Top 10 things to do on the Bruce Peninsula when the Grotto is full
The trip to Tobermory is long! Make it a memorable one by stopping in at a few of the Top 10 places to visit on the way to Tobermory…
1. Bluewater Park, Wiarton
Stretch your legs and cool off at Bluewater Park. Bluewater Park is a hidden gem on shores of Colpoy’s Bay and is where the home of world-famous Wiarton Willie can be found.
The Park includes a seasonal and transient campground, picnic areas, an outdoor swimming pool, splash pad, tennis courts, fitness trail, historic Train Station and Information Centre, restaurant, beach, playground area, ball diamond, and the Bruce Trail.
Bluewater Park is also used for many events including the Rotary Fair, the Agricultural Society Fall Fair, Farmers Market and the Wiarton Willie Festival.
2. Spirit Rock Conservation Area, Wiarton
People visit from all over the world for the Spirit Rock Conservation Area’s local history, legends and remarkable view of Colpoy’s Bay. You can explore the “Corran” – the ruins of a 17 room mansion and an impressive view from the top of the Niagara Escarpment. For the brave souls, there is a spiral staircase that leads to the water’s edge, and you can access to the Bruce Trail.
Bring your camera for some amazing sights!
3. Solways Farm Market and Bakery, Wiarton
Mmmm…the smell of freshly baked bread, butter tarts and carrot cake! That is what you will smell when you first walk into the market. If you are looking to pick up some groceries such as local lamb, local cheese or local produce – Solways Farm Market and Bakery has it all.
4. Hope Bay Beach, Hope Bay
Hope Bay Beach has spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment and locals gather at the Hope Bay Campground to get their daily ice cream fix!
5. Greig’s Caves, Hope Bay
Enjoy a hike through rugged forested trails and explore spectacular natural limestone caves. Hike the trails at Greig’s Caves for breathtaking views at 300ft above the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay.
7. Cycling in Lion’s Head
Can one place be both relaxing and invigorating at the same time? Hilly terrain and gravel roads lead strong riders along one of the most scenic routes in Bruce County.
Lion’s Head is a great launching pad, mostly because it’s a wonderful place to return to. The setting is gorgeous on the blue Isthmus Bay under the white cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. There’s a lovely sand beach and quaint lodging and dining options.
Start at Lion’s Head Marina and you’re off, tracing the lakeshore, then pedaling inland to Forty Hills Rd. There’s good reason why it’s called Forty Hills Rd. Through farmland and cedar bush, it’s a twisty, turny, up and down cardio romp.
The large, exquisite limestone church that marks a spot in the middle of nowhere is St Margaret’s Chapel, built in 1925. Buffalo roam in fields across the street, and the threatened Massasauga rattlesnake can occasionally be seen soaking in the sun on the asphalt.
The highlight of this route is the final 10 km stretch from Dyer’s Bay along Cabot Head Rd. The road winds right along the water’s edge with the 45-m-high escarpment framing the way. At a culvert with a small waterfall, Gillies Lake empties into Georgian Bay and a small trail scrambles uphill to the remains of an old log chute.
The historic Cabot Head Lighthouse with its interpretive trails, museum and gallery lie awaiting at the end of the road. If you’ve got an eye for birds, bring binoculars to spy on the flocks in adjacent Wingfield Basin.
8. Rural Rootz Nature Reserve, Wiarton
Rural Rootz Nature Reserve is a protected forested area filled with gardens and hiking trails. Located in Wiarton, they teach spiritual healing through various tours and courses. Walk the labyrinth, explore rock caves, or stay in the guest treehouse–Rural Roots Nature Reserve offers an experience like no other!
10. Ascent Aerial Park, Sauble Beach
Looking for a little adventure in the sky? Look no further than Ascent Aerial Park in Sauble Beach.
Ascent Aerial Park is located in downtown Sauble Beach. This aerial park features 3 sections. ‘The Tall’ is the main part of this adventure park, featuring 30 different obstacles on three levels. Test your balance on suspension bridges, cargo nets, lumberjack logs, ship masts nets, and many more! ‘The Wall’ is a rock climbing wall featuring beginner, intermediate and advanced routes! Test your strength and reaching ability on this challenging rock wall! ‘The Fall’ is a 40 foot free fall experience. The scariest part is stepping off the edge- your heart will be pounding! Try the free fall for an exhilarating experience! This Ascent Arial Park is a must try when visiting Sauble Beach this summer.
9. Mountain Bike Adventure Park, Wiarton
The Mountain Bike Adventure Park has over 15km of both double and single track trails. Local riders consider the MTB Park one of the most challenging trail properties within the County of Bruce. Rocky outcrops, armored tread sections, wicked rock outcrops and newly created family friendly loops put this property high on the “to-do-list” of MTB riders.
6. By the Bay General Store, Pike Bay
By The Bay General Store certainly takes the definition to heart, as in this store you will find everything from groceries and ice cream (18 flavours!) to fishing supplies and bait. Attached to the General Store is the By The Bay Restaurant – where you’ll find all day breakfast and fresh cut fries for those wanting a break from cooking.
Is the Grotto Full? Looking for something to do on the Peninsula?
We have you covered! Here is a list of places to explore on the peninsula:
