The Date Almanac
A Bruce Trail hiking day near Collingwood
Standing Rock at Nottawasaga Lookout, the high point of the Bruce Trail at Pretty River Valley, and a Craigleith cooldown
A proper hiking day on the Niagara Escarpment, all within about 25 minutes of Collingwood. Take the Standing Rock and Caves side trail down at Nottawasaga Lookout, then climb to the highest point on the whole Bruce Trail at Pretty River Valley, and cool off after on the Georgian Bay shore at Craigleith. Three stops, free hiking with one paid park at the end.
- 1
Standing Rock and caves
Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve
A non-operating nature reserve on the escarpment about 10 km south of Collingwood, carrying a long stretch of the main Bruce Trail. The short, rugged Standing Rock and Caves side trail down to a rock pillar, boulders, and small crevices is the draw. No facilities, only informal roadside parking.
- 2
The high lookout
Pretty River Valley Provincial Park
A quiet, non-operating park on the Niagara Escarpment with no facilities and no fee, threaded by the Bruce Trail. A side trail reaches the highest point on the entire Bruce Trail, with a lookout a short way along the main path. The lower lot was recently expanded.
- 3
Cool off on the bay
Craigleith Provincial Park
A short stretch of Georgian Bay shore where flat brown shale plates hold trilobites and other fossils 455 million years old; you can hunt and photograph them at the water's edge but collecting is not allowed.
Before you go
- Both nature reserves are free with informal or small lots; Pretty River's lower lot was expanded, but go early on a nice weekend.
- These are real escarpment trails with rock, roots, and unfenced edges, so wear hiking shoes and carry water.
- Download or photograph the Bruce Trail map for this section, since junctions are signed but easy to miss.
- Craigleith is a paid provincial park, and the shale shore is for wading and a rest, not a sandy swim.
- Pack bug spray and check the Bruce Trail Conservancy notices for any reroutes before you go.
A free day out from the Home Almanac. Every stop is a verified place; days change with the season, so print it the week you go. Data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, openstreetmap.org/copyright.