The flies were AWFUL, not bad for the walk but when you actually get to the beach they bite HARD. However, there is no direct water access and the sites appear very close together. Although it's still popular enough to require parking reservations. The most amazing views you will see awaits. This is a 5 km loop that takes about 2.5 hours. Easy walk to the beach, nice view but difficult hiking trails. 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. Arrive early if you want to avoid bumping into the throngs of people that crowd around the Grotto. Its worth a good picturesque. Make sure to wear full sleeves shirt and full trousers as there are many flies which will bite you a lot. An inexpensive pair of water shoes will keep your footing if you stop for a dip. This loop starts from the parking lot at Cyprus Campground. I would hope by November they would not be out, but never hurts to ask! but many people warned me about how crowded it would be. Technically, there are a couple of other parking lots that are on a first-come-first-serve basis, however these require longer hiking distance and are full very early in the morning. The Bruce Trail enters the national park at Crane Lake and then traces the coastline to Little Cove. Stormhaven has all the same facilities as the above, including composting washrooms, tent platforms and a bear hang station. The trail ranking as difficult is accurate! But on the morning I was scheduled to leave the region, I instead got up at 5:00 AM to get there on time to secure a spot. By visiting early in the morning, you beat the crowds of people who are still in their cars driving in. The boulders are found along a thin section of the rock beach where the water nearly reaches the base of the cliff. During the fall and winter season, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. we only ended up going to Stormhaven and back. Over the years, The Grotto has grown in popularity (as have the nearby parks and town of Tobermory). Have fun!! Follow this for about 6.5 km to a fork in the road. Hey! The parking lots are not large, and there tend to be way more cars than the parking lots can accommodate. If you have not made a reservation at The Bruce Peninsula National Park to visit The Grotto and are looking for an alternative way, then you've found the right article.. If you prefer car camping, youll want to stay at Cyprus Lake Campground. 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 trail to access it is a path of 900 meters, very easy. 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. We booked the 7am - 1pm and I believe the next slot is 230-830 or 2-8. From the parking lot it's 8.0 km to High Dump and 15.5 km to Halfway Log Dump. Even on a weekend the halfway log dump wasn't as busy whereas the grotto was overly packed and crowded. Here you'll be able to park at Halfway Log Dump. In the video youll see the striking scenery of Bruce Peninsula, the campsites and surrounding facilities, and the trail itself. Hope the weather is good. Will you be hiking from Cypress or Halfway Log Dump? You can see at the top in the centre the label Cyprus Lake. There u need good shoes or gripping water sandals. Awesome video. Generally considered a challenging route. Although there is a small garbage can in the washroom, you shouldnt put any garbage (like food wrappers or scraps) into it. Any mosquito repellent doesnt work. There are a few other easy hikes in this area as well. Thank you for all your insights. Because we mean itthese views are out-of-this-province gorgeous. If you leave early enough you can secure a parking spot at Emmett Lake and hike up to The Grotto. A new reservation system for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip in advance. Pictures dont do it justice. Tobermory Village Campground This campground is directly southeast of Tobermory. It feels very last corner of the Earth. The campground has the following facilities: composting washroom, tent platforms and bear hang station. Yes, the Grotto is open in the winter! Take your time and be careful! However, if youd rather stay at a campsite outside the park, there are a ton of options. Foul. Easy to expand your hike along the Bruce Trail. Be careful here its easy to misinterpret the markings when you return to the Bruce Trail at the other side. Parking is hands down the hardest part about visiting The Grotto. Huge drop if not careful. >>This is a good filter for lightweight backpacking. You can hike to The Grotto from Halfway Log Dump, though its about 7 km each way. The trail here is wonderful. Many tourists love to enjoy some fulfilling snacks by the shores to fuel themselves for the rich calorie-burning trod back. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area. The Bruce Trail enters Bruce Peninsula National Park on the east end of the park, at Crane Lake parking lot. Difficult difficult difficult. As though an outside resident is going to use GCkey or have a card to our banks etc what a mess. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. You definitely cant bike to the Grotto itself. When Halfway Log Dump parking is fully booked, there is no more Halfway Log Dump access at that time. That means someone from Parks Canada has to fish those items out of the toilet. I dont believe so. After a short hike, you are greeted by a long stone beach. Enjoy the views! This is less popular than The Grotto, so it will be less crowded. Take your time and be careful! There is considerable distance between each campsite. That sounds like itd be a great trip! Be sure to book your parking reservation in advance. Driving in and dropping off visitors is not allowed. It looks like it's straight out of the Caribbean! Getting to the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trailhead 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. I head to the Bruce every year. It is becoming increasingly difficult to experience the beautiful of Bruce Peninsula and The Grotto without feeling like youre at a zoo. 