The Bruce Trail: One of Ontario’s greatest Natural Gems
The Bruce Trail is one of the greatest gems in Ontario. It features prominently on the bucket lists of avid and casual hikers’ and is often listed among the top 10 trails in Ontario and within Canada. Ask any outdoor enthusiast about the Bruce Trail and they will be able to give you countless reasons why you should visit and hike it. Each year, about 400,000 people visit parts of the 900 km long trail and its network of 400-plus kilometre long side trails to take in the beautiful scenery and connect with nature. If you have hiked in Southern Ontario, you most likely have come across the iconic white blazes that indicate you are on the Bruce Trail. The trail and its many side trails are often connected to popular hiking destinations such as Rattle Snake Point, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and Glen Haffy Conservation Park, among other regularly frequented parks and trails throughout Niagara, Hamilton, the GTA, York Region, and around the Bruce Peninsula.
A brief history of the Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest continuous marked hiking trail in Canada. It runs along the Niagara Escarpment starting from Niagara to Tobermory. The trail is about 900 km in length with more than 400 km of side trails and goes through public and privately-owned land. The trail is managed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), one of Ontario’s largest land trusts. The BTC actively preserves and cares for land within the Niagara Escarpment, and they are focused on achieving their mission of preserving a ribbon of wilderness for everyone, forever.
The idea for the Bruce Trail started more than 50 years ago. In 1960, a man named Raymond James shared his vision for a hiking trail stretching the length of the Niagara Escarpment with his friend Robert Bateman while the two men were attending a meeting of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. Later that year, the Bruce Trail Committee was formed with the first ever meeting held in June and was attended by Raymond James, Dr. Norman Pearson, Dr. Robert MacLaran, and Dr. Philip Gosling, founding members of the Bruce Trail. These four would go on to play instrumental roles in building the Bruce Trail.
Philip Gosling became the first Trail Director of the Bruce Trail responsible for gaining access to the Niagara Escarpment to build the trail. He and a team of volunteers visited major towns along the proposed route to discuss their vision of the trail and to ask landowners for help to turn this vision into a reality. They were successful and by 1963 regional clubs were established each responsible for obtaining landowner approvals, organizing trail construction, and overseeing maintenance of the trails located within their region.
| Club Name | Website | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Bruce Trail Club | http://niagarabrucetrail.club/wp/ | Queenston | Grimsby |
| Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club | http://www.iroquoia.on.ca/ | Grimsby | Kelso |
| Toronto Bruce Trail Club | https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/ | Kelso | Cheltenham |
| Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club | http://caledonbrucetrail.ca/ | Cheltenham | Mono Centre |
| Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club | https://dufferinbrucetrailclub.org/ | Mono Centre | Lavender |
| Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club | https://www.bmbtc.org/ | Lavender | Craigleith |
| Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club | http://www.beavervalleybrucetrail.org/ | Craigleith | Blantyre |
| Sydenham Bruce Trail Club | https://www.sydenhambrucetrail.ca/ | Blantyre | Wiarton |
| Peninsula Bruce Trail Club | https://www.pbtc.ca/ | Wiarton | Tobermory |
In June 1967, after seven years of hard work, the cairn at the northern terminus in Tobermory, Ontario was revealed and the Bruce Trail was officially opened. Today, the trail is managed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy that consists of nine trail clubs each responsible for managing a section of the Bruce Trial including maintaining, stewarding, and promoting that section.
In 2017, the Bruce Trail celebrated its 50th anniversary. Throughout its history, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to maintain good relations with municipalities and private-land owners along the trail to protect, maintain, and ensure access to the trail.
What makes the Bruce Trail Special
The Bruce Trail follows the edge of Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment, one of the 13 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in Canada. According to the United Nations, the Niagara Escarpment represents the largest contiguous stretch of forested land in south-central Ontario. It crosses two major biomes: boreal needle leaf forests in the north and temperate broadleaf forest in the south. There are an array of habitats including wetlands, open meadows, caves, and lush forests found within the biosphere that are home to a diverse group of fauna and flora including more than 300 bird species, 55 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish, and 100 varieties of special interest flora. The Bruce Trail offers visitors different experiences throughout the year as the landscapes and wildlife change with the seasons. Walking along the Bruce Trail is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Ontario.
