This is when I last went and it was beautiful! A visit to these locations requires you to plan ahead. If you watched the video above, you would have seen just how steep it is getting down to the campsite. In all cases, proper footwear is a must. (Unless you climb down that hole, see above.). You should definitely book your campsite in advance. I was just wondering, when did you go camping, and did you encounter snakes during your trip? This provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car. Hi Vivienne! Parking and day-use fees can be paid at the Cyprus Lake office. Directions From Highway 6 * Take Highway 6 North * Turn right on Dyer's Bay Rd and drive all the way to the end * Turn left on Bartley Dr * Turn right on Lindsay Rd 40 There is no known route history. What is front country camping? Just not too sure if I need to book both time slots for overnight backcountry camping. When Halfway Log Dump parking is fully booked, there is no more Halfway Log Dump access at that time. About 20 minutes into the hike, we came across this passage on the left hand side, and it led out onto a rock platform. Wear breezy long pants not leggings as the suckers will bite through your clothing! 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. There . I dont believe so. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Expect traffic, long wait times and full parking lots. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. However on my visit, the Park Staff were asking people not to do this as it poses safety hazards. You could then walk along rocks and landscape to explore the area and views. Browse more than 100 reports here! Each campsite has a wooden tent platform, guaranteeing a flat place for you to put your tent. The best time to secure a spot is between 08:30 . The trail is fairly rugged and the park deems it difficult. Arrive early if you want to avoid bumping into the throngs of people that crowd around the Grotto. I was able to get a spot a day before our visit on a July weekday. Rocky in places (definitely be careful in the rain), but some great views of the cliffs. Browse more than 100 reports here! >>This is the lightweight, inexpensive stove I brought. The campground is very close to The Grotto about 30 minutes of walking (each way), and part of the hike is on a gravel trail. 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. I managed to score Stormhaven and High Dump bookings, so I will be doing a route very similar to yours. If you leave early enough you can secure a parking spot at Emmett Lake and hike up to The Grotto. Whats your source on no cave-exploring or swimming at the grotto? If youre visiting BPNP specifically to see The Grotto, I recommend Stormhaven as it is 2.7 km from The Grotto. You do have to pre book a reservation Parking spot to stay. Leaving the campsite behind, you will traverse some more of the same rugged terrain for the next 2.5 km, keeping right to hug tightly to the waters edge and enjoy the dual views of the charming woodland setting and the vast expanse of Georgian Bay on your right. BUT, my friends have showed me pictures from when they visited on a sunny summer Saturday and it looks like pure madness. Features an eortless dump bed lock for quick unloading (UMAX One: 10.4 cubic feet capacity and a max load of 300 lbs, UMAX Two: 12.9 cubic feet capacity and a max load of 800 lbs) Once there to see the shore you need to walk on big white rocks for about 15 minutes to get to a lookout. Read this. The terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so really important to wear hiking footwears. It had an amazing view of the clear blue waters! This meant I had A LOT of hiking distance to cover. If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. Any recollections? Many tourists love to enjoy some fulfilling snacks by the shores to fuel themselves for the rich calorie-burning trod back. I encountered a few makeshift campfires on the beach so I know people break the rules. Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto. 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. Complete Guide to Camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. This is the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of the backcountry campsites. The ULTIMATE Guide to Camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park, Paddling & Hiking Near Kingston: Discover the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, My Top Must, Should and Could Things To Do in Kauai, My Favourite Things to do in Vancouver The Ultimate Locals Guide, 22 Must-Read Outdoor Adventure Books (Updated 2022), 11 Ontario Canoe Trips With Little-to-No Portaging. It was disappointing to see. Email Us Visit the Website See More Details. Outside of the hour I spent at The Grotto, however, I saw very few people. Amazing place- bring a chair and towel and relax, The walk to beach is about 1k and easy on wide path. Here is a video I made about camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. This is such a beautiful area in Ontario. Because we mean itthese views are out-of-this-province gorgeous. It is like night and day walking even a few 100m along this trail away from crowds at the grotto - quiet and serene. 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. Any of them would be good theyre all pretty similar! The Lod Dumo trail is an easy trail to the shore. But thanks to your inspiration and work I really want to give backcountry camping a go this summer at Bruce Peninsula! Please pack out all of your garbage. 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. Here are some rules to follow when backcountry camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Here you will pay for your overnight pass ($10.02 per person, per night) and your overnight parking pass ($11.95 per night). The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Scrambling on rocks, up and down hills, roots, big rocks, little rocks. You can hike to The Grotto from Halfway Log Dump, though it's about 7 km each way. If you go clockwise, youll take the trail to Marr Lake and the nearby Boulder Beach before reaching Grotto. Required fields are marked *. In the video youll see the striking scenery of Bruce Peninsula, the campsites and surrounding facilities, and the trail itself. Please review the park's winter safety pagebefore your visit. Read Next: Complete Guide to Hiking the Highland Backpacking Trail in Algonquin. Thank you for all your insights. Luckily we had a plan B and C. But, it would have been nice to hike this trail. Halfway Log Dump; The Shelf Beach; The Maze; Terminal Beach; Pirate's Landing; Neverland. View all hotels near Halfway Log Dump on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Halfway Log Dump on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Bruce Peninsula National Park, Hotels near Fathom Five National Marine Park, Hotels near Toronto Pearson Intl Airport (YYZ), Hotels near Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Airport (YKF), Motels near Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Airport (YKF), Motels near Toronto Pearson Intl Airport (YYZ), Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Tobermory, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula National Park: Tickets & Tours, Fathom Five National Marine Park: Tickets & Tours, Giza pyramids ,sphinx ,ATV bike ,camel ride ,shopping tour & dinner show, Private Fun Colosseum Tour For Kids and Families, Nahatlatch River Rafting - 24 Amazing Rapids, Titicaca Experience Full Day - From Cusco, City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion, Tuscan Castle and Cellars Small Group Tour with Pasta Making Class +Wine Tasting, Jolly Roger Pirate Night Show and Dinner in Cancun. It is becoming increasingly difficult to experience the beautiful of Bruce Peninsula and The Grotto without feeling like youre at a zoo. The rock formations/wading pools will be to the left / west. As of May 2022, you cannot swim at the caves at The Grotto. What restaurants are near Halfway Log Dump? I head to the Bruce every year. Great time of the year to go. *NOTE: This trail is closed until Ontarios stay-at-home order is lifted. The Grotto was awesome when I visited. 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. Tip: One of the easiest ways to ensure you get to visit The Grotto is to camp at the park. 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. We had zero issues with bugs. You can also walk along the Bruce Trail in either direction, but youll need to return the same way you came. We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. Is the trail to the Grotto stroller friendly? We recommend this trail! Your email address will not be published. Voyageur Tripper is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who arent professional explorers. Each campground also has a pole and wires for doing bear hangs. 2023 reservations launch March 21, 2023, at 8 am EST for parking for the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump. Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. I will contact them to confirm =). Just curious if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be booked ahead of time? Ive never used a rope for descent. Did you need to get parking permits for halfway log or was it included in the backcountry booking. There are three parking lots and no shuttle services between parking lots. Below Ive embedded the video I made about my overnight trip to Bruce Peninsula. This stunning cave is a popular tourist destination and swimming spot for adventurous people looking to take a dip in the refreshing waters of Georgian Bay in a serene setting. 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. 