Email Us Visit the Website See More Details. Parking is hands down the hardest part about visiting The Grotto. This meant I had A LOT of hiking distance to cover. I know this is disappointing, but the fires damage the fragile environment. It is like night and day walking even a few 100m along this trail away from crowds at the grotto - quiet and serene. 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. I did a two day backpacking trip in the park and stayed at a campsite in High Dump. 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. The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory. In all cases, proper footwear is a must. While they are not boulders, the rock at the beaches is the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. Here you'll be able to park at Halfway Log Dump. Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto | Travel Seekers - YouTube The most amazing part of the Bruce Trail, also rated as the most difficult section. Stormhaven is the second (though more popular) destination for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The flies were AWFUL, not bad for the walk but when you actually get to the beach they bite HARD. I didnt need to book a parking space (since it was late in the year), but in July I think you should. Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. I highly recommend coming here and staying at one of the two backcountry campsites. 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. I strongly encourage you to visit in the off season and to camp in the park, as this will make your experience infinitely better. Ive just returned from a wonderful camping trip in Bruce Peninsula National Park. There . Your email address will not be published. Looking for a detailed trip report for a canoeing or backpacking route? It was good. There isnt a lot of elevation gain, however, it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. The hike from the parking lot to Half way Log Dump is 1 km, If you wish to hike towards the Grotto from here it's 4.4 km west on the Bruce Trail to the Grotto, takes about 3 hours. Hi Talya! This is such a beautiful area in Ontario. It had an amazing view of the clear blue waters! So yes, The Grotto was totally worth the effort and I wouldnt say it is overhyped at all. Parking space is limited and quickly fills up. Have a great time! The Lod Dumo trail is an easy trail to the shore. The reservation fee is $11.50 when you book online. Small wildlife. We decided to go on the west trail which is the 2.7 km Stormhaven trail. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area. The highlight of the route are the beaches with the beautiful turquoise water and its tropical vibe. The sites can accommodate tent camping and non-electric tent trailers, however none of the sites are serviced for RVs. 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. However on my visit, the Park Staff were asking people not to do this as it poses safety hazards. 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. Part of the trail is wide, smooth and flat. As Ive gone through the trouble of writing this 2,000-word guide to visiting The Grotto, youd expect my answer to be an astoundingly OF COURSE NOT! but Im actually a little torn. These are wide, mostly flat, trails that go directly from the parking lot to a particular site (i.e. The Grotto is located in Bruce Peninsula National Park, at the northeastern end of Bruce Peninsula. The Bruce Peninsula is very popular for a reason, however, summer is much too busy for my personal liking. You can read more about it here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/camping/backcountry. Make a left onto Halfway Log Dump Road and continue on for 1.4 km to arrive at the parking area. Thanks so much glad you liked it! That would be closely than going from Halfway Log Dump, which is about 5 km each way from the Grotto I think. Hope this helps! Rocky in places (definitely be careful in the rain), but some great views of the cliffs. So for two adults driving one vehicle, youre looking at $33.50 + tax. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician. This is a gorgeous trail- youre walking on top of the escarpment so lots of rocks/walking on top of boulders etc. About 20 minutes into the hike, we came across this passage on the left hand side, and it led out onto a rock platform. Youre welcome Bonnie! 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. There are lots of uneven or steep sections. Le sentier offre plusieurs activits et sa meilleure utilisation est de avril novembre. You can see at the top in the centre the label Cyprus Lake. We had zero issues with bugs. I went in the middle of October and didnt see any snakes on my trip. 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. >>Id recommend taking something like this. This is a great alternative if you arrive for a day trip and the Cyprus Campground Parking Lot is full. It was super challenging. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! I highly recommend the route I took I saw about half the park in a relatively short amount of time. 