The Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest continuous footpath in Canada.  It runs along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, spanning more than 850 km of main trail and 250 km of side trails.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is supported by 1,000 active volunteers and 8,400 members.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy's Mission

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a charitable organization committed to establishing a conservation corridor containing a public footpath along the Niagara Escarpment, in order to protect its natural ecosystems and to promote environmentally responsible public access to this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

Vision

The Bruce Trail Conservancy and its partners will secure a conservation corridor along the entire Niagara Escarpment that contains the Bruce Trail.   Our steadfast commitment to responsible land stewardship will significantly contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Escarpment ecosystem.

Values

The Bruce Trail Conservancy Values:

  • Our public and private landholders who partner with us to offer public access to the conservation corridor.
  • Our dedicated Bruce Trail Conservancy Clubs (9), who maintain the trails and manage the lands under our care.
  • The donors, landowners and public agencies who partner with us to continually expand the conserved lands along the Niagara Escarpment.
  • The dedication, time and support of our large base of volunteers and members, and of our staff.
  • The restoration and stewardship of the lands under our care.
  • The responsible use of the trails for public safety and for minimal environmental impact.
  • Our role in providing educational resources and opportunities about the Niagara Escarpment.
  • Our role in providing national and international expertise in land stewardship and trail management.
  • Our role in Niagara Escarpment ecosystem management and research.
  • Our collaboration with like-minded BTC partners which produces measurable benefits toward the achievement of our mission and vision.

 

Bruce Trail Facts

Every year, 400,000 visits are made to the Trail as people walk, cross country-ski, snowshoe, watch wildlife, take photographs and admire the glorious scenery of the Escarpment. By providing an opportunity to explore the Escarpment, the Trail has helped increase awareness of the uniqueness and rich diversity of this landform.  The Bruce Trail was instrumental in the Escarpment being named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 1990 - one of only twelve such reserves in all of Canada.

Today 47% of the Bruce Trail is secure and safe from development.  However, 53% of the Bruce Trail corridor is vulnerable. The Bruce Trail Conservancy is committed to securing the Trail in its entirety.  Click here to make a donation.

A Board of Directors governs the BTC and volunteers from 9 Bruce Trail Clubs are responsible for maintaining, stewarding and promoting the Trail. 

Available Downloads

BTC Overview with Map (.pdf, 860.4 KB)

Strategic Plan (.pdf, 225.3 KB)

Borrowing Bylaw (.pdf, 5.5 KB)

2007-2008 Annual Report (.pdf, 1.9 MB)

        2008-2009 Annual Report

 

Cheltenham Badlands Management Planning

A Management Plan for the Cheltenham Badlands Property is in the early stages of development.

The management planning process will define the goal, objectives and long term direction for the protection, development, management and use of the property's resources.

In particular, management issues such as access to the site and protection of the property's sensitive earth and life science features will be addressed in the planning process.

For more information on the Cheltenham Badlands Management Planning process please see http://www.caledonbrucetrail.org/

Badlands Terms of Reference (.pdf, 713.2 KB)

Badlands Public Meeting (.pdf, 1.1 MB)