south bruce tourism

THE BEST Things to Do in South Bruce Peninsula

Things to do in south bruce peninsula.

• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Handicraft House Trading Post

THE BEST Things to Do in South Bruce Peninsula

Things to do in south bruce peninsula.

• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Handicraft House Trading Post

• Accessibility
• Report a Concern

South Bruce Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches! Come for a visit and enjoy any one of our public beaches.

The Parks and Recreation Department cleans up Town beaches in the spring and maintains them through the season. The water quality at the beaches is monitored by the Grey Bruce Health Unit .  In the event that Public Health considers a beach bacteriologically unsafe a sign will be posted.  

Before Using a Beach... Check the following to make sure it is safe:

Has there been heavy rain in the last 24 to 48 hours?  If so, bacterial levels will be higher and swimming is not recommended.

Is the water cloudy?  If you can't see your feet at adult's waist depth, bacterial levels may be higher and swimming is not recommended.

Are the waves and currents safe?  Rip currents, undertows and heavy wave action increase risk to swimmers.

Are there any other problems with the beach?  Large numbers of waterfowl, dead fish, algae/scum, dangerous debris, Municipal or Health Unit warnings/postings all indicate increased health risk

Get In Touch

Never miss an update!

Subscribe to this page to get notified when this page has updated content.

I Want To...

Apply or register.

• Activities and Programs
• Burning Permit
• Dog Licences
• Rent a Facility
• Freedom of Information Request
• Job Opportunities
• Speak at a Council Meeting
• Water Connection
• Parking Ticket

Things to Do on the Bruce Peninsula: A Complete Guide to Ontario’s Most Stunning Shoreline

From the national parks to the charming towns, our complete guide of things to do on the Bruce Peninsula will help you plan your adventure.

Dividing the glorious shores of Georgian Bay from the turquoise waters of Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula, also known as the Saugeen Peninsula, is one of the most popular places to visit in Ontario.

Replete with dramatic landscapes shaped by the crashing Great Lakes and the rocky Niagara Escarpment, this stunning example of Ontario’s majestic shores is home to some of the greatest wonders the province has to offer.

Each year, the Bruce Peninsula attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who make the journey up from Ontario’s urban centres to enjoy the quaint small towns such as Wiarton and Tobermory, and the natural wonders of “The Bruce”. The breadth of attractions of this narrow peninsula is simply astounding.

The Bruce Peninsula is home to not one, but two Canadian national parks, several cave systems, adorable towns, stunning beaches, loads of shipwrecks, and several of the most incredible hikes in Ontario.

From the gorgeous waters to the epic landscapes, and everything in between, here are the top things to do in the Bruce Peninsula.

About The Bruce Peninsula

Dividing Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula juts outwards between the cities of Southampton and Owen Sound. At its tip is the town of Tobermory, a popular summer vacation spot for those visiting both Bruce Peninsula National Park as well as Fathom Five National Marine Park. Tobermory is also the location of the Chi Cheemaun Ferry which takes travelers out to Manitoulin Island .

This popular destination is home to the final point in the epic Bruce Trail, an epic hiking route that winds for more than 900 kilometres from the city of Queenston on the border with New York up to Tobermory Harbour at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula.

Throughout the 154 square kilometres of the Bruce Peninsula, there are a plethora of charming small towns that are a treat to visit. Towns such as Wiarton, Lion’s Head, and Sauble Beach are just a few of the places that make this region of Ontario such a popular destination.

In recent years, more and more locals have begun recognizing and appreciating the rich Indigenous history of this famous peninsula.

Indigenous history is rich within the Bruce Peninsula, both the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory have made their home for countless generations and their communities are both recognized under the Crown treaties.

Thanks to recent land acknowledgments and the push for Indigenous rights in Ontario, Canada, and beyond that Parks Canada has begun to refer to the Bruce Peninsula as the Saugeen Peninsula as a token of respect to the caretakers of the land. Over time, we expect that this term will catch on from its current naming for James Bruce , a former Governor and diplomat who help shape Ontario during the mid-1800s.

Amazing Things To Do On The Bruce Peninsula Ontario

There is a wide range of Bruce Peninsula activities for every interest. Whether you’re looking to explore the Bruce Peninsula beaches, hikes, town, or waters, our guide to the Bruce Peninsula lets will help you plan the ultimate itinerary.

