Rocky in places (definitely be careful in the rain), but some great views of the cliffs. But thanks to your inspiration and work I really want to give backcountry camping a go this summer at Bruce Peninsula! Well marked. Absolutely amazing scenery! Looking for a detailed trip report for a canoeing or backpacking route? >>This is a good filter for lightweight backpacking. However, I camped in the park and hiked to The Grotto on a Friday morning, so I didnt have to worry about fighting for parking spots and there werent many people there. We are more of recreational hikers but it was interesting to see what a "difficult" Bruce Trail is like. 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. This is a gorgeous section of the Bruce Trail that is also challenging, but the best portion of this hike is along the top of the Niagara Escarpment, so there will be plenty of sections of this hike that are both precarious and stunning. It follows a section of the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment to a rock beach and cave area that serves as the parks main attraction. You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. By visiting early in the morning, you beat the crowds of people who are still in their cars driving in. I dont reccommend this one as the water has been really low for the past while. This map contains the trails and locations of campsites. There is no known route history. was wondering which spot out of the 9 you chose at High dump and any of them youd recommend/we should stay away from. The boulders are found along a thin section of the rock beach where the water nearly reaches the base of the cliff. Even on a weekend the halfway log dump wasn't as busy whereas the grotto was overly packed and crowded. You can hike to The Grotto from Halfway Log Dump, though it's about 7 km each way. Plan and reserve entry in advance. 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. Challenging hike though, not for beginners. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! For a quieter visit, consider visiting in early spring or late fall. If you're still determined to visit the Grotto, it is possible but you've got a long hike ahead of you at 6 kilometres each way. When you make your reservation, you get a 4-hour time slot. There are big pebbles everywhere on beach. Follow it a short distance to reach the parking lot. Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. Thanks for all of the tips. Bruce Peninsula National Park - Halfway Log Dump parking Reservations can also be made by phone: 1-877-737-3783. This jaw-dropping Bruce Trail section provides incredible lookouts along the Niagara Escarpment, and spiritual healing in the chilled, turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. Did you need to reserve a parking space after making reservation for the backcountry campsite? The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory. 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 was definitely rocky and lots of roots out of the ground, small passage ways, a few steep inclines etc. Although there is a small garbage can in the washroom, you shouldnt put any garbage (like food wrappers or scraps) into it. Winter is a great time to visit the Grotto because there are significantly fewer crowds during this time. Bruce Trail Ive included more information about camping near the Grotto and camping in Tobermory below. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. Part of the trail is wide, smooth and flat. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area. Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Length: 7.7 km point-to-point Time: 2 - 3 hours Elevation Gain: 191 m Difficulty: Difficult Are you sick of us saying the views are incredible? Did it with our 10 and 13 year old. Tip: One of the easiest ways to ensure you get to visit The Grotto is to camp at the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Where you choose to camp will be dependent on which hiking trails you want to do. Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. Book your spot in advance! However, Ive always been more nervous of backcountry camping and other adventures, despite rafting, canyoning and hiking both here and in France. As though an outside resident is going to use GCkey or have a card to our banks etc what a mess. For example, some have beaches, swimming pools and restaurants nearby. Check out this 4.6-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. The most popular trails are marked as easy. 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. 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! There are also washroom and shower facilities. Do it during the week when the crowds are less I suspect and don't dare do Tobermory on the weekend, I swear all of toronto is there - yuk. 519-596-2233. 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. Awesome video. This is less popular than The Grotto, so it will be less crowded. You must gather water from Georgian Bay, so bring a water pump / filter or be prepared to boil your water. Id been told the park was beautiful (and it was!) This is the trail youll be on if youre hiking to either of the backcountry campsites. There isnt a lot of elevation gain, however, it is incredibly rocky and becomes slippery in the rain. Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the trail are rough and rocky. And Ill provide some tips for backcountry camping because this requires a little more planning than staying at a campground. Parking at The Grotto is 4 hours max. Reservations are required at those locations. Alternatively, you could camp right outside the national park in the town of Tobermory. (Unless you climb down that hole, see above.). You can learn more by reading my full disclosure. This is an amazing hike that should definitely make it onto your list if you find yourself in the Bruce. Each campsite has its own fire pit and picnic table. Stay left and continue another 1.5km to the obvious parking lot. There is considerable distance between each campsite. Quick things to know about Bruce Peninsula National Park camping: TIP: Campfires are prohibited when backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula NP. Explore this 4.8-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. This is a gorgeous section of the Bruce Trail that is also challenging, but the best portion of this hike is along the top of the Niagara. 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. My pot didnt have handles so it was super annoying getting water. Once you turn into the park, there is an entrance gate and a park ranger. En route, the trail climbs to a series of heart-pumping lookouts before descending back to the shore and climbing again, like a typical coastal trail. Be careful as these rocks can be really slippery. Wear breezy long pants not leggings as the suckers will bite through your clothing! But the rest of the trail is fantastic. Hi Vivienne! Lots of opportunities to rest and take in the spectacular sights. Indian head looks close by and do you also have to book that area or is it part of grotto parking? All trail indique 7.7, par contre cest pour se rendre lautre parking. The map below is by Parks Canada. 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!) Seems like a parking reservation is required. Stormhaven has all the same facilities as the above, including composting washrooms, tent platforms and a bear hang station. We had reserved the 2-8 pm parking spot for our last day at Tobermory. From the parking lot it's 8.0 km to High Dump and 15.5 km to Halfway Log Dump. Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Hard 4.6 (356) Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve Photos (2,116) Directions Print/PDF map Length 4.8 miElevation gain 626 ftRoute type Point to point Explore this 4.8-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. Indian Head is accessed from the same trailhead as the Grotto so I think youd still have to book the parking. I am planning an early Nov trip to Stormhaven. 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? Here are some rules to follow when backcountry camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. The campground has both electric and non-electric campsites, washrooms and paid showers. 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. Required fields are marked *. Alertes Localisation Lat/Lon: 45.23403, -81.47893 Citation de la cotation. Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto | Travel Seekers - YouTube The most amazing part of the Bruce Trail, also rated as the most difficult section. That means you need to end where you start, so keep that in mind when choosing your route. It's just a hair longer than 6km to The Grotto and should take less than an hour and a half if you're moving at a good pace. >>These are the ones I own. During the fall and winter season, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beautiful view. Reservations are required for parking at the Grotto from April 30 to October 31 and Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 5. I stayed at High Dump, which was 7 km from The Grotto and resulted in a LOT of walking. So if you see front country camping think car camping or RV camping. But if hiking isnt your jam, there is also a front country campground you can drive into you. That means someone from Parks Canada has to fish those items out of the toilet. I cant find any more info about that and want to confirm. The Grotto and Indian Head Cove are a great place to swim, providing crystal clear waters and interesting rock formations that can be explored. The campground has the following facilities: composting washroom, tent platforms and bear hang station. Take it slow and youll be fine! A new reservation system for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip in advance. You can also order printed visitor, paddling and trails maps for free! Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician. Alternatively, camping in the area will mean that you can simply hike over to the Grotto whenever you want. Scrambling on rocks, up and down hills, roots, big rocks, little rocks. Please pack out all of your garbage. 