| What is it? |
The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, spanning the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara Falls to Tobermory, about 890 kilometers! |
| What makes it wonderful? |
This trail is a project of goodwill and cooperation! It was the vision of Raymond Lowes, who branched off of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists to bring together the first Bruce Trail Committee in 1960. The only way that this trail would be built was with the help of local landowners, so Trail Director, Philip Gosling, and his team of volunteers went door-to-door in the major cities and towns along the Niagara Escarpment, asking for support to build this long public trail.
Luckily, there was widespread support for this plan, and by 1963, regional trail clubs had sprung up along the way. By 1967, the year of Canada’s centennial, the final cairn was put in place at Tobermory, signalling the completion of this amazing trail! As part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this trail is one example of the unique balance struck between humans and nature along the Niagara Escarpment! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Volunteer with the Bruce Trail Conservancy!
- Donate to the Bruce Trail Conservancy!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
The trail starts at a stone cairn toward the eastern end of Queenston Heights Park:
14184 Niagara Parkway
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
The trail ends across the street from the Blue Bay Motel in Tobermory:
32 Bay St
Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0, Canada
From Niagara Falls: ~237mi (382km) — 4hrs
From Ottawa: ~390mi (628km) — 6.5hrs
From Thunder Bay: ~684mi (1101km) — 11.4hrs
From Toronto: ~185mi (298km) — 3.1hrs |
| When should I go? |
There is no set season to walk the Bruce Trail, but since it’s Canada, you’ll probably have a more comfortable experience in late spring through early autumn! |
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