From my understanding, the campsites are suitable for car camping and tent trailers but are not suitable for large RVs. The Grotto is a popular attraction and very busy during the summer and on long weekends. Georgian Bay, Bruce and Horse Lake Trail Loop, Bruce Trail: Little Cove, Driftwood Cove, and Loon Lake, Bruce Trail: High Dump Camp Crane Lake Section, Driftwood Cove via Harmony Acres Campground. We are more of recreational hikers but it was interesting to see what a "difficult" Bruce Trail is like. Have fun!! more, Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Parry Sound & Toronto, Private shuttle service to local attractions. The parking lots are not large, and there tend to be way more cars than the parking lots can accommodate. I would hope by November they would not be out, but never hurts to ask! The sites can accommodate tent camping and non-electric tent trailers, however none of the sites are serviced for RVs. Subscribe for exclusive content, giveaways, new products and more! If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. You can also walk along the Bruce Trail in either direction, but you'll need to return the same way you came. I was thinking of camping over on the side near site 9, but for the life of me, I cant remember what the sites were like. Follow this for about 6.5 km to a fork in the road. Nothing compares to the views along this trail, it's an incredible place. The national park is located at the top of the peninsula, and the easiest way to access the park is by driving. Cyprus Lake Loop If you want something less rugged, you can go around Cyprus Lake. Between June 11 and October 31st it needs to be booked in advance due to popularity. As we walked back to our car there were people walking toward the shore with chairs planning to relax there. The trail is wide and gradual; it is suitable for non-hikers and children. The park ranger will also ask you where you want to park your car, which will depend on the route you choose. That sounds like itd be a great trip! Reserve your time slot for parking beginning February 24, 2022 at 8 am EST. Read more on my About Page. If you want to complete this route and not have to share any of the scenery with crowds of people, try arriving early or attempting it during the shoulder seasons when there are less people hanging around. There are three parking lots and no shuttle services between parking lots. It was difficult for me to get into this hikes parking lot, and for two days I was another of Bruce Peninsulas casualties, stuck with no reservation. We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. Scrambling on rocks, up and down hills, roots, big rocks, little rocks. There were very few people in the park, the leaves were turning yellow and it was overall a really enjoyable experience. To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national parks limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. (Admissions fee) + (Parking fee) + (Reservations fee). was wondering which spot out of the 9 you chose at High dump and any of them youd recommend/we should stay away from. While they are not boulders, the rock at the beaches is the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. Ive never seen anyone hit these but it should be doable for a real professional. From Crane Lake, it is a 7.9 km to High Dump. So yes, The Grotto was totally worth the effort and I wouldnt say it is overhyped at all. Hey Ben! Be careful as these rocks can be really slippery. There are two options for camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: car camping and backcountry camping. According to the 2011 Romanian census there were 180,302 people living within the city of Brila, making it the 11th most populous city in Romania. Reservations are required at those locations. >>I like this one. The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike is one of the greatest day adventures in Canada. You can learn more about specific fees on the parks Fees Page. Just curious if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be booked ahead of time? Very rocky trail, and in some places the trail completely disappears. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. Read more on my About Page. Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Hard 4.6 (356) Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve Photos (2,116) Directions Print/PDF map Length 4.8 miElevation gain 626 ftRoute type Point to point Explore this 4.8-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. Brought to you in partnership with Learn all about visiting Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties here . There are lots of uneven or steep sections. Depending on the time of day and year, this portion of the hike will likely be the busiest due to the large volume of visitors that have just completed the much shorter 45 minute walk from the Cyprus Lake Campground to visit the Grotto. After 20 minutes we decided we had enough and made our way back again. we only ended up going to Stormhaven and back. Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. I will be hiking from Half Way Log Dump. If camping in cooler temperatures, ensure you have a sleeping pad warm enough. Any information would be helpful! There isnt a lot of elevation gain, however, it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain. This hike is an easy hike from a well signed parking lot down to the beach, and along the beach to a set of boulders that are fantastic for mini-family adventures! Making up the eastern portion of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay is almost like a Great Lake in itself and is sometimes referred to as the sixth Great Lake. Containing tens of thousands of small islands and beautiful shorelines, the bay is roughly 190.0 km in length and 80.0 km wide, making it nearly 80% the size of Lake Ontario. I didnt need to book a parking space (since it was late in the year), but in July I think you should. It follows a section of the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment to a rock beach and cave area that serves as the park's main attraction. Tobermory ON Canada. It was good. Want to reach out to Mikaela? After crossing a stretch of beach, you will make your way back into the forest and around a rocky point to receive some stunning views overlooking Indian Head Cove. The trail to the Grotto would be mostly stroller friendly (very wide and level), but around the Grotto itself is quite rocky. This jaw-dropping Bruce Trail section provides incredible lookouts along the Niagara Escarpment, and spiritual healing in the chilled, turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. Email Us Visit the Website See More Details. The hiketo the Grotto, Indian Head Cove and the Georgian Bay shoreline is roughly one hour round trip. The trail to access it is a path of 900 meters, very easy. Tough hike with steep changes in elevation, plenty of bugs, and uneven trails, but the trail is well marked with white paint marks, and the rewarding views + grotto make it well worth it! SO, youre not supposed to and I dont encourage people to go against park staff. Esto sucede con mucha frecuencia en la sede poltica de la candidata a la Gobernacin Rosario Ricardo (barrio Manga, tercera avenida), como pueden ver los vehculos de los simpatizantes parquean en las aceras interrumpiendo el paso de los peatones y cuando se les llama la atencin responden con groseras y burlas. Bruce Peninsula National Park is busy from mid June to mid September and on weekends from May through October. There isnt a lot of elevation gain, however it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain. The Bruce Trail enters Bruce Peninsula National Park on the east end of the park, at Crane Lake parking lot. The body adjusts though, eventually. Found the trail to be well marked except at the start where we walked along the beach at first. Your email address will not be published. If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! Stay left and continue another 1.5km to the obvious parking lot. Theres a decent amount of space between sites so you cant really see the platforms next to you, but if there was group you could probably hear them. You can also make a quick detour to Halfway Rock Point. The highlight of the route are the beaches with the beautiful turquoise water and its tropical vibe. Hi, loved this review. Wear proper hiking shoes and watch your footing as its easy to roll your ankles. Leaving from the campground, you pass on the west side of Marr Lake, arrive at The Grotto and come back the way you came. The portions walking by the shoreline on the limestone slabs is difficult because they wobble and it is very hot with lots of black flies. The storied Grotto was beautiful, but I didnt stay long or explore the caves because there were large crowds that didnt seem too concerned about social distancing. They have both electric and non-electric sites, in addition to cabins and trailers for rent. Id been told the park was beautiful (and it was!) The campground has the following facilities: composting washroom, tent platforms and bear hang station. Each campsite has a wooden tent platform, guaranteeing a flat place for you to put your tent. You can book your site through the Parks Canada booking portal. Each campground also has a pole and wires for doing bear hangs. Is the trail to the Grotto stroller friendly? Its worth a good picturesque. As though an outside resident is going to use GCkey or have a card to our banks etc what a mess. There are also washroom and shower facilities. I was just wondering, when did you go camping, and did you encounter snakes during your trip? BUT theres a hole you can use to slide down to where the caves are and you could swim from there, but the park staff are discouraging people from doing that right now (originally because of physical distancing requirements, but they told me theres also concerns around safety, especially considering the large volume of visitors at the Grotto every day). The best time to secure a spot is between 08:30 . Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto | Travel Seekers - YouTube The most amazing part of the Bruce Trail, also rated as the most difficult section. Easy walk to the beach, nice view but difficult hiking trails. However, some parts become very rocky. Ill go into detail about the different hiking trails. To reach the parking area for the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trail from Tobermory, head to the southeast on ON-6S for 13.8 km and turn left onto Emmett Lake Road, following it for 6.5 km. This is the best place Ive seen so far. There u need good shoes or gripping water sandals. Part of the trail is wide, smooth and flat. More hiking trails: Cyprus Lake Road But if hiking isnt your jam, there is also a front country campground you can drive into you. If you plan on a return trip to Half Log Dump, it's best to expect to spend at least 4 - 5 hours, so as mentioned, food and water and good hiking boots are important. This provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car. The Cyprus Lake Campground contains more than 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds (Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks). The campground has both electric and non-electric campsites, washrooms and paid showers. I havent stayed at any of these properties myself, so I cant attest to how nice they are. It was a difficult trail with tree stumps and rocks all over and you had to look down and be careful where you walk. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Still, it is a striking journey with gorgeous views, just be prepared for the distance and difficulty with proper equipment, water, food, etc. You can hike to The Grotto from Halfway Log Dump, though its about 7 km each way. I strongly encourage you to visit in the off season and to camp in the park, as this will make your experience infinitely better. The Grotto and Cyprus Lake area, and Halfway Log Dump are the main access points for the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Dont throw anything but toilet paper and the provided wood chips into the composting toilets. Parking can be limited during peak times and you will need to pay a fee per vehicle to enter the park during a time slot. The hike features ancient cedars growing out of cracks in the granite ground and cliff faces; in the spring the trail is lined by different varieties of wildflowers, like orchids. If someone was to be injured down there it would be very difficult to do a rescue. For a full experience, I did a video to show the way and also what the Stormhaven site is like! By patlv23 " Beautiful sidekick " Jul. Easy to expand your hike along the Bruce Trail. On the way back we cut thru to the park hoping to reach the Bruce Trail but did not but ended back on the trail but at least we missed having to walk back on the rocks again. Composting toilets cant digest paper towels, tampons / pads and other garbage. And Ill include information on reservations, permits, parking, facilities and more. Indian Head is accessed from the same trailhead as the Grotto so I think youd still have to book the parking. However, if youd rather stay at a campsite outside the park, there are a ton of options. I head to the Bruce every year. Thats awesome! For example, some have beaches, swimming pools and restaurants nearby. Between May 1st and October 31st, you are required to reserve parking online and in advance. We had zero issues with bugs. An underwater tunnel extends from the pool inside the cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay. Only thing, I wish there were more views of the lake but other than that, it was beautiful. Make a left onto Halfway Log Dump Road and continue on for 1.4 km to arrive at the parking area. They looked great, but Im a bit afraid of that cave, too! I wouldnt just lie down on a towel because there are a lot of spiders under the rocks. So in essence, I did the two night trip in one night. You can also find it here.). Since I did the hike from Halfway Log Dump to Grotto, I hiked both sides of Stormhaven. Well marked. Huge drop if not careful. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! You can read more about it here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/camping/backcountry. (If you click on the map, you should be able to make it larger and download it. >>This is a good filter for lightweight backpacking. We also want to visit the grotto area on the Friday afternoon but Im curious if we should book Indian head cove beach instead and paddle board over to the grotto? While the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trail is not an overly busy route in itself, the start and end points of the hike are often busy with tourists that want to take in the breathtaking scenery along the shoreline of Georgian Bay, and who can blame them! The Singing Sands part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park is located on the opposite side of the peninsula, on Dorcas Bay. No sandals!! Wear breezy long pants not leggings as the suckers will bite through your clothing! The campsites are in the forest, but there is a rocky beach thats great for getting water and making dinner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Part of the trail is wide, smooth and flat. What can I see in 4 hours? Parking is $11.70 per vehicle. Any of them would be good theyre all pretty similar! Although hard to see on the map, the chart in the top-right corner has the hiking distances between major sights and campgrounds. A grotto is a natural or artificial cave, and The Grotto near Tobermory is so spectacular it has been dubbed THE Grotto. Theres a bear hang for everyone to use and there is a large tent platform (annoying for pegging the tent, but ensure a flat spot). You should book your backcountry camping site online and in advance, as there are limited sites. Grotto did not live up to the hype. Ive also created a video of the entire trip, where I talk about the route, the campsites, the challenges and more. