“The better organised you are in the simple things, the more spontaneous and free you can be in the more important things.”
​-Brian Tracy

Staying Connected
Mobile Data: Canada is behind when it comes to sim card plans for visitors. They are harder to find and a lot more expensive than basically anywhere else in the world. If you have someone you know in Canada, it's worth going for a tablet sim card. These give you internet without the calling minutes. You pay per usage. The trap is that you need a Canadian address. That's when your friend comes in handy.

You will have cellphone reception close to towns, on some roads, and exposed peaks. Expect no cellphone coverage anywhere else. The Bruce Peninsula is the wildest part of the trail. Cellphone coverage there is spottier than the rest of the trail.

Wifi: Most towns you will come across will have some sort of coffee shop or restaurant with Wifi.

There and Away
Flight: Toronto will be your cheapest option for incoming flights.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: There are a couple of ways to get to Niagara Falls. The first is by train, with the company called VIA Rail. The second is by Bus with Megabus.

Tobermory, Ontario: Parkbus offers bus services to/from Toronto.

Permits
Hiking the Bruce Trail requires no permit. If you want to give, you can donate to their organization here. That being said, the trail passes through Bruce Peninsula National Park, which requires a day-use and campground fee (prices here). If you don't want to sleep in the national park and you are a relatively fit hiker, it is possible to cross the entire park in a day (Tobermory to the end of the park is about 41km/25mi).

Camping
Wild camping on the Bruce Trail is not allowed. In Challenges, I give more details of the different options that you can take for hiking the trail from one end to the other.

Food and Water
Food: On average, you are looking at 100km between sections. Most are below 90km, while the longest is 183km. For more information, visit Resupply Plan.

Water: Water is not an issue on this trail. I only carried 2L of water for almost the entire trip. Although, I encountered fewer creeks than I expected and used lakes as water sources quite often. Without a mountain-like landscape, water can be a bit harder to find and to predict. Study well your map and refill your water on every occasion you have.

Trail
Being one of the oldest establish trails in Canada comes with a few perks, one being a well-marked trail. I never had issues finding the trail. Keep in mind that the northern you get, the rougher the trail gets. It is still very worn and easy to follow, but it gets rockier with more roots. (Nothing crazy, just enough to be noticeable.) 

Wildlife
A small black bear community is on the peninsula. Your chance to sight one is very rare. A bear spray is probably overkilled. I did bring my Ursack (bear-proof bag) mostly for the bear sakes. 

Ontario is home to 17 species of snakes in Ontario, only one is venomous (Massasauga Rattlesnake). There is only two recorded death from this venomous snake. (So let's chill out!) You have a much higher chance to die by bee sting (not trying to add something to worry about). Snakes usually try to avoid human encounters. Here are a few tips for prevention:
  • Wear enclosed footwear (avoid sandals)
  • Wear long pants
  • Avoid hiking in an area of low visibility
  • If you sight one, leave it alone

I recommend doing the hike in the fall. By doing so, you will have the notorious vivid colours and avoid the mosquitoes.

Direction
Should you go Northbound or Southbound? I recommend going Northbound (starting at Niagara Falls and finishing at Tobermory). Why? One simple reason: the northern you go, the wilder and more beautiful the trail gets. Better keeping the best for last. (Don't you think?)

FAQs
Q: Is the Bruce Trail a good trail for a first thru-hike?
A: Absolutely, any thru-hike will have its challenges, but there are a few things that make the Bruce Trail a great first long hike.
  • The elevation gain is small.
  • The remoteness is minimal.
  • You don't have to post any food boxes.
Q: Is it easy to find gas for my cooking stove?
A: Sorry, I'm a stoveless hiker (see what I eat here), so I wasn't looking for some. There are a few cities you resupply at that would be big enough for you to find some.
Q: What was the hardest section?
A: The peninsula (North of Owen Sound) is wilder, and the trail is slightly rougher (nothing that would make you swear), but you will have to pay more attention to your footing. On the bright, side it is also the most beautiful part of the trail.

Got a Question?

Don't be shy

Do you have a question on your mind that you would like to share?

Who knows... by sharing you could help someone that refrains from asking.

Contribute by filling out the form. Thank you!

    Ask Your Question
If you have a question but wish it to remain between us, contact me.