Hiking The Bruce Trail in Ontario

The Bruce Trail is an 800km hiking trail that follows the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. This trail is Canada's original long-distance hiking trail, open since 1967 and is still as popular among adventurers as ever. The trail includes over 200km of additional side trails and also crosses other major trails such as the Ganaraska, making this a hiker's heaven.

The trail begins in Southern Ontario, in Queenston, on the Niagara River, not far from the infamous Niagara Falls. By far the most famous watercourse in the area, Niagara can be reached by a side trail of the Bruce Trial proper. In fact, the whole of the trial is adorned with stunning waterfalls and cascades, so once you set off you won't miss the breathtaking Niagara Falls too much!

From Queenston, the trail takes you through the major towns and cities of St. Catharines where it passes through wine country and eventually onto Owen Sound and Tobermory. Remember, if you plan to take on the whole route, even the fittest among you will be in for a serious challenge. For a general idea of the scale of this trail, if you hiked for eight hours a day (approx. 30km) it would take 30 days to complete end-to-end. Thankfully, most of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs offer organised end-to-end hiking opportunities to make the task seem a little less daunting. Made up of more than 1000 volunteers, the BTC are responsible for maintaining, stewarding and promoting Canada's oldest and longest footpath.

B&Bs, Hotels, and Motels line the route providing the weary traveller with ample accommodation along the way. If braving the outdoors is more your thing, then limited camping is available along the trail, although determined campers should still make plans well in advance.

The spectacular Niagara Escarpment encompasses farms, recreation areas, sweeping scenic views, 1675ft cliffs, clear streams and wetlands. You'll also explore pebbled beaches, rolling hills, historic sites, villages and towns, as well as the famous pristine waterfalls. This incredibly diverse and beautiful landscape has become known as one of the world's most unique natural wonders – a masterpiece that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – one of only 15 in Canada. The trail is home to an incredible ecosystem, boasting an outstanding assortment of flora and fauna, including 53 species of mammals and more than 350 species of birds - a walkthrough paradise for any nature enthusiast.

+44 207 644 6129