Located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, and spread along the shore of Georgian Bay, Halfway Log Dump is a unique and beautiful destination.
The origin of the name – Half Log Dump – refers to the use of the area as a halfway dump site for lumber. From this spot logs would be floated to mills downstream to make homes, furniture, and other items of the day. Today, Halfway Log Dump is most known as a hiking and sightseeing stop for those on their way to Tobermory. This breathtaking section of the Bruce Trail follows the coastline and features steep, rocky terrain and stone beaches.
This is a gorgeous section of the Bruce Trail to hike but it is also challenging. Most of the terrain is rocky so it is really important to wear hiking footwear, especially once arriving at the beaches. Bring hiking poles.
Even getting from the parking lot to the beach can be difficult as the trail down as you near the water is primarily loose rocks which have been washed down the path. And while they are not boulders, the rocks at the beaches are the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. As a result, this day-hike can be quite tiring, so expect to take plenty of breaks.
Once down on the initial beach, there’s a couple of choices to make. One choice is to wander along the beaches edge and make a first stop at the boulders, which are popular for rock climbers but also, from my perspective, makes a nice place to photograph the boulders and the turquoise blue waters.
The best portion of this hike is along the top of the Niagara Escarpment, and there are plenty of sections of this hike that are both a little precarious and a lot stunning.
If you’re ambitious enough, you can embark on the 7.7 km hike from Halfway Log Dump to The Grotto, but it’s a relatively challenging hike and can take up to 3 hours each way. We did that on our visit – round trip took us about 5.5 hours. It makes for a long but satisfying day.
The trails and surrounding areas are well-marked and during the weekdays, the area is not very busy. The highlight of the route are viewing the beaches from above, with the beautiful turquoise water and its tropical vibe.
If you want to grab a swim during the hike, the best places are before reaching The Grotto, since the water is generally more rough and windy there and there will usually be lots of people.
There is a camping area at Stormhaven with nine campsites. Campsites come with wooden platforms, which seem pretty well made and perfectly level. You will need a free-standing tent to set up on the platforms and a cook stove as fires are not allowed. There are poles that can be use to hang your food and toiletries.
From the trailhead, you should follow the trail markings for Stormhaven, as once you go down to the beach at the beginning of the trail, you have to come back to the sign to get on the trail otherwise you will be beating in the bush looking for a connector path which adds quite a bit of distance. We know this from experience.
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