EXPLORE THE
BRUCE
PENINSULA
September 19-25, 2016
Flower Pot Island
For the first time Sarett Nature Center will travel to the Bruce Peninsula of Ontario.
This 50 mile long landform juts out into Lake Huron forming the western edge of
Georgian Bay. The peninsula’s bedrock is composed of limestone and dolomite which
existed eons ago as coral reef. The east side of the peninsula features the Niagara
Escarpment with its high cliff faces. These cliffs harbor some dwarf white cedar trees
that are thought to be 1,000 years old. The thin calcium rich soils of the region harbor
rare ferns, many orchids and other unique flora. These natural features helped
establish the escarpment as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve .The Bruce Trail
follows the edge of the escarpment.(see map) Along the way hikers come across scenic
waterfalls, slot canyons and caves. Our group will explore the Bruce Trail at certain
points and some of the side trails. We will visit picturesque shorelines and stay in
quaint villages. A glass bottom boat will transport us out to Five Fathom National
Park where we will explore Flower Pot Island. The waters of Georgian Bay are
renowned for their clarity. Those interested in bird watching are likely to see a variety
of migrants in large numbers as the peninsula is a major migratory pathway. The
remoteness of the tip of the peninsula allows this area to be designated a Dark Sky
Preserve.
Monday, September 19…………… Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. so that a timely departure can be made. We
will drive to Port Huron/Sarnia for the border crossing and then make our way up to Owen Sound, located at
the base of the Bruce Peninsula. It is 7 hours of straight through driving. Our overnight stay will be at the Best
Western Inn on the Bay at Owen Sound.
Tuesday, September 20………INGLIS FALLS-BRUCE TRAIL-SCENIC DRIVE
The Bruce Trail of the Niagara Escarpment passes through the town of Owen Sound providing opportunities
for some nearby scenic walks. This morning we will visit the Inglis Falls Conservation Area. The 55 foot
waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot. Our next activity will be to walk a 3 mile section of the Bruce
Trail through the Glen Management Area. The trailhead is located a short drive northwest of Owen Sound.
This portion of the trail features rock overhangs, slot canyons and a location with visible fossils. The area
features forests, beaver ponds and marshes. Our last activity of the day will be a scenic drive to Wiarton along
the shores of Georgian Bay. According to the travel brochures it is the most scenic drive in the region. Our
overnight lodging will be at the Peninsula Motel in Wiarton.
Wednesday, September 21………. JONES BLUFF TRAIL
After check-out from the motel we’ll drive 30 minutes in order to do the Jones Bluff section of the Bruce Trail.
A short side trail creates a loop. This hike is rated as easy, though it is 5 miles long. We will start the hike mid
morning and bring lunches with us. A leisurely pace will allow us to reach the end by the middle of the
afternoon. The trail features many excellent lookouts from the top of the escarpment. A short drive will bring
us to the small community of Lion’s Head. The Lion’s Head cliffs are over 200 feet high providing dramatic
scenery. Our overnight stay is at the Lion’s Head Beach Motel.
Thursday, September 22………..GRIEG’S CAVES-OTTER LAKE TRAIL
The Lion’s Head area has a number of trail options. In the morning we will pay a visit to a private property
known as Grieg’s Caves. This phenomenal property has it all-caves, cliffs, overhangs, large boulders, ferns,
moss, and dramatic views of Georgian Bay. The unique caves are large openings at the base of the escarpment
created by long ago wave action. In the afternoon we will travel up the coast and walk the gentle Otter Lake
side trail. This two hour walk features views from the escarpment (Bruce Trail) as well as forest and meadows.
We will then drive to the village of Tobermory which is located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The Bruce
Anchor Motel will be our home for the next two nights .
Friday, September 23………….FLOWER POT ISLAND
The Bruce Anchor operates glass bottom boat tours out to Flower Pot Island. Our group will venture out to the
island in the morning and explore one of its trails. The island has uniquely shaped rock pillars caused by wave
action. Ship wrecks and giant boulders can be viewed through the bottom of the boat due to clear water. The
clarity of the water and the many wrecks has created a freshwater scuba diving mecca. Today we will also visit
the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Center, and if time permits, walk the short trail from the visitor
center out to Dunks point. Our lodging will once again be at the Bruce Anchor Motel in Tobermory.
Saturday, September 24……….. INDIAN HEAD COVE-SINGING SANDS BEACH
This morning we will visit the Cyprus Lake region of Bruce Peninsula National Park. This interesting area
features a trail around Cypress Lake and a scenic spot at Georgian Bay known as Indian Head Cove. We can
explore around the rocks along the water at the cove and the more adventurous can hike some of the Bruce
Trail. (It is considered advanced hiking along this
section.) After lunch we will visit the Singing Sands
Beach at Dorcas Bay (still part of the national park). It
is rated as one of the more scenic beaches of the
region and has a boardwalk trail through a fen. By mid
afternoon we will depart for the Best Western hotel
located in the town of Kincardine, a little less than 2
hours drive away.
Indian Head Cove
Lion’s Head View
Sunday, September 25………We’ll
travel back to Sarett Nature Center. From
Kincardine it is a drive of 6 hours. A food
stop, bathroom stops, and the border
crossing will add on more time.
Trails and Hiking: The trails we plan to
do are rated easy to moderate. Regardless of
the rating, you will have to contend with
uneven terrain caused by roots and rocks.
Therefore good footwear is essential. There
will be some steep uphill climbs. You will need to have a daypack for carrying lunch and water. Expect 3 to 4 hours of
walking most days.
Border Crossing Documents: You must have a current passport or enhanced driver’s license to enter
Canada.
Food: Sarett Nature Center will provide lunch food for the days that we explore the peninsula. Some of the
lodging establishments offer a continental breakfast. You must pay for all other meals.
Best Western Inn on the Bay at Owen Sound: The hotel is located on the water at Owen Sound.
Features of this hotel include a restaurant, deluxe continental breakfast, a fitness room, and a hot tub.
Peninsula Hotel at Wiarton: This motel is newly renovated and features a continental breakfast.
The Lion’s Head Beach Motel: This place is situated on Georgian Bay at the village of Lion’s Head. It has
extra large rooms with couches and kitchenettes.
Bruce Anchor Motel: All rooms have views of the water and outdoor balconies. They run boat tours from
their property. Restaurants of Tobermory are within easy walking distance.
Best Western Plus Governor’s Inn at Kincardine: Features include a deluxe continental breakfast,
exercise room, hot tub and restaurant.
Cost: $900.00/person based on double occupancy. This includes round trip van transportation, 6 nights
lodging, park entrance fees, boat excursion to Flower Pot Island, 5 picnic lunches, 3 continental breakfasts and
services of nature center guides. Checks can be made out to Sarett Nature Center and mailed to 2300 Benton
Center Rd. Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
Deposit: You must pay a $100.00 nonrefundable deposit to hold a
spot on this trip. Final payment is due by September 1, 2016.
Cancellation Policy: Every attempt will be made to refund any
recoverable costs if you must cancel.
Moss Covered Limestone
The Bruce Trail →