Wiarton

Wiarton makes for an excellent base when you're exploring the southern portion of the Bruce Peninsula. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area. Rent rent canoes or kayaks from Suntrail Rentals and paddle around the protected and calm waters of Colpoys Bay. Each summer, the community hosts the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race, which covers several routes involving kayaking, biking and running.

Bluewater Park Campground at Wiarton’s waterfront offers a beach for swimming, a children’s playground and camping and picnic spots. A small trail network takes you out into the bay and around the Wiarton Willie Statue commemorating the town’s beloved groundhog. Each year on Groundhog Day, the community hosts the Wiarton Willie Festival. You’ll hear the famous weather prediction and enjoy a carnival, parade and fireworks.

The famous Bruce Trail runs through Wiarton, stretching from the top of the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory to Niagara for nearly 900 km. Trailheads near Wiarton include Jones Bluff Loop, Purple Valley and Sydney Bluff. Other popular trails in the area are Rural Rootz Nature Reserve and Greystone Trails along the Georgian Bluffs.

Mountain biking is a big sport in Wiarton, with the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park just north of the community. Three main trails range from easy to challenging and take you through forests and meadows. While mostly flat, some of the routes have jumps and boardwalks. Local shops rent bikes, gear and other sporting equipment.

Just north of Wiarton’s downtown and along Colpoys Bay is Spirit Rock Conservation Area, where you can explore the Corran Ruins. Alexander McNeill, a member of parliament, owned the estate in the late 19th century. Once a mansion, you’ll find it in ruins with some areas still intact, including an old spiral staircase that takes you down to the water. You can also catch the Bruce Trail from here.

Across the bay, explore several cave formations at Bruce's Caves Conservation Area, part of the Niagara Escarpment. The caves are anywhere from 7,000 to 8,000 years old. Continue through a woodland swamp and catch the Bruce Trail to Skinner's Bluff for beautiful views over the forest and Colpoys Bay.

Downtown Wiarton features historic brick buildings with numerous shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Stock up on camping supplies at the grocery and hardware stores. And if you’re interested in regional art, stop at Deep Water Gallery for one of their popular art exhibitions.

One of the perks of visiting Wiarton is its prime location and access to many other sites on the Bruce Peninsula. Head north to the famous Lion’s Head Lookout Trail or the sea stacks in Tobermory, Flowerpot Island and Bruce Peninsula National Park. Beach lovers can tour the coast between Sauble Beach and Saugeen Shores and enjoy boating up the Sauble River.