Along the south shore of Little Tub
Harbour stands a rock cairn marking the northern terminus of the Bruce
Trail. For as long as I can remember,
I’ve been fascinated by this magical footpath tracing the wilds of Ontario from
Niagara to Tobermory. My childhood
adventures included an annual camping trip to Cypress Lake with a hike to the
Grotto. For me, it was a pilgrimage-a
coming home to rocks, trees, and waters that absorbed all my youthful
curiosity. The Bruce Trail and I grew
up together. This year marks milestones
for each of us. The Bruce Trail
Conservancy begins celebrating 50 years of trail commitment. I begin my first End-to-End Hike. Let’s get this party started!
In 1962, enthusiastic volunteers
began the daunting task of establishing a trail along the Niagara Escarpment to
raise awareness for its protection. The
trail required route planning, landowner consultations, clearing, construction,
public education, and myriad other challenges.
Community support grew along the Escarpment, such that all nine member
clubs were formed between 1962 and 1967.
Our local Sydenham Club began its ambitious work in 1962 and now
maintains over 170 km of beautiful hiking trails. “Fifty years of determination, support, vision, and hard work
have created Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, and made the Bruce
Trail Conservancy a leading land trust in Ontario.” (Bruce Trail Magazine)
The journey continues. My earliest memories of the Bruce Trail are
of hikes in what is now Bruce Peninsula National Park. I knew the white blazes could take me south
to Niagara or north to Tobermory. I was
called to walk but it seemed too far.
Did anyone really hike those distances?
It seemed impossible so I contented myself with short, random excursions
with my family. I was drawn to rocks
and high places, especially loving the cliffs and fossil beds. I would spend hours studying stones. I ordered maps, tourist brochures, and flora
and fauna guides. These were favourite
reading materials, and I longed to walk more of the Escarpment. It became a life goal of mine to see the
whole Bruce Trail.
In childhood, I walked mostly Bruce
and Grey County trail sections. I loved
the Colpoys Bay shoreline hike with the spiral staircase climbing the
cliff. The views in Beaver Valley were
spectacular, and may have contributed to Mom’s graying hair as we scrambled on
high edges. The coolness and mystery of
Duncan Crevice Caves was amazing to me.
Inglis Falls crashing to the rocks below was another favourite walking
area. I feel so blessed to have had
these opportunities as a child. They
were instrumental in my on-going love of nature and outdoor activities.
In 2012, I joined the Bruce Trail
Conservancy for the first time. I
expect we will have a long and fruitful relationship. As a member of the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club, I take part in
hikes, work parties, social activities, and generally have a blast. It is a most welcoming and friendly
group. In May, we will begin a
systematic walk of our trail section from Wiarton to Blantyre. I am very excited to get started on this
long term goal. Chatting with other
members who have hiked the full 885 km, Niagara to Tobermory, has been
inspirational. It makes this daunting
challenge seem feasible. I find that
moving through an area on foot creates a feeling of home. The fast pace of our lives reduces the depth
of connection with our land. Walking
can reconnect us.
And so it has. In 1967, at the new rock cairn in Tobermory,
the Bruce Trail was officially opened to the public. The work of the Bruce Trail Conservancy continues to raise awareness
and help protect the Niagara Escarpment.
In 1990, the Niagara Escarpment was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve, a globally significant natural heritage. This is an incredible resource right here in our own
backyards. Are we appreciating,
enjoying, and protecting it adequately for future generations? Great accomplishments have happened; much
remains to be done. I plan to do my
part in enjoying and protecting this priceless natural treasure. I hope to see you on the Bruce Trail!
-Sandra J. Howe
 |
| Follow the white blazes |
 |
| Through Boyd Crevice |
 |
| Stunning views along Georgian Bay shoreline, Bruce Peninsula National Park |
 |
| Head south along the beach |