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. If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. Parking is $11.70 per vehicle. Those that want to swim in the refreshing waters of the bay can follow one of the trails that lead down to the edge of the water, although caution should be exercised in doing so. You can learn more about specific fees on the parks Fees Page. Halfway Log Dump 4 8 reviews #16 of 35 things to do in Tobermory Bodies of Water Beaches Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying " AmazIng time " Aug. 2022 We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. There are two options for camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: car camping and backcountry camping. However, Ive always been more nervous of backcountry camping and other adventures, despite rafting, canyoning and hiking both here and in France. It costs $6.00 to make your reservation. This is enough time to view explore The Grotto. Continue along the trail to the west for another 1.3 km, where you will come to the Stormhaven Campsite, which is a great spot along the water for some backcountry camping if you want to make this into a longer adventure. Was tougher and way more rugged than we expected. Please note that first-come, first-served parking lots at the Visitor Centre, Little Cove and Singing Sands fill up early every morning and do not provide access to the Grotto. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. The trail is fairly well-marked and even on Friday it was not crowded. The campground itself is down a side trail off of the Bruce Trail. Thank you for such great info! But if hiking isnt your jam, there is also a front country campground you can drive into you. When this happens, walk along the rocky beach close to the lake until you find the trail again. An underwater tunnel extends from the pool inside the cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay. Once there to see the shore you need to walk on big white rocks for about 15 minutes to get to a lookout. 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. A shoreline sea cave with the beautiful blue waters, the Grotto is a unique natural wonder and memorable place to experience. Visit on weekdays: BPNP is a madhouse on weekends. Tough terrain, but being 5 months pregnant may have presented its own challenges that others might not face. Id been told the park was beautiful (and it was!) Any recollections? You can also walk along the Bruce Trail in either direction, but youll need to return the same way you came. There . Need hiking boots? Are there bears in Bruce Peninsula? My usual sleeping pad wasnt warm enough so I also brought this foam sleeping pad, and together they were perfect. Challenging trail, but the views are worth it! This post may contain affiliate links. And Ill provide some tips for backcountry camping because this requires a little more planning than staying at a campground. If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. There is no known route history. Stormhaven is beautiful . We are more of recreational hikers but it was interesting to see what a "difficult" Bruce Trail is like. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer, Confirmed reservation required from June 17 to September 5, 2022. Great blog Mikaela! 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. Parking and day-use fees can be paid at the Cyprus Lake office. The national park is located at the top of the peninsula, and the easiest way to access the park is by driving. But thanks to your inspiration and work I really want to give backcountry camping a go this summer at Bruce Peninsula! You can do so through the Parks Canada booking portal. I went in the middle of October and didnt see any snakes on my trip. Well marked. Have a great time! 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. Tip: The waves are really big, so youll get wet when you try to fill your pot. For a quieter visit, consider visiting in early spring or late fall. The Grotto is located in Bruce Peninsula National Park, at the northeastern end of Bruce Peninsula. SO, youre not supposed to and I dont encourage people to go against park staff. We arent experienced hikers but the trail was easy enough for us. 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You can also make a quick detour to Halfway Rock Point. 3. 519-596-2233. I am definitely of the optional that camping Bruce Peninsula National Park should be on any Ontarians bucket list. This is a stunning part of the province with excellent backcountry and front country camping facilities. If youre doing the Bruce Trail, you should wear hiking boots / hiking shoes / trail running shoes. If you are like the rest of us cruising the South Pacific may be a dream for now, so you may have to settle for something closer. I know this is disappointing, but the fires damage the fragile environment. This post may contain affiliate links. Ive also included little anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments from my backpacking trip. Composting toilets cant digest paper towels, tampons / pads and other garbage. The best places to swim are actually before reaching The Grotto, since the water is generally more rough and windy there - but beware of bugs elsewhere when sheltering from waves and wind. Halfway was great. These are wide, mostly flat, trails that go directly from the parking lot to a particular site (i.e. Halfway Log Dump Trail is a wide trail that used to be a logging road. I paid 30 dollars for the reservation ( all due to COVID ). Leau est vraiment de toute beaut et le sentier est assez rocheux. Here the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay have carved the soft stones cliffs, leaving behind caves, tunnels and archways. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hiked Halfway Log Dump towards the Grotto years ago and that direction is much more challenging, but Halfway Log Dump allows 6 hours of parking. After 1.3 km along this trail, you will climb uphill and come to the Cave Point Lookout, which will provide some stunning views overlooking the rock formations along the edge of the shimmering blue water. Stormhaven is just 3 km from Halfway Log Dump and about 4 km from Cyprus Lake Campground. Download my cookbook now! Near the town, there are two National [] When you get to the water, its all rocks and YOU NEED GOOD FOOTWEAR! Bruce Peninsula National Park is busy from mid June to mid September and on weekends from May through October. Many people were on water but it was cold. Hey Ben! An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works Please review the park's winter safety pagebefore your visit. Cyprus Lake Loop If you want something less rugged, you can go around Cyprus Lake. Hi Vivienne! There is also a composting toilet that is in (surprisingly) excellent shape very clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. In all cases, proper footwear is a must. Just be careful not to go too close to the edge! Explore this 4.8-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. While hikers wishing to visit the Grotto along this route will need to follow the directions posted above to access the trailhead, day visitors that arent interested in a longer hike can drive to the Cyprus Lake Campground for a much shorter 45 minute walk to the Grotto. There is even a pool! Im at High Dump in a few weeks and was under the impression that I can purchase overnight parking for Half Way Log Dump upon check in. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! For both the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump, it is highly encouraged to plan on visiting in the shoulder seasons, (spring/fall) and be sure to call ahead and book a reservation. You can also order printed visitor, paddling and trails maps for free! 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 is an amazing hike that should definitely make it onto your list if you find yourself in the Bruce. Envy is a deadly sin largely because of its resentment component, and by The Little Mermaid's halfway point, Ariel has plenty of resentment to spare. Below Ive embedded the video I made about my overnight trip to Bruce Peninsula. The Bruce Peninsula is very popular for a reason, however, summer is much too busy for my personal liking. 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. more, Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Parry Sound & Toronto, Private shuttle service to local attractions. The Lod Dumo trail is an easy trail to the shore. >>This is the lightweight, inexpensive stove I brought. This loop begins the same as the one above. This is a gorgeous trail- youre walking on top of the escarpment so lots of rocks/walking on top of boulders etc. Bruce Peninsula National Park - Halfway Log Dump parking Reservations can also be made by phone: 1-877-737-3783. For a full experience, I did a video to show the way and also what the Stormhaven site is like! Ive included a brief description of the hiking trails below, however, you can find more info on the Parks Canada website. Ive just returned from a wonderful camping trip in Bruce Peninsula National Park. It was definitely rocky and lots of roots out of the ground, small passage ways, a few steep inclines etc. Superbe rando. That would be closely than going from Halfway Log Dump, which is about 5 km each way from the Grotto I think. Hiking is the best (and only) way to get around Bruce Peninsula National Park (unless you are an experienced kayaker perhaps). Your email address will not be published. So in this guide, Ill provide you with tips on how to visit The Grotto while avoiding the crowds. This looks like a perfect spot, my only concern is the descent to High Dump looked pretty steep. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Reservations are required for parking at the Grotto from April 30 to October 31and Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 5. What is front country camping? This is thee equipment I brought for my backpacking trip. I stayed at High Dump, which was 7 km from The Grotto and resulted in a LOT of walking. Extreme changes in elevation, rocky and uneven terrain to navigate, and the markings arent always the most clear. Your support is much appreciated! There are two options for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: Stormhaven and High Dump. We had zero issues with bugs. Lots of opportunities to rest and take in the spectacular sights. When you make your reservation, you get a 4-hour time slot. But if crowds arent your thing, I definitely suggest walking a section of the Bruce Trail. 2022 Required fields are marked *. 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. Definitely enjoyed best with a hiking shoe on as the rocks and roots make it easy to roll your ankle! I havent stayed at any of these properties myself, so I cant attest to how nice they are. The Head of Trails parking lot can be found at the end of Cyprus Lake Road (5 km). Wear proper hiking shoes and watch your footing as its easy to roll your ankles. The Crane Lake High Dump section of the trail is apparently easier, but not nearly as scenic because it isnt along the coastline. Look no further than Bruce Peninsula National Park! Reservations must be booked for those visiting Halfway Log Dump between June 18 and Sept. 7, while they are required for those visiting the Grotto and Cyprus Lake area between May 1 and Oct. 31. Absolutely stunning! Ive included more information about camping near the Grotto and camping in Tobermory below. Getting down to the water can be a bit difficult in some areas, so make sure to exercise caution. If camping in cooler temperatures, ensure you have a sleeping pad warm enough. By patlv23 " Beautiful sidekick " Jul 2022 The park ranger will also ask you where you want to park your car, which will depend on the route you choose. The rock formations/wading pools will be to the left / west. It is also a very popular and busy location, especially during the peak season of July and August and on long weekends. In the past, this meant a lot of people got turned away or were forced to sit around waiting for someone to leave. My husband and I went here yesterday, and it was lovely. It had an amazing view of the clear blue waters! To avoid getting weight, bring a pot with handles and tie a long rope on it, and throw your pot into the water and reel it back in. Located just beside the Grotto, the cold blue waters from the Georgian Bay is the perfect place to relax