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This post is a trip report about backpacking to High Dump Bruce Peninsula and provides helpful tips for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Hiking to High Dump Bruce Peninsula was a highlight of my backpacking season last year. I loved it so much I went back in November to close off the season. As an outdoor enthusiast who has backpacked many places, this unique location is something I think every backpacker should experience. This post details a complete guide to backpacking in Bruce Peninsula National Park and includes a trip report of my out-and-back route from Halfway Log Dump parking lot to High Dump campground.
About Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a Canadian National Park that you can’t miss! From the stunning limestone cliffs to the crystal blue water of Georgian Bay, this park is one of my favourite places to hike in Ontario. The park is a protected area in the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The park protects rare plant species and animals such as the Massasauga rattlesnake and black bears.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is located near Tobermory, Ontario. You can front country camp or stay in Tobermory if you plan to day hike. If you’re a backpacker, like myself, you’ll enjoy the almost 40 km of rugged trail that you can hike within the park. I’ve hiked to High Dump Bruce Peninsula twice and I absolutely loved the unique backpacking experience on the Niagara Escarpment.
Bruce Peninsula Backcountry Map and Trail Overview
The backcountry hiking trail in Bruce Peninsula National Park is part of the 900 km Bruce Trail which starts in Niagara, Ontario and leads all the way up to Tobermory, Ontario. Forty kilometres of the Bruce Trail are within Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, both maintained by Parks Canada. There are two backcountry campsites in the park, Stormhaven and High Dump. From east to west, the trail starts with Crane Lake, then High Dump campground, Halfway Log Dump, Stormhaven campground, Cyrus Lake, the Grotto, Little Cove and finally Dunks Bay Lookout which is in Fathom Five.
How To Get To Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a 3.5 hour drive from Toronto. This drive is not on a major highway and quite beautiful. You will pass through some of Ontario’s farmland and get to take in the gorgeous long views. There are not many stops along the way with the exception of a few Tim Hortons so it’s good to be prepared with road trip snacks and drinks.
Depending on the length of your trip and the time of day, you can head to the Visitors Centre to learn more about the park. If you are ready to start hiking, you will need to check-in at the Cyprus Lake campground office before you get on trail. Here you will pay for your vehicle permit and receive your camping permits which you must post on your vehicle and campsite respectively.
Bruce Peninsula Camping Reservations and Permits
Reservations for backcountry camping at Stormhaven or High Dump Bruce Peninsula must be made on the Parks Canada Reservation Website. There are only 9 sites at each backcountry campground (18 sites total) therefore it is extremely important to book on time to secure your site and dates. You cannot camp at these campgrounds without a reservation. Each year Parks Canada sets a launch date for reservations. Historically it is set in March to book for the rest of the year. You can find the most up to date reservation information here on the Parks Canada website.
Hikers are issued a permit for the exact site they reserved online. For example, if you book High Dump – Site 8 (HD8), you must stay on this exact site. Each site has a permit box where you can post the permit you received during your check-in at Cyprus Lake campground office. Post this when you arrive and take it down as you are leaving. You can arrive at your campsite anytime after 2:00 p.m. EST and have to leave anytime before 11:00 a.m. EST.
Gear Outfitter
If you are a frequent reader of my outdoor guides, you will know that I like to provide an option for hikers to rent their gear if they do not own everything. Backpacking can be an expensive hobby and renting is a great option for backpackers on a budget. Sadly, after a lot of online researching and calling around, I have not been able to find a local outfitter or gear rental shop in the Tobermory area. If you need to rent gear for your hiking trip my recommendation would be to contact your local MEC or local outdoor store to talk about gear rentals. Stop by to pick up your rental gear before you leave on your trip.
Bruce Peninsula Trail Tips
The Bruce Peninsula Trail is well marked and maintained. Although it is well marked, it is essential to bring appropriate navigation tools such as a GPS device, paper map and compass. There are sections of the trail with sharp changes in elevation and multiple rock scrambles. Specifically, the stretch from Halfway Log Dump to High Dump. On a wet day, it is very important to take this section slowly as the rocks can get very slippery.