We’ll lay out the best things to do on the Bruce Peninsula from the base to the tip to help you plan your visit.

Explore The Towns Of The Bruce

From bottom to top, the Bruce Peninsula is packed with magnificent small towns. Here are just a few that you’ll want to check out.

Southampton

Southhampton is a small town at the base of the Bruce Peninsula. Make a visit to the historic Southampton Market, explore the trails of MacGregor Provincial Park, or grab a beer at Outlaw Brew Co.

Sauble Beach

Sauble Beach might be the biggest draw of the Bruce Peninsula south of Tobermory. Not only is it home to one of the best beaches in Ontario, Sauble Beach, but this popular summer tourist town is loaded with attractions including adventure walks and Sauble Falls Provincial Park.

Grab a meal at Casero Taco Bus, watch the sunset from the beach, and stroll along the small-town shops to pick up some fun beach clothes to enjoy on your visit to the Bruce.

Owen Sound, Ontario is home to some incredible hiking and cycling routes. The largest city on the Bruce Peninsula also hosts a popular farmers market, art galleries, and live theatre entertainment. Owen Sound is also a popular starting off point for local waterfall tours that include Inglis Falls, Indian Falls, and Jones Falls.

Enjoy the waterfront, shop around the scenic downtown, and treat yourself to an ice cream at Sunday’s Ice Cream Parlour .

Lion’s Head

The small town of Lion’s Head gains its claim to fame from the famed Lion’s Head lookout which is accessed via the trailhead within the city. But the town has much to offer beyond the iconic hike. Head to the waterfront for some beautiful cycling or paddling or just laze around on the Lion’s Head beach. While you’re there you can check out the beautiful Lion’s Head lighthouse.

For those who love stargazing in Ontario , you can make a visit to Bayside Astronomy and access powerful telescopes to see stars, craters, and mountains on the moon as well as Saturn’s rings.

Home to Canada’s most famous groundhog, a visit to Wiarton should be on everyone’s list of Bruce Peninsula things to do. Besides visiting the rodent that determines the length of our Ontario winter’s , Wiarton has loads of other experiences for visitors.

Wandering through the Corran ruins that date back to 1821, take a stroll through Bluewater Park, hike through Spirit Rock Conservation Area, and grab a bite to eat at the Green Door Cafe.

Perched right at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula is the tiny town of Tobermory. Stop in at the Sweet Shop or Peninsula Supply Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat and get out to explore.

In Tobermory, there are a wealth of attractions to experience, many of which are covered in other areas of this guide. But you’ll want to make sure that you make a visit to the Big Tub Lighthouse, take a cruise out to Flowerpot Island, and enjoy some snorkeling among the many shipwrecks that can be found just a short distance from shore.

Experience World-Class Hiking

Hiking on the Bruce Peninsula is an experience that draws outdoor lovers from around the world. Beyond the epic Bruce Trail, which covers a massive 904 kilometres from Niagara to Tobermory, hikers are drawn to other Bruce Peninsula hikes. Here are a few of them.

Arguably the most popular hike on the Bruce Peninsula, Lion’s Head hike can be done as an out and back from the Lion’s Head trailhead or as part of a challenging 18.7 km loop that explores the landscapes and waterfront of Lion’s Head Provincial Park.

Be warned though, this hike is extremely popular. And in the summer months the trailhead fills up extremely fast. Locals in the town of Lion’s Head have become overwhelmed with supporting those coming into the town for the hike and filling up street parking. Research your visit beforehand, ensure you follow proper trail etiquette, and support the local businesses in order to keep access to this wonderful hike open to the public.

Halfway Log Dump

Another popular hike on the Bruce Peninsula is the Halfway Log Dump trail. While this trail wasn’t blessed with a beautiful name, it more than makes up for it in views.

This 7.7 km point-to-point trail covers some of the most scenic shorelines of Bruce Peninsula National Park. The hike passes sea stacks, rocky beaches, and the famous Bruce Peninsula Grotto on a one-way journey to Cyprus Lake Visitors Centre.

