Exploring The Beautiful ‘Bruce'

Sylvain Champagne of Southampton, Ont., takes us on a photographic tour of the famed Grey Bruce area of the province

When I first visited the Grey Bruce area on a photo expedition in 2016, I found the region’s natural beauty mesmerizing. The rugged landscapes and vibrant colours of the waters off Bruce Peninsula National Park were awe-inspiring. Sweeping cloud formations overhead, and detailed rock formations along the Niagara Escarpment were hypnotic. When I returned home and reviewed my images, they literally took my breath away. Even now, looking at them gives me an intense sense of peace and tranquility. The Bruce Peninsula is far from a well-kept secret. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit each year, and as a result, it’s difficult to capture the landscape on its own, with no people in the frame, but I managed—here are a few highlights.

The Grotto

As you likely know, the Grotto—a picturesque, scenic cave that crashing waves carved into the limestone shores of Georgian Bay over thousands of years—is one of Bruce County’s top summer attractions.

Visitors can swim in the clear water, which appears turquoise from a distance, and view an underwater passage that leads to the exterior of the cliff face. The 45-minute hike to access this rare, stunning sight is well worth it. The trail’s cedar trees, wetlands and wildlife are also captivating.

Cape Croker

I visited Cape Croker Park, on the shores of Sydney Bay, for the first-time last year. Cape Croker has been called the Bruce Peninsula’s best-kept secret, and is owned and operated by the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. This sprawling, pristine patch of land stretches over 520 acres and is a camper’s paradise, buffeted by a large swath of coniferous forest. The park opened for the first time in 1967.

Lion’s Head