of the best day hikes from Lion's Head to Tobermory, following the magnificent Niagara Escarpment - a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve. Our friendly and knowledgeable local hosts facilitate it all by reliably taking you to trailheads, moving your luggage onward, and being there for you in case you require assistance while out on the remote trails. Enjoy hassle-free hiking on one of Canada's top hiking trails, with incredible cliff-top views, magical forests, and stunning turquoise shores.

Activities:
Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Lion’s Head is where your adventure begins, transfers from certain locations to this starting point are available upon request. The small town of Lion’s Head is a popular base for those coming to explore the Bruce Peninsula with a few restaurant options, shops, a campground, and some basic services. The main attractions are the natural surroundings, the beach and its shallows, water sports, and the Lion’s Head Lighthouse. Tonight, make yourself comfortable at your charming B&B.

Meals:  Nil

After a hearty breakfast at your B&B, you will be driven to the Jones Bluff trail access point. From here, you will follow the trail closely along the scarp edge and enjoy ever-changing views of Cape Croker and Sydney Bay, as well as a pleasant walk through a succession of forest. The trail takes you down into Sydney Bay and then back up over Sydney Bay Bluff. It then descends a couple of wooden ladders and emerges into quiet and serene Hope Bay. Here you will find a pretty beach, campground, and a small general store.

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast and check-out, you will return to where you left off the day before with a drop off at Hope Bay. Today's walk takes you along the main trail and around Cape Dundas to scenic Rush Cove. Explore Magazine has listed the Cape Dundas Loop as one of Canada's 8 'essential routes' and you will soon find out why! Today's highlights include glacial pot holes, rare open alvar, walking along the base of the rocky escarpment, and large, moss-covered boulders that create an other-worldly and magical forest environment. Rush Cove is a lovely spot to end the day and enjoy the rocky shore before your pick-up and transfer to the town of Lion's Head where you can settle into your B&B and enjoy dinner in town.

Meals:  B,L

After another delightful breakfast from your hosts, head out for the hike that some claim to be the highlight of the peninsula - the Lion's Head Loop. This is one of the more challenging sections of the trail with plenty of ups and downs, exposed tree roots, and rocky pathways. The dramatic views from the exposed cliff-tops at Gun Point and postcard-perfect Lion's Head Lookout make it clear as to why this is a 'must-do' on any hiker's list. We recommend walking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

Meals:  B,L

There are a few options for your hike today, as there are a few optional side trails which can shorten or extend your walk. Your walk will take you past several fantastic lookouts atop the escarpment. The main highlight today will be the Devil's Monument - A large sea stack or 'flowerpot' which has separated from the adjacent cliff face.

Meals:  B,L

Today is yours to do as you like. This morning, you have the option of finishing your Bruce Trail traverse in true form by heading to the mainland section of Fathom Five National Marine Park. Here the main trail joins a scenic loop through the park overlooking the park's offshore islands. Coming back out of the park, you will follow trail markers to the cairn, marking the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail. The total distance for the walk to your hotel is about 6km/3.7miles. You may also choose to take a trip to famous Flowerpot Island. Purchase a ticket aboard a glass-bottom boat today that will take you over shipwrecks and past lighthouses to the islands. You have up to a full day on Flowerpot Island to explore its many trails and its namesake 'the flowerpots'; outlying stacks of escarpment or cliffs that stand a short distance from the island, most with diverse vegetation still growing on them. Return to Tobermory and enjoy your final night on the peninsula.

Meals:  Nil

You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred back to a location chosen from a pre-determined list of options.

Meals:  Nil

Inclusions

What's included

  • Meals as per itinerary
  • 6 nights in a combination of inns, B&Bs and hotels, generally with private facilities, on a double occupancy basis
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Return transfers from Owen Sound and to/from trail heads, must be specified at time of booking
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while hiking)
  • Garmin Inreach satellite transponder for use on the trail
  • C$50 donation to the Bruce Trail Conservancy

  • Travel to and from start/end of the trip
  • Items of a personal nature including drinks
  • Meals where not indicated
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees and optional activities
  • Optional guided excursions
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Charming B&B's

Accommodation on this trip is a combination of a 3-star hotel and a B&B. Both have been chosen for their convenient locations, local character, and quality. The trip price is based on 2 people per room. Please indicate if you prefer to share a bed, or have separate beds. A single supplement is available for those wishing to secure their own rooms, subject to availability.

Charming B&B's

Accommodation on this trip is a combination of a 3-star hotel and a B&B. Both have been chosen for their convenient locations, local character, and quality. The trip price is based on 2 people per room. Please indicate if you prefer to share a bed, or have separate beds. A single supplement is available for those wishing to secure their own rooms, subject to availability.

Trail Surface

Expect diverse and occasionally rugged or uneven terrain

With its white cliffs and green vegetation, the Bruce Peninsula covers the northernmost section of the Bruce Trail and features some remote hiking sections with a mix of forest and coastal vantage points. Terrain on the trail consists of well-defined trails with some exposed roots to limestone surfaces. Hikers will encounter light to moderate elevation changes over undulating terrain and high cliffs overlooking Georgian Bay. In order for hikers to remain sure-footed, we recommend using hiking poles and appropriate hiking boots for potentially slippery terrain in adverse weather conditions. Expect light to moderate winds at scattered openings in the forested terrain and while hiking near the more coastal sections.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

Daily walks are between 10km and 20km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to short, steep sections with some light scrambling. Hikers should be prepared for plenty of roots, rocks, and potential variable weather conditions. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. Hill or stair walking with a full day pack is strongly recommended at least once per week. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward as the Bruce Trail is well-marked using its own system and signage. Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Sometimes route finding, losing your way, and finding it again is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide an emergency communications device in the event of any problems.

Departure dates

Daily from June through early October

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Priceper person from

$1790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$460
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$1700
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

ECO Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.