“Traditional science is all about finding shortcuts.”
​-Rudy Rucker

​The Bruce Trail is a wonderful trail. By no means, this section is a critic of the trail. Even the most amazing things can be improved. 

​This section has one extension and two shortcuts. The alternative routes appear in the order as you will encounter them. On the map, the red line is the official trail, the black line the alternative route. 

Niagara Extension
Why start at Niagara Falls and not at the actual waterfalls? This extension got you covered. You will walk along a busy road, but it is pedestrians friendly and the views along the Niagara River are really nice.

Direction: Pretty straightforward, from the waterfalls follow the River Road (also called Niagara Parkway) to Queenstown Heights park. 

Distance: The extension adds about 11km (7 miles) to the trail.

Orangeville Shortcut
If you are planning to resupply at Orangeville, this shortcut will be your best friend. You will have to walk along roads, but the main trail will be doing lots of road walking anyway.

Direction: Around km 258, take a left on Willoughby Road. Follow this road into Orangeville. From Orangeville, Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail leads you to 5th Sideroad, which will bring you back on the trail at around km 300 by 2 Line EHS Road.

Distance: The shortcut is about 22km (13 miles), the main trail is 42km (26 miles).

Owen Sound Shortcut
If you are planning to resupply at Owen Sound, this shortcut will be your best friend. It's a nice side trail that brings you beside the water and more importantly, right into downtown.

Direction: Around km 627 you will meet the 9th Avenue East, where you take a right. Then, left on 6th Street East, right on 8th Avenue East, left on 8th Street East, right on 3rd Avenue East, left on 10th Street East. After you crossed the bridge, take a right on the trail that follows the edge of the water. This trail will become the Georgian Bluffs Trail that will meet the main trail around km 648.

Distance: The shortcut is under 7km (5 miles), the main trail is 21km (13 miles).