8 Great Things to Do in Bruce Mines: Ontario’s Copper Mining Town

Situated right along Highway 17, many folks drive right through the town of Bruce Mines when travelling between Sudbury and Sault Ste Marie. For a town with no street lights, there is a fair amount to see and do! My original visit brought me to town back in 2019 but I’ve revisited a number of times since. I fall in love with it more and more with each visit thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the locals and country gems found here. Keep reading to find out all the great things to do in Bruce Mines and you’ll see why you need to stop next time you’re in the area!

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McKay Island Lighthouse in Bruce Mines

Bruce Mines is nestled along the shore of Bruce Bay, part of Lake Huron’s northern shore. Located an hour south of Sault Ste Marie, it’s a perfect day trip destination from the Soo. However I highly recommend spending at least a weekend to fully disconnect and enjoy everything the area has to offer. It’s also a great place to stop on a Northern Ontario road trip if you’re looking to really take your time and explore along the Trans Canada Highway.

For your reference, the drive from Bruce Mines to Sudbury is just under 3 hours and approximately 7 hours from Toronto. You can also take the ferry from Tobermory and drive up through Manitoulin if you’re looking for a break during your drive.

Storefronts Along Highway 17 in Bruce Mines

Things to Do in Bruce Mines Ontario

Founded in 1846, Bruce Mines is named after James Bruce who was appointed as Governor General of Canada. That same year, Canada’s very first copper mine was established. It was the second in North America, just behind the Cliff Mine in Michigan. 30 years later the mines were closed due to declining profits, reopening for a few years in the early 1900s to be shut down for good since then. 

With about 600 people who call the town home, Bruce Mines is a great place to slow down your pace. Take your time as you explore town to fully enjoy some quality relaxation time! 

Tour the Simpson Copper Mine Shaft

Bruce Mines may be small but it has a mighty claim to fame as it was home to Canada’s first successful copper mine! Back in 1846, John Keating started mining for this metal after hearing about it from the Indigenous groups that originally inhabited these lands. Shortly after, he established the The Huron & St. Mary’s Copper Company where he employed Cornish miners who had immigrated from England.

Walk in the steps of the miners as you learn about what it was like to mine on the shores of Lake Huron with a visit to The Simpson Mine. Named after the director of the Montreal Mining Company, George Simpson, it’s the only mine accessible to the public in town.

Typically in July and August, you can take a tour of this mine shaft and get a glimpse of what it was copper mining was like back in the 1800s. Unfortunately, the Simpson Copper Mine Shaft is closed for the time being as some repairs and upgrades need to be completed.

Walk Along the Historic Mine Trail

There isn’t just one mine in town – it is Bruce Mine-s after all! Take a look at some of the other mine sites with a walk along the Historic Mine Trail. The route follows the former railway spur which ran between the Taylor and Moffat Mines.

While the main trail is just a single kilometre in length, there are additional offshoots to explore like the Jail Trail. I’m not sure why it’s named that as there’s no jail to be found, so my guess is that a jail used to stand here at some point in the town’s history.

It should take approximately 2 hours to complete the whole system and it’s quite well marked – just follow the ribbons on the trees. You will pass a few remnants of old cars as well, and your guess is as good as mine as to how they got there! You can read more about the trail here.

Enjoy the Views From the Waterfront

Take a minute to walk along the shores of Lake Huron in Bruce Mines. You’ll find the odd bench to sit on as you watch the boats as they come in and out of the marina. This is also where the little library shaped like a lighthouse lives in the warmer months! 

If you follow the edge of the shoreline, you’ll come across an easel. It’s one of the Moments of Algoma installations which highlights the impact the beautiful landscapes of Northern Ontario had on the iconic Group of Seven artists. From Bruce Mines to Nipigon, you’ll find easels in places where members crafted some of their iconic paintings. The easel here is an ode to Tom Thomson as he captured the views of Bruce Mines in 1913 with his painting View Over a Lake, Shore with Houses which is now at the National Gallery in Ottawa.

Cup of Chaga Tea at the Copper Bean Cafe

Grab a Bite at The Copper Bean Cafe

If you’re going to stop anywhere in Bruce Mines, it has to be The Copper Bean Cafe. This adorable little spot right on Highway 17 serves up healthy, hearty eats and some incredible caffeinated beverages. With an emphasis on supporting local whether that be with their coffee roasters or their ingredients, you can clearly see why I fell in love with it.

Whether you get their chaga tea, a toasted marshmallow popcorn latte (yes, you read that correctly), one of their made-to-order paninis or a sweet treat like their carrot cake cheesecake, you will walk away with a smile on your face. While you can always get something to go, I recommend enjoying your eats and/or treats on their adorable patio!

Peruse the Antique Shops

Next to The Copper Bean Cafe you’ll find two antique shops and both of them are worth checking out. The Old Bank Antique Shop is an interesting one though as it’s only officially open on Saturdays. However, if the light is on as you drive by then there’s a chance you can take a wander inside. You’ll find clothes, vintage artifacts, game pieces, collectors’ items and so much more. I always have a blast meandering the rooms of trinkets. 

Then there’s the Copper Town Treasures. Similar to The Old Bank Boutique shop, they have quite a range of trinkets. Though I noticed they tend to lean more towards household items like kitchenware. If you’re an avid reader or are looking for an old novel, make sure you take a peek at their collection on the second floor. 

You Gotta Check Out the Bruce Mines Museum!

