Located on Hwy. 17, 60 km (37 mi) east of Sault Ste. Marie on the North shore of Lake Huron overlooking the beautiful North Channel south to Manitoulin Island.
The town was founded in 1846 and named after James Bruce, the first Governor of the Province of Canada and the eighth Earl of Elgin. Bruce Mines is home to Canada’s first successful copper mine. Many of the first residents were Cornish miners over from England, who worked the area’s mines from 1847 to 1876. Today, the town offers a number of activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, nordic skiing or just relaxing at one of their waterfront parks. There is also a local museum and a full service marina.
Bruce Mines Attractions
Bruce Mines Museum
9221 Trans-Canada Hwy, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0
(705) 785-3426 Fax: (705) 785-3170
The museum is also known as the “church on the rock”, because it was originally Presbyterian Church built in 1894, it was later used as a post office and a school. It actually became a museum in 1960 and currently houses over 6800 artifacts, including an unusual “Yakaboo” canoe. The museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week during the summer and Monday through Friday in spring and fall. Admission. Visitors are asked to call the museum staff in advance.
Simpson Copper Mineshaft
(705) 785-3493
The Simpson Mine Shaft is one of the many “Bruce Mines”. Take a guided tour through a section of the original mine shaft, reconstructed buildings(the horse whim), an assay office where they graded and tested the ore, exhibit of mining equipment and mineral displays, and an outdoor display of more recent mining machinery. The interesting and informative tour last approximately 30 minutes. Admission. The tour is available July and August, but.please call in advance for tours in May, June or September.
Bruce Mines Marina
Hwy 17, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0
Located on the North Channel of Lake Huron
(705) 785-3493
Available to both power and sail boats, can accommodate up to 40 vessels. The Marina is open from May to October
The Holy Walk
Bruce Mines United Church
18 Williams St, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0
705-785-3110
Every November, a candlelit walk relives Christ’s walk through Bethlehem, starting at the Bruce Mines United Church. The walk typically draws 3,000 to 5,000 people over the four day event.