Compare Bruce Peninsula Traverse by Great Canadian Trails vs Best of the Canadian Maritimes by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Transfer from Owen Sound. Optional afternoon hike.

You will need to make your way to the pick-up point in Owen Sound from which you will be shuttled to the small town of Wiarton - the home of the famous weather-predicting groundhog and the center of the 'Wiarton Willie Festival' held annually around Groundhog Day. Wiarton is the southern start point for the Peninsular section of the Bruce Trail, which makes it the perfect start point for your hike. Check into your cozy B&B and, time permitting, go for one of the suggested loop hikes this afternoon such as the 'Wiarton Loop'. This loop is an easy 5.6km (3.5 mile) hike taking you to the legendary Spirit Roc where you can walk amongst the ruins of a late 1800's mansion (the 'Corran'), and the McNeill Estate. Enjoy your first view across Colpoy Bay atop the Niagara Escarpment before returning to town where a number of dining options allow you to fill up before your first big day of hiking the Bruce Trail.

Day 2 Walk from Jones Bluff to Hope Bay (19.7km/12.2miles, 7hrs, +120m/-310m or +390ft/-1020ft)

After a hearty breakfast at your B&B, you will be driven to the Jones Bluff trail access point. From here, you will follow the trail closely along the scarp edge and enjoy ever-changing views of Cape Croker and Sydney Bay, as well as a pleasant walk through a succession of forest. The trail takes you down into Sydney Bay and then back up over Sydney Bay Bluff. It then descends a couple of wooden ladders and emerges into quiet and serene Hope Bay. Here you will find a pretty beach, campground, and a small general store. Due to a lack of dining options in Hope Bay, you will be picked up here in the evening and taken back to Wiarton where restaurant options await

meals : B,L

Day 3 Walk from Hope Bay to Rush Cove (14km/8.7miles, 5hrs, +/-120m/394ft)

After breakfast and check-out, you will return to where you left off the day before with a drop off at Hope Bay. Today's walk takes you along the main trail and around Cape Dundas to scenic Rush Cove. Explore Magazine has listed the Cape Dundas Loop as one of Canada's 8 'essential routes' and you will soon find out why! Today's highlights include glacial pot holes, rare open alvar, walking along the base of the rocky escarpment, and large, moss-covered boulders that create an other-worldly and magical forest environment. Rush Cove is a lovely spot to end the day and enjoy the rocky shore before your pick-up and transfer to the town of Lion's Head where you can settle into your B&B and enjoy dinner in town.

meals : B,L

Day 4 Lion's Head Loop (16.8km/10.4miles, 7hrs, +/-100m/328ft)

After another delightful breakfast from your hosts, head out for the hike that some claim to be the highlight of the peninsula - the Lion's Head Loop. This is one of the more challenging sections of the trail with plenty of ups and downs, exposed tree roots, and rocky pathways. The dramatic views from the exposed cliff-tops at Gun Point and postcard-perfect Lion's Head Lookout make it clear as to why this is a 'must-do' on any hiker's list. We recommend walking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

meals : B,L

Day 5 Walk from White Bluff to Cape Chin North (18.7km/11.6miles)

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your trusty transfer service and taken to the trailhead off Forty Hills Rd. From here you will begin your walk through the White Bluff Provincial Nature Reserve towards Cape Chin. Northeast of the trailhead atop the escarpment at White Bluff, you will encounter a spectacular vista overlooking Isthmus Bay to the cliffs of Lion’s Head. Continuing north you will follow the mixed forests of the nature reserve and rugged trails atop the escarpment. Your next major point of interest, the impressive Smokey Head lookout, will offer you sweeping views over the coast. You will pass inland through a forest of hardwood trees that emerges again to the familiar turquoise shoreline of Georgian Bay. From here you will hike until you reach Cape Chin South. A short detour offers a magnificent beach with whimsical benches, walkways and fire pits constructed out of the surrounding beach stone. It’s as though every resident along the shore decided to follow a landscaping guideline of creativity. Back on the trail you will head North until you reach Cape Chin itself, which makes for a beautiful 270 degree viewpoint of the surrounding waters. After this you will emerge onto Cape Chin North Road a short distance away from tonight's accommodations.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Walk Dyer's Bay to Cape Chin North (6.7km/4.2miles to 11.2km/7.0miles+, 2 to 4hrs+, +/-70m/230ft)