Hiking along the Bruce Trail is a unique sensory experience. There is so much to see, smell, and hear. Walking through forests, you are treated to bird songs, rustling of leaves from the wind or animal activity, and the soothing sounds of flowing water. There are man-made bridges, steps, and ladders to help you get across streams, rivers, and up steep slopes. Being out in nature, you also get the added benefit of breathing in crisp fresh air. You can’t help but feel relaxed and happy. Put on your hiking shoes and go experience it for yourself.
Exploring the Bruce Trail
The main trail of the Bruce Trail is about 900 km long and is marked with white blazes. All side trails are marked with blue blazes.
The Bruce Trail is a well-maintained and well-marked trail. The main trail is marked by white blazes with side trails marked by blue blazes. There are more than 300 access points where the Bruce Trail crosses a road giving you plenty of options to start your trek. Each of the access points are marked with a Bruce Trail access sign so look out for those before you embark. You can usually find parking nearby at a designated lot near the trailhead, roadside parking, or within a provincial park, conservation area, or other private lots that may charge parking fees.
Visit the Bruce Trail website for tips and safety advice.
The Bruce Trail can be challenging for those who do not hike often as the terrain can be quite rocky in some areas and although mild, there are elevation changes throughout. However, it should not be too difficult for active, healthy individuals. Overall, the Bruce is considered to be a moderately difficult trail.
It is highly recommended that you research the portion of the trail you plan to tackle ahead of time to gain a better understanding of the terrain and assess whether you can safely complete the hike. The Bruce Trail Conservancy website has maps you can purchase to help you learn more about specific sections of the trail. They also have an app available on iOS and Android devices that includes maps you can use offline, as well as, GPS enabled maps you can use during your hike. There are also plenty of websites like All Trails where you can read up on specific sections of the Bruce Trail to get a sense of what you could expect to experience during your hike. The BTC website also provides updates on sections of the trail that may be closed for maintenance or to clear fallen trees caused by storms. Check it out before you head out. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find out that it is closed.
The Great Esker Side Trail is located near Silver Creek Conservation Area in the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail. The 4.5 km loop connects back to the main Bruce Trail and takes an average of 1 hour and 1o minutes to complete. There are a few sections along the trail that involve climbing up and down. Overall, the Great Esker Side Trail is considered to be an easy route.
Many people have the goal of hiking the entire length of the Bruce Trail. While most opt to visit and hike parts of the trail and have completed the entire thing in months or years, there are those who have taken on the daunting task of tackling the trail in one go. It typically takes about 30 days to complete the trail from end to end. The Bruce Trail has attracted long-distance runners who attempt to run the entire length of the trail as quickly as possible. The current fastest known time for completing the Bruce Trail is 8 days, 22 hours, 51 minutes and 45 seconds set by Karen Holland on September 21, 2021.
What to pack for a day hike on the Bruce Trail
I always plan to spend more time on completing the trails than I think I need. I often end up bringing more water and food than I am able to finish. But I would rather have extra than not enough especially when it comes to water. If you are planning a day hike on the Bruce Trail check out our list of essential items below. And, if you are new to hiking, you may want to check out our Hiking Guide for Beginners.
Hydration. Staying hydrated is very important. Getting enough water cools you down on hot days and helps to keep your muscles from cramping. I like to carry one large water bottle in addition to one or two smaller ones depending on the length and difficulty level of the hike I plan to go on. I bring more water on warmer days. Staying hydrated is one way to help prevent heatstroke. If I am going out for a long hike, I will add some Gatorade powder to one of my water bottles to ensure I am replenishing the electrolytes I lose while hiking.