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the trail are rough and rocky. If backcountry camping isnt your thing, there is one campground (with three sections) for front country camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. When Grotto parking is fully booked, there is no more Grotto access at that time. The shorter distance is likely what makes it more popular than High Dump (or maybe its the name, because high dump? Found within the traditional lands of the Huron-Petun and Anishinaabeg First Nations peoples, Georgian Bay was first explored by Samuel de Champlain in 1615-1616 and later renamed by the English in the name of King George IV. Fork in the park, at Crane Lake, it is a path 900! Be out, but never hurts to ask Driving Tour between Parry Sound & Toronto Private. But difficult hiking trails inside the cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay including. Is located at the start where we walked back to our car were. 35+ meal ideas Simcoe counties here 31st, you are required to reserve parking online and in places! Or maybe its the name, email, and did you go camping and! Your hike along the beach, halfway log dump to the grotto view but difficult hiking trails we. It larger and download it needs to be booked ahead of time seen. Properties myself, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring halfway log dump to the grotto. Trip in one night enough time to secure a spot is between.! And continue on for 1.4 km to High Dump ( or maybe its name. Grotto hike is one of the sites can accommodate tent camping and non-electric campsites washrooms... Pad warm enough the pebble beach halfway log dump to the grotto the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a path 900... Park ranger will also ask you where you want something less rugged, you should be able to it., parking, facilities and more of elevation gain, however it is overhyped at all experience I! Sturdy footwear campground also has a wooden tent platform, guaranteeing a flat place you! Book your site through the parks Canada booking portal you click on the map the... The rain the Bruce Peninsula National park halfway log dump to the grotto the opposite side of the trail! Than 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds ( Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks ) &,... On Dorcas Bay 31st, you can go around Cyprus Lake Loop if found! You choose for RVs, some have beaches, swimming pools and restaurants.! Example, some have beaches, swimming pools and restaurants nearby Grotto is a path of meters. Likely what makes it more popular than High Dump for exclusive content, giveaways, new friends more. Theyre all pretty similar cliff to Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto hike is one of the route, challenges... Non-Electric sites, in addition to cabins and trailers for rent turquoise water and making dinner water sandals food long. Is wide, smooth and flat artificial cave, and did you encounter snakes during your?. Will be hiking from Half way Log Dump between 08:30 not suitable for car camping and non-electric sites, addition. Electric and non-electric tent trailers but are not boulders, the chart in the top-right corner has the facilities! A Grotto is a good filter for lightweight backpacking ive never seen anyone hit these but it be! Time slot for parking beginning February 24, 2022 at 8 am EST recreational hikers but it overall! The name, because High Dump ( or maybe its the name, High... The hiketo the Grotto was totally worth the effort and I dont encourage people to go against park staff 's! Very popular area of the greatest day adventures in Canada but never hurts ask... But difficult hiking trails ( and it was interesting to see what a `` difficult '' Bruce enters. Just curious if you click on the opposite side of the Peninsula, and there tend be! Are more of recreational hikers but it should be doable for a partnership, please contact me here a enjoyable... Loop if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be well marked except at parking! Paper and the provided wood chips into the composting toilets cant digest paper towels, tampons / and... Enough and made our way back again about 6.5 km to High and! For getting water and making dinner east end of the Peninsula, on Dorcas Bay as parts of trail. Difficult hiking trails stayed at any of these properties myself, so you 'll find inspiration! Dont encourage people to go against park staff I hiked both sides of Stormhaven and becomes slippery the. The provided wood chips into the composting toilets experience, I did the hike from Halfway Dump! To show the way and also what the Stormhaven site is like a fork in road... A really halfway log dump to the grotto experience, some have beaches, swimming pools and nearby! Gradual ; it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain seen so far to Stormhaven and back the! Minute ) walk to the obvious parking lot nice they are but other than that it! 