10 Gorgeous Hikes in Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Bruce Peninsula is Ontario’s best kept secret—except it’s not so secret anymore. These days, it’s a top summer destination for its aquamarine-coloured water and cove and grotto explorations. The transparent waters are perfect for a sunny afternoon swim. The Georgian Bay is calling, and you can see her from nearly every trail listed.
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1. Marr Lake Trail
Length: 1.5 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 66 m
Difficulty: Moderate
You’ll wish this loop was longer; it’s that enjoyable. Adventure through the grotto to the over-handing rock and experience Marr Lake, which the trail is named after.
Trailhead: Access from Head of Trails at the tip of Bruce Peninsula.
Read More: ontariotrails.on.ca
2. Cyprus Lake Trail
Length: 5 km loop
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 48 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Though the trail is mainly boardwalk, you’ll catch some tricky terrain here and there. Pack your camera because you’ll want a photo of yourself by this gorgeous lake.
Trailhead: Accessible from Cyprus Lake Park of Hwy 6, south of Tobermory.
Read More: ontariotrails.on.ca
3. Little Dunks Lookout
Length: 0.8 km
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Don’t underestimate this short and sweet trail—sometimes, those are the best ones! Let it be a quick preview as to what’s in store for you in the peninsula: cedar forests and scenic coves.
Trailhead: Parks Canada Visitor Centre Tower.
Read More: pc.gc.ca
4. Horse Lake Trail
Length: 1 km
Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 53 m
Difficulty: Easy
Combine this relaxed hike with Marr Lake for your daily workout or pack your swim trunks and stay for a dip. Either way, you’re in for diverse landscapes and (you guessed it) great views.
Trailhead: 1 km to the bay along the shore of Horse Lake.
Read More: pc.gc.ca
5. Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto
Length: 7.7 km point-to-point
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 191 m
Difficulty: Difficult
Are you sick of us saying the views are incredible? Because we mean it—these views are out-of-this-province gorgeous. Once you’ve pushed through this rocky hike, you’ll be rewarded with aquamarine beauty and refreshing breezes. Only experienced hikers should attempt this trail.
Trailhead: Parking area at the end of Emmett Lake Road.
Read More: pc.gc.ca
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6. Flowerpot Island Loop Trail
Length: 3 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 80 m
Difficulty: Easy
Nature lovers and tree huggers: this hike is calling you. Though short, it’s worth the boat ride over. Between the wildflowers and the historic lighthouse, there is plenty to see on this island.
Trailhead: Accessible by boat from Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory.
Read More: brucecountytrails.com
7. Burnt Point Loop Trail
Length: 4.5 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 93 m
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-tested and mom-approved, this trail is fun for the whole family. Tour through limestone cliffs and break off into the stunning Georgian Bay. Bank some time for roadstops along the way—there are incredible scenic lookout points you won’t want to miss.
Trailhead: Highway 6, turn to the right at the signs leading you to the National Parks’ Visitor Centre.
Read More: brucetrail.org
8. Singing Sands Forest Beach Loop
Length: 3 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 93 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Get your fill of delicate streams and surrounding wildflowers. This trail is relaxing and loops through the dunes along Dorcas Bay to bring you to a sandy beach.
Trailhead: Accessible off Highway 6 N, west on Dorcas Bay Road.
Read More: pc.gc.ca
9. Lion’s Head Loop
Length: 18 km loop
Time: 5 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 427 m
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Around 75 per cent of this hike is rated moderate, while the rest is considered “hard.” It features some of the toughest terrain in the area, so plan to start this trail early in the day. Pack your snacks, fill your water and break a sweat.
Trailhead: In town of Lion’s Head, on McCurdy Drive.
Read More: explorethebruce.com
10. Peace Side Trail Loop
Length: 5.4 km loop
Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 267 m
Difficulty: Difficult
Ontarians are no strangers to the Bruce Trail—it runs from just about everywhere in the province. The Peace Side Trail loop is our green-filled Bruce Peninsula option that doesn’t run as close to the Georgian Bay but gives you a dose of nature instead.
Trailhead: Parking lot on Scenic Caves Rd.
Read More: ontarionaturetrails.com
Top picks for hiking gear to tackle these trails:
– Hiking boots: Men’s and Women’s
– Backpack: Day hikes
Have you hiked these trails?
Comment below!
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