Spring is coming and that means “Hike for Hospice” is right around the corner. Although COVID is still in our midst, we will not be deterred. Wonderful large group hikes like we have enjoyed in the past are on hold, but as we learned last year, virtual hikes “with a twist” help us to be creative and continue to explore the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula – all while helping to support Bruce Peninsula Hospice. Are you bored just wandering around your neighbourhood? We have pulled together some fabulous suggested hikes you can take while remaining in your “bubble” and still be close to home! On the map (above) of the Bruce Peninsula you will notice all the dots with numbers. Each one of these dots is an area we think might be worthy of your hiking attention.
Click trail name for maps or info
1 – Walkers Wood Nature Preserve in Sauble Beach, borders on the west side of Sauble Falls Pkwy and south of 4th St N. Enter off 4th St. N just west of mail boxes between Huron Ave. and 3rd Ave. North
2 – Greystone Trails – offers a great variety of trails and can be found on Grey Road 1 between Big Bay and Kemble. Check out their website for trail map and conditions.
3 – Spirit Rock Side Trail – is just north of Wiarton in the Spirit Rock Conservation Area.
4 – Rural Rocks Side Trail – Follow Hwy 6 north out of Wiarton. Part way up the hill turn west on Rd 13 (Jenny St) for approximately 2 km to Northacres Rd. There is a small parking lot just north of Rd 13. The southern portion of this trail is named Obese Side Trail. If you are very large or overweight you might want to avoid.
5 – Oliphant Fen Boardwalk – just north of Oliphant on Shore Road. This is a short stroll.
6 – Petrel Point Boardwalk – at Petrel Point Nature Preserve, Petrel Point Rd. – north of Red Bay.
7 – Bannister’s Hill Side Trail – Park at the marina in Lion’s Head, walk north on Bruce Trail along Bruin St. At wooded area continue along main trail (white blazes) up a short hill to a clearing, then follow blue blazed trail which takes you up the escarpment and does a 1 km loop. Lots of trilliums in the spring!
8 – Lindsay Tract Trails – On Hwy 6 about 12 km north of Ferndale. In the parking area there is a large sign showing all the trails.
9 – Otter Lake Side Trail – East along Cape Chin North Rd for approximately 5 km. The road takes 3 right angle corners before you get to a spot where the man trail enters the road from the east and the side trail leaves the road from the west. There is only roadside parking in this area. For this adventure walk west on this meandering side trail (blue blazes) for about 3 km where you will meet the road again. You can either follow the roadway south to your car or retrace your footsteps along the side trail. Fabulous spring birding in this area.
10 – Burnt Point Side Trail – This 3.6 km trail can be reached either by following the main trail from its northern terminus at the cairn in Tobermory or, more directly, from the National Park Visitor Centre. Along the way you will reach the northernmost point of the Bruce Trail with wide views to the south, east and north.
10 – Tobermory and 7 – Lion’s Head United Churches – Both churches have interesting labyrinths. Visitors are welcome except during church services.