From the craggy cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment on Georgian Bay to the soft sand beaches of Lake Huron, Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula encompasses a variety of unique natural areas. In addition to Ontario’s only national park, the Bruce contains many provincial parks, geologic sites, First Nation reservations, and delightful coastal towns. Brimming with natural wonders, this rugged landscape attracts photographers, painters, hikers, kayakers, cavers, fishermen, and birders—all lovers of outdoor beauty.

At its southern connection with the rolling landscapes that typify Ontario’s prime agricultural region, the city of Owen Sound is the jumping-off point into the Bruce. Here, Inglis Falls plunges down a staircase of stone as it finds its way into the deep woods below. The marshes above attract a variety of waterfowl.

Pick up a good map at the Tourist Information Center in Wiarton (www.wiartonchamber.ca ) on Colpoy’s Bay to discover the side roads leading from Route 6 to the peninsula’s treasures. Detour several miles southeast of Wiarton along the coastal road for a quick look at the Bruce Caves. Dug into the mountainside by the action of ancient waves, these small caverns provide a cool microclimate for mosses, ferns and orchids. More extensive caverns edge the escarpment near Hope Bay, where Greig’s Caves (a pleasant commercial attraction requiring a lot of climbing) were used to depict ancient human settlements in the film “Quest for Fire.”

Ontario’s largest concentration of glacially carved potholes puncture the escarpment at Lion’s Head, in the Provincial Nature Reserve. Picturesque rounded stone beaches – looking like a collection of sun-washed dinosaur eggs – define the shoreline along Dyer’s Bay, where the road ends at a small lighthouse. Loons often bathe in the waters just offshore.

More interesting topography awaits in the Bruce Peninsula National Park. The trails at Cyprus Lake lead through rugged limestone terrain, past a vanishing stream and onto a dolomite beach. The large slabs of dolomite give off a strange clinking sound as you walk on them, like poker chips bouncing against each other. Daylily and yellow lady’s slipper lend splashes of color to the landscape. The Marr Lake trail hooks up with the Bruce Trail, providing access to scenic views of chalk-white cliffs against the dark turquoise bay. Sea caves and giant boulders crowd the coastline near Indian Cove, where cold-hardened divers bravely jump from limestone terraces into the icy depths of Georgian Bay. A warmer, shallow cove attracts families for sunning and swimming.

On the western shore of the peninsula, Dorcas Bay beckons with its singing sand beaches (great for swimming) and wildflower preserve. Unusual flowers grow in these bogs, including many species of wild orchids unique to Ontario. Red dots in a sea of reeds, the carnivorous pitcher plants wave in the mild breeze. The purple blooms of dwarf swamp iris edges the bogs, along with several varieties of lady’s slipper. Indian paintbrush raises its red head over the shallow streams.

At the peninsula’s northern tip, the quaint fishing village of Tobermory is protected by “The Tubs,” two shallow bays. It’s a restful base camp with shopping, lodging, and restaurants, a great place from which to explore Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine Park. Tour boats depart from the docks for shipwreck tours and to Flowerpot Island. Certified divers are welcome to explore wrecks in crystal-clear deep cold water; landlubbers will find an afternoon’s walk around Flowerpot Island relaxing. Two massive vase-shaped stone formations give the island its name. Visitors who bring flashlights and hardhats are welcome to explore the island’s many caverns; hikers will find some of the interior trails challenging but rewarding. In June, the trail to the Marl Bed –a jumble of large boulders slicing a path through the thick woodland cover – leads past stands of trillium, marsh marigold, and twenty different species of orchids. The island’s rocky beaches bloom with wild columbine and patches of red and yellow butterfly weed.

If you enjoy the outdoors, take the time to explore the Bruce Peninsula. It’s a little-known region you’ll find enchanting for a summer vacation.

IF YOU GO
From Buffalo, NY, cross over to Canada at the Peace Bridge, and proceed north on the QEW. At Hamilton, exit the QEW at Rt. 403, then exit onto Rt. 6 North. It jogs on and off of Rt. 401, then proceeds north through Guelph into farm country, eventually reaching Owen Sound, about 5 hours north of the border. Rt. 6 continues north through the middle of the Bruce Peninsula, ending at the ferry dock in Tobermory.

Bed and breakfast is the primary source of lodging on the peninsula. It’s also a great way to find out local hot spots for fishing, birding, and wildflower photography. A special “home to home” service allows you to hike, paddle, or bicycle between homes and have your luggage delivered to your next stop. It’s best to make reservations in advance. For information, see listings of the Grey Bruce Bed & Breakfast Association. Campers (RVs and tents) are welcome at the Bruce National Park  and the Cape Croker Indian Reservation as well as numerous private campgrounds. Lodges, fishing camps, and cottages abound.

June is the peak month for wildflowers – especially orchids – but it is also prime mosquito and blackfly season. Be prepared! Late august is most popular with hikers because of the reduced insect population.

Ontario’s popular Bruce Trail terminates in Tobermory. Experienced backpackers recommend the Bruce Peninsula as the most scenic portion of this five hundred mile long hiking trail, which starts at the Niagara River. For trail information, contact the Bruce Trail Association, For more information, visit Bruce County Tourism.