Guided Tours Offer A Glimpse Into The Forces That Shaped the Escarpment
The Escarpment is one of only thirteen Canadian UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, because of its unique cliffs and diverse forest ecosystem, one of the oldest in eastern North America.
Highlands Trail Tours offer two different excursions into the escarpment at Duntroon Highlands, which sits nestled on one of the highest points of the escarpment near Collingwood, the Blue Mountains and Creemore.
The Waterfall Tour is a shorter, 1 hour loop that meanders down through the diverse forests and natural rock formations of the escarpment to a lovely waterfall and babbling brook.
> The Escarpment Tour is the longer, 2 hour loop that carries on past the waterfall to climb to the top of the ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Nottawasaga Valley and the bay.
Both tours offer an immersive exploration of:
Forests:
Discover 10 different types of trees that call the escarpment home, what makes them special and what they contribute to the eco-system.
Formations:
The rock that forms the Escarpment was laid down over 400 million years ago under a giant warm sea. The trails follow a stream that forms the headwaters of the Batteaux as well as a ledge formed by erosion of the softer limestone.
Farming History:
Evidence of unique Indigenous settlements dot the escarpment but it was the Scottish farmers who dramatically started changing the landscape. The remains of their farming efforts are highlighted and how they shaped what Duntroon Highlands looks like today.
As part of the tour, guests get all day use of the extensive Duntroon Highlands trail network which includes access to the Bruce Trail, safe parking for your vehicle and a chance to enjoy locally inspired food and beverages at the Cafe patio or out on the trails.
Self Guided Hikes
This year we recommend hiking the new Highlands Art & Tree Trail. It is about a 1 hour hike including stops at the various art installations.
Pickup your map at the Clubhouse shop.
