How To Hike The Longest Trail In Canada
The longest and oldest marked hiking trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail is significantly shorter and easier than its longest American counterparts (like the Appalachian Trail). Still, at over 500 miles long, it’s no walk in the park. The trail is mostly easy terrain (this part of Canada is pretty flat) and it’s a great trail for groups and families.
Located in southern Ontario, the Bruce Trail runs from the Niagara River to the tip of Tobermory, Ontario. It follows the Niagara Escapement, which runs from Minnesota through Ontario and is famous for being where Niagara Falls cascades. On Canada’s west coast, one of the most rewarding trails is the challenging West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island.
Bruce Trail – Canada’s oldest and longest trail
While the main trunk of the Bruce Trail is over 890 kilometers or 550 miles, there are an additional 400 kilometers or 250 miles of associated side trails. The trail mostly follows the edge of the stunning Niagara Escarpment. One of Canada’s nineteen UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, the Niagara Escarpment has some of the most breathtaking scenery in southern Ontario.
- Length: 890 km or 550 miles plus 400 km or 250 miles byways
- Built: In the 1960s
The trail is maintained by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) and other groups. Parts of the trail are very popular and the trail attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. It is the oldest marked hiking trail in Canada; It was created in the 1960s.
What to expect along the Bruce Trail
Hikers will find many waterfalls along the trail (there are many rivers and streams cascading down the Niagara Escarpment). By far the largest and most famous of the falls is Niagara Falls. The trail not only passes through some of the most scenic areas in southern Ontario, but also some of the most densely populated areas in the province (and in all of Canada).
- Terminal stops: Queenston, Ontario and Tobermory, Ontario
The southern terminus is near Niagara Falls. From the other terminus at Tobermory, visitors can continue their journey by taking the ferry across Lake Heron to Manitoulin Island – the world’s largest freshwater island.
About half of the trail is on public land, other parts on private land and partially on street legal.
The trail passes through reserves, provincial parks and national parks. Along the way, people can see paved beaches, waterfalls, rock crevices, ancient forests, open meadows, and more. Hiking sections of the trail are one of the great weekend activities and excursions for people living in Toronto.
What you should know about hiking the Bruce Trail
As with all massive trails, visitors do not have to hike the entire trail. Instead, they can just wander as they please. The trail is open year-round (in winter it becomes a winter trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing).
- Dogs: Allowed on a leash (unless signed otherwise)
- Camping: Only in designated areas
- Allowed traffic: Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
- Forbidden on the trail: Bikes, ATVs (and other motorized vehicles), horses
The Bruce Trail is not a multi-purpose trail like many American trails—bicycles and horses are prohibited on the trail. Perhaps the most common tool is the dedicated Bruce Trail app, which every hiker should download.
Bruce Trail Organized hikes
Those interested in exploring Canada’s oldest trail can join one of the Bruce Trail Conservancy hikes. They offer hikes to both members and non-members (although some hikes may be members-only).
Hikers must register for the hikes in advance and people must arrive 15 minutes before the hike starts. Also, visitors should bring their ID and health card (but leave the pooches at home).
The hikes vary in difficulty and each hike has a description of the hike along with information about the distance, pace and terrain of the hike. The pace of the hikes varies from leisurely (3 km/h or less) to fast (5+ km/h).
The walk schedule is posted on their website and there are walks along the extensive trail.
For those who want a choice of breathtakingly long trails, America has a number of trails well over 1,000 miles.