Trip Rating: 5.0/5
The Bruce Peninsula feels almost unreal the first time you paddle there. The water is a deep, luminous blue, and the cliffs along the park rise sharply from the shoreline. Large tracts of forest surround the lakes, and wildlife is abundant. With some luck (or bad timing), you may encounter black bears, rare reptiles, or pileated woodpeckers. The park is also designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it exceptional for stargazing.
To avoid the heavy crowds that have descended on the area in recent years, this trip was planned for late October. One of the advantages of the shoulder season is access to park accommodations, and we were able to stay in a yurt. With a three-year-old along for the weekend, the wood stove and bunk beds made the experience both comfortable and memorable.
Launch Sites
The Bruce Peninsula offers numerous paddling routes, but weather dictated the plan on this trip. With temperatures hovering around 6°C and winds in the 50–60 km/h range producing large bay waves, the decision was made to explore the more sheltered Cyprus and Cameron Lakes.
The yurt sits directly on the shoreline of Cyprus Lake, allowing for a simple wet launch from the beach. There is no formal launch area. It is important to note that invasive-species protocols apply here. If your boat has been in another body of water within the previous five days, specific cleaning procedures are required.
Trip Length
The lakes themselves are compact, roughly 2 km across, but are connected by a 500–750 m creek that adds interest and variety. Despite strong winds and cold air temperatures, conditions were manageable. The scenery was refreshing and unexpectedly diverse.
Cost
$350 for the weekend.
Difficulty
The lakes are shallow and relatively forgiving. Even with strong winds, wave action remained modest. This route is suitable for novice paddlers with appropriate clothing and safety equipment, particularly given the cold-water conditions.
Bonus: The Grotto Side Trip
A side trip to the Grotto rounded out the weekend. The extra effort was well worth it, and the dramatic shoreline features stood in stark contrast to the calm inland lakes.
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