You can also make a quick detour to Halfway Rock Point. A new reservation system for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip in advance. 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. Reservations are required for parking at the Grotto from April 30 to October 31and Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 5. 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. 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. Did this in the rain and avoided the bugs. View from Halfway Log Dump, Bruce Peninsula Singing Sands. However, red foxes pranced happily along with me as I reentered the trail, making up for the five minutes of confusion I experienced. The nearest town the The Grotto is Tobermory, and the nearest cities are London and Toronto (both of which are about 4 hours away). Looking for a detailed trip report for a canoeing or backpacking route? It was super challenging. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area. A shoreline sea cave with the beautiful blue waters, the Grotto is a unique natural wonder and memorable place to experience. Parking at The Grotto is 4 hours max. Ill go into detail about the different hiking trails. (Admissions fee) + (Parking fee) + (Reservations fee). Found the trail to be well marked except at the start where we walked along the beach at first. This one, however, was more like a grotto as sixty percent of the floor was submerged underwater mainly around the center of the cavern leaving the peripheral of the cave floor dry. There are big pebbles everywhere on beach. You should definitely book your campsite in advance. The Halfway Log Dump to Grotto section of the. So I personally dont think trekking poles are needed, but if youre new to backpacking you might like them when getting used to carrying a backpack. 2023 reservations launch March 21, 2023, at 8 am EST for parking for the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump. The terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so really important to wear hiking footwears. Near the town, there are two National [] Theres one spot you need to hop over- not too much ascending/descending compared to High Dump to Halfway log dump but need a reasonable fitness level. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. As of May 2022, you cannot explore inside the caves at The Grotto. (Georgian Bay) . There are no campfires permitted in Bruce Peninsula National Park. When Halfway Log Dump parking is fully booked, there is no more Halfway Log Dump access at that time. Challenging hike though, not for beginners. Ive never seen anyone hit these but it should be doable for a real professional. It was nice. The highlight of the route are the beaches with the beautiful turquoise water and its tropical vibe. Between June and August, weekdays are also pretty busy but theyre still better than weekends. Luckily we had a plan B and C. But, it would have been nice to hike this trail. Parking space is limited and quickly fills up. So in this guide, Ill provide you with tips on how to visit The Grotto while avoiding the crowds. Hi, loved this review. . Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto. So for two adults driving one vehicle, youre looking at $33.50 + tax. Parking and day-use fees can be paid at the Cyprus Lake office. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please dont be like them. Once there to see the shore you need to walk on big white rocks for about 15 minutes to get to a lookout. Once you've pushed through this rocky hike, you'll be rewarded with aquamarine beauty and refreshing breezes. Took 5.5 hours. Visit early in the morning: This works best if you are already camping in the park. It was difficult for me to get into this hikes parking lot, and for two days I was another of Bruce Peninsulas casualties, stuck with no reservation. The water was stagnant although it seemed rather clean and gave a beautiful reflection of the ceiling of the cave which was lined with large sharp looking stalactites. 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'm Mikaela and I'm the voice behind Voyageur Tripper, a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. It is like night and day walking even a few 100m along this trail away from crowds at the grotto - quiet and serene. This is when I last went and it was beautiful! To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national parks limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. Ive just returned from a wonderful camping trip in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Attention! Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. 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. The campground itself is down a side trail off of the Bruce Trail. Hey Jennifer! Where you choose to camp will be dependent on which hiking trails you want to do. Enjoy the views! Grotto parking is available starting April 30 to October 31, 2022 ~ $12.25 per vehicle plus applicable reservation fee. At marker post 8, drop down to Fern Grotto, an otherworldly sea cave with an entrance overhung by ferns . (Though I suggest bringing your own just in case.). An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works I'm Mikaela and I'm the voice behind Voyageur Tripper, a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. The campground has both electric and non-electric campsites, washrooms and paid showers. What are the trails at Halfway Log Dump like? Walking on Cyprus Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns. Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. The Grotto, in Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of the top tourism attractions in Ontario. Hey Ben! 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. If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. 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). Thank you for such great info! 519-596-2233. The trail is fairly rugged and the park deems it difficult. If Id had their experience, I would totally agree that The Grotto is overrated. While they are not boulders, the rock at the beaches is the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. The Grotto, Tobermory is one of the most popular scenic destinations in all of Ontario. The park has implemented a reservation system to help mitigate this. This meant I had A LOT of hiking distance to cover. Instead, you can swim on the Georgian Bay shoreline nearby. By visiting early in the morning, you beat the crowds of people who are still in their cars driving in. Here is a video I made about camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. This is thee equipment I brought for my backpacking trip. SO, youre not supposed to and I dont encourage people to go against park staff. That would be closely than going from Halfway Log Dump, which is about 5 km each way from the Grotto I think. Note: Unlike at the backcountry campsites, you can have open fires at Cyprus Lake so long as they are in the fire pit. You don't have to do the trails, lol. We stayed for 3 minutes and left, we were lucky to touch the water and run back but the rocks are dangerous. Excited to see the Grotto August 21, 2021. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. You could spend hours here relaxing, picnicking, sunbathing, sleeping, swimming. Now available for download, the Trails Brochure is the perfect companion piece when you're planning your hike. Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. Grotto of course overrun by people, more like an amusement park. Once there to see the shore you need to walk on big white rocks for about 15 minutes to get to a lookout. There are two options for camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park: car camping and backcountry camping. I cant find any more info about that and want to confirm. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! Halfway Log Dump You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. The hike from Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto is about 30 minute each way. The shorter distance is likely what makes it more popular than High Dump (or maybe its the name, because high dump? We loved the pebble beach and the little coves. Plan your trip accordingly, and Im sure youll have an excellent time! Have a great trip! Very rocky trail, and in some places the trail completely disappears. Visitors who arrived without a confirmed booking for the areas during the time periods identified will not be able to gain access to the areas. You should book your backcountry camping site online and in advance, as there are limited sites. So without further ado, lets go hiking! Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! The Grotto is a unique natural wonder and memorable place to experience. Yes, the Grotto is open in the winter! 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