Bruce Mines was established as a community in around the mid-1800's. It began as a small mining community, and was eventually also involved with the logging industry. Bruce Station, just outside of Bruce Mines, was at one time a stopping point for the train line that ran from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. The railway arrived in Bruce Mines in 1886. Bruce Mines is located on Hwy. 17, about 15 kilometres west of Thessalon.