Food. Your body will need fuel, especially on longer hikes. I am a big fan of energy bars, dried fruit, and nuts. They take up very little space in your pack and are calorie-dense snacks that will keep you fueled throughout your trek. Just remember to pack up any food wrappers and never to toss your human food in the woods. It can be dangerous to wildlife.
Navigation. While digital maps are great, chances are you will not have cell phone reception on many parts of the Bruce Trail. However, you can download maps ahead of time for offline use. You may also want to bring along paper maps in case you don’t have access to a mobile device where your digital maps are stored.
Sun Protection. Hats help block out the sun and keep your head cooler. They also help keep bugs from biting your head. You will also want to bring along sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply it even on cloudy days. UV rays can still be harmful even with the sun tucked behind the clouds.
Jacket. Whether you are hiking in the winter or summer, having a jacket or windbreaker in your bag will come in handy when it rains and need something to help keep you dry or if you need to through on an extra layer during the frigid winter to keep you nice and warm. Look for jackets that can be compressed to save space in your hiking bag.
First Aid Kit. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Make sure you save room in your pack for a small first-aid kit. It should include bandages, antiseptic swabs or towels, antibiotic cream, Benedryl in case of an allergic reaction, gauze, and a tick-removal kit. You can pick up first aid kits online or at outdoor stores. You can also put together one yourself.
Bug Protection. Bugs are everywhere throughout the spring, summer, and early autumn. Before you set off on your hike, make sure to spray on some bug repellent. Ticks are becoming more common throughout Ontario. Consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants for added protection. You may want to tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent critters from crawling up your pant leg. Always check yourself and your pet for ticks and other insects that may have hitched a ride while you are out in the woods.
Hiking the Bruce Trail with dogs
I love to hike with my dog, Louie. It’s a great way for us to bond and explore the outdoors together. Hiking with a dog involves a little more planning. In addition to the food, water, and other gear you are bringing for yourself, you will also need to pack some for your pup as well. When I hike with Louie, I usually bring two 500 ml soft water bottles and a collapsible water bowl that I attached to my bag with a carabineer or tucked into my jacket pockets. I bring extra water for day-long trips. I also bring some snacks such as carrots, cucumbers, and a small bag of Louie’s kibble for him to snack on during our trek. Just like human food, don’t leave anything behind as it can be harmful to the wildlife.
Not all dogs will be able to comfortably hike the Bruce Trail. There are several sections that are rocky and involve climbing up and down fairly steep hills. If your dog is older, has joint issues, or doesn’t usually go for hikes, it is probably best to start on a fairly flat trail first and then tackle the Bruce Trail when their fitness levels have improved.
While you may love to hike with your dog, please remember to observe the Bruce Trail Guidelines regarding hiking with dogs. Following these ensures that everyone on the trail can enjoy their experience, protect the environment, and help keep you and your pup safe.
Know where dogs are allowed and respect all signage. While dogs are allowed on most parts of the trail, there are 8 areas where dogs are not permitted.
Keep your dog on a leash. Keeping your dog on a leash helps to minimize the impact on the sensitive environment. It also helps to keep your pup safe from steep drops, ledges, poisonous plants, and wildlife including skunks and coyotes. Not all trail users are comfortable around dogs. So keeping your dog on a leash will help make it comfortable for others to enjoy the trail.
Pack your dog’s waste. Dog waste can be harmful to wildlife and can contaminate water sources. Always pick up after your pet after they have relieved themselves.
While leashed dogs are allowed on most parts of the Bruce Trail, there are several sections where dogs are not permitted. Visit the Bruce Trail website for more details.
Support the Bruce Trail Conservancy
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is registered charity and is one of Ontario’s largest land trusts with more than 3,000 hectares of natural space under its protection. The BTC and dedicated team of volunteers maintain the trails and help preserve the waterways, forest, and habitats. There are many ways to support the important work the BTC is doing including volunteering your time to assist with advocacy and maintaining the trail. Another way to help is by making donations to the BTC. Donations to the BTC help fund the acquisition of new land along the Bruce Trail to secure permanent access to the trail.