Bruce Peninsula National Park, Part 1: Burnt Point Trail and the Blue-Green Waters of the Georgian Bay
I’m not sure exactly when it as that I first saw a photo of the Bruce Peninsula – though it was definitely sometime prior to the beginning of my travels more than 5 years ago – but I hadn’t been able to forget the vision of vivid turquoise waters and the craggy dolomite rock of the shoreline. I still hadn’t managed to get there however until this summer when our route west from the New England coast to our next build in Wisconsin made it possible to take the scenic route around Lake Huron.
After arriving at the tip of the peninsula in mid-afternoon, we made our way to the visitor center of the to get some information and then walk the 3.5km Burnt Point Loop Trail. The trail, which takes you along the perimeter of one of the northernmost points on the Bruce Peninsula along the west side of the Georgian Bay, is a perfect introduction to the blue-green inlets and rocky landscape of the park. Though the route would have easily been walkable in an hour we spent almost 3 hours exploring the stunning coast and marveling at the clarity and color of the water. Many people have compared the color of the Bay to the Caribbean, but the saturation of color and clarity of the water is truly unique. In addition to the stunning views over the lake we also enjoyed the incredible forest of fragrant cedar trees along the trail with sprawling roots amongst the rock outcroppings.
The Bruce Peninsula is awesome. When I lived in Ontario I used to love hiking, canoeing, camping there. I even learned how to dive there (Tobermory). As you’ve mentioned, the water is incredibly clear but the comparison to the Caribbean ends when you go in—bloody cold! Your photos really capture the beauty of this place. I’m sending this post to my son who’s studying in Ontario. Hopefully he can get to the park next summer.
I would be here all the time too if I lived nearby – such an incredible place! You should definitely convince your son; is he in Toronto? And yes, that water is quite chilly!!
So glad you guys made it here! Truly one of my favorite and most unexpected places I’ve ever been. Great photos!
I’m so glad too, thanks! It was definitely enjoyable and so so beautiful.
That place is amazing. The clarity of the water is extraordinary.
It was seriously impressive! I I’m so glad we got there.
Meghan, can you believe that I grew up near the Great Lakes but have never seen Lake Huron? You pictures are gorgeous as always. Thanks for sharing them.
I think that’s true of everyone: Tom grew up in Detroit and had never been to the east side of Lake Huron and I’d never been to the Finger Lakes region. Better late than never though! I highly recommend getting up to Superior and Huron though – both are gorgeous.