Collingwood Bruce Trail Hiking Trip

Saturday May 3rd – Monday May 5th 2025

Leaders Jim and Patti Blair and Debbie Martin

We offered this trip many years ago and we are keen to return. We love that these trails are close to home, yet they include some of the finest hiking the Bruce Trail has to offer.

On this three-day hiking trip, we will travel by coach bus to a variety of trailheads, staying two nights at the Comfort Inn in Collingwood. Travel by coach bus will allow us to offer drop offs and pickups, minimizing the need for a “there and back” on linear hikes. We will hike in three different sections of the Bruce Trail. Please note the hikes may vary, once the leaders have scouted the area in the spring.

Guelph Line Carpool Parking - Google Maps

Itinerary:

Saturday May 3rd: Arrive at Guelph Line Carpool Parking at 7:45 for an 8:00 a.m. departure. We will travel by coach bus, stopping on route to hike in the Dufferin Highlands section of the Bruce Trail in Boyne Valley Provincial Park, before heading to Collingwood. 

Sunday May 4^th: We will depart the hotel at 9:00 a.m., to hike in the lovely Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, a short distance outside Collingwood, in the Blue Mountains Section of the Bruce Trail.  Plan for a full day on the trails unless you are on the shorter hike which may allow for an early drop off back in Collingwood for those wanting to cruise the town.

Monday May 5^th: Departing the hotel at 9:00 a.m., we will further explore the unique Metcalfe Crevice in the Kolapore Uplands in the Beaver Valley Section of the Bruce Trail.  After hiking we plan to stop at the famous Ravenna Country Market. The bus will return to Burlington before 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

The Hikes: All hikes are on the Bruce Trail, known for lots of ups and downs, and rugged trails with sometimes tricky footing and possible muddy sections. Our goal is to offer a long, medium and short hiking option on all days.  The ‘Hale and Hearty’ hikes will cover greater distances (i.e. 12 – 15 kms) at a faster pace of 4-5 kms per hour with possibly more hills. The “Fair to Middlin’ hikes will be approximately 8 – 11 kms at a moderate pace of 3.5 - 4 kms per hour. The ‘Take it Easy’ hikes, will cover 6 -7 kms at a more relaxed pace of 3 kms per hour. These distances may vary depending on the terrain, weather, and availability of pick up and drop off points. As is typical, those doing the shorter hikes may need to be prepared to wait a bit for the long hikers. We will describe the hikes in more detail after the leaders have had a chance to scout the trails.

All hikes will take advantage of the beautiful “escarpment” landscape in this region. We will travel through hardwood bush, cedar glens, open meadows, river lowlands, limestone cliff topography, and we will enjoy some scenic lookouts.

Hikers should be prepared with appropriate raingear (jacket and pants), waterproof and supportive hiking boots, hiking poles and you should be able to carry a daypack large enough to carry ample water and food for a day of hiking, as well as extra clothing.

Our accommodation:  We will stay in Collingwood at the Comfort Inn. A buffet breakfast is included on both mornings. The hotel is located just outside the downtown area and is close to grocery stores, several restaurants, bars and Tim Horton’s. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and free Wifi.   Rooms are also equipped with a mini fridge.

Trip Cost:  The trip cost is $375 for double occupancy and $550 for single occupancy.

The Trip Price Includes:

• transportation by coach bus, including the bus driver tips
• two nights accommodations
• two breakfast buffets with hot and cold options
• taxes and gratuities, except gratuity for room cleaning
• guided hikes everyday

The Trip price does not include:

• two dinners (there are many restaurants within walking distance)
• snacks, water and lunch food while on the trail