Hiking the Trail

New to the area and/or hiking?

Purchase the Bruce Trail Reference Guide and check out some of our favourite local hikes for beginners.

Petun Conservation Area

Has trails that are fairly flat, but may be rocky in some areas. Map 23 edition 30

Nottawasaga Bluffs

Has a great look out and side trails that can be used for shorter hikes. Map 22, edition 30.

Nottawasaga Lookout

Not to be confused with Nottawasaga Bluffs. This area has a short loop that takes you around the edges of the Singhampton caves using the main Bruce trail and the Singhampton side trail. Map 23, edition 30.

Nottawasaga Lookout

Another area to check out here is the Standing Rock & Caves side trail. Combine this with the main Bruce Trail to make a manageable loop through the Singhampton Caves. Take your time on the rocks. Map 23, edition 30.

Pretty River Provincial Park

The lower part of this area has a moderate incline that runs along the babbling, cascading waters. There are varied terrains and forests that make for a great hike. Map 23, edition 30. Located along Pretty River Road (also known as Nottawasaga 33/34 sideroad).

Pretty River Provincial Park

The top part of this Provincial Park (located on 6th sideroad and 2nd line) has a loop that includes John Haigh Side Trail, the Main Bruce Trail, and the access trail to the parking area. There are hills on this loop, but just take your time and you will be able to manage them. Map 23, edition 30.

John Haigh Side Trail

The highest point of the entire Bruce Trail is found along this side trail! Map 23, edition 30.

Hiking Safety

Have a plan
- Take your maps
- Hike with a partner
- Let someone know where you’re starting and ending your hike with the approximate time of completion.
Follow all signs posted.
- Sometimes the trail changes make it onto the trail before appearing on a website.
Dress appropriately for weather and trail conditions.
- Layers are key.
- Well fitting hiking boots/shoes and trekking poles help maintain stability.
Keep an eye out for poison ivy, ticks, wet wood/rocks (slippery), animals.
Carry a small first aid kit and a whistle.
Bring lots of water and snacks
Leave no trace
- pack out what you pack in- including dog poop!

Click Here To View All the Sections Of The Bruce Trail

Trail Angels

Due to COVID 19: Masks are mandatory. It is recommended that passengers ride in the backseat.

The BMBTC offers a volunteer-run service for hikers wanting a shuttle between start and end points of a hike. Hikers with a single vehicle can arrange a shuttle in advance of a planned hike in the area. We make every effort to accommodate all requests, however cannot guarantee there will always be a volunteer available. Please send your request at least a week or two before you intend to hike. Once confirmed, a Trail Angel meets with the hiker(s) at their car, parked at the end of the planned route and takes the hiker(s) to the start of their hike.

Send your request to TrailAngels@bmbtc.org. Include the following details about your hike:

Hike date.
Pick up time. No earlier than 7 am please, for our volunteers.
Finish point of the hike. State Map # and km from The Bruce Trail Reference: Maps and Trail Guide. This becomes the pick up location where you meet the Trail Angel.
Number of people getting a ride
Where they are being dropped off (starting point of the hike)

The BMBTC will confirm the shuttle with you.

The Blue Mountains Trail Angels volunteer their time and gas with an expectation that their rider will make a donation to the Bruce Trail.

Making a donation to the Bruce Trail Conservancy online is preferred. On the BTC website, select “Donate Now”. Select a “Donation Amount’, and choose “Single Donation”. On the next page look for the “Comment” box. Enter “Trail Angel service by the Blue Mountains Club”.

Alternatively, write a cheque to the “Bruce Trail Conservancy”. In the memo line mark “Blue Mountains Trail Angel donation”. Give the cheque to your Trail Angel. Or mail it to the BTC Head Office, P.O. Box 857, Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9.

*If your donation happens to be $10 or more, a charitable donation tax receipt is available. Do include your postal address as well as your email address to receive a tax receipt.

* We prefer to avoid cash donations. Cash is difficult to track, and may not lead to a tax receipt.

Advance notice is required – one-two weeks notice is recommended whenever possible and shuttles are not guaranteed.

Finished the Bruce Trail and interested in others? Check out the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, Grand Valley Trail, and Kolapore Trails