trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
This is the last of my hikes on The Bruce for 2017. I’m planning to return in 2018 to hike the Bruce Trail Peninsula section, a maximum of 8-9 days averaging 16-20 km per day.
A trail runner friend had recommended the Halton Region area close to Toronto.
I parked at Rattlesnake Point, one of best and most popular destinations on the Bruce.
People come on a nice day to enjoy views from atop the Niagara Escarpment.
It’s popular with rock climbers though I saw none the day I was there.
The trails are well signed. Some would argue there are too many signs.
Still … this sign maker managed to bungle Buffalo Crag.
Rattlesnake is on the Milton Outlier, a section of the Niagara Escarpment that has eroded away from the rest.
I took the Nassagaweya Canyon trail down and then back up to the Escarpment on the other side. I did this hike as a trail run. Boardwalk in the canyon much appreciated.
Arriving at the Crawford Lake Visitors Centre first I was immediately attacked to the Iroquoian village longhouses.
Circa the 13th – 17th centuries over 10,000 artefacts have been recovered from this location.
Artist Robbin Wenzoski has some impressive chain saw sculpture on the lake trail.
From here I decided spontaneously to make up a lollypop loop heading back towards Rattlesnake on Woodland and Escarpment trails.
More great views this time from the other side of Nassagaweya Canyon.
By connecting trails it’s to decide how far to hike based on the weather and how you feel. I did about 20kms altogether in a half day.
By the way, you’ll only find harmless garter snakes here. There are no Rattlers.
See my photos on Flickr.
related:
besthike.com 