We're making a pretty epic day trip up to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Normally over-run with tourists, this is a great time to visit because it should be quiet with nice weather forecast this weekend.
We'll be taking in two of Ontario's most famous sites - The Grotto and Lion's Head Lookout. The Grotto is known for its stunning natural beauty. It's a large sea cave with a pool of crystal-clear turquoise water and intricate rock formations overlooking Georgian Bay. Lion's Head offers breathtaking views of Georgian Bay from atop towering cliffs reaching over 200 feet in height.
Your entrance fee for the day is included in the adventure price but self-drivers will need to pay parking.
It is a long drive and we'll be on a pretty tight schedule. This means you should bring breakfast or eat beforehand and pack a lunch. We'll stop for a short toilet break on the way up but will not have time to stop for food.
On the way home, we will stop to get dinner from an OnRoute or similar.
Carpools
Mia, Jordan S and Sam K will ride up in Laura's Party Whip and sort out gas money directly.
Rory McCorquodale - you're self driving and meeting us there.
Hike Lengths: 3km and 7km
Terrain: The Grotto hike is flat and easy at just 3km. The Lion's Head hike is more strenuous as there'll be a pretty steep climb but it should be perfectly manageable for anyone with a good level of fitness with no injuries
You should wear hiking boots - ankle support will be very helpful.
Lion's Head hike preview
05:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
06:00 - Leave Keele Station. Please note that we leave dead on time and cannot wait for latecomers.
10:15 - Meet self-drivers at the Cyprus Lake Campground office. Self-drivers must be on time, you'll be on your own for the day if you're not there when we are.
10:30-13:00 - Hike to the Grotto
13:00 - 13:45 - Drive to Lion's Head Lookout Trail parking, eating lunch en route.
14:00 - 16:00 - Hike to the Lionshead lookout
16:00 - Begin return journey to Toronto. We'll stop at an OnRoute for fast food on the way back if people are hungry
20:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
General Notes
There may still be some snow on the ground so bring ice-spikes if you have them. We'll have spares for those who don't.
It's not looking too cold but could be windy at the lookout and by the lake.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip.
Clothing packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord! Members who turn up dressed in a way that puts themselves at risk will not be able to join us.
Grab breakfast before you go. There's a Tims around the corner from our meet-up point.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water for the hike. A hot drink is also a good idea.
We'll stop for fast food on the way home.
We'll have ice spikes in the unlikely case that they're needed.
The Grotto - Self drivers will need to purchase a $15 parking permit
Lion's Head - You're recommended to book a free parking pass at Lion's head from 13:30 - 17:00 here https://book.parkpassproject.com/book?inventoryGroup=1699994654&startDate=2024-03-16&inventory=1592358846&carArrivalTime=13.3&reservationType=34&screen=0&selectedDiscountGroup=mnbp_day_visitor&
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Animal danger - There may be bears in the area. If you see any, alert the group and back away.
Cliffs - We'll be walking close to some pretty dangerous cliffs. It's important that you keep a good distance from the edge
Cold water exposure - The Georgian bay water is dangerously cold. You should keep away from it.
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, has a rich indigenous history that spans thousands of years. The area is traditionally inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), and the Huron-Wendat.
You may remember the Potwatomi is the tribe of Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass.
The Anishinaabe peoples have long-standing connections to the land, considering it a part of their traditional territory. They have lived and thrived in the region for generations, relying on its diverse ecosystems for sustenance, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions. The Anishinaabe people have a deep knowledge of the land, its flora, fauna, and natural resources, and their traditional teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, known as the Six Nations, also have historical ties to the region. Their territory extended into parts of present-day Ontario, including the Bruce Peninsula area. The Haudenosaunee have a rich cultural heritage and governance structure, and their traditional knowledge and practices are intertwined with the land and its resources.
The Huron-Wendat people, another indigenous group with a significant historical presence in the area, were part of the Huron Confederacy, a powerful alliance of indigenous nations in the region. They inhabited lands around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which encompass the Bruce Peninsula. The Huron-Wendat had a complex social structure and were skilled farmers, traders, and artisans.
These indigenous groups have a deep understanding of the Bruce Peninsula's ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. They have utilized the land for hunting, fishing, gathering medicinal plants, and conducting sacred ceremonies. The peninsula's unique geography, including its limestone cliffs, forests, wetlands, and shoreline, played a crucial role in their way of life.
To learn more, I recommend this article.