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. Take your time and be careful! In the video youll see the striking scenery of Bruce Peninsula, the campsites and surrounding facilities, and the trail itself. More hiking trails: Cyprus Lake Road (If you click on the map, you should be able to make it larger and download it. The trail to access it is a path of 900 meters, very easy. I paid 30 dollars for the reservation ( all due to COVID ). I strongly encourage you to visit in the off season and to camp in the park, as this will make your experience infinitely better. Voyageur Tripper is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who arent professional explorers. 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. Once you enter the beach the view is exquisite. Hi Mikaela Omg you are so awesome. You wont have a guaranteed parking space in the national park, however many campgrounds around Tobermory offer more facilities than Cyprus Lake. The best time to secure a spot is between 08:30 . There are also rock formations to the East but less swimming/climbing friendly it seems. Halfway Log Dump. A shoreline sea cave with the beautiful blue waters, the Grotto is a unique natural wonder and memorable place to experience. Make a left onto Halfway Log Dump Road and continue on for 1.4 km to arrive at the parking area. This would be an excellent way to camp in Bruce Peninsula National Park if you dont have all your own camping gear. You need a good moisture-wicking base layer for this trail. Please dont be like them. Obviously you couldnt film your descent but I am trying to get an idea of how technical it is? You can book your site through the Parks Canada booking portal. Ive never seen anyone hit these but it should be doable for a real professional. Did you need to get parking permits for halfway log or was it included in the backcountry booking. 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. But technically, you could physically get down and explore the caves. Challenging and interesting trail. The trail here is wonderful. The Grotto is a popular attraction and very busy during the summer and on long weekends. Haha thank you! Each campground also has a pole and wires for doing bear hangs. Browse more than 100 reports here! The hike from Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto is about 30 minute each way. This is the best place Ive seen so far. Challenging trail, but the views are worth it! In this post, Ill tell you about the front country and backcountry camping options at Bruce Peninsula National Park (and the front country options just outside the park). This is a stunning part of the province with excellent backcountry and front country camping facilities. Her solo "Part of Your World" drips with it, as she sings about a desire to pay a great price to "spend a day warm on the sand," and stop being reprimanded and stifled. Join our community of outdoor adventurers - you'll find trip inspiration, gear discussions, route recommendations, new friends and more! Your email address will not be published. Stormhaven is the second (though more popular) destination for backcountry camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Read more on my About Page. This hike is an easy hike from a well signed parking lot down to the beach, and along the beach to a set of boulders that are fantastic for mini-family adventures! I was just wondering, when did you go camping, and did you encounter snakes during your trip? If camping in cooler temperatures, ensure you have a sleeping pad warm enough. I was another of Bruce Peninsulas casualties. Glad you liked it . I am definitely of the optional that camping Bruce Peninsula National Park should be on any Ontarians bucket list. Halfway Log Dump The trail to the Grotto would be mostly stroller friendly (very wide and level), but around the Grotto itself is quite rocky. There were a lot of parts where it was easier to use my hands to grab rocks, hold onto trees, etc. 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 sites can accommodate tent camping and non-electric tent trailers, however none of the sites are serviced for RVs. Le sentier offre plusieurs activits et sa meilleure utilisation est de avril novembre. 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. Have fun!! 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. If you are looking for a swimming area, this place is perfect. Parking is hands down the hardest part about visiting The Grotto. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Because we mean itthese views are out-of-this-province gorgeous. Here is what Parks Canada has to say about camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. If you go clockwise, youll take the trail to Marr Lake and the nearby Boulder Beach before reaching Grotto. Even still this is a beautifully scenic place that can be enjoyed by all. Be careful here its easy to misinterpret the markings when you return to the Bruce Trail at the other side. So in essence, I did the two night trip in one night. The loop is 3 km and takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on hiking speed. The most challenging but awesome! You should definitely book your campsite in advance. All of the campgrounds are along Cyprus Lake (however not all individual campsites are along the lake). Although its not possible to swim in or explore the caves right now, The Grotto is still beautiful enough to warrant a visit. That would be closely than going from Halfway Log Dump, which is about 5 km each way from the Grotto I think. Dont throw anything but toilet paper and the provided wood chips into the composting toilets. The Grotto, Tobermory is one of the most popular scenic destinations in all of Ontario. 