This Cave With Crystal Clear Waters In Ontario Is Totally Worth The Drive From Montreal
A perfect way to end your summer.
Are you a fan of exploring caves? Well, located on the shores of Georgian Bay, about eight and a half hours from Montreal, the Grotto in Ontario's Bruce Peninsula National Park is a true postcard landscape. Its beauty is sure to leave you speechless on your next road trip with your nearest and dearest.
After going through all your greatest musical classics in an endless mobile karaoke machine, you can admire the crystal clear waters and spectacular cliffs that, I promise, are worth the route there.
Speaking of routes, this Ontario spot may be a bit over eight hours away, but it's sure not to disappoint.
Due to how busy the national park tends to get, it's now mandatory to reserve your parking spot for $11.70 online before going.
The reservation is valid for four hours and those who wish to enjoy the site for longer can do so by experiencing semi-wilderness camping at the Lac-Cyprus campground.
This will give one access to the Georgian Bay shoreline all day and more privacy from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., as tourists will be away during these times.
Access to the cave is primarily by the Cyprus Lake Road and although two trails are possible, the routes are extremely long, difficult, and require at least six hours of walking (round trip).
Since practicing physical distancing is not possible inside the cave, one must enjoy its beauty from the top of the cliff.
It's also important to note that there are no lifeguards at the park's swimming areas and that the rocks along the shoreline are particularly slippery when wet.
A host of other activities await you on-site, including climbing an observation tower in Tobermory and discovering fascinating shipwrecks visible to the naked eye.
The Grotto
Cost: $11.70 per vehicle for parking and $7.90 per adult for admission.
Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Road, Tobermory, ON; Bruce Peninsula National Park
Distance From Montreal: Approximately 8.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: To discover a surreal place before officially saying goodbye to summer.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.