Where to Hike
It’s been a couple of banner years for the beautiful trails of BruceGreySimcoe, with hikers, both seasoned and novice, heading out on trails to experience the benefits of nature. With this enthusiastic response comes a few challenges and you may notice some differences at your favourite hiking spots. Before leaving home, it’s advisable to check ahead for any changes in effect at the various access points and trailheads, especially concerning parking (paid parking has been implemented at some locations). Avoid missing out by booking a guided hike with a local operator to really see and explore nature up close and personal. Make plan ahead, book ahead your motto for 2022…
If hiking to the Grotto, Cyprus Lake and Halfway Log Dump on the Bruce Peninsula is in your plans for summer 2022, note that reservations to park and access the trails must be made in advance.
We ask that you respectfully hike our trails and visit our natural areas by following:
If you're planning to hike on one of our provincial parks on a daytrip, you can reserve day use permits at some of the parks in our region: Craigleith, Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point. Read the Ontario Parks'
blog post for more information on how to book your permit or head directly to the online
Reservation System.
The Bruce Trail
Before you head off on your next hiking adventure, the Bruce Trail Conservancy has some tips and safety advice to make the most of your trail visit:
Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath is the Bruce Trail, with some of the trail’s most awesome, and most popular, vistas along the section that running through BruceGreySimcoe.
A diverse ecological treasure, this spectacular and sometimes rugged trail runs along the top ridge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Due to the length of the trail, it’s recommended hiking it in sections. For trail info, pick up a Bruce Trail map or download the Bruce Trail App.
For up-to-date info on group hike schedules, trail closures and other trail info, the Bruce Trail Clubs of BruceGreySimcoe can help:
Ganaraska Hiking Trail
Before hiking the Ganaraska, please review their Preparing for a Hike page.
With its starting point in Southern Ontario, the Ganaraska hooks up with the Bruce Trail near Glen Huron (near Collingwood) where a cairn marks its end (look for the stone marker). From Glen Huron, it travels through rolling hills, farmlands, wooded areas, quiet country roads, small towns, villages, waterfronts and the communities of Orillia, Midland, Oro-Medonte and Wasaga Beach. Nine Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Clubs maintain this trail and emphasis is placed on the protection of the environment so you’ll find few man-made structures along the route. Hikers have access to this beautiful trail due to the generosity of private landowners who have granted permission for the trail to cross their land.
Trail maps can now be viewed on your phone by downloading the free Ondago mapping app from the App store or Google Play.
Other Trails
Some hints & tips for a rewarding hiking adventure:
- Review Trail Etiquette
- Hike close to home
- If the parking lot is full at the trail, switch it up and hike another less-busy trail
- Follow signage when parking
- Consider visiting popular areas (like waterfalls) at off-peak times like weekdays or during the spring and fall to avoid the crowds.
- Install the “what3words” app on your phone– the app can help rescue workers find you if you are lost or need emergency services
- Let someone know your planned hiking route and approximately how long you will be gone
- Leave only footprints – pack out all garbage with you
For More Info & Experiences: