Bruce Mines Historic Mine Trails

Approximately 50 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie is Bruce Mines, Ontario. Bruce Mines originated because of its copper mining in the mid 1800s. It is named after James Bruce, who was the Governor General of Canada in 1847. All the mines in this area were once owned by the Montreal Mining Company, one of Canada’s earliest mining enterprises. 

In April 2023, the Bruce Mines Trailblazers began through the vision of some enthusiastic local hikers who started clearing some trails to hike. The trails went around the various copper mines in the area for people in the community to hike and snowshoe. The Historic Mine Trail System is a beautiful hiking trail in summer and a snowshoeing trail in the winter that allows visitors to step back in history and experience Bruce Mines the way it was. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be leashed. Please pick up after your dog(s).

In winter, if you do not have snowshoes, you can rent snowshoes at the Bruce Mines Municipal Office. There is no cost to rent, but you will have to leave a deposit, which will be returned to you once the snowshoes are returned. 

You pick up the snowshoes at the Bruce Mines Municipal Office, 9126 Hwy 17 E, Bruce Mines, Ontario. To book snowshoes, call: 705-785-3493. The Municipal office is open from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, closed for lunch from Noon -12:30 pm. Weekend rentals must be arranged before Friday!

A $4,000 grant from RTOERO (now Entente) was used for snowshoe purchases, as well as a trailer for maintenance and some safety equipment.

The Bruce Mines Trailblazers invested in brand new signage, and the trailhead signs were installed in the spring of 2026. The arrows on the trails are reflective, which makes hiking or snowshoeing at night easy to navigate with a headlamp to light up your way. Beautiful interpretive signage on the trails was designed by local artist Sylvia Stobie. The signs are very informative and beautiful works of art. Also, along the trails are locally made benches for rest areas for those in need.

The trail network also incorporates preserved mining artifacts, the former Nip and Tuck Railway Spur that once connected the mines, the old town jail site, and a scenic lookout with views of Lake Huron, the harbour and the once iconic Bayview Hotel, which is now a private residence.

The main trail is a walk-only trail with no motorized vehicles allowed and is one kilometre in length, and features sub-trails that range between about a kilometre in length. It takes approximately two to three hours to complete the entire system. The main entrance is off Taylor Street, approximately 400 m off Hwy 17, across from Penokean Hills. The new parking lot has been constructed at this location. All the mine sites have been fenced in for safety. Do not attempt to enter any of the fenced-in areas along the trails.  A new trail map has been developed, and maps along the trails have been installed.

The Trails

The Nip and Tuck Trail

Once part of the 1860s Nip and Tuck Railway, this 1 km trail follows an old railway spur between the Taylor and Moffat Mines, offering glimpses into the region’s fascinating mining legacy. Keep an eye out for Moffat Mine, where original railway ties still lie in place! The surrounding landscape is a lush mix of towering coniferous and deciduous trees, offering shade, birdsong, and photo-worthy views all year round.

Featured Trail Highlights Off the Nip and Tuck

Taylor Mine

Located at the north tip of the Nip and Tuck Trail, this fenced-in site is located just off Highway 17.

 Jail Trail

Starting near the Bruce Mines Campground, this 200 m shadowed, windy trail leads to the Nip and Tuck Trail (main yellow trail) as it passes by the former site of the town jail. During the 1870s, the need for a jail in the area became clear as profitable mining operations were leading to a quickly expanding population. Over the years, the jailhouse became a Scout Hall and schoolroom and was closed after the mines shut down. Now erected is a replica front of a jail constructed by the local Mennonites with the original jail bars on the front.

Michael Mine Trail

Located on the east side of the Nip and Tuck trail, this 200 m sun-dappled detour leads to the Michael Mine, known for its quartz outcroppings and unique rock formations. From there, you may continue along Blaster’s Bluff (red trail) to enjoy northern Ontario nature.

Montreal Mine Trail

This 300 m trail (also east of the main trail) leads you past a vehicle long surrendered to nature and into a world of boulders, bedrock, and remnants of the Montreal Mining Company’s historic operations. It’s rustic, rugged, and full of character.

The ‘Bruce Section’ of mines located on the west side of Taylor Street is the Ferrier Mine at a depth of 66m and the Meredith Mine.  The mines located on the east side of Taylor Street are the Engine Mine at a depth of 46 m, as well as the Rankin/Scott, Prideaux, Harris, Davis, and Trial Mines.  

Moffat Mine Trail

On the west side of the trail, this 100 m path takes you to the Moffat Mine site – keep an eye out for foundation ruins and other evidence of Bruce Mines’ industrial past. You may also enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Huron.

Prospector’s Passage Trail

Step onto Prospector’s Passage and let history set the pace. This gentle, meandering trail winds past several early mine sites, inviting you to walk where the first prospectors once did. With each step, imagine the clang of tools, the hope in heavy boots, and the determination that helped shape Bruce Mines. It’s a short stroll rich in stories, where forest paths and local history quietly walk side by side.

Bay View Trail

Leads to a lookout point where you can see Bruce Bay, part of Lake Huron, and the Bayview Hotel.

Blaster’s Bluff

A trail skirting what was once the town’s garbage dump reveals scattered relics of the past—old vehicles tucked into the bush and remnants of a historic powder house that hint at the area’s industrial roots. The path leads to a lookout with sweeping views of Lake Huron, where the distant rumble of Ontario Trap Rock can often be heard along the shoreline. In the fall, after the leaves have dropped, the rugged trap rock formations become visible, adding another striking reminder of the landscape’s working past.

Snowshoe Trails

Enjoy the sparkling snow and identify tracks of many animals.

Links

Short trails that link other trails together.  

On Valentine’s Day, our group, the Sault Naturalists, were greeted by Mary, Nancy, and Shelly, who are members of the Trailblazers Committee. They are continually learning a lot about the local history and share their knowledge with us. We met at the trailhead on Taylor Street just near Hwy 17 E. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 8 to 10 vehicles.

We did our introductions and ventured on our way onto the trails with our snowshoes strapped on. The weather was beautiful with temperatures around 1 °C and slightly overcast conditions. 

The trails were well-marked and easy to follow. We were very interested in the history we learned along the way as we ventured through the trails. We also enjoyed the beautiful interpretive signs designed by local artist Sylvia Stobie and the various snowmen the Bruce Mines Trailblazers had made along the way. Our group even made their own snowman along the Nip and Tuck Trail!

Besides the history, historic foundations and beautiful landscapes, the trails also have an abundance of wildlife tracks and birds. Moose, wolf, coyote, fox and bear tracks have been seen depending on the time of the year. On one trail, you pass by a beaver lodge, which is quite active in the spring, summer and fall. During our snowshoe, we spotted a Hairy Woodpecker, Chickadees, a Pileated Woodpecker and an American Crow. We were hoping to spot the Barred Owl that has been reportedly seen while people have been walking or snowshoeing the trails. We recorded our findings on the App eBird. 

We covered roughly five kilometres that we tracked on the App called Strava, which is a GPS-tracking application. We enjoyed exploring sub-trails that highlighted the town’s mid-1800s copper mining heritage. It was a most enjoyable snowshoe. We want to come back and hike the trails during the summer. The Bruce Mines Trailblazers host community events like “Twilight Trekking” on Tuesdays and “Glow in the Snow” winter hikes. Check out their Facebook page for special events and volunteer opportunities. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy the beautiful outdoors along Lake Huron. If you are lucky, you might even be able to see an Aurora Borealis or a full moon!

Thank you, Mary, Nancy and Shelly, for all you do for the Bruce Mines Trailblazers and for our wonderful outing on Valentine’s Day. 

The Bruce Mines Trailblazers accept donations. The Trailblazers’ donations are utilized for trail maintenance, expansion, signage, and other trail updates.  ()

Be sure to leave a review on AllTrails if you can.

Helpful Websites

• Bruce Mines Trailblazers 
• Bruce Mines Trailblazers Committee
• Bruce Mines Historic Trail Map
• AllTrails Review 
• Bruce Mines – History of Copper
• Bruce Mines Tourism
• Trailblazers Donations: 
• Bruce Mines Trail Project Gets a Boost from Retired Teachers Group

Places to Eat

• Copper Bean Café:  https://copperbeancafe.ca
• Bobbers Restaurant: https://www.facebook.com/BobbersRestaurant/
• Kosmos Pizza:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092749130542&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Sportsman’s Grill & Restaurant:  In the ESSO Gas Station:  15 Crawford St, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0
• Red House Ice Cream (Seasonal): 9172 Trans-Canada Hwy, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0
• The Cake Lady:  https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaFortchimoTheCakeLady

Places to Stay

• Bavarian Inn
• Bruce Mines Campground
• Bruce Mines Marina
• Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse
• Staying by the Lakeside Cottages

Photography: Summer Pictures are courtesy of Bruce Mines Trailblazers, and Winter pictures are courtesy of Sheri Minardi Photography.