Halfway Log Dump has received so much traffic in recent years that a reservation system has been put in place between June 17 to September 25. You must book ahead in the Parks Canada reservation system or you will be denied entry.

Singing Sands Forest Beach Loop

Singing Sands might be the most popular of all of the Bruce Peninsula beaches, but its also home to a stunning hike that offers outdoor lovers a completely different view of the region than the ultra-popular Georgian Bay side.

This three km moderately difficult hike follows gentle streams nestled among vibrant wildflowers. You’ll explore the dunes along Dorcas Bay before ending your hike at Singing Sands beach itself.

Bruce Peninsula Beaches

With the Bruce Peninsula being surrounded by water on both sides, there’s no surprise that it is home to some absolutely phenomenal beaches. Some of these beaches are absolutely world-class and no visit would be complete without a dip.

Sauble Beach is home to the world’s second-longest freshwater beach in the world. It is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Ontario.

The beach is divided into two sections, a public area at the base of the town of Sauble Beach, and a private area managed by the Saugeen First Nation. The Saugeen First Nations side may require a fee to access, however it is much less crowded than the public beach.

Singing Sands

One of the most popular beaches in the northern section of the Bruce Peninsula is Singing Sands. The beach got its name from the eerie howl the sand makes as its blown over the limestone cobble shorelines and alvar.

Although Singing Sands is located on the Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula, it’s still part of Bruce Peninsula National Park. It can get very busy. And the small parking lot means that the beach might be too busy to visit, especially on weekends.

Oliphant Beach

Located about 15-minutes west of Wiarton, Oliphant Beach has been a popular getaway for families for generations. The long shoreline and shallow waters of Lake Huron make it a safe and relaxing place to visit. This beach has also drawn numerous kiteboarders and is becoming one of the hottest destinations for the sport in Ontario.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

The crown jewel of the Bruce Peninsula is none other than Bruce Peninsula National Park. The park covers 156 sq. km of craggy limestone cliffs, mixed forests, wetlands, and rocky shores. One visit and you’ll understand why it’s been made a part of the  UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve .

Bruce Peninsula National Park is home to some of the most popular things to do on the Bruce Peninsula including the Bruce Peninsula Grotto, a sea cave located on the Georgian Bay shores, and Halfway Log Dump, a popular hiking trail that follows the rocky shoreline. The Bruce Trail also passes through the park on its way to Tobermory.

There is one campground within the park, located at Cyprus Lake Campground. Bruce Peninsula camping is one of the most sought-after experiences in the park. And as such, camping spots tend to book up within minutes of reservation eligibility. Both the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump require reservations to access during much of the high season. And as such, Accessing Bruce Peninsula National Park has become one of the most sought-after experiences in the region.

While Bruce Peninsula National Park books up fast, there are other, private campgrounds throughout the Bruce Peninsula for campers if they can’t get a reservation. You can check out a list of private campgrounds near Tobermory  here .

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Located off the shores of Tobermory, Fathom Five National Marine Park is Ontario’s only National Marine Park. The series of islands and protected waters that make up this important area makes it one of the most incredible places to visit on the Bruce Peninsula.

The park is home to an incredible collection of islands and shipwrecks that draw divers from around the world. In fact, Fathom Five National Marine Park is one of the world’s best destinations for freshwater SCUBA diving. IF you want to experience this magic for yourself, connect with local SCUBA outfitter Diver’s Den , they’re a reputable company that runs many dives and diver training in the area.

One of the most popular activities in Fathom Five is the glass-bottom boat tours that take visitors over and around many of the islands and shipwrecks. The tours usually culminate in a visit to Flowerpot Island, a spectacular natural wonder that has large stone towers that stand out against the blue waters of Lake Huron.

A fun way to get a closer glimpse at some of the wonders of Fathom Five National Marine Park is by booking a private tour with Tobermory Wave Adventures . I did a trip with them this past summer and the up-close and personal views we were treated to were amazing!

Bruce Peninsula Caves

Hidden within the gorgeous landscape of the Bruce Peninsula are a collection of jaw-dropping cave systems that visitors are just beginning to discover. Exploring these cave systems is one of the most exciting things to do on the Bruce Peninsula.

