Bruce County (Ontario)
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Bruce County is a region in Ontario comprising the Bruce Peninsula, 2½ hr north and west of the city of Toronto. The Bruce Peninsula is a finger of land surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from Sauble Beach to Tobermory - Wiarton to Lion's Head.Get in
The Bruce Peninsula is accessed by several roads. You can reach the Bruce from Hwy 26 from Meaford - Barrie area, From Hwy 6 from Guelph or Hwy 21 from Sarnia - Highway 10 and 6 from Toronto.
Get around
Roads are mostly rural highways with one lane in each direction. Minor roads are occasionally unpaved. To find the most efficient routing, plan ahead, use a GPS unit or GPS-enabled device, or bring a map. The Official Government Roadmap for Bruce and Grey Counties is available online.
Cities
The Bruce Peninsula is comprised of several communities - most of whom cater to tourists. There are many bed and breakfasts, motels, hotels and cottage rentals available in the area all year round.
Here are some of the main communities in the area:
- - peaceful port village on the shores of Isthmus bay at the 45th parallel - exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole. Surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs which, when viewed from Georgian Bay, resemble the head of a lion, giving Lion's Head its name.
- Sauble Beach - known for its beautiful sandy beach on the coast of Lake Huron, in South Bruce Peninsula on the north edge of the Saugeen Nation, it has been compared many times to the beaches of the Mediterranean resort areas. Over 11 km long and said to be the second longest freshwater beach in the world after Wasaga Beach.
- - port town on the shores of Georgian Bay at the tip of the peninsula, has several restaurants, hotels, motels, a public marina, boat launch, liquor store, grocery store, and many natural attractions. Well known for its two national parks - Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The new Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitors Centre is open year round and provides families with an interactive and informative view of the park.
- - (pop. 2,300) - between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, squarely at the head of the long gash in the Niagara Escarpment known as Colpoys Bay. Boasts a lovely waterfront park called Bluewater Park where there is a playground, a small sandy beach, boat launch and a trail that connects to the Bruce Trail.
See & do
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phone: +1 519 361 2673address: 3394 Bruce County Road 20, KincardineVisit the Bruce nuclear power plant. You cannot get into the actual plant, but the visitor centre has a lot of information about the plant and nuclear power in general. Free Wi-Fi.
Water
Kayaking & canoeing is a popular sport - and the rugged shores of Georgian Bay make the perfect backdrop for a kayaker. There are several outfitters who can provide a rental kayak or canoe for travellers.
Sailing & power boating - The waters surrounding the peninsula provide a great spot for sailing and power boating. There are several marinas that provide transient or seasonal docking.
Fishing - Georgian Bay and Lake Huron have many large and small prize fishing available to fishermen. Salmon, lake trout, perch, pike - all can be caught from shore or using a downrigger. The inland lakes such as Gillies Lake or Miller Lake have bass, pickerel and trout. Fly fishermen enjoy the small brooks that harbour trout and other sport fish. Fishing charters can be booked - but you must have your fishing licence!
Hiking - Hike along the Bruce Trail from the Head of Trails in the Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto and Storm Haven. Both offer amazing views of water.
Sight-seeing - Take the car carrying Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory to Flower Pot Island (ferries run a few times a day from mid-May to the end of summer) to see natural flower pots and crystal clear waters.