Visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Bruce Peninsula is named after James Bruce, a former Governor General of Canada. Its dense forests, sheer cliffs, and surrounding turquoise waters make it a popular destination for travelers.
History
This land was held by Indigenous tribes before the arrival of the British. Two groups shared the Saugeen River valley, but the area held two specific points of interest for new arrivals. The forests were lush and potentially lucrative, and the waters offered significant opportunities for commercial fishing.
Resource Extraction
In 1881, the first sawmill was built. It operated so effectively that by 1920, the majority of the peninsula's forests had been cleared. Furthermore, the debris left behind from logging operations dramatically increased the intensity of forest fires.
Commercial fishing faced a similar fate through over-exploitation. The arrival of the sea lamprey in the Great Lakes during the 1930s permanently ended the industry. As the area was abandoned by commercial interests, nature lovers began to discover the landscape.
The Park
Wedged between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, this park covers 155 square kilometers (about 60 square miles). At the northern tip of the peninsula sits the fishing village of Tobermory, where you can eat on a patio with a waterfront view.
The Bruce Trail is a well-known 890km (553-mile) path. Winding along the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, this trail is demanding, but it provides expansive views.
Grotto is a 1.5km (roughly 1-mile) trail where you can explore sea caves featuring turquoise water at your feet.
You can also go canoeing, kayaking, and diving. It remains one of the premier spots in Ontario for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
The park is near Tobermory, but you definitely need a car to get there. We spent the day along the park's trails. There are some really lovely walks to do depending on your fitness level. The routes alternate between scenery with lake views and trails in the woods. Two tips: remember to check the info before heading out because some hikes take all day! And also bring water bottles, which we unfortunately didn't do during our hike.