There are three major Bruce Peninsula caves that draw visitors. And each one has it’s own unique features that make it a pleasure to explore.

The Grotto is, without a doubt, the most famous Bruce Peninsula cave. This jaw-dropping sea cave in Bruce Peninsula National Park is so popular that for much of the year there is a reservation system in place for those who want to visit. The Grotto is accessed via a short hike from the Cyprus Lake Visitors Centre or via a much-longer hike by way of the Halfway Log Dump hiking trail.

Bruce’s Caves

Burce’s Cave is a shallow cave system with mammoth mouths located near the base of the Bruce Peninsula. The system is located in Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area just a short drive northeast of Wiarton.

The Bruce Caves Conservation Area consists of seven hectares along the Niagara Escarpment. Within the park visitors will find caves and wooded wetlands, and beautiful views.

Greig’s Caves

Greig’s Caves is a cave system located near the base of the Bruce Peninsula near the town of Hopeness. This private cave system is open seasonally from May till Thanksgiving Weekend.

All visitors must pay an entry fee and sign a waiver before entering the property. And once you’re there you can enjoy a self-guided tour throughout the 10 limestone caves located along a rugged trail. The property has long been a popular attraction in Bruce Peninsula and has even been a filming location for  Quest for Fire  and  Against the Wild .

Bruce Peninsula Waterfalls

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ontario are located at the base of the Bruce Peninsula. While these disappear as you head north, these Bruce Peninsula waterfalls make for some spectacular stops on your road trip itinerary.

Indian Falls

Indian Falls is a 15-metre tall waterfall located in Indian Falls Conservation Area just 10-minutes north of Owen Sound. The beautiful horseshoe shape of this bridal veil-style beauty attracts visitors from across Ontario. There are hikes throughout the Conservation area to enjoy the scenic woodlands as well.

Sauble Falls

Situated just a short drive north of the town of Sauble Beach is beautiful Sauble Falls Provincial Park. This historic step cascading waterfall was the former home of a timber mill and generating station. But these days it has been transformed into one of the most popular provincial parks on the Bruce Peninsula.

Jones Falls

Located just a few minutes west of Owen Sound at the base of the Bruce Peninsula, Jones Falls is a 12-metre tall Bruce Peninsula waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment. The waterfall is located in Pottawatomi Conservation Area and the falls are fed by the Pottawatomi River.

This waterfall is at its most powerful from early spring through to the end of July. There are over 116 hectares of park to explore. And it’s a particularly beautiful spot during the fall months when the fall colours of Ontario are in bloom.

Bruce Peninsula Lighthouses

There are 15 Bruce Peninsula Lighthouses to visit and photograph during your time in the region. They dot the shores and islands on both sides of the peninsula.

Big Tub Lighthouse

Big Tub Lighthouse is a gorgeous red and white lighthouse located right in the town of Tobermory overlooking the mouth of Big Tub Harbour. The 14-metre tall wooden lighthouse was built in 1885 and is still used to this day.

Lion’s Head Lighthouse

Originally built in 1903, the Lion’s Head Lighthouse has been rebuilt several times over the past century due to the extreme weather that the cove experiences. The most recent destruction occurred in 2019 when it was brought down by high waves. The popular attraction was quickly rebuilt and can again be visited by lighthouse lovers.

Cove Head Lighthouse

Built out of stone in 1855 and originally fuelled by Sperm Whale oil, the Cove Head Lighthouse is one of the most scenic and historic lighthouses of the Bruce Peninsula. In 1971 an underwater cable was run to the island allowing the light to function on electricity rather than by burning fuel.

Which Of These Incredible Things To Do On The Bruce Peninsula Will You Experience Next

The Bruce Peninsula is one of the most popular places to visit in Ontario. During the summer months it can be absolutely jammed with visitors, especially on long weekends.

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of Ultimate Ontario. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home province of Ontario and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

Privacy Overview

South Bruce Peninsula

South Bruce Peninsula is your gateway to the Bruce Peninsula, encompassing the shoreline communities of Howdenvale, Red Bay, Colpoy’s Bay, Wiarton and Sauble Beach. If there is one word to describe the Great Lakes Watefront Trail in these communities it’s this: character. In SBP you’ll take in both the sunrise and sunset coasts of the Peninsula. In the west, you’ll find soft sand beaches and gently winding roads right at the water’s edge. In the east, you’ll experience pastoral rollers with stunning views, dramatic bluffs, and the pristine waters of Georgian Bay. And both these experiences are within an hour’s ride of one another!

