Since its establishment in 1987, Bruce Peninsula National Park has strived to preserve a precious tract of land to serve as a living example of how southern Ontario wilderness once looked.

Over the past 10, 000 years or so, great changes in water levels have eroded the softer portions of the dolostone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, while the tougher ‘caprock’ of fossilized ancient coral reefs remain. This ongoing process has formed the sculptured bluffs, cliffs and caves which stand as the backbone of the Bruce Peninsula and create the most beautiful scenery of Bruce Peninsula’s National Park.

Bruce Peninsula National Park was established in 1987, and since then it has strived to preserve a precious tract of land to serve as a living example of how the southern Ontario wilderness once looked. Aside from the escarpment habitat, there are flat, dry rock plains called alvars, and vari-ous types of swampy wetlands, which can support a wide range of species.

The park is nationally unique for its wide variety of wildflowers, and in particular, for its orchids. Because of the area’s variety of habitats, over 30 of Bruce Peninsula’s 44 orchid species are found in the park. The park is also home to about half of the earth’s dwarf lake iris, most of Canada’s Indian plantain, and more than 30 kinds of ferns. There are about 850 different kinds plants in total. In some places along the escarp-ment edge, ancient dwarf cedar trees aging over 1,000 years exist in unimaginable yet safe conditions.

Common wildlife include porcupine, chipmunk, red squirrel, raccoon, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, and frogs. Black bear, fox, fisher, martin and the Massasauga rattlesnake (a threatened species) are also present in fewer numbers.

The park receives thousands of visitors each year. It’s not diffi-cult to see why. The crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay and rugged wilderness of the land make the park hard to resist. Camp-ing is available year-round at Cyprus Lake, but it is wise to make reservations far in advance for summer. Back-country camping permits are available for High Dump and Storm Haven. There is swimming and good fishing for bass, perch and yellow pickerel in Cyprus Lake.

The most scenic stretch of the Bruce Trail passes through the park on the Niagara Escarpment and hikers can experience breath-taking views from Overhanging Point, Halfway Rock Point, Cave Point and Halfway Log Dump. A sunrise on these eastern rocks is spectacular. Just one kilometre from the day-parking area, hikers will discover the infamous Grotto, a huge cave formation with a deep pool of Georgian Bay water as its floor.

On the Lake Huron shore, the park encompasses Singing Sands Beach, a fine place for swimming, hiking and enjoying more wild-life.

During the summer tourist season, park staff present evening programs, guided hikes, interpretive stations, sunset excursions and star gazing.