I would recommend trekking poles for this hike. With the difficult rock terrain, I found trekking poles to be extremely helpful, if not essential for maintaining good balance with while carrying a pack. On the trail there are several stunning lookout points. I highly recommend a stop and a snack break to take in the views. Remember to keep your group far away from the edge of the cliff as these areas, which are often right along the side of the trail, drop off extremely quickly. Dogs should be on leash at all times and children watched very closely.
My Route
This two day out-and-back route covers the most difficult section of the trail. If you are new to backpacking, I would suggest an out-and-back route to Stormhaven campground instead which is much closer to Halfway Log Dump.
Day 1:
- Drive to Cyprus Lake campground office to pick up permits
- Drive to Halfway Log Dump parking lot
- Hike to High Dump campground and spend the night
Day 2:
- Pack up camp
- Hike from High Dump to Halfway Log Dump parking lot
- Head home
Total Distance: 7.1 km according to the official map, 9.2 km according to my GPS (each way)
Total Time: Everyone moves at a different pace and takes different lengths of breaks. For my spring trip in the rain it took me 3 hours and 41 minutes each way. This time includes breaks and exploring the campground.
Halfway Log Dump Parking Lot
The Halfway Log Dump parking lot is where I started my hike. Hikers that are interested in longer adventures can start from Cyprus Lake or Crane Lake. During the summer season this parking lot has bathrooms, fresh water and garbage disposal available. These amenities are closed in the off season so ensure you come prepared with everything you will need.
A few hundred metres into your hike from the parking lot you will find compostable toilet facilities right before you exit onto the side trail that leads to High Dump campground. These are the only toilet facilities available until you reach High Dump so I recommend using them while you can!
High Dump Campground
Getting There
Getting in and out High Dump Bruce Peninsula is quite the journey but I promise, it’s worth it.
There is an extremely steep climb down to the water on the way in, and up the cliff on the way out. There are ropes available to help with balance. Take this section of trail very slowly to prevent injury. See the attached video for a sample of this section of the trail.
Campground Rules
Ensuring we all follow Parks Canada rules and regulations allows everyone to have a safe and enjoyable trip. You can always find updated information here. Be sure to check before your trip for any updates.
- Leave no trace – includes things like packing out garbage, hanging food and scented items, and washing with biodegradable soap 30m back from shoreline – learn more about leave no trace here.
- Campfires are not permitted. Make sure you bring backpacking stove for cooking food.
- Maximum of 4 people permitted per campsite.
- Drinking water – carry in water or filter/boil Georgian Bay water for drinking.
Toilets
Bathroom review time. Personally, I think these compostable toilets are a luxury in the backcountry. There is 1 shared toilet for all 9 sites. I’ve never had to wait to use the washroom so I’d say 1 is great. The washroom is enclosed so you can use the toilet in peace, protected from the elements and the bugs. The best part is that it’s fully stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Even when I visited in the off season (April & November), the washroom was still fully stocked and very clean! It even includes the most luxurious of items one can ask for in a backcountry bathroom – a mirror! Overall toilet rating is a 10/10, I was very impressed!
Bear Hang
A bear hang is installed on the site making it extremely easy to safely store food and scented items away from camp. I love this amenity as I don’t have to take on extra weight and carry a bear canister.
Campsite Review: High Dump Site 8
I’ve camped at HD8 twice and I was impressed both times. Each site comes with a tent pad and privacy as the sites are nicely spaced out. HD8 is tucked in behind some trees so it’s protected from the aggressive winds coming off of Georgian Bay. Additionally, I like this particular site because it’s close to the water. All sites have beach access but HD8 and HD9 are the closest to the water. You even get a view of the bay through the trees from your tent.
My favourite part about this campground is being able to cook and eat on the beach. I did this at both breakfast and dinner as I watched the sunset and sunrise. It was perfect. Overall, this is a great site if you can snag it.
Thanks this trip report really helped me plan for my trip!!
Glad you enjoyed it!