Bruce Peninsula National Park image

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Tourist attraction National park Heritage preservation

One of the Best Places To Visits in Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula


Address

Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0, Canada

Website

parks.canada.ca

Contact

+1 519-596-2233

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: water (16) Grotto (12) time (11) trails (11) park (11) parking (10) Bruce (9) beautiful (8) grotto (8) experience (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Barış Can A. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience. Quiet, peaceful, family friendly and beautiful. There are washrooms right next to all camp sites. Also you can find fresh water next to the camp sites too. Time to time there are bear sightings but they are generally black bears, which are not dangerous in most situations. There are amazing trails you can walk and amazing places you can swim. I’d recommend bringing your own fire wood and maybe a lamp for night. Also definitely get bug/mosquito spray. Enjoy :)
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie-Claude P. 1 year ago on Google
    The first time I tried to come to Bruce Peninsula it was full. It was in Summer 2021 and I didn't have a reservation. Hence why it is important that you book online before you go there so you won't waste your time. I have the Parks Canada Discovery Pass(72,25$) which allows me to go there for 1 year. Just the booking fee to pay. I went there last October, it was simply magnificent. The color of the water and the Grotto are impressive. Hiking there is an amazing experience and walking around Cyprus Lake too. It's a very popular place so book early!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sakina D. 1 year ago on Google
    An incredible camping experience at the park. The camp site gets buzy in summer so would highly recommend booking 3 months in advance to get the weekends. The park is well maintained and they have different hikes, loved all of them. They have marked the hike from beginner level to advance which is very helpful. The trails are so beautiful and you can hear the sounds of animals and humming of different bird. I would highly recommend to stay for couple of days so that you can explore all the different hikes there. Also, if the forecast is rainy get your own wood, sometimes the wood at the park is damp . Highly recommended place for camping
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa Madeleine S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a magnificent and unique place! The park is well laid out with good trails and a path. There are toilets in some areas which are well maintained and water fountains. Take hiking shoes even in summer because some of the rocks are very smooth and it is easy to lose your footing. The views are spectacular - the water ranges in colour from azure to jade to turquoise. There is a fabulous swimming area at Indian Cove and the Grotto. It was an unforgettable trip!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leee C. 10 months ago on Google
    First time here and it was amazing ! But you must reserve your spot. We didn’t know and got lucky so prior to book a reservation. We went on a Friday at 12 pm and it wasn’t busy which I loved. There are easy trails and more difficult ones. The beauty is really at the grotto it’s absolutely breathtaking. The water is very cold so it’s tough to swim but otherwise you will have a great time. The parking was convenient as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George S. 11 months ago on Google
    Fantastic Park With A Fantastic Coastline My family and I engaged in a road trip to The Bruce Peninsula in August 2022. Unlike the prev. year where we COULD NOT come because we missed the RESERVATION for the daytime parking P1 (@ The Grotto main entrance), this time we reserved a month in advance. This is the only negative thing about this otherwise wonderful park experience. Both the Horse Lake trail, Bruce trail (where it faces the beautiful Georgian Bay setting), and Georgian trails were well marked and well kept. The highlights were of course the Indian Head cove and “The Grotto” itself. The turquoise waters were so inviting that I took a dip into the waters myself even though I wasn’t prepared for it. There were quite a handful of bathers and we were here on a Wed. I can’t imagine how crowded this must be so be prepared for the crowds if you plan to pop by on a mid-summer weekend. Parking facilities and main entrance lobby were well stock with info around the area. Washroom facilities were adequately clean despite the many tourists. One bonus I loved about were the covered picnic tables by the parking area offering shelter from the elements. We sat down to take a break w/ refreshments. My family and loved the place and look forward to coming here in the near future.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cody B. 8 months ago on Google
    Solid 4.5 stars. Let me begin by saying that for those who are unaware, the reservation at 40.00/night is actually 56.00/night. This is because the additional 16.00 is for amenity access. Ie; hiking trails, grotto, halfway log dump, singing sand, and the activity center. Totally worth it. The bathrooms and showers are super clean and almost have a luxury status compared to other parks. Sites are private enough. We stayed in the birch campground and very much enjoyed it. The hike to the grotto was about 30 minutes. Very easy. As for the grotto, it was absolutely packed! Garbage has become a bigger issue. Lots of people were drinking. Wardens came by and stopped a few, but being overpopulated, they couldn't tackle everyone. Behind the shower area is an up-to-date kids' park. Some people drive very fast throughout the campgrounds, so be careful. All in all, it's solid time, and we are already looking at dates to go back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ava von N. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the visit here! The views are stunning and the water is crystal clear! I have to come back for kayaking or camping! The drive is long from Toronto, but definitely worth it! We did a one day trip and left early in the morning in June. The bugs were really not bad! That's a huge plus for me!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nitesh S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best parks we have visited so far. Make sure you book your entry & parking pass way ahead. When we visited the place we were told at the gate in the morning that the parking lot was full, we were fortunate enough to find the pass for the evening of the same day. You can visit Grotto and Indian Head cove along with a few other places from here. The hiking is also good and worth the effort.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohammad B. 1 year ago on Google
    Bruce Peninsula National Park is a sight to behold and looks much better than in the pictures. The trail to the grotto is leisurely and has many scenic views on the way to the bottom. The view close to the water is magnificent but beware, the water is freezing cold to swim. Will definitely come back next year.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cam L. 7 months ago on Google
    A breathtaking adventure for all ages! With so many trails and viewpoints, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is a must visit for any Canadian. Explore your own country by viewing some of the clearest fresh waters in Canada!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffrey A. 6 months ago on Google
    This hidden gem is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a 20-minute trek through picturesque surroundings, culminating in the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters. To ensure a hassle-free experience, it's advisable to reserve your parking spot in advance through the Parks Canada website. The trek itself is a nature lover's dream. With every step, you're immersed in the tranquility of the wilderness, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. As you approach the crystal-clear water, the anticipation of a refreshing swim adds to the excitement of the journey. Reserving your parking spot online not only guarantees you a convenient spot but also helps in preserving the natural beauty of this hidden spot. With limited parking available, booking in advance ensures that the environment remains undisturbed, and you can fully savor the pristine beauty of this secluded paradise. In essence, this destination offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation, and the online reservation system makes it a seamless experience. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden spot and its incredible natural beauty, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sonny M. 6 months ago on Google
    Camped at the Cyprus Lake campgrounds in the Birches area, camp sites are nice and easily accessible by car. There is also a nice bathroom with showers available not too far away from the camp sites. Firewood is available from the park, but it’s not covered so if it’s been raining it can be wet and difficult to burn.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew W. 8 months ago on Google
    Checked out smiling sands beach and the visitor center- pleasant lake scenery and walking. Missed out on the Grotto as I arrived with 1.5 hours left in my parking spot reservation and was not allowed to continue onto there. Found that a bit disappointing as I didn't see the park highlights due to that and would have enough time for a short hike.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brent 7 months ago on Google
    Make sure you book your day use permit in advance. The place is really really busy. Was our second time coming here just to explore the grotto. As usual the grotto was amazing and beautiful and did not disappoint. Did some swimming and some jumping off the rocks. I suggest to wear water shoes as the wet rocks get slippery. Even the hike from the parking lot to the grotto is very beautiful. Will be coming back for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon W. 6 months ago on Google
    great hiking trails, scenic lookouts and beautiful islands in the Ontario park. worth the visit. YOU MUST buy tickets in advance for the Grotto, I didn't and learned a lesson the hard way when I was turned around at the gate.

  • 5/5 Muhamed N. 4 months ago on Google
    Brace yourself for a sensory overload, because Bruce Peninsula National Park isn't just stunning, it's a symphony for the soul. Picture this: the Niagara Escarpment, a dramatic limestone ridge, throws down towering cliffs that plunge into the embrace of a turquoise Georgian Bay. The water, clear enough to count fish scales, shimmers under a summer sun, while the cliffs themselves are draped in an emerald cloak of ancient cedars and pines. The air vibrates with the whisper of leaves and the calls of unseen birds, a constant lullaby that soothes your worries away. Step onto the Bruce Trail, a 828-kilometer footpath that snakes through this wonderland, and let your boots become your compass. You'll weave through forests that seem untouched by time, sunlight dappling the mossy floor like liquid gold. Towering maples and graceful beeches whisper secrets in the breeze, their gnarled roots like the veins of a sleeping giant. Every bend reveals a new vista, a jaw-dropping panorama of turquoise coves framed by cliffs, or a hidden waterfall gushing into a pool of jade-green water. Speaking of coves, prepare to be spellbound. The Grotto, a natural limestone cave, opens its mouth to reveal a turquoise playground where waves dance and kayakers bob like colorful toys. Hike down to Indian Head Cove, and you'll find yourself on a crescent of pearl-white sand, framed by cliffs that rise like silent sentinels. And then there's Singing Sands Beach, on the other side of the peninsula. Fine quartz sand squeaks underfoot here, whispering a melody that will stay with you long after you leave. But Bruce Peninsula National Park isn't just a feast for the eyes. It's a playground for the adventurous spirit. Hike the challenging Georgian Bay Trail, a 7.5-kilometer cliff-hugging path that will test your legs and reward you with views that will leave you breathless. Kayak through the emerald embrace of the caves, or dive into the crystal depths of Georgian Bay, where shipwrecks from another era slumber beneath the waves. So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a weekend warrior, a nature photographer or a sun-worshipper, Bruce Peninsula National Park has something for you. It's a place where every step is a discovery, every breath a symphony, and every memory a masterpiece. Come, lose yourself in its beauty, and let the wild symphony of nature play your worries away.