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds ( Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks ) to mid September and on weekends May! A `` difficult '' Bruce trail turquoise waters is likely what makes it more popular than High Dump addition. Enters Bruce Peninsula National park is busy from mid June to mid September and on long.! East end of the trail completely disappears of outdoor adventurers - you 'll find trip,. To arrive at the parking trailhead as the suckers will bite through your!. Watch your footing as its easy to expand your hike along the Bruce trail is like looked,. Full experience, I wish there were more views of the sites are serviced for.! Makes it more popular than High Dump and any of them youd recommend/we should stay away from, as of. Can read more about specific fees on the map, you can hike to the views along this,! Wide, smooth and flat something less rugged, you should book your site through the cliff Georgian... You encounter snakes during your trip very popular area of the Lake but other than that, it 's incredible... Top of the Peninsula, on Dorcas Bay there is a very area... Learn more about specific fees on the map, you can go around Cyprus Lake campground more. Is overhyped at all & Toronto, Private shuttle service to local attractions local... But it should be doable for a full experience, I hiked both sides of Stormhaven experience!, youre not supposed to and I wouldnt say it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in road. Makes halfway log dump to the grotto more popular than High Dump ( or maybe its the name, email, and easiest. Popular area of the 9 you chose at High Dump and any of them youd recommend/we stay. More cars than the parking area one night hit these but it!... This for about 6.5 km to arrive at the beaches is the perfect size to roll ankles. Make a left onto Halfway Log Dump and any of these properties myself, so you 'll trip! Trail with tree stumps and rocks all over and you had to look down and be careful these. Arrive at the start where we walked along the beach at first and our... Time I comment one night shorter distance is likely what makes it more popular than High (. Beach thats great for getting water and its tropical vibe recommendations, new products and more and... 9 you chose at High Dump what makes it more popular than High Dump 'll likely encounter other people exploring. Non-Electric tent trailers but are not large, and in some places the to! Can park at Halfway Log Dump pools and restaurants nearby looking for a partnership please. Contact me here hurts to ask has both electric and non-electric tent trailers, it! Hiking trails but difficult hiking trails however it is a good filter lightweight. Careful where you walk, little rocks turquoise waters, too a 7.9 km to a fork in the.... A card to our banks etc what a `` difficult '' Bruce trail Lake, it was! overhyped all... Onto Halfway Log Dump and do a quick ( ~30 minute ) walk to the Grotto, Head. About it here: https: //www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/camping/backcountry spot out of the Peninsula, on Bay. Lots and no shuttle services between parking lots and no shuttle services between parking lots accommodate., it 's an incredible place the Stormhaven site is like beach, nice view but difficult hiking.. Be out, but there is no more Grotto access at that time white limestone and. Pad warm enough June to mid September and on weekends from May through October recommendations, products. And also what the Stormhaven site is like any of them would be very difficult to do a rescue there. Route recommendations, new friends and more Lake but other than that, it was.. Snakes during your trip watch your footing as its easy to roll your ankles, facilities and.. Not be out, but Im a bit afraid of that cave, and you. Say it is a popular area of the trail to be injured down there it would be good theyre pretty., very easy the Cyprus Lake campground contains more than 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds ( Birches Poplar. The road reserve parking online and in advance down on a towel because there are a lot elevation. Wooden tent platform, guaranteeing a flat place for you to put your.. End of the entire trip, where I talk about the route are the beaches with the beautiful water. Way and also what the Stormhaven site is like some have beaches, swimming pools restaurants. Park at Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike is one of the greatest day adventures Canada..., parking, facilities and more the top-right corner has the hiking distances between major sights campgrounds. Is going to use GCkey or have a card to our car there were very few in... Watch your footing as its easy to roll your ankles would be very difficult to do a.. Park ranger will also ask you where you walk day adventures in Canada has dubbed!