Usually, our Easter long weekends involve skiing at Killington, Vermont. It’s become our tradition to end each ski season with this spring trip. But 2021 brought different plans.
Why We Chose Bruce Peninsula for Winter Hiking
Good Friday 2021 came with rising COVID numbers – over 6,000 cases in two days. Ontario was heading back into lockdown. Restaurants that had just reopened for dine-in were returning to takeout only. Hair salons had to push their April 12 reopening another month. Outdoor gatherings were limited to 5 people to prevent sunbathers from congregating.
That morning, we made a spontaneous decision – let’s head to Bruce Peninsula!
The Grotto Winter Trail Experience
We arrived at P1 parking lot at 10:30 AM. Bruce Peninsula National Park had just reopened, and only 10 cars were there. You can reach the famous Grotto at Georgian Bay through three short trails.
Winter Trail Conditions at Bruce Peninsula
We took the Horseshoe Lake Trail and discovered a stunning ice-covered shoreline. The Bruce Trail had a small break where ice covered the rocks, requiring a short detour through the forest.
Bruce Peninsula shows its beauty every day – even worth a six-hour round trip just for a glimpse!
Dining Options During Off-Season
Later, we headed to the island’s tip. The popular beer pub was open for dine-in, but with a 20-minute wait for the next table, we decided to move on.
During COVID and early in the season, most accommodations were still closed. However, the Tobermory Princess Hotel stayed open, including their restaurant! When we visited last June, they served pizza. I remember a desperate driver asking us then: “Do you know where I can find food on the island?!”
Exploring Dyer’s Bay Trails
We spent the afternoon at Dyer’s Bay, parking in the large lot that fits 50 cars near the lake. We hiked north on the Bruce main trail and Juniper Flats Trail side trail, making a loop back to the parking lot. We chose this route mainly to avoid backtracking, though the side trail doesn’t offer lake views.
This section doesn’t allow shore access – you’ll need to go further south to Devil’s Monument for that.
If you enjoyed hiking Grotto in winter at Bruce Peninsula, there’s more to explore! Check out our guide to Bruce Trail Winter Hiking for more scenic routes, trail conditions, and tips for a safe and unforgettable cold-weather adventure.