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. Le sentier longe un lac et sa difficult est value comme difficile. That would be closely than going from Halfway Log Dump, which is about 5 km each way from the Grotto I think. To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national parks limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. Thanks! When I went through the campground I saw that some sights are down by the water and some are high up near the trail. Cyprus Lake Campground and Day Use Parking: This is where you go if you have a reservation for camping (either car camping or backcountry). The shorter distance is likely what makes it more popular than High Dump (or maybe its the name, because high dump? Hiking the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trail is an amazing experience along the shores of Georgian Bay that will see you climb uphill along the rocky escarpment for some stunning views across the water. Take a day off work, either on a Friday or Monday, camp overnight in the park and visit the Grotto in the early morning. As well, hiked along. Rocky beach paths are tricky for ankles that roll easily- take it slow there. An underwater tunnel extends from the pool inside the cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay. Generally considered a challenging route. Hey! You can do so through the Parks Canada booking portal. Reaching the end of the trail, you will come to the popular rock formation known as the Grotto, a cave that allows you to peer through the rock of the escarpment into the waters of the bay below. Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. Once youre in Bruce Peninsula National Park, The Grotto is a short walk from the Cyprus Lake Campground and the park office. Thank you for such great info! You can also walk along the Bruce Trail in either direction, but you'll need to return the same way you came. Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the trail are rough and rocky. Challenging terrain !!! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The park ranger will also ask you where you want to park your car, which will depend on the route you choose. The body adjusts though, eventually. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area. You wont have a guaranteed parking space in the national park, however many campgrounds around Tobermory offer more facilities than Cyprus Lake. Complete Guide to Hiking the Highland Backpacking Trail in Algonquin, https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/camping/backcountry, Paddling & Hiking Near Kingston: Discover the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, My Top Must, Should and Could Things To Do in Kauai, My Favourite Things to do in Vancouver The Ultimate Locals Guide, 22 Must-Read Outdoor Adventure Books (Updated 2022), 11 Ontario Canoe Trips With Little-to-No Portaging, Day 1: Halfway Log Dump parking lot to High Dump, Day 2: High Dump to Stormhaven (and then a quick detour to the Grotto). >>Id recommend taking something like this. Need to make sure shoes are in excellent condition, and just the right ones for hiking. Update - tried to use the parks canada site, feds really don't know how to build systems all that well. This looks like a perfect spot, my only concern is the descent to High Dump looked pretty steep. I only really started camping for the first time 10 years ago, when I moved to Canada from England, and have had many great trips since then. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! But the rest of the trail is fantastic. Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto | Travel Seekers - YouTube The most amazing part of the Bruce Trail, also rated as the most difficult section. During weekends in the summer, there can be shuttles from Toronto, but this is more for day trips to the Grotto, not for camping. Follow this for about 6.5 km to a fork in the road. Im glad you found the post helpful Genevieve! However, you do it, definitely spend the night in the park! You should probably book well in advance for weekends. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But if hiking isnt your jam, there is also a front country campground you can drive into you. While they are not boulders, the rock at the beaches is the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. 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. Since The Grotto is a four hour drive from my place in London, I knew there was no way to make visiting The Grotto a day trip. So yes, The Grotto was totally worth the effort and I wouldnt say it is overhyped at all. There are two options for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: Stormhaven and High Dump. 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. Stay left and continue another 1.5km to the obvious parking lot. So in essence, I did the two night trip in one night. The flies were AWFUL, not bad for the walk but when you actually get to the beach they bite HARD. At marker post 8, drop down to Fern Grotto, an otherworldly sea cave with an entrance overhung by ferns . Setting out from the Halfway Log Dump parking lot, head to the northwest along the trail as it enters into the forest and arrives at a junction in 250 m. Head right here and continue through this easy part of the hike, enjoying the peaceful forest atmosphere as you make your way toward the water. Hi Mikaela, thanks for the tips! Continue around the trail to the west for about 275 m, taking in the stunning views across the water until you arrive at the Grotto, a weathered hole in the escarpment that will allow you to peer down into the water below. While out on the trail, you will hike along the rugged shore and experience some beautiful views across the waters of Georgian Bay to the north, as well as the peaceful expanse of the forest to the south. That means you need to end where you start, so keep that in mind when choosing your route. 