Bruce Peninsula is one of the most popular spots in the park system and there are just a handful of backcountry spots with extremely limited availability. This year, we've been lucky enough to get campsites in 2 different spots.
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.
We'll be spending most of the weekend far away from the crowds at a cliff top then beach level campsite. We'll carry in everything we need for the weekend on our back, with a short walk in to our sites on the first day and a longer hike the next day to the second campsite. When there, we'll be able to swim in Georgian bay, hike the nearby trails and at night, we'll cross our fingers for what should be truly incredible stargazing.
We leave early Friday morning for a pretty long drive up to the tip of Georgian Bay. We'll stop to pick up breakfast and lunch en route. As we get up to the Peninsula, the scenery gets beautiful. We'll check in at Cyprus Lake campground then turn back on ourselves to drive down a long dirt road into the bush where we'll ready ourselves to set off for our first hike.
Day 1 is a relatively easy intro, taking us past some truly stunning scenery that will be familiar to those who joined our front country Bruce Peninsula trip in May. We should get to the campsite mid afternoon where we'll set up camp then relax for the evening.
The hike is moderately challenging over 3.5km
Day 2, we get up early to go to the Grotto and beat the crowds. Returning to camp we'll have breakfast then break camp and set out on the hardest hike of the trip, 9km along some very steep terrain until we arrive at High Dump - our home for night two.
Day 3, we retrace our steps back to the car over a 6.5km hike. We'll go for a celebratory meal at a local pub on the way back that I guarantee will be the most satisfying meal you've had this year before heading back to Toronto.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. We have 2 campsites each night with enough room for 2 small tents so you won't be able to bring your own tent unless previously agreed.
Facilities
This being backcountry, the only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) or if we're really lucky/unlucky, a composting toilet. This means we'll be purifying our own water, bringing our own toilet paper and surviving without internet or electricity! If you want to shower, you jump in the lake. Learn all about pooping in the woods here.
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with viruses like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Bears
Bears are active in the area, we saw one last time we visited. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. These sites have prepared bear hangs so it should be very easy to store our food safely away from wildlife. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
Fire
No campfires are allowed in Bruce Peninsula National Park backcountry so we'll be creating our own warm atmosphere :)
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, do a bear hang, purify water etc. 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? PM me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! The fact we're next to the lake means it hopefully shouldn't be too bad but you should bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Friday 30th June
06:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 07:00. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
07:00 - Head off. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
12:00 - Anticipated arrival at Cyprus Lake
13:00 - Anticipated hike start
15:30 - Arrive at Stormhaven site, set up camp
Afternoon of exploring and chilling out on the campsite.
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Saturday 1st July
06:00 - Dawn hike to the Grotto
09:30 - Break camp
10:30 - Leave to High Dump
15:30 - Anticipated arrival at camp site
Evening of exploration and relaxation
Sunday 2nd July
10:30 - Leave camp. Eat light lunch en route.
14:00 - Anticipated return to van
15:00 - Celebratory meal at Lions Head Inn Restaurant
16:00 - Begin return to Toronto
19:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. We'll share an update closer to the time
Clothing:
As we're hiking our gear in you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. Only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
If you're not getting the gear rental, make sure you bring your own cookware, dining set and a method for cleaning them.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
If you asked for food: We'll be packing lightweight, dehydrated meals for dinner on Friday and Saturday, wraps for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and hot breakfast Saturday and Sunday. We will provide cutlery and crockery for anyone on the meal plan which you'll be responsible for keeping clean. We'll also be providing Coffee, Tea and creamer.
If you didn't ask for food: You'll need to bring your own cook kit including gas and stove.
The meal on the way back is separate to the meal plan. It might seem a bit mad to be eating mid afternoon but trust me that you'll be fantasizing about this the whole hike back to the car!
Rented camping kits contain the following:
Water based danger: If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Sunburn: It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
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.
Wildlife: We'll store animal attractants properly and stick as a group to reduce the risk of unexpected animal encounters.
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.