Both Sauble Beach and Wiarton have a host of amenities to choose from including incredible food, and accommodations both under-the-sheets or under-the-stars. For the Tim’s fans, Wiarton is your last stop on the Peninsula. Be sure to stop and fuel up with that last double-double before continuing on your Great Lakes Waterfront Trail journey.

Download Printable Map

Trail Attributes

Trail Distance: 57km

Primarily on rural roads, the Trail in South Bruce Peninsula also includes 2.5km on Highway 6, a Provincial highway with a posted limited of 80km/h with significant seasonal traffic including truck traffic.

Links to Local Maps

Explore the Bruce

Bruce Trail : Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, connecting Queenston to Tobermory.

Staging Areas

• Wiarton: Bluewater Park: 400 William St, Wiarton, ON
• Sauble Beach*: Intersection of Main St & Lakeshore Blvd N., Sauble Beach, ON ( Parking Fees Apply)

• Grey Transit

Helpful Links

Sauble Beach

Bruce County Tourism

Bruce County

Mountain Bike The Bruce

BruceGreySimcoe Cycling

BruceGreySimcoe Tourism

Grey Sauble Conservation

Ontario By Bike  – Cycle Friendly Businesses and Trip Ideas

Sauble Falls Provincial Park

Cape Croker Park

Protecting. Connecting. Celebrating. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

Newsletter signup.

Please share with us what you are interested in.

Yes, I would like to receive emails from Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Waterfront Regeneration Trust

4195 Dundas St. West - Suite 327 Toronto, Ontario M8X 1Y4 (416) 943-8080 [email protected]

Partners Resource Centre

• Download our Logos
• Signage Guidelines & Templates
• Boiler Plate Statements
• GWTA Participant Surveys
• State of the Trail
• 2017 Trail-Wide Partners Meeting
• 2014 Trail-Wide Partners Meeting
• Georgian Bay Cycling Route Expansion
• Lake Superior Expansion
• Pauline Browes Fellowship
• Partner Update

• Road Conditions and Closures
• School and Bus Report
• On-Air Schedule

Recently Played

• Longy and Bruffer
• School of Rock
• Saturday Night Bush Party
• Radioplayer Canada
• Bruce County Rock
• Events Calendar
• Submit Your Event
• Self-Serve Ad Platform
• Accessibility

Tourism Plan For South Bruce Peninsula

courtesy brucecounty.on.ca

A tourism plan for South Bruce Peninsula has been unveiled.

Its priorities include boosting tourism and creating a better visitor experience, extending the tourism season, and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support tourism.

The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Association, which was created to decide how accommodation tax revenue would be spent, hired consultants McQueen and Galloway to create a one-year action plan and a five-year strategic tourism plan.

The accommodation tax adds four per cent to short-term accommodation bills for customers. By provincial rules, half of that revenue goes to promoting tourism and the other half to the Town.

This new plan has some recommendations including developing a tourism website which is expected to launch in 2024.

The hope is to also have active representation from Saugeen First Nation, and also create the positions of tourism coordinator and a summer seasonal ambassador.

Of note, the group has brainstormed some ideas to boost tourism.

The plan looks at extending the tourism season initially into May and October through new events and themes in the off-season. The plan includes boosting winter tourism later on in the strategy (2026-27).

Brainstorming and goals for infrastructure include more way finding signage for drivers, developing a parking strategy and looking at using shuttle services, enhancing the Wiarton visitor centre or considering the feasibility of a ‘one stop’ visitor centre for the whole peninsula, as well as ensuring there are enough electric vehicle chargers along the way.

With a goal of ‘elevating the visitor experience’ the plan includes keeping concerts and events fresh, ensuring off season events are supported by adequate food and accommodation services, exploring an e-bike sharing program, hiring a summer seasonal ambassador and web content creator and developing an an online photo, video, drone library that can be used as a marketing resource for all tourism entities, conduct a survey of visitor experiences and come up with strategies to attract water traffic at local marinas. Other ideas include exploring a weeknight market in Wiarton.