There are a few options for your hike today, as there are multiple drop-off points along the trail between Cape Chin and Dyer's Bay, and a few optional side trails which can either shorten or extend your walk. For the longest hike on the main trail (of at least 11.2km/7.0miles), you will be dropped off just north of Dyer's Bay near Juniper Flats. Alternatively, you may be dropped off at the trailhead in Dyer's Bay for a shorter walk on the main trail. Either way, your walk will take you past several fantastic lookouts atop the escarpment. For those interested in birding, the Otter Lake Side Trail is a possible extension and highlight today as you will walk through a nesting habitat (peak months are May and June) for a large variety of wetland bird species. Another highlight today, regardless of your chosen route, will be the Devil's Monument - A large sea stack or 'flowerpot' which has separated from the adjacent cliff face. You will stay at the same lovely B&B tonight in Cape Chin.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Bruce Peninsula National Park (16.5km/10.3miles, 6hrs)

Today we enjoy a spectacular section of the trail through Bruce Peninsula National Park. You will be dropped off within the park and continue northwest along the main trail. Within the park, the main highlights are Indian Head Cove, the Natural Arch, and the 'must see' Grotto - An impressive cave on the shore with sunlight from the outside revealing a brilliant blue underwater tunnel on the inside. Other than the park highlights today, a real gem is further north at Little Cove where the trail descends to a shore of weathered dolostone blocks. You will be picked up at the Little Cove Provincial Nature Reserve parking area and transferred to Tobermory, where you will spend the next 3 nights. Apart from being home to the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail, Tobermory is known as the freshwater SCUBA diving capital of the world. It has plenty of tourist facilities, shops and restaurants to explore.

meals : B,L

Day 8 Optional excursions from Tobermory

A simple, continental breakfast is included at your hotel but other options are also available at the hotel or in town. Today is yours to do as you like. This morning, you have the option of finishing your Bruce Trail traverse in true form by heading to the mainland section of Fathom Five National Marine Park. Here the main trail joins a scenic loop through the park overlooking the park's offshore islands. Coming back out of the park, you will follow trail markers to the cairn, marking the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail. The total distance for the walk to your hotel is about 5km/3miles. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch and dinner options today.

meals : B

Day 9 Day trip to Flower Pot Island

Your exploration of the Bruce Trail is complete, but the exploration doesn't end today! You can't visit Tobermory without taking a trip to famous Flowerpot Island. Purchase a ticket aboard a glass-bottom boat today that will take you over shipwrecks and past lighthouses to the islands. You have a full day on Flowerpot Island to explore its many trails and its namesake 'the flowerpots'; outlying stacks of escarpment or cliffs that stand a short distance from the island, most with diverse vegetation still growing on them. Return to Tobermory and enjoy your final night on the peninsula.

meals : B

Day 10 Tour ends with a transfer to Owen Sound

You may be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred back to Owen Sound.

meals : B

Day 1 Halifax / Lunenburg

Welcome to Halifax! Your tour starts today with a welcome meeting at 10am before you head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and meet later in the evening for an optional dinner if you wish.

Day 2 Halifax

Take a trip to famous Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village that is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and that famous red-tipped lighthouse are what you expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. Grab lunch in the village (your own expense) – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll.

Day 3 Baddeck

Today you will drive from Halifax to Baddeck, but not without a stop at the excellent Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, it tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. On arrival in Baddeck, relax and settle into your hotel before we head for an included dinner together.

Day 4 Baddeck

Today offers a big day of discovery and adventure. Start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of this inventor, scientist, and teacher who is arguably best known for inventing the telephone. Then drive along the Cabot Trail and stop for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.

Day 5 Charlottetown

Drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. It’s the perfect destination to explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight you may like to join your group for an optional dinner and toast your adventure.

Day 6 Charlottetown

An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out with your leader for a walking tour of the town. Finish with a tasting at Upstreet Brewing – a fellow B Corp business that brews a mix of classic, seasonal and experimental craft beers. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a truly special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive (approximately 45 minutes) to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.

Day 7 Charlottetown

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to a rare parabolic dune system as well as miles of pristine white sand beaches. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds.

Day 8 Summerside

This morning visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural center and St. Anne church. Immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture and history, and learn the traditional way of preparing bannnock at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then drive to nearby Cavendish where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the “Anne of Green Gables” novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). Then, check out the very cool Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. At spectacular Thunder Cove Beach the sandstone cliffs, sea stacks and caves make for an otherworldly landscape that most visitors to Prince Edward Island totally miss. Spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.

Day 9 Moncton

Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside on your own. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. Get a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and enjoy a delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.

Day 10 Saint John

Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 metres, so a trip here is all about timing and your local leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on to explore Fundy National Park. Then it's a short drive onwards to the historic seaport city of Saint John, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 11 Saint John

Your tour ends today, and you are free to leave at your leisure. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own.