  • 5/5 Vedant S. 6 months ago on Google
    This park is so beautiful. The water is so clear but the beach is covered with rocks that make it a little bit difficult to walk and swim. Tracking is also not that hard but trails are long if you are planning to complete it.

  • 5/5 Barath R. 6 months ago on Google
    Serene and the best place for clear waters in Ontario. Enjoy the views of Lake Huron and take a nice swim during summers. I stayed in a yurt near cypress lake and enjoyed every bit of it. Though grizzly bears and rattle snakes were spotted, fortunately for me and my gang, we didn't :) I suggest always travel in groups but don't miss the fun

  • 5/5 Nazia A. 8 months ago on Google
    My first visit really took my breath away. Thought came like,"this is the place,I used to watch in Insta feeds and reels for a long-time as a person who loves to travel whenever possible." Breathtaking view of Grotto and this rocky mountain, all the trail walk was amazing.

  • 5/5 Jessyca L. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place! We stayed at the birches campsite. It was very well maintained, the washrooms were clean and the trails are amazing. The Grotto was our favourite place.

  • 5/5 Thi Ha K. 1 year ago on Google
    It's one of the best national parks in the world. The water quality at the Grotto is so great. The scenery is very much like southern Italy or norther Spain, but way better. Why? The water is fresh not salty, which makes the swimming experience awesome!

  • 5/5 Mohammad S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite trips in Ontario and also the best time I ever had in Canada 🇨🇦 This national park 🏞️ is silent, gorgeous and offers a spectacular views of not only Grotto but also marvellous sunset, tens of trails, crystal clear water, stunning place for campgrounds and a beautiful night view stargazing with a visibility of every single star and even milky way galaxy 🌌 But please make some precautions while you plan for camping like never leaves the food outside the vehicle or trailer or in the tent or campground as there are racoon, bears and coyotes habitat in the forest area. Also check the weather before planning and bring something which keeps you warm as there is more damper atmosphere.


Call +1 519-596-2233 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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