Visit the Bruce Mines Museum

Built as a Presbyterian Church in 1894, the “Church on the Rock” now houses artifacts and exhibits as the Bruce Mines Museum! But it has worn a number of hats before it became the museum as it is today. In 1917, the congregation moved and a fire destroyed the post office in that same year so the postmaster moved into the church building. Afterwards it as used as a scout and church hall until another fire ripped through town, destroying the public school in 1945. It then became the high school until December of 1948 when a new one was constructed.

While it stood empty for a few years, the Town of Bruce Mines bought it in 1950 and just over a decade later, it became the public library and storage for local artifacts as it officially opened in 1961! Inside you’ll find a variety of items including one of just two 1876 wooden slot machines crafted by the Gaille Novelty Company in Windsor. The museum is also homed to the world’s only Yakaboo sailing canoe. Built by Fredric Fenger in 1911, he sailed the covered canoe with a drop keel from Grenada throughout the Caribbean to the Virgin Islands. 

The Bruce Mines Museum is open in the summer Tuesdays through Saturdays starting July 1st from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm but if you’d like to visit at another time throughout the year, you can call and make an appointment.

Hike Part of the Voyageur Trail

If you’re an ambitious hiker, you may have heard of the Voyageur Trail. A group of volunteers came together in 1973 to craft a hiking trail along the Cambrian Shield, beginning with Gros Cap on the shores of Lake Superior to Hiawatha Park, located along the northern edge of Sault Ste Marie. 

Once that was completed, additional sections of trail were constructed. Bruce Mines is located along the Desbarats Section which opened in November 1976. The main trail is 77 kilometres long and is broken into nine segments, however Bruce Mines is located along a 15 kilometre side trail that connects the town to the main route.

The Voyageur Trail is not for the average hiker as it’s a rugged route. If you’re planning on checking this out, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear, you know the section of trail you’re tackling and someone knows where you are! To get to the start of the Voyageur Trail near Bruce Mines, head north on Highway 638 to Ledvit Road. The entrance to the trail is just to your left, across the highway. Cross the ditch and follow the path about 50 metres to where you’ll see an opening to your right with a sign for Thessalon. 

Where to Stay in Bruce Mines

Bruce Mines is a fairly small town so there aren’t a whole lot of choices for accommodation. Luckily though, there’s one amazing place that you’ll love so much you might not want to leave – Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse!

Here you’ll find eight adorable cottages, open from May until October. They also offer a number of packages including romantic getaways, historical and fishing packages.

Turn onto Bruce Bay Road from Highway 17 and make your way to French Island. Follow the signs for the office where you’ll be greeted by one half of Bruce Bay Cottages’ dynamic duo, Pat. She’ll give you the lay of the land and highlight the beautiful property which you have full access to during your stay. Pat and her husband Larry own both French Island as well as McKay Island further down the road. While they live in town during the winter months, they call the office cottage home in the summer.

Their cottages range in size and can sleep 2-6 depending on the cottage. I had the pleasure of staying in Cottage 3 during my first visit which sleeps up to 5 people with two beds and a pull-out couch. Inside each of the cottages, you’ll find a kitchen, fridge, table and all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic getaway. You also don’t have to worry about bringing bottled water as it’s perfectly fine to drink from the tap! While I didn’t get much of a chance to use them, it was nice to know I had pots, pans, plates, cutlery, etc if needed. I slept soundly listening to the waves of Lake Huron lapping on the shores of Bruce Bay!

An additional perk is that there are plenty of watercrafts at your disposal. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboats are available for use at any time. They’re located just by the dock and are first-come, first-served or if you can’t find what you need, ask Pat and she’ll be happy to help. Just remember to grab a life jacket from the boathouse before hopping in! For those extra special guests, you just might be treated to a sunset tour of Bruce Bay by Larry himself.

During your stay, be sure to explore both French and McKay Island. There are a number of great trails to secluded areas on the island. While all of them are beautiful in their own way, my favourite was The Bluffs where you’ll find beautiful views. As you hike to the water, you’ll see an off-shoot trail towards a Medicine Wheel. Created by a local artist, it uses different shades of rock found in the area to create this iconic symbol. Due to its location though, you may not be able to see it if the water levels are high.

Sunrises are Spectacular at the McKay Island Lighthouse!

A Unique Experience in Bruce Bay

The McKay Island Lighthouse has been overseeing the shores of Bruce Bay since 1907 and offers incredible views of the North Channel… and you can stay in it!

The lighthouse has 3 bedrooms that sleep 6 comfortably and it offers a fully-equipped kitchen as well as two bathrooms. You even have access to the top of the lighthouse for some of the best views of the area – you just have to brave the Widow Walk to get there!

If snuggling up on the couch with your loved ones catching the sunrise or watching storms loom over Lake Huron sounds right up your alley, this is a must-do. The hardest part will be trying to find a time to get in as it’s often booked for weeks on end! I was lucky enough to snag the Mother’s Day weekend so Mom and I can check staying in a lighthouse off our bucket lists.

Whether you stay in the lighthouse or one of their cottages, be sure to say hi to Chippie for me! Book your stay at Bruce Bay Cottages now or see what other guests have to say about their experiences.

Interior of the Bruce Bay Lighthouse

Ready to Explore Bruce Mines?

Bruce Mines might be one of those towns you drive right through without batting an eye, but it clearly has so much to offer. Next time you’re driving through from Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie, take a moment to stretch your legs and explore the town.

Whether you’re looking for a great fishing getaway or to just relax by the beautiful waters of Lake Huron, Bruce Mines is a fantastic summer getaway destination. It may be a small, quiet town but I guarantee you’ll love it – you just have to give it a chance!

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