With regard to recruitment and housing for tourism staff, one idea that was floated was to work with Georgian College and others to consider establishing a culinary/hospitality satellite campus for the Bruce Peninsula. They plan to also work with planning staff to reduce red tape when it comes to approving short-term housing options.

Other ideas include promoting working in the community to local students as well as post-secondary students and pursue government sponsored foreign worker programs.

In 2022, the Town’s net MAT revenue was about $555,000 meaning $277,500 was allocated to the MAT Association. In 2023, the net MAT revenue is estimated at about $345,000 with $172,500 going to the MAT Association for tourism promotion.

Latest News

Local Weather

Community Profile

Known as the Gateway to Bruce County, the Municipality of South Bruce offers a wealth of opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors. With some of the best farmland in Bruce County, our community offers a strong foundation for your business to excel.

View our economic development strategy  to learn about our key priorities, labour force, key sectors and more.

Demographics and Statistics

Downtown opportunities

Our Municipality is made up of the villages of Teeswater, Mildmay, and Formosa along with the townships of Carrick and Culross. Each location brings a unique environment with its rural setting, downtown centre, and rich heritage. Our handcraft businesses, artisan boutiques and experienced trades attract locals, visitors, and passing travellers from afar with their unique experiences and offerings.

Take a sneak peak of what it is like to invest in South Bruce .

Tourism and attractions

Learn more about our annual events, local fairs, fundraisers, and attractions and what it’s like to Visit South Bruce . Keep up-to-date with what’s going on in our community through our community calendar .

South Bruce Tourism Facebook Page

Key sectors

The economy of South Bruce is firmly rooted in a strong agricultural sector. A vibrant workforce welcomes opportunities for partnership and business growth. Our key sectors include:

• Agriculture
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Tourism and hospitality
• Wood product manufacturing

Current Opportunities in South Bruce

View our available properties in South Bruce that are currently listed for purchase or rent to help start or grow your business.

Parts of Kosciuszko National Park closed for aerial shooting of feral horses, deer and pigs

About 20 per cent of Kosciuszko National Park will be closed to the public for the next six months as an aerial shooting program takes place targeting brumbies and other feral animals.

The NSW government is required by law to reduce the number of feral horses in Kosciuszko to 3,000 by June 2027 , in a bid to better protect the fragile alpine ecosystem while balancing the heritage value of the brumby.

As part of this work, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NNPWS) closed a northern section of the park today to conduct aerial shooting operations.

While the program has sparked mixed opinions, some say it will provide better protection for native animals and plants.

Bushwalking NSW president David Bell said aerial culling was "something you would prefer not to do".

"But in the circumstances, we think it's an effective measure to get the size [of the brumby population] down," he said.

The NSW government adopted aerial shooting as an additional control method to manage wild horses numbers in October and put it into practice the following month.

The latest survey estimates more than 17,000 feral horses remain in the park.

Just over 4,000 horses have been removed from the park since November 2021, when the current management plan was implemented.

Of those, 959 have been rehomed, while the rest have been removed by other methods including aerial shooting, ground shooting and transportation to a knackery.

Marginal impact on visitors

Mr Bell said the six-month closure was well-timed.

"Most people go bushwalking during the green season, which starts from October through to about now," he said.

"Many bushwalkers are also skiers, so they do use the area in the winter months.

"But overall … I think the impact will be fairly marginal."

Mr Bell said he had witness the issues feral horses created firsthand.

"I've had personal experiences of being harassed by horses in the park, there's simply too many of them," he said.

"The horses are impacting on the environment … on waterways, trampling … bogs and species like the corroboree frog and the broad-toothed rat."

Doubts raised

The southern section of the park closed between March 4 and 28 for the same purpose.

The latest closure coincides with the peak winter period, but the NNPWS said in a statement that key tourist areas would remain open including Yarrangobilly Caves and ski resorts such as Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowy Resort.

The NNPWS said it was working with two businesses affected by the closures to "minimise impacts", and that some campgrounds and walking tracks would be closed.

Animal Justice Party member Emma Hurst, who is also the chair of a NSW upper house inquiry examining the use of aerial shooting in the park, views the move as premature.

"The fact that the NSW government is going ahead with this aerial shooting program, despite the fact the inquiry is ongoing, disrespects the entire upper house parliamentary process," she said.

"We haven't even created recommendations as part of that report to the government."

In March, Ms Hurst put forward a notice of motion to the NSW upper house to stop aerial shooting in the park altogether, which failed to pass.

A NSW Environment Department spokesperson said in a statement it received more than 11,000 submissions during the public consultation process on aerial shooting last year, "with the majority of those who commented on aerial shooting supporting its inclusion as a tool".

The NNPWS said more than two months notice had been provided for the northern closure, with landholders informed directly and physical closure notices put up in the park.

ABC South East NSW — local news in your inbox

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Culling of kosciuszko brumbies may be ramped up, federal government says.

Harassed staff overseeing aerial brumby cull treated 'almost as wanted criminals' online, NSW inquiry hears

Award-winning photographer captures rare footage of brumby clash as culling debate continues

Aerial shooters pick off 270 feral horses in two days as Kosciuszko cull ramps up

• Animals and Nature
• Conservation
• Environmental Management
• National Parks
• Perisher Valley
• Pest Management
• State and Territory Government
• Thredbo Village
• Wagga Wagga

• Road Conditions and Closures
• School and Bus Report
• Cancellations and Closures
• News Survey
• Newscast Podcasts
• Stories, Scores and Schedule
• Off The Wire
• On-Air Team
• Events Calendar
• Submit Your Event
• Advertising
• Contact Bayshore
• Accessibility
• About Bayshore
• Healthy Tomorrows
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Award Partners
• Employment Opportunities
• Logo Downloads

Tourism Plan For South Bruce Peninsula

Support local journalism! Don’t let others regulate what news you see. Bookmark bayshorebroadcasting.ca to ensure you always have a direct connection to your trusted source for local news and information.

courtesy brucecounty.on.ca

A tourism plan for South Bruce Peninsula has been unveiled.

Its priorities include boosting tourism and creating a better visitor experience, extending the tourism season, and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support tourism.

The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Association, which was created to decide how accommodation tax revenue would be spent, hired consultants McQueen and Galloway to create a one-year action plan and a five-year strategic tourism plan.

The accommodation tax adds four per cent to short-term accommodation bills for customers. By provincial rules, half of that revenue goes to promoting tourism and the other half to the Town.

This new plan has some recommendations including developing a tourism website which is expected to launch in 2024.

The hope is to also have active representation from Saugeen First Nation, and also create the positions of tourism coordinator and a summer seasonal ambassador.

Of note, the group has brainstormed some ideas to boost tourism.

The plan looks at extending the tourism season initially into May and October through new events and themes in the off-season. The plan includes boosting winter tourism later on in the strategy (2026-27).

Brainstorming and goals for infrastructure include more way finding signage for drivers, developing a parking strategy and looking at using shuttle services, enhancing the Wiarton visitor centre or considering the feasibility of a ‘one stop’ visitor centre for the whole peninsula, as well as ensuring there are enough electric vehicle chargers along the way.

With a goal of ‘elevating the visitor experience’ the plan includes keeping concerts and events fresh, ensuring off season events are supported by adequate food and accommodation services, exploring an e-bike sharing program, hiring a summer seasonal ambassador and web content creator and developing an an online photo, video, drone library that can be used as a marketing resource for all tourism entities, conduct a survey of visitor experiences and come up with strategies to attract water traffic at local marinas. Other ideas include exploring a weeknight market in Wiarton.

With regard to recruitment and housing for tourism staff, one idea that was floated was to work with Georgian College and others to consider establishing a culinary/hospitality satellite campus for the Bruce Peninsula. They plan to also work with planning staff to reduce red tape when it comes to approving short-term housing options.

Other ideas include promoting working in the community to local students as well as post-secondary students and pursue government sponsored foreign worker programs.

In 2022, the Town’s net MAT revenue was about $555,000 meaning $277,500 was allocated to the MAT Association. In 2023, the net MAT revenue is estimated at about $345,000 with $172,500 going to the MAT Association for tourism promotion.

Latest News

Local weather, most popular, @newsbayshore.