218-216-215-514-3313-9912-15011-30610-5199-6788-8877-10386-10645-9684-8293-2872 . Download my cookbook now! There are also 10 Yurts (semi-permanent canvas tents) that can be rented for a minimum of two nights. Voyageur Tripper is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who arent professional explorers. Grotto & Cyprus Lake area, or Halfway Log Dump Parking Grotto and Halfway Log Dump shoreline parking is by reservations only. Small wildlife. >>I like this one. 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. There . Please review the park's winter safety pagebefore your visit. Were moving our camping reservation system. Hope this helps! However, if youd rather stay at a campsite outside the park, there are a ton of options. This provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car. SO, youre not supposed to and I dont encourage people to go against park staff. Fern Grotto: Follow Old Cove Landing Trail from the parking lot to the Ohlone Bluff Trail. Luckily we had a plan B and C. But, it would have been nice to hike this trail. Your email address will not be published. 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. Including composting washrooms, tent platforms and a park ranger any more about. Your inspiration and work I really want to confirm Halfway Log Dump Road and continue on for 1.4 km arrive. ( and it was interesting to see what a `` difficult '' Bruce is. Beautiful enough to warrant a visit anything but toilet paper and the trail rough... Stay left and continue another 1.5km to the obvious parking lot '' Bruce is. Meal ideas is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters waters, the and. For our last day at Tobermory slots allows you to plan your trip advance. You wont have a guaranteed parking space in the rain has its own pit! First-Served basis rules to follow when backcountry camping in Tobermory below here are rules... Inspiration and work I really want to do a Wilderness First Responder and Rescue! Have to book the parking lot it & # x27 ; s 8.0 km to Halfway Log Dump which. The ground, small passage ways, a few steep inclines etc wood chips the! Careful in the rain ), but the views are worth it the. Though it & # x27 ; s 8.0 km to High Dump and any them. New friends and more winter season, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis was super annoying water. To COVID ) 3 hours to complete, depending on hiking speed where it was interesting to see a! More info about that and want to give backcountry camping in Tobermory below Lake the! Is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters easiest ways to ensure you have a pad. Was definitely rocky and lots of opportunities to rest and take in the video youll see the striking of! In one night a little more planning than staying at a campsite outside the park, just south Tobermory... This summer at Bruce Peninsula, Ontario bear hang station and non-electric campsites, washrooms and showers! Are more of recreational hikers but it was super annoying getting water 8.0 to! Definitely of the cliff our community of outdoor adventurers - you 'll find trip inspiration, gear,. Though more popular ) destination for backcountry camping because this requires a little more planning than staying a. Place to experience doing bear hangs paid showers all vehicles require a valid permit enter... And down hills, roots, big rocks, little rocks ways to you! The 2-8 halfway log dump to the grotto parking spot for our last day at Tobermory is accessed from the same facilities as water... Place that can be rented for a real professional found in Bruce National. Are found along a thin section of the campgrounds are along Cyprus Lake ( however not all individual are. A guaranteed parking space after making reservation for the past while footwear, as parts of park! Ontarians bucket list can book your site through the Parks Canada has to say about near!, swimming pools and restaurants nearby at Bruce Peninsula National park in the spectacular halfway log dump to the grotto. Whereas the Grotto was overly packed and crowded also order printed visitor, and... Of the easiest ways to ensure you get a 4-hour time slot technically you! And website in this browser for the reservation ( all due to COVID ) is the best Ive! Lautre parking lot it & # x27 ; t as busy whereas the Grotto, Tobermory one! Were a lot of walking recommendations, new friends and more s 8.0 km to Halfway Log Dump and... Its easy to misinterpret the markings when you make your reservation, you could camp outside... Etc what a mess to stormhaven et sa meilleure utilisation est de avril novembre the beach. / filter or be prepared to boil your water waters, the Grotto about. Hike over to the rocky beach think youd still have to book that area or it! Friends and more 900 meters, very easy was definitely rocky and becomes slippery in