The Bruce Peninsula is a beautiful, must-see spot just 4 hours North of Toronto! For so many reasons it’s the perfect Ontario Staycation destination! Whether you’re a traveler, nature lover, or adventurer, you have to add this to your must-see bucket list! Here are my top 6 favourite spots in The Bruce Peninsula, and therefore six reasons to visit The Bruce Peninsula this summer!

“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show.”

– Anonymous

#1. The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula Park, ON.

This gem of a spot is a beautiful sea cave, with breathtaking views. Whether you feel like swimming, exploring the caves, or just sunbathing on the shore, this is definitely a stop you want to add while you’re visiting Bruce Pennisula Park.

Info:

Tips:

  • Check out the Grotto to see if you can climb it (Covid-19 restrictions may still be applied)
  • Bring reservation printout
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • The water temperature is refreshing, but bring some towels!
  • Different time slots have pros & cons, plan accordingly (I booked 4-8 pm & had sunset views there)
  • Time Slots: 8am-12pm, 8:30am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-4:30pm, 1-5pm, 5-9pm, 5:30-9:30pm

Facts:

  • Some of the world’s clearest waters!
  • Located in Bruce Penisula National Park, a Federal park in Canada
  • Park opened in 1987
For places to stay in The Bruce Peninsula check out Trip Advisor here for some great ideas: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100251632-15187289

To see a 30 seconds video of our fun at The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula Park click here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CH0qahNB7JW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

#2. Flower Pot Island, Fathom Five National Marine Park, ON.

Flower Pot Island definitely ranks as one of Canada’s top hidden gems! Beautiful turquoise waters give a Carribean vibe while the caves and trails keep you busy all day! You can book a day trip or stay overnight camping! Whichever you choose, it is definitely a bucket list treasure to explore!

Info:

Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring sunscreen and bug spray 
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Camping is the best! You get the island virtual to yourself once the last ferry leaves
  • You sign a waiver that in the event of inclement weather you can be on the island up to 5 days! We were stuck for 3 nights!
  • Day-trips allow:
  • 1.5hrs – see the flowerpots and cave
  • 3hrs – see the flowerpots, cave & light station
  • 4-5hrs – see the flowerpots, cave, light station, picnic, hike the entire loop trail
  • Bring a boat for extra fun (and if you get stranded you can use it for a bed like we did 🤣)

Facts:

  • 6 campsites on the island
  • Rocky beaches
  • 3 sets of bathrooms on the island with compostable toilets
  • Part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park
  • 2 square kms in size
  • Located on Georgian Bay
  • Squirrels, snakes and spiders are the only wildlife really. No bears or raccoons.

Here’s a link to a 30 second video of our fun at Flower Pot Island in Fathom Five National Marine Park: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSqL71_iida/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

# 3. Lions Head Lookout, ON

Serene yet thrillful, lookout point, with its beautiful turquoise waters is like visiting the Caribbean without a plane ticket! And it’s a popular spot for rock climbers too!

Info:

Tips:

  • Look for the secret cooling cave en route to the lookout from the parking lot
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes 
  • Bring a camera (a durable one if possible)

Facts:

  • Park opened in 1985
  • Named after its view from a distance; looks like a lion’s head  
  • 526 hectares of a nature reserve 

Here’s a link to a 30 second video of our fun at Lion’s Head Lookout: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CJ1VD2NBuec/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Decided The Bruce Peninsula is for you? Check out stay options here:

LOOK for your perfect EXPEDIA Stay Here – https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100251632-13859309

#4. Greig’s Caves, Lions Head, ON

This peaceful paradise was a fortunate chance find for us as the cave system was incredible! A self-guided exploration of 10 amazing limestone caves it’s hard not to loose track of time! And it has a 300 ft scenic overlook of Georgian Bay to boot! Definitely worth a visit!!!

Info:

  • http://www.greigscaves.ca
  • 519-377-8762
  • 407 Scenic Caves Rd, Lion’s Head, ON, N0H 1W0
  • Opens again 2nd week of May – Thanksgiving 
  • Open 9am-6pm
  • Last entry 5pm
  • Adults $10
  • Children 3-12yrs $5
  • Under 2yrs Free
  • Waiver MUST be signed

Tips:

  • They accept cash only!
  • Pay attention to time as it’s easy to lose track of it in the beauty!
  • Wear comfortable shoes & clothing
  • Bring a flashlight  
  • Reservations are not needed

Facts:

  • Movies “Quest for Fire” & “Against the Wild” were filmed here

Here’s a link to a 30 second video of our fun at Greig’s Caves: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CI8mXtphUza/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

#5. Singing Sands, Tobermory, ON

Located on Lake Huron, Singing Sands Beach is a beautiful place full of sand dunes, rare flowers, boardwalks, picnic areas and hikes! A great opportunity for sandy beach lovers and their fury friends!

Info:

Facts:

  • This beach has its name “Singing Sands” for a reason.. being that the sand and wind passing through the numerous dunes across the beach produce a soft sound

#6. Big Tub Lighthouse, Lion’s Head, ON

A cute little lighthouse, it is the perfect place to relax or watch a great sunset! You can also catch views of the “Lion’s Head” in the distance from this vantage point! The original lighthouse shown on the right succumbed to the winter storms of 2019/2020 and was rebuilt by our visit in July of 2020. The new Lighthouse is in the picture on the right!

Facts:

  • 1 Bruin St. Lion’s Head, ON
  • Park and pay at the McCurdy parking lot $5/hr or $30/day

Tips:

  • Parking is free parking after 6pm (I believe).
  • Great spot to watch the sunset

Facts:

  • 8m high
  • Opened in 1911
  • Automation replaced the original in 1969
  • High school students built a replica in 1983 from the original 1903 blueprints
  • Rebuilt in 2020 after storms destroyed the original

Well… there you have it! If you’ve found some other must-see spots in The Bruce Peninsula, don’t be shy, reach out and share in the comments! Also, if you’re a traveler like me it’s important to have a safe and reliable vehicle to get you to and from your destination. Personally, my choice is the Dodge Ram 1500 Eco Diesel and I use Goodyear tires. Here is a link for Goodyear Tires for your convenience: https://www.dpbolvw.net/nh65iqzwqyDFEEIGNKKKDFGNFLKHL

If one of these six amazing attractions hasn’t caught your attention by now for some particular reason, then you can check out some of my other blog posts if you’re looking for something fun to do in the Toronto & GTA area here: