We're going for a 2 night front-country camping trip at Bruce Peninsula National Park, one of the most in demand campsites in Canada. The park is completely sold out for '24 already so, if you've wanted to visit - this is your chance!
The Bruce Peninsula is famous for its gorgeous limestone landscapes and crystal clear turquoise water. There's really nowhere else quite like it in Ontario. Nearby is one of Canada's most iconic hikes to the Grotto, a ridiculously pretty natural cave and swimming spot.
This trip is car-camping so it's an easy way to get comfortable spending a night outside in a tent. We'll be leaving first thing on Tuesday morning with a first stop in Tobermory to tour the famous town and eat their legendary fish & chips.
We'll then move on Cyprus Lake Campground where we'll set up camp and explore the trails. At night we'll all have dinner together and roast smores over a campfire.
Bruce Peninsula is a Dark Sky Preserve meaning that if the clouds are clear we'll be in for some truly incredible stargazing.
The morning after, we'll hike to The Grotto, those who want to brave the cold can jump in for a swim. Later in the day, you can explore the Bruce Peninsula or hang around the campsite to learn camp craft like starting a fire and hanging a tarp.
For our final day, we'll have a lazy morning at the campsite then check into nearby Lion's head for lunch on the beach.
We'll be driving up early Friday morning to arrive at Tobermory just before lunch. We'll check out the area and get fish and chips (or something veggie) at a local restaurant before we head to the campsite.
That afternoon we'll set up and settle into camp before eating dinner altogether, hanging out by the campfire and if we've got clear skies, stargaze.
We'll be visiting the Grotto on this trip - a 3.5km moderate hike, featuring some boulders and occasional steep sections. Pack a bathing suit and towel if you'd like to swim there!
Sleeping Arrangements
We've got 3 incredible campsites. Each campsite accommodates 6 people and allows a total of 3 tents.
We'll be bringing Wilderness Union tents, split according to gender. There's limited space on site so you're unable to bring your own tent but exceptions can be made for hammocks - please message in discord if you plan to do this.
If you reserved gear: We'll be providing a sleeping pad and sleeping bag for you.
Washing facilities
Toilets - There are pit latrines throughout the camp. These are effectively a toilet over a deep hole in the ground and they are stocked with toilet paper.
Comfort stations - There are also heated comfort stations with indoor, plumbed toilets, hot showers and sinks with both hot and cold water. These may be a longer walk from the site.
Water
There is drinking water on tap available throughout the camp
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? Message us on Discord and let's work it in.
Friday 12th September
07:15 - Those getting a ride meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 07:30. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
07:30 - 11:30 - Drive to Tobermory
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch at Shipwreck Lee's
14:00 - Check in at Cyprus Lake
15:00-17:00 - Set up camp
18:00 - Dinner
Evening - Fireside hangs and stargazing
Saturday 13th September
10:00 - 12:00 - Day at campsite
08:00 - 10:00 - Dawn Grotto visit
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch
13:00-17:00 - Either explore the bruce peninsula or hang around the campsite
Evening - Dinner fireside
Sunday 14th September
07:00 -10:00 - Breakfast, pack up site
11:00 - Check out
12:00 - Visit Lionshead, lunch at beach
19:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Clothing:
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested packing list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing all cooking utensils and gear.
Random Stuff:
Got games? Bring em! Ditto anything else you think the group might enjoy, but don't go crazy.
Everyone will get their own lunch at the Fish and Chip shop on Saturday and is responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks.
We'll have vegan and meat options for each meal along with Coffee and Tea.
Friday Lunch - Fish and Chips in Tobermory (not included in cost)
Friday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Saturday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Saurday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - We'll pack a lunch to eat at Lionshead beach
We'll be providing tents and cooking equipment, plates, cups and cutlery for all members. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads are available for anybody who doesn't have their own.
Self-drivers will need to purchase parking on arrival at Cyprus Lake. There are two free passes included with our booking so wait for the main group to arrive prior to purchasing your permit.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Hiking injuries: Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group. Your guide will give you further instructions.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Ticks - Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, has a rich indigenous history that spans thousands of years. The area is traditionally inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), and the Huron-Wendat.
The Anishinaabe peoples have long-standing connections to the land, considering it a part of their traditional territory. They have lived and thrived in the region for generations, relying on its diverse ecosystems for sustenance, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions. The Anishinaabe people have a deep knowledge of the land, its flora, fauna, and natural resources, and their traditional teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, known as the Six Nations, also have historical ties to the region. Their territory extended into parts of present-day Ontario, including the Bruce Peninsula area. The Haudenosaunee have a rich cultural heritage and governance structure, and their traditional knowledge and practices are intertwined with the land and its resources.
The Huron-Wendat people, another indigenous group with a significant historical presence in the area, were part of the Huron Confederacy, a powerful alliance of indigenous nations in the region. They inhabited lands around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which encompass the Bruce Peninsula. The Huron-Wendat had a complex social structure and were skilled farmers, traders, and artisans.
These indigenous groups have a deep understanding of the Bruce Peninsula's ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. They have utilized the land for hunting, fishing, gathering medicinal plants, and conducting sacred ceremonies. The peninsula's unique geography, including its limestone cliffs, forests, wetlands, and shoreline, played a crucial role in their way of life.
It's important to acknowledge and respect the longstanding presence and contributions of indigenous peoples to the land now encompassed by Bruce Peninsula National Park. Indigenous communities continue to maintain connections to the area, engaging in cultural practices and advocating for the protection and preservation of their heritage and the environment.
We're going for a 2 night front-country camping trip at Bruce Peninsula National Park, one of the most in demand campsites in Canada. The park is completely sold out for '24 already so, if you've wanted to visit - this is your chance!
The Bruce Peninsula is famous for its gorgeous limestone landscapes and crystal clear turquoise water. There's really nowhere else quite like it in Ontario. Nearby is one of Canada's most iconic hikes to the Grotto, a ridiculously pretty natural cave and swimming spot.
This trip is car-camping so it's an easy way to get comfortable spending a night outside in a tent. We'll be leaving first thing on Tuesday morning with a first stop in Tobermory to tour the famous town and eat their legendary fish & chips.
We'll then move on Cyprus Lake Campground where we'll set up camp and explore the trails. At night we'll all have dinner together and roast smores over a campfire.
Bruce Peninsula is a Dark Sky Preserve meaning that if the clouds are clear we'll be in for some truly incredible stargazing.
The morning after, we'll hike to The Grotto, those who want to brave the cold can jump in for a swim. Later in the day, you can explore the Bruce Peninsula or hang around the campsite to learn camp craft like starting a fire and hanging a tarp.
For our final day, we'll have a lazy morning at the campsite then check into nearby Lion's head for lunch on the beach.
We'll be driving up early Friday morning to arrive at Tobermory just before lunch. We'll check out the area and get fish and chips (or something veggie) at a local restaurant before we head to the campsite.
That afternoon we'll set up and settle into camp before eating dinner altogether, hanging out by the campfire and if we've got clear skies, stargaze.
We'll be visiting the Grotto on this trip - a 3.5km moderate hike, featuring some boulders and occasional steep sections. Pack a bathing suit and towel if you'd like to swim there!
Sleeping Arrangements
We've got 3 incredible campsites. Each campsite accommodates 6 people and allows a total of 3 tents.
We'll be bringing Wilderness Union tents, split according to gender. There's limited space on site so you're unable to bring your own tent but exceptions can be made for hammocks - please message in discord if you plan to do this.
If you reserved gear: We'll be providing a sleeping pad and sleeping bag for you.
Washing facilities
Toilets - There are pit latrines throughout the camp. These are effectively a toilet over a deep hole in the ground and they are stocked with toilet paper.
Comfort stations - There are also heated comfort stations with indoor, plumbed toilets, hot showers and sinks with both hot and cold water. These may be a longer walk from the site.
Water
There is drinking water on tap available throughout the camp
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? Message us on Discord and let's work it in.
Friday 12th September
07:15 - Those getting a ride meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 07:30. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
07:30 - 11:30 - Drive to Tobermory
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch at Shipwreck Lee's
14:00 - Check in at Cyprus Lake
15:00-17:00 - Set up camp
18:00 - Dinner
Evening - Fireside hangs and stargazing
Saturday 13th September
10:00 - 12:00 - Day at campsite
08:00 - 10:00 - Dawn Grotto visit
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch
13:00-17:00 - Either explore the bruce peninsula or hang around the campsite
Evening - Dinner fireside
Sunday 14th September
07:00 -10:00 - Breakfast, pack up site
11:00 - Check out
12:00 - Visit Lionshead, lunch at beach
19:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Clothing:
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested packing list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing all cooking utensils and gear.
Random Stuff:
Got games? Bring em! Ditto anything else you think the group might enjoy, but don't go crazy.
Everyone will get their own lunch at the Fish and Chip shop on Saturday and is responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks.
We'll have vegan and meat options for each meal along with Coffee and Tea.
Friday Lunch - Fish and Chips in Tobermory (not included in cost)
Friday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Saturday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Saurday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - We'll pack a lunch to eat at Lionshead beach
We'll be providing tents and cooking equipment, plates, cups and cutlery for all members. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads are available for anybody who doesn't have their own.
Self-drivers will need to purchase parking on arrival at Cyprus Lake. There are two free passes included with our booking so wait for the main group to arrive prior to purchasing your permit.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Hiking injuries: Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group. Your guide will give you further instructions.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Ticks - Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, has a rich indigenous history that spans thousands of years. The area is traditionally inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), and the Huron-Wendat.
The Anishinaabe peoples have long-standing connections to the land, considering it a part of their traditional territory. They have lived and thrived in the region for generations, relying on its diverse ecosystems for sustenance, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions. The Anishinaabe people have a deep knowledge of the land, its flora, fauna, and natural resources, and their traditional teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, known as the Six Nations, also have historical ties to the region. Their territory extended into parts of present-day Ontario, including the Bruce Peninsula area. The Haudenosaunee have a rich cultural heritage and governance structure, and their traditional knowledge and practices are intertwined with the land and its resources.
The Huron-Wendat people, another indigenous group with a significant historical presence in the area, were part of the Huron Confederacy, a powerful alliance of indigenous nations in the region. They inhabited lands around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which encompass the Bruce Peninsula. The Huron-Wendat had a complex social structure and were skilled farmers, traders, and artisans.
These indigenous groups have a deep understanding of the Bruce Peninsula's ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. They have utilized the land for hunting, fishing, gathering medicinal plants, and conducting sacred ceremonies. The peninsula's unique geography, including its limestone cliffs, forests, wetlands, and shoreline, played a crucial role in their way of life.
It's important to acknowledge and respect the longstanding presence and contributions of indigenous peoples to the land now encompassed by Bruce Peninsula National Park. Indigenous communities continue to maintain connections to the area, engaging in cultural practices and advocating for the protection and preservation of their heritage and the environment.
