92
MOUNTAINLIFEBLUEMOUNTAINS
SUMMER2016
BRUCE’SCOOLER
You have to like hiking and climbing, but this is my personal favourite. A
Georgian Bay haven fit for a king, this dolostone oasis takes its visitors
on a 15minute hike through pristine wilderness before revealing its
halfway breaking point—a deceptively tropical looking rock beach. Ready
yourself for another 15-minute coastal hike and climb north, over some
considerable chunks of Escarpment. The “cooler” itself is hidden on the
outside edge of a particularly massive and inviting rock formation, and
makes for a perfect, all-natural place to stash a few cold beverages. The
waves replenish the cooler with cold water; lugging in ice for an extended
day-trip is a cultural faux-pas. Be a dear and don’t ever bring glass
bottles, and remember to pack out your trash.
THESTAIRWAY
Though located on the Bruce Trail and close to the The Grotto, The
Stairway is hidden from view—only swimming will reveal its location.
This white limestone “staircase” descends 30 feet into the depths of the
northern Bruce Peninsula’s eastern coastline. As a tip, this sweet spot
lies close to where three national park trails converge, and near a tiny
lake that desperately wants to be a part of the Bay. Climbing, crawling
and jumping from one nearly vertical stair to another brings out the kid
in everyone who visits. Goggles are recommended; the stairway boasts
visibility up to 30metres.
PARADISE
The name says it all. Located on a chunk of Sauble crown land, this spot
beside a lazy, meandering river lends itself well to canoeing, swimming
and fishing. Gigantic sand and clay banks plummet into deep, cool river
elbows; the plateau with white sand dunes is perfect for relaxing under
the shady limbs of a tree overlooking the river.
THEPIONEER’SHORSESHOE
Another north Bruce spot, this stunner is nestled in a tiny cove that
breaks the beastly waves of Georgian Bay and leads into a calm, clear
lagoon. Horseshoe-shaped and overseen by Escarpment bluffs that make
up the tallest elevation on the Peninsula, the ‘Shoe is home to a seldom
visited shipwreck. Don’t worry about crowds, but youmay be met by a
few sailboats looking to shelter from the Bay.
If you’re crafty enough to find them based on these local
nicknames and cryptic directions, congratulations, but
remember: Stay subtle. Be invisible.
Guesswhere? ONTARIOTOURISMMARKETINGPARTNERSHIPCORPORATION
