Unobstructed view of the Indian Head Cove | Pete Heck

Take in sweeping views over the bay’s blue waters | Pete Heck

Immerse yourself in nature’s vibrant beauty | Pete Heck

Beautiful rocky shoreline along the Bruce Trail | Pete Heck

Ancient rock formations at Flowerpot Island near Tobermory

Bruce Peninsula Traverse

Accommodated and fully-supported guided hike

Canada

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12 reviews

7 Days from

$2390 USD

Trip Code: BRU

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$760 USD

Duration

7 Days

Activities

5 days guided hiking

Accommodation

6 nights b&b or hotel

Meals

5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

21kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(123kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

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

Overview

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.

Itinerary

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You will be picked up in Toronto at approximately 1:30pm from a pre-set meeting location unless you arrive on your own directly to Sauble Beach. Please advise us of your arrival details well in advance of your trip to coordinate your joining point. From Toronto, you will be transferred to the small town of Sauble Beach where your guide will arrange to meet you. Sauble Beach, as the second longest freshwater beach in the world, is world famous and features 7km of white sands. Check into your trendy accommodation and enjoy a 5-minute walk to the beach or to any the towns delightful restaurants, pubs, bakeries, or hidden gems. Don't miss the renowned sunset views in the evening.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast in town, it's a short drive to the Sydney Bay trail access point. From here, our hike follows the trail closely along the scarp edge and enjoys ever-changing views of 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. Return to Sauble Beach 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 the Burnt Point Loop overlooking the park's offshore islands. You also have the option to relax and explore the town this afternoon.

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 to and from the main parking lot at the Head of Trails access point. 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 at 9am 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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

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

Not included

Travel to and from Toronto (beside transfers listed as inclusions as per the itinerary)
Meals where not indicated
Travel insurance
Applicable taxes of 13% when booking made in North America