The Trail
USING THE TRAIL
You are responsible for your own safety. Appropriate footwear, clothing and gear is required. Long pants and closed toed boots are your best protection.
The Bruce Trail is a public footpath running from Niagara to Tobermory. It is entirely built and maintained by volunteers for the purpose of protecting the Niagara Escarpment, the most significant landform in southern Ontario. While exploring the Bruce Trail please abide by the Bruce Trail Users’ Code.
MAPS
Always make sure you have the most recent map. New in August 2023 is the 31st Edition of the Bruce Trail Reference.
WHERE TO STAY
Information about accommodation while on the Bruce Peninsula is available here.
Camping along the Trail in non-designated campgrounds is considered trespassing. The Bruce Trail runs through land that is owned by over 1000 different landowners. Agreements with those landowners can be jeopardized when the Trail is not used appropriately. Camping options are available here.
TRAIL REROUTES
Please note that the actual route of the Bruce Trail changes often. New agreements with landowners or newly purchased land mean that the Main Trail or Side Trails are rerouted. Check the reroute link prior to heading out.
HAZARDS
The PBTC is one of the most challenging sections of the Bruce Trail.
The further north you go, the longer the sections become between access points. In addition the Trail is uneven, has deep and wide crevices, and requires scrambling to get over the rocks.
The Peninsula section is home to black bears, the endangered Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake and poison ivy.
It is recommended that you take a cell phone with you even though reception is patchy or non-existent on long stretches of the Trail. There are areas where a cell works and 911 is available.
FROM END TO END
From Wiarton to Tobermory is approximately 160 km and considered moderate to challenging.
BTC FROM NIAGARA TO TOBERMORY – 9 Clubs Long
The Bruce Trail Conservancy consists of nine individual clubs. Each Club manages a section of the Bruce Trail and is responsible for maintaining, conserving and promoting their section.
WINTER CHALLENGES ON THE PENINSULA
During the winter, weather on the Bruce Peninsula can be extreme (whiteouts and road closures) and is known to change quickly.
Winter road parking along snow banks is dangerous and parking lots may not be cleared. Some backroads do not receive winter maintenance.
Heavy snowfall can make the Trail impassable for hikers. Crevices are snow covered and their danger is not obvious. The escarpment edge is treacherous and may be icy.