Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park
P.O. Box 189, Tobermory, Ontario N0H 2R0

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Location: From the south take hwy 70 north of Owen Sound, then follow the 6 which takes you north through the park. The park is just south of Tobermory.

Driving Distances: From the north, the best access is provided by the ferry from Manitoulin Island.
Tobermory to Toronto 4.0 hrs
Tobermory to Ottawa 8.0 hrs

The famous Flower Pots on the island of the same name, are intrigueing rock formations created by erosion.

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Articles: The Bruce Trail

Climate: July mean temperature 17.5C, February mean temp.-7C
The peninsula's climate is moderated by the massive bodies of water which surround it. You'll find it to be sunny in the summer (of course not always) but with lots of precipitation (we do mean snow) in the winter. Local Weather is available on FM 90.7.

Reservations: 1-519-596-2233 / Park Information:

Season: All year-round

Associations: The Bruce Trail Association, P.O. Box 857, Hamilton, / Access points to The Bruce Trail (Alphabetical) / Access points to The Bruce Trail (Listed from South to North) / Escarpment Plans / Links /
Bruce Trail Clubs / Location Map for the Bruce Trail

One of the many caves along the Bruce Trail

The park is uniquely situated near the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. On the east coast of this narrow strip of land, the park is bounded by the Niagara escarpment which drops off into Georgian Bay. The Niagara Escapement is the key geological feature of the park. The Escarpment was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1990.

To the west, you'll find beaches along the shores of Lake Huron, and surrounding the park land is Fathom Five National Marine Park which embodies 21 islands and 22 shipwrecks for scuba diving enthusiasts. The area around tobermory is considered one of the worlds best diving areas. There are a number of companies which provide charters, equipment and lessons in the area.

Visit our new site for Bruce Peninsula National Park!

The park has a number of distinct areas, some of which are separated from each other by sections of private land. The Cyprus lake area contains the campgrounds and essentially makes up the heart of the park. The area has easy access to the escarpment trails along the east side of the peninsula. Just to the south of Cyprus, you'll find Emmett Lake, which provides access to another distinctive part of the escarpment. Separate to these two areas, you'll find the Singing Sands section, which has its own particular flavor, including beautiful beaches and a self guided nature walk.

Front Country Camping: The park has 242 campsites in the area of Cyprus Lake. Tamarack (best for tent camping) has 81, Birches 98 and Poplars 63. There are basic amenities but no showers in the park. Showers may be had for a fee just outside the park and in Tobermory.

Backcountry Camping: There are wilderness sites in the park along the Bruce Trail following the Escarpment.

You can just make out a large double masted sailing ship off the park's shore.

North of Cyprus Lake is the Loon Lake Camp while The Ledges and High Dump provide options just to the South. Reservations are essential and fires are not permitted along the Bruce Trail.

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Hiking along the Bruce

Hiking: In the Cyprus Lake area, the trails are accessible from the Head of Trails area. Except for the Cyprus Lake trail, all of the trails lead to Georgian Bay and connect to the Bruce Trail. Head north along the Bruce and have a picnic at the Grotto at Indian Head Cove or south to Halfway Dump..
Cyprus Lake Trail is an easy and very nice 5km trail hike that loops around the lake - access from Head of Trails
The Horse Lake Trail is an easy 1km to the bay along the shore of Horse Lake - access from Head of Trails
The Georgian Bay - Marr Lake Trail reaches out to the bay then loops back to the head of trails. As the name implies, the trail passes by Marr Lake - access from Head of Trails

Singing Sands self guided nature walk is 1.5km this is an area with a very interesting ecological history and is well know for its orchids. The trail is on the west side of the Peninisula in a seperate isolated section of the park across the highway from the George Lake area.
Halfway Log Dump is accessible from Emmett Lake via the gated road. This 3km hike will take you to one of the most spectacular areas of the Escarpment within the park.
On Flowerpot Island you'll find the Loop Trail which passes the flowerpot sea stacks and allows access to the light house. There's also an out-and-back in the form of the Marl Trail which takes you to the western side of the island. The Island is located off the tip of the peninsula from Tobermory and is accessible by boat.

Backpacking: The Bruce Trail passes through the park and there are two separate places to camp within the park boundaries. You might also use the park's front country camping as a base camp and hike in either direction. Scenically, the trail is spectacular in this section, particularly down towards Lion Head. For details on The Bruce Trail, contact the Bruce Trail Association.

A view of the escarpment cliffs

Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy Bruce Peninsula National Park

Sea Kayaking: The park is exceptional for sea kayakers (see the outfitters section if you need a rental or guide). The waters off the park have endless possibilities for paddlers. For some lazy paddling, the west side of the park has a lot of beaches and some easy off-shore areas. To the north and to the east, the park is bounded by the Escarpment and the paddling is exceptional but should be left to expert or guided paddlers.

Visit our new site for Bruce Peninsula National Park!

There are a number of sunken wrecks which may be observed from the waters surface (don't enter these areas when divers are active) near Tobermory. The area's waters alternate in color from a deep emerald green to various shades of aquamarine.

The eroding limestone cliffs, large caves and rocky white beaches make for great exploration.

If you're looking for an overnight trip, you can start from Tobermory and work your way down to the wilderness campsites in the park. Check with the park for accessibility and availability. Reservations are required.

You can rent kayaks or take a tour with a guide from the town of Tobermory

The rocky outcropping make great places to explore by kayak in the park

Note: The weather in the area is extremely variable and difficult to predict (even for the meteorologists). The peninsula is essentially surrounded by an inland sea and the waters can become dangerous in the blink of an eye. Along the cliffs, landings may be impossible. Water temperatures are very low at any time of year and hypothermia is a real danger.

Unless you're an expert, we would suggest contracting a guide. ~ Guides ~ The paddle to the islands, particularly Flower Pot Island, is deceptively difficult.

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Climbing: Some of Ontario's best climbing is just south of the park, in the Lion's Head area. Contact the park for more information.

Canoeing: Cyprus Lake is easily accessible to paddlers and a navigable stream leads through to the larger Cameron Lake. Emmett Lake has many bays to canoe through. Emmett Lake is also accessible to canoeists.

The pebble beach is a beautiful inlet along the coast of the park. The Bruce Trial runs along its length.

You can also canoe along the park's shores but heed the warnings in the "Sea Kayaking" section. Open canoes are at even greater risk in these waters.

Mountain Biking: Mountain bikes are restricted to the roads in and around the park.

Winter Adventures: There are no groomed trails but skiers can use marked routes within the park to ski to the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron shorelines. Cyprus Lake campground is open during the winter for anyone wanting to do some ski camping. In the winter, services are limited. Contact the park for more information.
You can also snowshoe to the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron shorelines.
The shores of the park can be very dangerous in the winter. Don't venture onto the ice!

One of the streams feeding Lake Huron at Singing Sands

Literature: The park has a free newsprint guide which covers most aspects of the park. It's available at the campground office as well as the visitors center.

Books: Bruce Trail Association - Trail Reference A very detailed description of the whole of the Bruce Trial with maps and illustrations from those who know and love it best.

The park has a basic single page black and white map which it makes available at the campgrounds and visitors' center.

Visit our new site for Bruce Peninsula National Park!

Outfitters:

Tobermory Adventure Tours - Tours, Charters and Scuba

The Paddling Gourmet - Sea Kayaking

Conservation Nature Tours (CNT) - Nature Tours

Flora and Fauna: Within the park there are also black bear, white-tailed deer, chipmunk, squirrel, raccoon, porcupine, snowshoe hare, skunk, snakes, frogs, fox, and the fisher.

Pet Laws: Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a short leash and waste collected for proper disposal. A leash of three metres (10 feet) is the maximum.

One of the parks inhabitants - A beautiful red fox Photo courtesy Bruce Peninsula National Park

Surrounding region Central Ontario North

Note: The Massausaga Rattlesnake inhabits the park. The snake is amongst Canada's endangered species. We pose a far greater risk to them, than they to us. Ensure that you don't disturb them or damage their habitat while you visit the park.

Visit our new site for Bruce Peninsula National Park!

Tourism

Bruce County Tourism
Bruce Peninsula Tourism
South Bruce Peninsula
Bruce Peninsula National Park - Tobermory & The park
Out-There's Ontario
Ontario Tourism - Ontario Travel Net - Official Government Tourism Site

A white tailed deer and a shoe show hare

Visit our new site for Bruce Peninsula National Park!

Bruce Peninsula National Park is located near the end of an 80 km long peninsula that follows the 800 km long Niagara Escarpment. Off the northern tip of the park you'll find Canada's first National Marine park in the form of Fathom Five. There are dozens of wrecks, easily accessible to divers in uncommonly clear waters. This is one of the best diving areas in North America.

There are no showers in the park. Showers may be had for a fee just outside the park and in Tobermory.

Tourism

Out-There's Central Ontario North - The Muskokas, Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties
Out-There's Ontario

Official Site

Bruce Peninsula - Bruce County

Other Regions in Ontario

Out-There's Greater Toronto
Out-There's Prince Edward County

Accomodations - Nearby