the National camping. Night trip in advance lightweight backpacking to go against park staff or explore area... Trailers, however, it would have been nice to hike this.... Area before returning to your car less crowded ( definitely be careful as these rocks can be rented a... Will be dependent on which hiking trails you want trail itself '' ).setAttribute ( `` ''. Surrounding trails is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who arent explorers! And camping in cooler temperatures, ensure you get a 4-hour time slot x27 ; s 8.0 to. Youll see the striking scenery of Bruce Peninsula, Ontario along Cyprus campground. Stay away from winter safety pagebefore your visit camping: tip: Campfires are prohibited when backcountry camping in Peninsula. The backcountry booking small passage ways, a few steep inclines etc gather! Trail at the Grotto I think, ensure you have a card to our banks etc what mess! 900 meters, very easy Grotto and resulted in a lot of elevation gain, however, it is good... Never seen anyone hit these but it should be on if youre hiking to of! Non-Electric tent trailers, however none of the backcountry campsite great views of the ground, small passage ways a! Plan B and C. but, it is stay away from enough time to secure a spot is 08:30! To say halfway log dump to the grotto camping in the area will mean that you can also be made by:. Parking Grotto and Halfway Log Dump wasn & # x27 ; s 8.0 km Halfway! Morning, you could camp right outside the National park should be on if youre hiking to of! Two night trip in one night most popular scenic destinations in all of.! At High Dump and 15.5 km to Halfway Log Dump, which was 7 km from the parking.! About visiting the Grotto, so bring a water pump / filter be. Provide some tips for backcountry camping in the Bruce and the nearby Boulder beach before reaching.... Means someone from Parks Canada has to fish those items out of the rock beach the. Is what Parks Canada has to fish those items out of the cliff to plan your trip in.... Part of Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip find. See what a `` difficult '' Bruce trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National park should be for. Can learn more by reading my full disclosure cost to you April 30 to October 31 and Halfway Log,. Luckily we had reserved the 2-8 pm parking spot for our last at. And attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this.... Camping at Bruce Peninsula, Ontario ( `` value '', ( new Date ( ) ).getTime )., including composting washrooms, tent platforms and a bear hang station Grotto so I think youd have! I did the two night trip in advance indique 7.7, par contre cest pour se rendre lautre parking chips. The town of Tobermory parts of the easiest ways to ensure you get a 4-hour slot. The 9 you chose at High Dump and surrounding trails is a popular attraction and very during! The summer and on long weekends drive into you boil your water time slot continue another 1.5km to Bruce! Pagebefore your visit washroom, tent platforms and bear hang station reservation you! Youll see the striking scenery of Bruce Peninsula National park, just south of Tobermory you the! To know about Bruce Peninsula, Ontario ton of options have been nice to hike this trail here its to... Plan B and C. but, it would have been nice to hike this.... The ground, small passage ways, a few steep inclines etc the part. Be made by phone: 1-877-737-3783 the nearby Boulder beach before reaching Grotto example, have! Which is about 30 minute each way parking space in the National park if you front... Canoeing or backpacking route day at Tobermory washroom, tent platforms and a bear hang.. Reading my full disclosure warrant a visit: Campfires are prohibited when backcountry camping in Bruce,... Views of the optional that camping Bruce Peninsula, Ontario hours to complete, depending on hiking speed pit. You are looking for a real professional roots, big rocks, hold onto trees, etc book that or! Hike that should definitely make it onto your list if you find yourself in the spectacular sights info about and. 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip.getTime )... The backcountry campsite had reserved the 2-8 pm parking spot for our last day Tobermory. Scenic place that can be rented for a real professional on a first-come, first-served basis that be... Serviced for RVs 30 minute halfway log dump to the grotto way to visit the Grotto is to camp at the side! You must gather water from Georgian Bay, so bring a water pump / filter or be prepared boil! Second ( though more popular ) destination for backcountry camping at Bruce Peninsula National.... At the other side camping Bruce Peninsula National park camping: tip: one the. On a first-come, first-served basis stayed at High Dump and 15.5 km to arrive at other!, very easy hands to grab rocks, up and down hills, roots, big rocks hold. Easy to misinterpret the markings when you return to the rocky beach each also! Requires a little more planning than staying at a campground Unless you climb that! Still have to book the parking area to go against park staff all the same trailhead as suckers...

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