We're making a pretty epic day trip up to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Normally over-run with tourists, this is a great time to visit because it should be quiet with nice weather forecast this weekend.
We'll be taking in two of Ontario's most famous sites - The Grotto and Lion's Head Lookout. The Grotto is known for its stunning natural beauty. It's a large sea cave with a pool of crystal-clear turquoise water and intricate rock formations overlooking Georgian Bay. Lion's Head offers breathtaking views of Georgian Bay from atop towering cliffs reaching over 200 feet in height.
Your entrance fee for the day is included in the adventure price but self-drivers will need to pay parking.
It is a long drive and we'll be on a pretty tight schedule. This means you should bring breakfast or eat beforehand and pack a lunch. We'll stop for a short toilet break on the way up but will not have time to stop for food.
On the way home, we will stop to get dinner from an OnRoute or similar.
Carpools
Mia, Jordan S and Sam K will ride up in Laura's Party Whip and sort out gas money directly.
Rory McCorquodale - you're self driving and meeting us there.
Hike Lengths: 3km and 7km
Terrain: The Grotto hike is flat and easy at just 3km. The Lion's Head hike is more strenuous as there'll be a pretty steep climb but it should be perfectly manageable for anyone with a good level of fitness with no injuries
You should wear hiking boots - ankle support will be very helpful.
Lion's Head hike preview
05:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
06:00 - Leave Keele Station. Please note that we leave dead on time and cannot wait for latecomers.
10:15 - Meet self-drivers at the Cyprus Lake Campground office. Self-drivers must be on time, you'll be on your own for the day if you're not there when we are.
10:30-13:00 - Hike to the Grotto
13:00 - 13:45 - Drive to Lion's Head Lookout Trail parking, eating lunch en route.
14:00 - 16:00 - Hike to the Lionshead lookout
16:00 - Begin return journey to Toronto. We'll stop at an OnRoute for fast food on the way back if people are hungry
20:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
General Notes
There may still be some snow on the ground so bring ice-spikes if you have them. We'll have spares for those who don't.
It's not looking too cold but could be windy at the lookout and by the lake.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip.
Clothing packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord! Members who turn up dressed in a way that puts themselves at risk will not be able to join us.
Grab breakfast before you go. There's a Tims around the corner from our meet-up point.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water for the hike. A hot drink is also a good idea.
We'll stop for fast food on the way home.
We'll have ice spikes in the unlikely case that they're needed.
The Grotto - Self drivers will need to purchase a $15 parking permit
Lion's Head - You're recommended to book a free parking pass at Lion's head from 13:30 - 17:00 here https://book.parkpassproject.com/book?inventoryGroup=1699994654&startDate=2024-03-16&inventory=1592358846&carArrivalTime=13.3&reservationType=34&screen=0&selectedDiscountGroup=mnbp_day_visitor&
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Animal danger - There may be bears in the area. If you see any, alert the group and back away.
Cliffs - We'll be walking close to some pretty dangerous cliffs. It's important that you keep a good distance from the edge
Cold water exposure - The Georgian bay water is dangerously cold. You should keep away from it.
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, has a rich indigenous history that spans thousands of years. The area is traditionally inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), and the Huron-Wendat.
You may remember the Potwatomi is the tribe of Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass.
The Anishinaabe peoples have long-standing connections to the land, considering it a part of their traditional territory. They have lived and thrived in the region for generations, relying on its diverse ecosystems for sustenance, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions. The Anishinaabe people have a deep knowledge of the land, its flora, fauna, and natural resources, and their traditional teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, known as the Six Nations, also have historical ties to the region. Their territory extended into parts of present-day Ontario, including the Bruce Peninsula area. The Haudenosaunee have a rich cultural heritage and governance structure, and their traditional knowledge and practices are intertwined with the land and its resources.
The Huron-Wendat people, another indigenous group with a significant historical presence in the area, were part of the Huron Confederacy, a powerful alliance of indigenous nations in the region. They inhabited lands around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which encompass the Bruce Peninsula. The Huron-Wendat had a complex social structure and were skilled farmers, traders, and artisans.
These indigenous groups have a deep understanding of the Bruce Peninsula's ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. They have utilized the land for hunting, fishing, gathering medicinal plants, and conducting sacred ceremonies. The peninsula's unique geography, including its limestone cliffs, forests, wetlands, and shoreline, played a crucial role in their way of life.
To learn more, I recommend this article.
