Bruce Trail Remains Closed in Several Sections as Ice Storm Cleanup Continues
Cleanup continues after an ice storm severely damaged the Bruce Trail, including the Sydenham section. Portions remain closed as crews work to restore safety and access.
A late-season ice storm that swept across southern Ontario over the weekend of March 29–30 has caused significant damage to the Bruce Trail, leading to the temporary closure of four major sections. The Bruce Trail Conservancy confirmed last week that trail assessments revealed widespread destruction, including fallen trees, damaged boardwalks and bridges, and overhead hazards, prompting immediate safety precautions.
According to the Conservancy, the following sections remain closed until further notice:
Dufferin Hi-Land Section (Bruce Trail Reference Maps 19–21, Mono Centre to Lavender)
Blue Mountains Section (Maps 21–24, Lavender to Craigleith)
Beaver Valley Section (Maps 24–28, Craigleith to Blantyre)
Sydenham Section (Maps 28–35, Blantyre to Wiarton)
“These four sections have experienced considerable damage: from downed trees and branches to the destruction of bridges and boardwalks, the Trail is in need of some significant TLC,” said the Bruce Trail Conservancy in an April 5 update. “Trees weakened by the storm are posing overhead risks and debris is blocking large sections.”
Trail crews and volunteers have begun clearing efforts, but officials caution that recovery will take time. “As it appears right now, it may take several weeks for our staff and volunteers to clear the hazards and make these parts of the Bruce Trail safe to reopen,” the Conservancy said.
Hikers are being urged to stay out of the closed sections for their own safety and to avoid interfering with restoration work.
“This is also a consideration for the environments we protect; we always aim to walk lightly upon the land and ask our community to wait until the path is clear so we can also protect off-Trail habitats,” the organization stated.
The Peninsula Section (Wiarton to Tobermory) also experienced some storm-related impact but remains open, with the Conservancy advising hikers to proceed with increased caution.
All planned hikes and activities scheduled by Bruce Trail Clubs within the affected sections have been cancelled or postponed. Volunteers from across all nine Bruce Trail Clubs are contributing to the recovery effort.
“On behalf of the whole Bruce Trail community, I want to extend a special thank you to our volunteers who are helping with the removal of debris and preparing for repairs,” said Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. “All nine of our Clubs have offered support to the affected areas, working together to make the Bruce Trail safe for visitors as soon as possible. I am so proud to be part of such a caring and dedicated community of nature enthusiasts.”
The Conservancy will provide updates on the progress of repairs and phased reopenings via its Bulletin e-Newsletter, website, app, and social media platforms.
In the meantime, officials encourage hikers to explore open sections of the Trail and consider donating to the Conservancy’s ice storm recovery fund to support the reconstruction of vital trail infrastructure.