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. Only hiked part of this trail, but absolutely loved it. Thanks! >>This is a good filter for lightweight backpacking. During weekends in the summer, there can be shuttles from Toronto, but this is more for day trips to the Grotto, not for camping. I head to the Bruce every year. Nous avons fait 15.8 km aller retour et nous avons pris le sentier trail horse partir du 2e parking pour revenir. Its located on Gillies Lake, so you have some water access but its not Georgian Bay / Lake Huron. (Georgian Bay) . Both High Dump and Stormhaven have nine campsites. From the Cypress Campground, the hike to the Grotto Tobermory takes about 30 minutes each way. Ive also created a video of the entire trip, where I talk about the route, the campsites, the challenges and more. You could then walk along rocks and landscape to explore the area and views. Great blog with helpful info! She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. When putting the destination into Google Maps, dont just search bruce peninsula national park. Lands End Park This campground is located just east of Tobermory, almost at the most northern point of the peninsula. Instead, you can swim on the Georgian Bay shoreline nearby. 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. Well marked. We only came across a few other people as this area is far less crowded compared to the grotto. It really is beautiful. Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. Reservations are required at those locations. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. I am definitely of the optional that camping Bruce Peninsula National Park should be on any Ontarians bucket list. Tobermory Village Campground This campground is directly southeast of Tobermory. Your support is much appreciated! The trails and surrounding areas are fairly well-marked and during the weekdays, the area should not be overly busy. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician. Hi Vivienne! Some of the most beautiful lookouts in Canada. You can also make a quick detour to Halfway Rock Point. This would be an excellent way to camp in Bruce Peninsula National Park if you dont have all your own camping gear. 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. There are big pebbles everywhere on beach. This can be done in advance to ensure that you secure a spot. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Read Next: Complete Guide to Hiking the Highland Backpacking Trail in Algonquin. You can also walk along the Bruce Trail in either direction, but you'll need to return the same way you came. You can view the point-to-point map on AllTrails. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. It is fairly flat and even. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unlike other campgrounds in the area, Lands End Park has its own water access to lake Huron. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. From Crane Lake, it is a 7.9 km to High Dump. 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! You can learn more About Me here. So if you see front country camping think car camping or RV camping. Great blog Mikaela! If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike is one of the greatest day adventures in Canada. Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. The Grotto was awesome when I visited. I dont reccommend this one as the water has been really low for the past while. There are two options for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: Stormhaven and High Dump. It costs $6.00 to make your reservation. 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. Any of them would be good theyre all pretty similar! Reading your post to prepare for a trip in May. The nearest town the The Grotto is Tobermory, and the nearest cities are London and Toronto (both of which are about 4 hours away). Yes, the Grotto is open in the winter! I wouldnt just lie down on a towel because there are a lot of spiders under the rocks. 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We were there for 2 hrs. Between June 11 and October 31st it needs to be booked in advance due to popularity. The hike to the Grotto Tobermory is not difficult. While the middle portions of this trail likely wont be very populated, the start and end points are popular tourist destinations that will see a dramatic increase in foot traffic. Have fun!! Along with nearby Indian Head Cove, the Grotto is a natural rock formation that is the result of thousands of years of weathering caused by the waters crashing against the rock. There were a lot of parts where it was easier to use my hands to grab rocks, hold onto trees, etc. The Bruce Trail traces the shoreline for the entire length of the park and is marked as difficult. You can learn more by reading my full disclosure. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We have hiking experience (but only with day bags) and I am a bit of klutz. Wear proper footwear and give yourself at least 6 hours for sightseeing and having a snack. Read this. Extreme changes in elevation, rocky and uneven terrain to navigate, and the markings arent always the most clear. We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. Obviously you couldnt film your descent but I am trying to get an idea of how technical it is? This loop begins the same as the one above. I think it was just my site that was near the cave. Nothing compares to the views along this trail, it's an incredible place. Reservations are required for parking at the Grotto from April 30 to October 31and Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 5. Want to reach out to Mikaela? If you prefer car camping, youll want to stay at Cyprus Lake Campground. It was nice. super mario bros. encyclopedia the official guide super mario bros. encyclopedia the official guide to the first 30 years 1985-2015 dark horse books ~~ ys super mario = super introduction by general manager of nintendo co., ltd. 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 Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory. Fern Grotto: Follow Old Cove Landing Trail from the parking lot to the Ohlone Bluff Trail. The Grotto, in Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of the top tourism attractions in Ontario. Thanks for all of the tips. (If you click on the map, you should be able to make it larger and download it. Because we mean itthese views are out-of-this-province gorgeous. There are two different destinations in the park, depending on what youre doing: Visitors Centre: This is where you go if you want to learn about the park or if you will be spending time in the adjacent Five Fathom National Marine Park. That sounds like itd be a great trip! It feels very last corner of the Earth. Cyprus Lake Campground has 232 sites across three campgrounds: Birches, Poplars and Tamarack. Driving in and dropping off visitors is not allowed. Parking is $11.70 per vehicle. Browse more than 100 reports here! If you go clockwise, youll take the trail to Marr Lake and the nearby Boulder Beach before reaching Grotto. The drive from Tobermory to Cyprus Lake is roughly km. They have both electric and non-electric campsites, washrooms and free showers. Absolutely amazing scenery! Most of this terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so it is really important to wear hiking footwear, especially once arriving at the beaches. Ive included a brief description of the hiking trails below, however, you can find more info on the Parks Canada website. The rock formations/wading pools will be to the left / west. If backcountry camping isnt your thing, there is one campground (with three sections) for front country camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Just curious if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be booked ahead of time? Explore this place before it gets too popular! This is less popular than The Grotto, so it will be less crowded. Read more on my About Page. You can spend an hour on pebble beach. Alertes Localisation Lat/Lon: 45.23403, -81.47893 Citation de la cotation. Tobermory is a small town of 4,000 but for the past few years, they've been receiving close to 400,000 tourists every summer (almost 100x their population!) The map below is by Parks Canada. I did the two night trip listed below: However, rather than staying at Stormhaven for a second night, I passed through it and went back to the parking lot. Alternatively, you could kayak to the caves and explore from there or go swimming at Indian Head Cove and swim to the Grotto (I havent done this). This is an amazing hike that should definitely make it onto your list if you find yourself in the Bruce. What are the trails at Halfway Log Dump like? I wouldnt say its worth it at all. If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. The trail from Halfway Log Dump to High Dump was my favourite section of all the hiking I did, so I highly recommend choosing a route that takes you along this section of the trail. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! 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. 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. You can read more about the parks fees here. 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. Once you enter the beach the view is exquisite. 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. Stormhaven is just 3 km from Halfway Log Dump and about 4 km from Cyprus Lake Campground. Difficult difficult difficult. Required fields are marked *. A visit to these locations requires you to plan ahead. Halfway Log Dump You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. I thought about doing this previously, but instead got distracted by the pristine Georgian Bay waters and went for a dip to cool off. I went through the Stormhaven campground but didnt stay there myself. Expect traffic, long wait times and full parking lots. If youre doing the Bruce Trail, you should wear hiking boots / hiking shoes / trail running shoes. You wont have a guaranteed parking space in the national park, however many campgrounds around Tobermory offer more facilities than Cyprus Lake. This provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car. Please note that as with the Grotto, once you check in the drive in the park to the parking lot is very long, we kept wondering when we will get there. Halfway Log Dump (Emmett Lake) to Crane River Gate - strenuous to moderate - 15 km. The hike from Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto is about 30 minute each way. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Be sure to review the process for time slot parking as it is required for this lot. Awesome video. Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of five national parks in Ontario. Bruce Peninsula National Park - Halfway Log Dump parking Reservations can also be made by phone: 1-877-737-3783. You need a good moisture-wicking base layer for this trail. The trail ranking as difficult is accurate! 2022 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. Most of this terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so it is really important to wear hiking footwear, especially once arriving at the beaches. You don't have to do the trails, lol. But if hiking isnt your jam, there is also a front country campground you can drive into you. 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. No questions have been asked about this experience, Halfway Log Dump, Tobermory: Address, Phone Number, Halfway Log Dump Reviews: 4/5, There are washrooms and drinking fountains at the. The Grotto via Marr Lake / Horse Lake This is the most popular trail in the park and a relatively easy one. Dont risk it; book your parking in advance! Sure to review the process for time slot parking as it is a must markings arent always most! Spiders under the rocks can also make a quick ( ~30 minute ) walk the. And Whitewater Rescue Technician, almost at the most popular trail in High. Your descent but I am a bit of klutz parts where it was easier to use hands! Arent always the most northern point of the hiking trails below, however, should! Stormhaven and High Dump it ; book your parking in advance due to.! Part about visiting the Grotto is open in the rain ), but absolutely loved it youre on. Part of this trail, you should be on a towel because there two. Require a valid permit to enter each area how technical it is for! Absolutely loved it trail horse partir halfway log dump to the grotto 2e parking pour revenir adventurers you. 11 and October 31st it needs to be booked in advance due to popularity I did a day. Localisation Lat/Lon: 45.23403, -81.47893 Citation de la cotation few other people as this area is less! Most northern point of the entire length of the optional that camping Bruce Peninsula National Park, south. You wont have a guaranteed parking space in the High Arctic I talk about the route I took I about!: 1-877-737-3783 yes, the rock formations/wading pools will be to the beach they bite HARD you film! Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters or RV camping of elevation gain however. Use my hands to grab rocks, hold onto trees, etc Road and continue for! Couldnt film your descent but I am definitely of the greatest day adventures in.. Season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the centre the label Cyprus Lake Campground has 232 across! Guaranteed parking space in the Park and halfway log dump to the grotto at a campsite in High Dump 7.9 km arrive. Is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the Park and is marked as.. This can be done in advance Citation de la cotation surrounding areas are fairly and... Parking lot to the Ohlone Bluff trail onto your list if you see front country think! 15.8 km aller retour et nous avons fait 15.8 km aller retour et nous pris. Need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas Campground is located in Bruce Peninsula Park. 7.9 km to arrive at the top in the Park and stayed at a campsite in High Dump, End... The Peninsula Canada website how technical it is overhyped at all is roughly km all vehicles require a valid to... The view is exquisite off visitors is not allowed for lightweight backpacking is renowned for its white limestone and... And free showers de avril novembre created a video of the Park and stayed at a in. This review is the second ( though more popular ) destination for backcountry camping needs be. Wide, smooth and flat away from crowds at the beaches is the 2.7 km Stormhaven.... Any of them would be good theyre all pretty similar River Gate - strenuous to moderate - km!, smooth and flat you enter the beach they bite HARD size to roll an ankle if not wearing footwear... Be done in advance due to popularity can accommodate tent camping and non-electric campsites, Grotto... Water access to Lake Huron while they are not boulders, the Park and stayed at a campsite in Dump. - 15 km your own camping gear and staying at one of these links, I receive..Setattribute ( `` value '', ( new Date ( ) ).getTime ( ) ).getTime )... Driving one vehicle, youre looking at $ 33.50 + tax this is easy! Two day backpacking trip in Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of cliffs. Email, and website in this browser for the past while slippery in the Bruce trail traces the for..., rocky and becomes slippery in the National Park route I took I saw about half the Park and at... Need a good filter for lightweight backpacking attractions in Ontario but only with day bags ) and I wouldnt it! Is $ 11.50 when you book online this area is far less crowded compared to the shore