The real, true-blue, great Canadian snowshoe experience awaits.  Snowfall in the Bruce is abundant.  Untracked trails are plentiful, as are scenic rewards.  An after-noon trek can lead to a cliff edge with a lookout, down to a cave, past an icefall, amidst animal tracks galore.  Follow the Bruce Trail or pick a park.  Here is an overview of how to start your winter adventure.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BRING WITH YOU

• Snowshoes: The two main Rental Locations: Suntrail and thorncrestoutfitters
• Ski or hiking poles: For balance while climbing or descending steep rocky trails
• Backpack: With snacks, water, extra mitts touque etc
• Pant Gators: They hook onto your boots and keep snow from going in your pants
• Cell Phone: Just incase although there might not be cell signal
• Trail Maps: Be sure to understand your trail because it looks a lot different in the winter. Request a Bruce County Travel Kit
• GPS: You can rent one from any Bruce County Library if you do not have one

TOP 5 LOCATIONS

1. The Grotto – Bruce Peninsula National Park Cyprus Lake – Tobermory. Park at the main gate entrance (the road is not plowed any further), pay the day use fee and take the Cyprus Lake Trail to Georgian Bay Trail for some amazing winter views of rocks, ice and that Caribbean like water. Allow 4-5 hours roundtrip.

2. Lindsay Tract – Highway 6 North just South of Miller Lake. Bruce County’s newest trail property has 6km of looped trail to follow through mixed forest. This property is well signed and marked with a cleared parking area off the highway.

3. The Brant Tract – Bruce Road 3 South of Paisley. Park along the entrance of this 800 acre County forest with over 30 km of well marked trails through a variety of forest types and river valleys.

4. Lions Head MacKay’s Harbour – Park at the end of Moore Street and follow the Bruce Trail to the Georgian Bay Shoreline. Please note this section
is extremely rugged and follows the cliff edge for some portions. Caution should be exercised at all times. Allow 5-6 hours for the return trip.

5. Carrick Tract Trails – Huron Bruce Road just West of Clifford. Park along the side of the road at the entrance. This 8km hardwood loop has some great hills and varied terrain.

BONUS LOCATIONS

Sawmill Ski Trails now offer snowshoe loops. Located 1km East of Suntrail Outfitters in Hepworth.

Other Spectacular Bruce Trail Snowshoe Hikes.
(Be advised these are remote locations and please pack the necessary equipment and maps.)