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One of the best hikes in the world

The Bruce Trail – Wiarton to Tobermory section

The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long with over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. Wiarton to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula is the best week long section. The Bruce follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.

The main trail Wiarton to Tobermory is approximately 165.7 km / 8-9 days averaging 16-20 km per day. Additional time is needed for recommended side trips.

AT A GLANCE

Wiarton is the starting point for the final section of The Bruce
Tobermory is the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail
Wiarton to Tobermory is the final section of the Bruce Trail (726.3 km – 892 km) from the start near Niagara Falls
no permits are required

High Dump Trail

Why We Like This Hike

The Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest marked hiking trail in Canada
The Bruce parallels the Niagara Escarpment
Unequal erosion formed a cliff over a thousand miles long

cliff edge vistas

High Dump to Tobermory is the most remote, most challenging and arguably the most scenic section of the Bruce
interesting flora, fauna and geology
plenty of gorgeous views over the crystalin waters of Georgian Bay.

we saw almost no mosquitoes over a week in September

Considerations

mosquitoes and biting flies are a nuisance earlier in the hiking season
poison ivy is abundant. Wear long pants in those sections.
Cellphone reception very limited at Cyprus Lake Campground and Bruce Peninsula National Park in general. It’s good close to towns en route.
bears and racoons might try to get into your food at night. Be prepared.

Accommodation is the biggest challenge on this section of The Bruce. Options are booked up during the summer.

1. Camping along the Trail not in the designated campgrounds is considered trespassing. …

2. Through-hikers need to consider other options for accommodation

Pursuing a full End-to-End of the Bruce Trail as a through-hike using only camping for accommodation is not realistic given how few and far between the campgrounds are.

Plan on including some B & B’s, Hotels and Motels in your accommodation choices ….

3. Arrangements for camping cannot be made through the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
See the camping list … for contact details for campround operators.
Reservations are often required. Contact the operators for more details.

Camping details

Where to Stay

One option is to stay at Taylor-Made B&B in Lion’s Head. From there you can have your hosts drop you at Bruce trailheads and have them pick you up end of day. Cost was $0.65/km for Jennifer Merrick in 2016,

Cost

There are no fees on The Bruce. Your big costs will be for accommodation, food and transportation.

Trekking Guides

World Expeditions offers accommodation and a fully-supported 8 day self-guided hike – Bruce Peninsula Traverse. Cost from CAD $1965 (U.S. $1600) in 2017.

Another possibility:

Thorncrest Outfitters … helped us fine-tune our itinerary and shuttle us to the trailhead. Thorncrest has a store in Tobermory …

Backpacking 4 Couples

Another option is to sign up for one of the annual “End-to-Ends” events where hikers cover a section of the trail over the course of a weekend. You park your car at one end and a bus shuttles you to the start. You then hike at your own pace back to your vehicle.

For example, in 2017, registration opened April 8th. Up to 96 hikers could sign up for 4 weekends: Aug. 12-13, Aug. 26-27, Sept. 16-17, and Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

Logistics

To hike independently, easiest is to travel to Wiarton by personal vehicle. Get dropped off. If that’s not possible, check the Greyhound bus to Owen Sound. You could taxi to a trailhead from there.

PARKBUS might offer a shuttle you could use, too.

Local Information

Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Centre (Tobermory)
Doug Sloan has thru hiked the Bruce at least 50 times

Best Trekking Guidebooks

The official trail guide is superb. It comes in a small, durable six-ring binder. And with a convenient vinyl sleeve that lets you hike with just the maps you need for the days you’ll be out.

Be sure you buy the most recent editions.