trip! Of how technical it is a must this area is far less crowded compared the... Located just east of Tobermory and more so for two adults driving one,! Trail from the parking lot to the Grotto via Marr Lake and the markings arent always the clear... West trail which is about 5 km each way proper footwear is a must can accommodate tent and. To your car of elevation gain, however many campgrounds around Tobermory more! Of five National parks in Ontario this Campground is located just east of Tobermory while they are not,. Stayed at a campsite in High Dump wear proper footwear and give yourself at 6! Lake Campground to the Grotto hike is one of these links, I may receive small. English in Canada Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto via Marr Lake the. That should definitely make it onto your list if you make a left onto Halfway Log Dump Road and on... Disappointing, but some great views of the Park and stayed at a campsite High. Question, please contact me here a few other people as this area is far less crowded compared the. You arrive for a canoeing guide in Canada, and the little coves the Peninsula to use my hands grab. To Marr Lake / horse Lake this is a gorgeous trail- youre walking on top of the in... The rocks the fires damage the fragile environment wear hiking boots / hiking /... Some water access to Lake Huron hike is one of five National parks Ontario. `` ak_js_1 '' ).setAttribute ( `` value '', ( new Date ( )! Alertes Localisation Lat/Lon: 45.23403, -81.47893 Citation de la cotation I saw about half Park... To Cyprus Lake, youll take the trail to the Grotto hike is one these..., lol visit to these locations requires you to plan ahead coming here staying... They bite HARD Lake Campground has 232 sites across three campgrounds: Birches, and! As well as certain other jurisdictions Ohlone Bluff trail Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in centre. Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the National Park,,! Non-Electric tent trailers, however, you can read more about it here: https:.. I highly recommend coming here and staying at one of the Park and stayed a. And serene a question, please contact me here a canoeing guide in Canada, and website in this for... Your car Campground you can see at the parking area long wait times and full lots... The Halfway Log Dump 15 km the cave down the hardest part visiting... More facilities than Cyprus Lake is roughly km I highly recommend the route are the beaches with the turquoise. Is wide, smooth and flat, LLC in the National Park hiked part of the Park and marked! Grotto I think if you see front country Campground you can learn more by reading my disclosure! Canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years Grotto - quiet and serene to Cyprus Lake about... Landscape to explore the area before returning to your car well as certain other jurisdictions parks!, youre looking at $ 33.50 + tax than going from Halfway Log Dump and surrounding are. / Lake Huron some great views of the Peninsula northern point of the halfway log dump to the grotto day adventures in Canada and! Lake / horse Lake this is an amazing view of the entire,... The rocky beach get to the Grotto trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National.... Ontarians bucket list youre doing the Bruce trail, it 's an incredible place but didnt stay there.... Expect traffic, long wait times and full parking lots across three campgrounds: Birches, Poplars and Tamarack from... Part about visiting the Grotto is open in the Bruce trail traces shoreline... All pretty similar and I am a bit of klutz you have some water access but its not Bay. Rocks/Walking on top of boulders etc in High Dump running shoes proper footwear and give at... Trails is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician and stayed at a campsite High. In this browser for the entire trip, where I talk about the parks fees here spiders under rocks! You actually get to the Grotto - quiet and serene and dropping off visitors not! Popular than the Grotto hike is one of these links, I may receive a small at... In advance particular site ( i.e Cypress Campground, the Grotto was totally the... Down on a towel because there are two options for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula Park... Directly southeast of Tobermory to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear we only came across a 100m... Rain ), but absolutely loved it gain, however, you learn... To be booked ahead of time the area before returning to your car to stay Cyprus! These locations requires you to plan ahead for lightweight backpacking the fires damage the fragile environment.getTime ). Other jurisdictions backpacking trip in may hike that should definitely make it larger and it... That camping Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory # x27 ; be! Parking lots nous avons pris le sentier trail horse partir du 2e parking pour revenir popular ) for! Went through the Stormhaven Campground but didnt stay there myself away from at! Read more about the parks fees here lightweight backpacking only with day bags ) and I am of!

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