Bruce Trail Waterfall 5-Day Walking Tour

DAY 1: GRAND RIVER & RARE RESERVE

Your journey begins at the magnificent Rare Reserve Land Conservancy, a sprawling 900-acre natural oasis just north of Paris. This re-naturalized gem borders the historic Grand River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, renowned for its ecological and cultural significance.

Spend your day immersed in a diverse landscape featuring rare Carolinian forests, expansive savannahs, and dramatic geological formations. Discover a breathtaking limestone escarpment that gracefully descends to the river’s edge, offering spectacular panoramic viewpoints. Explore a network of interpretive trails, leading you to an active Osprey nesting area and revealing insights into thousands of years of Indigenous history on these lands. Witness the stunning Devils Creek waterfall, a powerful cascade plunging 70 meters over the escarpment into the Grand River below.

For an added thrill, choose to paddle the gentle currents of the Grand River (included in your package) or continue your exploration on foot through this pristine nature reserve. The Rare Reserve also boasts fascinating karst formations, echoing the geological wonders found elsewhere, all within a rich tapestry of woodlands and natural habitats.

After a day of exploration, you’ll be comfortably transferred to your selected hotel for check-in around 4:30pm.

Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of our hand-picked favorite restaurants, offering a range of culinary experiences:

• Arlington Hotel’s Restaurant – in Paris ON
• Stillwaters Plate & Pour in Paris ON
• Juniper Dining Co. in Paris ON
• Cobblestone Pub in Paris ON
• Capeesh Kitchen & Cellar – Italian Riverside Dining in Paris ON
• Baci Restaurant – the restaurant for Premier C Hotel in Hamilton (additional dining options are available in Hamilton)

DAY 2: WATERFALLS OF THE IROQUOIA REGION – Hike 13 km, 800 m in elevation changes

Awaken to a delicious breakfast at your hotel before a complimentary 9am shuttle whisks you away to the trail entrance. Today, prepare for a captivating hike along the central section of the Bruce Trail’s Iroquoia Region. Your journey begins on the scenic Chedoke Radial Trail at the foot of Dundurn St. in Lower Hamilton, leading you west along the Escarpment into the charming towns of Ancaster and Dundas. You’ll wind through the ancient, majestic old-growth forests of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.

Over today’s exhilarating 13 km route, featuring an 800-meter elevation change, you’ll encounter an incredible 12 breathtaking waterfalls, truly understanding why this region is crowned the “Waterfall Capital.”

Your hike concludes at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, where a comfortable shuttle will transfer you back to your hotel around 4pm. Enjoy dinner at your leisure from our selection of recommended restaurants.

DAY 3: SMOKEY HOLLOW & WATERFALLS

After a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, your 9am shuttle will transport you to Chapel Rock, the gateway to the captivating Smokey Hollow Trail.

Today’s hike invites you to follow a path steeped in local legends. Journey past thundering waterfalls, explore intriguing old ruins, and venture through a mysterious tunnel as you delve into the heart of “Smokey Hollow.” This hike is a dream for adventurers seeking diverse landscapes: anticipate panoramic views from high elevations and rocky outcrops, serene and lush forest trails, and magnificent old-growth forests bordering Canada’s rare Carolinian forest zone. The highlight is the powerful Great Falls, where the Grindstone Creek dramatically tumbles 10 meters over the escarpment. As you ascend alongside the Falls and enter Smokey Hollow, you’ll uncover the fascinating legend behind its evocative name.

A comfortable transfer back to your hotel awaits for the evening. Savor dinner at your leisure from our curated restaurant list.

DAY 4: LONG POINT BIOSPHERE ADVENTURE

Fuel your day’s explorations with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before hopping on the shuttle to the incredible Long Point World Biosphere on the shores of Lake Erie.

Today, your hike takes you beyond the Niagara Escarpment to showcase the unique ecosystem of the Long Point World Biosphere. Though geographically close, Long Point feels like an entirely different realm, boasting towering, semi-tropical Tulip trees, ancient 400-year-old Black Gum trees, and vast, rare old-growth Carolinian forests. Listen for the distinct calls of pileated woodpeckers echoing through the woods as you traverse Canada’s most biodiverse ecosystem. Your journey will take you through diverse landscapes, including upland and lowland forests, across wetlands and streams, and along both rugged and groomed paths. There’s a wealth of history and nature to uncover, from a historic maple sugar shack to stories of early settlers who practiced groundbreaking conservation efforts centuries ahead of their time.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the excellent restaurants from our list.

DAY 5: NITH RIVER FOREST HIKE

Savour your final breakfast before boarding the shuttle for one last unforgettable adventure.

Today, you’ll explore the hidden gems of the Nith River Forest, a truly untamed natural area along the lesser-known Nith River. This tributary of the Grand River, also part of a designated Canadian Heritage River system, is home to some of Southern Ontario’s most expansive and pristine forests. Discover the rare beauty of the Carolinian Forest nestled within hidden valleys, seemingly lost in time and untouched by the modern world.

Meandering through rural Oxford County, the Nith’s forests are rich with local folklore of early riverside settlements and offer amazing natural sights unknown even to many locals. Keep an eye out for picturesque old iron bridges, graceful herds of white-tailed deer crossing the river, and the majestic Red-tailed Hawks soaring overhead.

This is an immersive, interpretive forest experience like no other, featuring engaging activities such as animal tracking and exploring diverse habitats. Discover the foundations of a historic old Trapper’s Lean-to and a pioneer’s cabin lost deep within the forest. To truly complete your authentic explorer’s experience, enjoy campfire building for a warm lunch of delicious Maple Chilli. The Nith River Forest Hike offers incredible beauty and unique discoveries, making it an amazing experience any time of year.