When one thinks of Canadian National Parks, one generally thinks of Banff, Jasper, Point Peelee or Fundy. Yet, quite close to the Golden Horsehoe region and a good portion of the Canadian population is one of the more underestimated of the National Parks.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is relatively new, established in 1987. However, the main campground, Cyprus Lake, was long before an Ontario Provincial Park. Nothing much about Cyprus Lake campground has changed other than the change in ‘ownership’.
Located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, a short distance south of the town of Tobermory, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is as much a playground as it is a natural wonder. The waters of Georgian Bay are crystal clear and a blast for snorkelers, SCUBA divers, cliff jumpers and sun-worshippers. With the help of ‘global-warming’ the frigidity of Georgian Bay seems to leave earlier and earlier each year.
The entrance to Cyprus Lake campground is about 100 km from Owen Sound on highway 6. In turn, Owen Sound is a little less than 200 km from Toronto.
Halfway Log Dump is a lesser known destination within the Bruce Peninsula National Park. 10 km off highway 6 on a narrow gravel road, Halfway Log Dump is nothing more than a parking lot and a 10-15 minute walk to the shores of Georgian Bay. You do need to pay at the parking lot and there is a washroom. This is an access point to the Bruce Trail.
The walk to Georgian Bay is well worth it. Do go in knowing that the 80/20 rule, or as I call it, the 500 ft. rule, is in effect. For most visitors, the destination is the exact point where the trail meets the shoreline. This can cause a sometimes large crowd at what should be a remote area. Simply walk north or south 500 feet (maybe a little more) and you will have your own private area for the day as only 20% of the visitors (at best) will move beyond the initial destination.
Also on the gravel road to Halfway Log Dump is Emmett Lake. Emmett is a small, quiet lake, ideal for spending the day relaxing in the canoe.
As for nature, Massassauga Rattlesnakes and Black Bear are the highlights. However, neither are rarely seen. The Rattler in the video below is the first I’ve seen in the natural environment in the 35 or so years I’ve been going to the area. I’ve seen many raccoons but have still yet to see a black bear in the area (except in my imagination).
Video of a Massassauga Rattlesnake at the side of the Halfway Log Dump road.
