Backpacking, Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park needs no further introduction. Follow the curvature of the earth to this iteration of a classic hike, Cyprus Lake to High Dump. Catch it this time, catch it next time, but why wait?

Itinerary:

Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:00 am, depart from Kitchener-Waterloo for Cyprus Lake Campground, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory, Ontario. Arrive 9:00 pm, purchase camping/parking permits. Commence hiking with full packs to the Bruce Trail on the Georgian Bay shoreline. Park packs at the trail for a quick jaunt to the Overhang and Grotto. Restart with full packs for 13 demanding km to High Dump campground. Setup camp for the night.

Sunday. Return to Cyprus Lake parking. 4:00 pm, commence three hour drive home.

Cost:

$25 shared gas + $10 camping permit + $5 shared parking = $40

Difficulty:

• Rain followed by freezing temperatures is not uncommon this time of year. Think winter when packing night time apparel.

• 15 km per day of backpacking on often challenging terrain.

• Due to shortened Fall days, the pace will be relentless, photo ops short. Twenty-somethings get a free pass, all others, reactivate gym memberships ASAP.

Transport:

Please indicate whether volunteering or requesting a ride when signing up. Use the RSVP comments space.

Notes:

Sorry to disappoint but campfires are forbidden in this national park's backcountry campsites.

(photos by Samantha)