Located on Hwy. 17, 60 km (37 mi) east of Sault Ste. Marie. 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 Museum
75 Taylor Street
(705) 785-3426
(705) 785-3170 (Fax)
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 is $2 for adults, $1
for seniors, $1 for students and $5 for a family. 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 is $2 for adults $2, $1 for students, and families for $5. The tour is available July and August, but.please call in advance for tours in May, June or September.
Bruce Mines Marina
Located on the North Channel of Lake Huron
Available to both power and sail boats, can accomodate up to 40 vessels. The Marina is open from May to October
The Holy Walk
Bruce Mines United Church
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.