Bruce Peninsula is one of the most popular spots in the park system and there are just a handful of backcountry spots with extremely limited availability. This year, we've been lucky enough to get campsites in 2 different spots.
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.
We'll be spending most of the weekend far away from the crowds at a cliff top then beach level campsite. We'll carry in everything we need for the weekend on our back, with a short walk in to our sites on the first day and a longer hike the next day to the second campsite. When there, we'll be able to swim in Georgian bay, hike the nearby trails and at night, we'll cross our fingers for what should be truly incredible stargazing.
We leave early Friday morning for a pretty long drive up to the tip of Georgian Bay. We'll stop to pick up breakfast and lunch en route. As we get up to the Peninsula, the scenery gets beautiful. We'll check in at Cyprus Lake campground then turn back on ourselves to drive down a long dirt road into the bush where we'll ready ourselves to set off for our first hike.
Day 1 is a relatively easy intro, taking us past some truly stunning scenery that will be familiar to those who joined our front country Bruce Peninsula trip in May. We should get to the campsite mid afternoon where we'll set up camp then relax for the evening.
The hike is moderately challenging over 3.5km
Day 2, we get up early to go to the Grotto and beat the crowds. Returning to camp we'll have breakfast then break camp and set out on the hardest hike of the trip, 9km along some very steep terrain until we arrive at High Dump - our home for night two.
Day 3, we retrace our steps back to the car over a 6.5km hike. We'll go for a celebratory meal at a local pub on the way back that I guarantee will be the most satisfying meal you've had this year before heading back to Toronto.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. We have 2 campsites each night with enough room for 2 small tents so you won't be able to bring your own tent unless previously agreed.
Facilities
This being backcountry, the only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) or if we're really lucky/unlucky, a composting toilet. This means we'll be purifying our own water, bringing our own toilet paper and surviving without internet or electricity! If you want to shower, you jump in the lake. Learn all about pooping in the woods here.
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with viruses like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Bears
Bears are active in the area, we saw one last time we visited. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. These sites have prepared bear hangs so it should be very easy to store our food safely away from wildlife. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
Fire
No campfires are allowed in Bruce Peninsula National Park backcountry so we'll be creating our own warm atmosphere :)
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, do a bear hang, purify water etc. 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? PM me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! The fact we're next to the lake means it hopefully shouldn't be too bad but you should bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Friday 30th June
06:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 07:00. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
07:00 - Head off. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
12:00 - Anticipated arrival at Cyprus Lake
13:00 - Anticipated hike start
15:30 - Arrive at Stormhaven site, set up camp
Afternoon of exploring and chilling out on the campsite.
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Saturday 1st July
06:00 - Dawn hike to the Grotto
09:30 - Break camp
10:30 - Leave to High Dump
15:30 - Anticipated arrival at camp site
Evening of exploration and relaxation
Sunday 2nd July
10:30 - Leave camp. Eat light lunch en route.
14:00 - Anticipated return to van
15:00 - Celebratory meal at Lions Head Inn Restaurant
16:00 - Begin return to Toronto
19:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. We'll share an update closer to the time
Clothing:
As we're hiking our gear in you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. Only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
If you're not getting the gear rental, make sure you bring your own cookware, dining set and a method for cleaning them.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
If you asked for food: We'll be packing lightweight, dehydrated meals for dinner on Friday and Saturday, wraps for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and hot breakfast Saturday and Sunday. We will provide cutlery and crockery for anyone on the meal plan which you'll be responsible for keeping clean. We'll also be providing Coffee, Tea and creamer.
If you didn't ask for food: You'll need to bring your own cook kit including gas and stove.
The meal on the way back is separate to the meal plan. It might seem a bit mad to be eating mid afternoon but trust me that you'll be fantasizing about this the whole hike back to the car!
Rented camping kits contain the following:
Water based danger: If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Sunburn: It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
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.
Wildlife: We'll store animal attractants properly and stick as a group to reduce the risk of unexpected animal encounters.
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.
