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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 6 days guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights b&b or hotel
Meals
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$1880USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: BRU

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Explore the front and backcountry of Bruce Peninsula National Park
  • Hike atop the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment
  • Enjoy endless cliff-top views
  • Dip your toes into Georgian Bay's inviting crystal-clear turquoise waters
  • View shipwrecks on a glass-bottom ride to Flower Pot Island in Fathom Five National Marine Park
  • Walk through fairy-tale like forests of moss-covered boulders and lush foliage
  • Test your identification skills with up to 43 species of orchids, 23 species of ferns, and 300 bird species

The Bruce Trail is Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath, measuring over 890km (550miles) from Niagara to Tobermory, following the magnificent Niagara Escarpment - a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve. This extensive guided itinerary covers what many hikers claim to be the most spectacular section of the trail: The final stage from Wiarton to Tobermory, covering the Bruce Peninsula from end to end. Each day on the trail affords endless outstanding coastal views perched high atop cliffs and along rocky beaches, looking out across the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. You will swear that you are exploring Caribbean shorelines! With limited accommodation options, we've carefully selected a handful of inns, and have combined these cozy stays with a friendly guide and transfer service. Your luggage is transferred as needed as well, leaving you free to enjoy the trail with only a light daypack.

Activities:
Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be picked up in Toronto (from a pre-set meeting location) unless you arrive on your own directly to Wiarton. Please advise us of your arrival details well in advance of your trip to coordinate your joining point. From Toronto, you will meet your guide and join fellow hikers before the transfer to the small town of Wiarton – home of the famous weather-predicting groundhog and center of the 'Wiarton Willie Festival' held annually around Groundhog Day. Wiarton is also the southern starting point for the Peninsular section of the Bruce Trail, which makes it the perfect location to begin our journey. Check into your cozy lodge and enjoy a group introductory dinner before your first big day of hiking the Bruce Trail.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast in town, it's a short drive to the Jones Bluff trail access point. From here, our hike follows the trail closely along the scarp edge and enjoys ever-changing views of Cape Croker and Sydney Bay. It's a pleasant walk through a succession of forests. We descend a couple of wooden ladders before emerging into quiet Hope Bay with its pretty beach, campground, and a small general store. Return to Wiarton at the end of the day.

Meals:  L

Today's walk takes you along the main trail and around Cape Dundas to pretty 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! Highlights of the day include glacial potholes, 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. Enjoy the rocky shore before your pick-up and transfer to the town of Lion's Head, where you can settle into your comfortable B&B.

Meals:  L

After a delightful breakfast from your hosts, we head out for the hike that some claim to be the highlight of the peninsula – the Lion's Head Loop. This section has plenty of ups and downs, exposed tree roots, and rocky pathways. You will be rewarded with dramatic views from the exposed cliff-tops at Gun Point and postcard-perfect Lion's Head Lookout. Take in the spectacular coastal view of the limestone cliffs plunging in the turquoise waters of the Georgian Bay, be in awe by the biodiversity of the Niagara escarpment and its lush forest, and now you know why this is a 'must-do' on any hiker's list.

Meals:  B,L

You can't visit Tobermory without taking a trip to Fathom Five Marine National Park and the famous Flowerpot Island. The adventure begins with an excursion on a glass-bottom boat, taking us over shipwrecks and past lighthouses to the islands. In the morning, our guide leads the way to explore the Flowerpot Island trails and its namesake, 'the flowerpots.' Admire these outlying stacks of escarpment cliffs that stand a short distance from the island, most with vegetation (including trees) still growing on them. Return to Tobermory after lunch and see the mainland section of Fathom Five National Marine Park next. Here, the main trail joins a scenic loop overlooking the park's offshore islands.

Meals:  B,L

Today's section of the main trail is short, giving you time to enjoy Bruce Peninsula National Park's many highlights, lakes, and geologic features. You and your guide will hike from the Halfway Dump trail access and be picked up at the main parking lot at Head of Trails. The views along this section are meant to be among the best on the entire peninsula. Within the park, the main highlights are Indian Head Cove, the Natural Arch, and the 'must-see' Grotto – An impressive cave on the shore with sunlight from the outside revealing a brilliant blue underwater tunnel on the inside. It is easy to lose track of time exploring this spectacular section of beautiful rocky shore and the majestic caves. We conclude the day with a drive back to your accommodation and group dinner for the last night with your hiking friends.

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred back to a pre-set point of departure in Toronto. Please advise us of your intended departure details well in advance of your trip to coordinate your departure point.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches
  • 6 nights in a combination of B&Bs and hotels, generally with private facilities, on a double occupancy basis
  • Licensed wilderness guide
  • All transfers during the trip beginning from the initial meeting point
  • Emergency equipment for use with first aid and communications
  • Flowerpot Island boat tour pass
  • Park entry fees

  • Travel to and from Toronto (beside transfers listed as inclusions as per the itinerary)
  • Meals where not indicated
  • Travel insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Charming B&B's

Accommodation on this trip is a combination of a 3-star hotel and B&B's. All 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 (6mi to 12mi) 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: 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week from a minimum of 3 months leading up to your trip. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a 15lb daypack is highly 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.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season

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Priceper person from

$1880USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$470
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

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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.

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