- HikeType Peninsula Blue Series
- PaceTypes ,Leisurely,Medium
- TerrainTypes ,Difficult,Easy,Moderate
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Roadside Parking at the south end of Cathedral Dr, Lion's Head, ON N0H 1W0, Canada
Hike Leader(s): Kathleen Stahlbaum Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Difficult, Easy, Moderate
Distance: 12.5 km
Description
Join us in hiking the side trails of Hope Bay Forest Provincial Nature Reserve and the surrounding areas of Hope Bay and Hopeness. This hike offers incredible panoramic views of Georgian Bay’s sparkling turquoise waters, rich, mature woods, and undulating, rocky terrain.
We’ll be hiking a stretch of Main Trail, along with the entirety of Hopeness Side Trail, Jack Poste Side Trail, and Don Irish Side Trail. The terrain varies, with some elevation changes. We’ll spend plenty of time along both the edge of the escarpment and in the beautiful woods (with a small trip down a tree lined gravel road). Highlights include those jaw dropping Peninsula water views, the renowned Hope Bay glacial potholes, a massive crevice, some other awesome geological features including karst pavement, and perhaps even a glimpse of the slightly haunting, somewhat famed, and very mysterious stuffed animal zoo that has hung in the trees along a portion of Hopeness Road from time immemorial.
Here’s hoping (pun intended!) we’re just in time to take in the incredible Autumn views Hope Bay Forest has to offer. The lush forest below the Escarpment becomes a rich tapestry of yellows, reds, and oranges and it’s a sight to behold!
Be prepared for rocky and slippery conditions. Hiking poles are helpful and rain gear may come in handy. Wear footwear for rugged terrain (roots and rocks are plentiful throughout the trails we’ll be hiking). Pace will be leisurely to moderate and adjusted for slippery conditions, if needed. Bring plenty of water, a snack and light lunch.
This 12.5 km, ~5 hour hike counts towards the coveted side trail badge and you can check it out on Map 31 of the newest edition of the Bruce Trail guidebook!
Map 37, Edition 31