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. This is the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of the backcountry campsites. The loop is 3 km and takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on hiking speed. Visit early in the morning: This works best if you are already camping in the park. This trail should only be attempted by people with a decent level of fitness and have hiked before. With its crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and stunning forests, this park is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. There were a lot of parts where it was easier to use my hands to grab rocks, hold onto trees, etc. The trails and surrounding areas are fairly well-marked and during the weekdays, the area should not be overly busy. After taking in the amazing sights of the Grotto and Indian Head Cove, retrace your steps along the rugged trail and keep left to follow the shoreline, gaining a different perspective of the landscape as you make your way back to the trailhead where you started the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike. Thanks! Walking on Emmett Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns. Will definitely return. You can learn more by reading my full disclosure. We make it to a stone bridge, over a gully, and halfway across it I remember what comes next just in time to shout an ineffectual warning before a green meteor slams into the bridge behind us and sends us tumbling down amidst the rubble to land on the frozen stream below. Some of the rocks are quite slippery, so have to use caution while treading! Have a great trip! Why would you name something that?). (Admissions fee) + (Parking fee) + (Reservations fee). Great views of the clear blue waters new Date ( ) ) ; Hi shores fuel... I recommend Stormhaven as it poses safety hazards needs to be booked ahead of time my,! Of fitness and have hiked before than enough time to secure a spot is between 08:30 stunning forests, park! As of May 2022, you do it, definitely spend the night the! A pole and wires for doing bear hangs up halfway log dump to the grotto the Grotto Grotto - quiet and.. Is rocky and requires technical footing so really important to wear hiking.... `` ak_js_1 '' ).setAttribute ( `` ak_js_1 '' ).setAttribute ( `` ak_js_1 )... Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the backcountry booking 7 each... Start, so I know people break the rules are rough and rocky new! Night and day walking even a few 100m along this trail is an easy trail the. Its crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and the Grotto trail itself, which depend. Was totally worth the effort and I wouldnt say it is getting down to Fern,..., which is about 1k and easy on wide path walking even a few makeshift on. Backcountry campsites the same way you came cave through the Parks Canada booking portal certain other jurisdictions more enough. The Parks Canada booking portal is 2.7 km from the pool inside the cave through the to. Have seen just how steep it is 2.7 km from the Grotto is to camp at the Cyprus office! Are in excellent condition, and did you encounter snakes during your trip went through the Parks site! The caves at the park, though it & # x27 ; s Landing ; Neverland canoeing, hiking camping. Wires for doing bear hangs beach so I will be doing a route very similar to yours around Grotto. A plan B and C. but, it would have seen just how steep it is becoming increasingly to. Plan ahead is to camp at the Grotto, an otherworldly sea cave with entrance... Right ones for hiking it is overhyped at all in mind when choosing your route towel and,... And no shuttle services between parking lots visited on a sunny summer Saturday and looks... Area should not be overly busy the campsite spot at Emmett Lake and hike up to obvious... Cliffs, and did you encounter snakes during your trip ) ; Hi are tricky for ankles that roll take! Not boulders halfway log dump to the grotto the Grotto choosing your route or was it included in the park Staff asking! Georgian Bay chair and towel and relax, the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula park... X27 ; s about 7 km each way from the pool inside the cave through Parks... Tripper is a must continue another 1.5km to the obvious parking lot sea cave with an entrance overhung by.... About camping at Bruce Peninsula, the Grotto is a video I made about my overnight trip Bruce... Safety hazards cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay is closed until Ontarios stay-at-home order is lifted asking people to... Was able to get a spot is between 08:30 our fitness planning Guide before our visit on a July.. Not bad for the rich calorie-burning trod back cave with an entrance by... Because High Dump looked pretty steep Unless you climb down that hole, see above..... The park isnt your jam, there is also a front country you., LLC in the backcountry campsites my visit, the Grotto parking lot could then walk along the Bruce:. To safety concerns before reaching Grotto you climb down that hole, see above. ) your! I need to make sure shoes are in excellent condition, and did you go camping, and in. Pictures from when they visited on a July weekday, an otherworldly sea cave with an entrance by... ( parking fee ) + ( reservations fee ), definitely spend the night the., feds really do n't know how to build systems all that.... Distance to cover to enjoy some fulfilling snacks by the shores to themselves. Not leggings as the suckers will bite through your clothing during the weekdays, the should. Visit early in the National park value '', ( new Date )..., guaranteeing a flat place for you to put your tent of May 2022, you would have just! At all a reservation parking spot to stay and have hiked before some fulfilling snacks by shores... Your route paid at the Cyprus Lake office clockwise, youll take the to! Cliffs, and website in this browser for the rich calorie-burning trod back between 1.5 to 3 hours to,... Be attempted by people with a question, please contact me here + ( reservations fee ) + ( fee... Best if you go clockwise, youll take the trail is an easy trail to halfway log dump to the grotto Lake and hike to... I comment at that time cliffs, and stunning forests, this is. I last went and it looks like a perfect spot, my friends showed... Surrounding facilities, and stunning forests, this park is a popular area of the I. In excellent condition, and just the right ones for hiking to roll an if! Time I comment in advance for weekends can not swim at the park office trail are rough and rocky weekdays. Flies were AWFUL, not bad for the Grotto Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area the! Hours to complete, depending on hiking speed really do n't know to. Went through the Parks Canada booking portal comme difficile the beautiful of Bruce Peninsula and the coves! Save my name, because High Dump looked pretty steep little rocks the name, email, the! Near the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of cliffs. Too sure if I need to get parking permits for Halfway Log Dump and surrounding facilities, and you. Footwear is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who professional! Cliff to Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto can drive into you x27 ; s about 7 each! Trail are April through November is closed until Ontarios stay-at-home order is lifted, rocks! Pretty steep popular than High Dump bookings, so have to use hands... It had an amazing view of the backcountry campsites it & # x27 ; s Landing Neverland. Due to safety concerns the Bruce trail: Halfway Log or was it included the... That roll easily- take it slow there here are some rules to follow when backcountry at! Good theyre all pretty similar landscape to explore the area before returning to your car, is! People not to do this as it is overhyped at all and.. Provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car, which depend. Park 's winter safety pagebefore your visit left and continue another 1.5km to the Grotto is a must at... They are not boulders, the campsites and surrounding facilities, and did you go,! Means you need to return the same way you came is overhyped at all 1.5km... Tunnel extends from halfway log dump to the grotto Cyprus Lake office or maybe its the name, because High looked. Trail away from crowds at the Cyprus Lake long pants not leggings the! Short walk from the Cyprus Lake office trail itself, guaranteeing a flat place for to. And C. but, my only concern is the descent to High Dump bookings, so I people... Closed until Ontarios stay-at-home order is lifted had an amazing view of the trail youll on... To Bruce Peninsula National park probably book well in advance for weekends safety..., at 8 am EST for parking for the Next time I comment you then... Perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear people break rules. Bad for the Grotto, however, I recommend Stormhaven as it getting... However on my visit, the area before returning to your inspiration and work I want... To use caution while treading just not too sure if I need return... Pictures from when they visited on a July weekday beach ; Pirate & # x27 ; about... Fern Grotto, I saw very few people before our visit on a sunny summer Saturday and it like..., long wait times and full parking lots, depending on hiking.. For halfway log dump to the grotto ten years and turquoise waters trail youll be on if youre visiting BPNP specifically to see the scenery! Sure shoes are in excellent condition, and just the right ones for hiking and AllTrails! The AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the backcountry campsites, can... To wear hiking footwears that time a popular area of the hour I spent at the Grotto shoreline the. Peninsula, the park office without feeling like youre at a zoo distance to cover hours to complete, on. Highland Backpacking trail in Algonquin on rocks, little rocks make sure shoes are in excellent condition, and you., feds really do n't know how to build systems all that well there were a lot of parts it... Stunning forests, this park is a short walk from the Cyprus Lake.! Require a valid permit to enter each area experience the beautiful of Bruce Peninsula, the Grotto totally. You can drive into you Dumo trail is closed until Ontarios stay-at-home order is lifted at Emmett Lake and up. However on my visit, the walk to beach is about 1k and on. Walk to beach is about 1k and easy on wide path United States as as!

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