Bruce Peninsula and Grey Highlands

Situated in the northwest corner of Southern Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula and Grey Highlands are two beautiful stretches of land that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts thanks to their location within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. Although they differ in certain respects, each of these regions features the rocky outcrops that are characteristic of the escarpment that cuts straight across Southern Ontario, creating fantastic terrain for activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

Dividing the waters of Georgian Bay and the main basin of Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula is a beautifully wild region that features the largest area of remaining forests and natural habitat that can be found in Southern Ontario. Because of this, there are two national parks (Bruce Peninsula National Park, Fathom Five National Marine Park) and over half a dozen nature reserves aimed at protecting the precious ecosystems here. Perhaps the main attraction of the region is the rocky and rugged shoreline of Georgian Bay, which attracts a large number of visitors every year that look to hike along the edge of the shimmering blue waters of the bay.

Alternatively, the Grey Highlands can be found further inland to the southeast, and are made up of rolling hills, beautiful swathes of forest, and the aforementioned outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment. As the Bruce Trail passes right through this region, it is a popular destination for hikers looking for a bit of elevation gain in their adventures. Additionally, winter sports enthusiasts will flock to the Beaver Valley, a steep and broad valley formed during the last ice age that is home to a ski resort.

Whether you are interested in exploring the rocky shoreline of Gerogian Bay, or hiking further inland along the Bruce Trail, you should strongly consider making the trek out to the Bruce Peninsula and Grey Highlands to explore the natural beauty that Ontario has to offer.