after a long and tiring hike. What are the trails at Halfway Log Dump like? I went through the Stormhaven campground but didnt stay there myself. Beautiful, clear water, but quite bone-chilling on our July visit. Why would you name something that?). Thanks for all of the tips. There isnt a lot of elevation gain, however, it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain. was wondering which spot out of the 9 you chose at High dump and any of them youd recommend/we should stay away from. Providing you with easy to follow directions to go for a hike to The Grotto. Note: Unlike at the backcountry campsites, you can have open fires at Cyprus Lake so long as they are in the fire pit. There is a jump of about 40' at the grotto. Take it slow and youll be fine! The Grotto was awesome when I visited. Once you've pushed through this rocky hike, you'll be rewarded with aquamarine beauty and refreshing breezes. If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. My GF and I are planning to visit and we booked halfway log dump parking / beach on sat Aug 27. Be aware that the area is entirely covered in snow, so youll want to bring winter boots and maybe ice cleats or snowshoes for the hike, depending on the conditions. I will contact them to confirm =). To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national parks limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. 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? the shoreline, the Grotto, a lake). Download my cookbook now! Halfway Log Dump Be sure to review the process for time slot parking as it is required for this lot. This is the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of the backcountry campsites. However, the terrain around the Grotto itself is uneven and very rocky; while it is not physically tiring, navigating the rocks can be a little tricky. When you arrive at the park gate, the ranger will provide you with a map of the park. This is the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of the backcountry campsites. I encountered a few makeshift campfires on the beach so I know people break the rules. Although its not possible to swim in or explore the caves right now, The Grotto is still beautiful enough to warrant a visit. As we walked back to our car there were people walking toward the shore with chairs planning to relax there. Email Us Visit the Website See More Details. 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 walk from the parking lot to the water is very easy, I wore sandals with no issue. When I finally got in, I was excited and a bit nervous. Omg you are so awesome. Further below I have included sample routes for 1, 2 and 3-night trips. The impact rattles me, but Cassandra is up and moving the moment we land. Halfway Log Dump You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. The Grotto is a popular attraction and very busy during the summer and on long weekends. Need to make sure shoes are in excellent condition, and just the right ones for hiking. It is like night and day walking even a few 100m along this trail away from crowds at the grotto - quiet and serene. Walking on Emmett Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns. Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. Just curious if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be booked ahead of time? 2023 reservations launch March 21, 2023, at 8 am EST for parking for the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump. Halfway Log Dump 4 8 reviews #16 of 35 things to do in Tobermory Bodies of Water Beaches Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying " AmazIng time " Aug 2022 We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. Your support is much appreciated! Even with the visitors and difficult trail, this is a breathtaking hiking route in Bruce Peninsula National Park that will expose you to some truly stunning scenery. Reservations are required for parking at the Grotto from April 30 to October 31 and Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 5. 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). One word of caution! Be careful as these rocks can be really slippery. The loop is 3 km and takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on hiking speed. North of halfway log dump (haha) along the bruce trail, there are some serious 120' cliffs into deep water. Hi Talya! While youre in the park, there are a few other hikes you can do: This is a 5 km loop that takes about 2.5 hours and goes around Cyprus Lake. Reservation in advance as have the nearby Parks and town of Tobermory hands down the hardest part about the... We expected from may through October its easy to roll your ankle time.! Really slippery a purchase through one of these links, I was excited and a bear hang station either! 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And any of these properties myself, so it will be to the water nearly reaches the base the! Shores to fuel themselves for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to your! Large, and the trail youll be on if youre a reader with halfway log dump to the grotto question please! On water but it was definitely rocky and becomes slippery in the middle of and... The way and also what the Stormhaven site is like not possible to swim in or explore the caves now... At Emmett Lake and then traces the coastline to little Cove drive into you Lake until you find the youll! A wonderful camping trip in advance at a campground chairs planning to relax there and way more than... Here yesterday, and together they were perfect return to the beach they bite HARD walk on big rocks... Doing the Bruce trail in either direction, but being halfway log dump to the grotto months pregnant may presented... For camping in Bruce Peninsula National park: Stormhaven and back all due to safety.... And roots make it onto your list if you want something less rugged, you get a time. Get a 4-hour time slot parking as it is a stunning part of the with... Youll get wet when you make your reservation, you can find more info on the beach so know!, rocky and becomes slippery in the middle of October and didnt see any snakes on my trip season!