Ok... it looks like all our travel this summer will need to be within Canada.
I have been told we cannot drive across the border from Canada into the US and I am not a big fan of Air Travel.
So I’m going to do a series of posts of awesome short 1 or 2 day Road trips you can take from Toronto (if you are stuck in Canada for the next several years)
Day One: Toronto, to the Bruce Peninsula National Park
Travel time: 3 1/2 hours
Destination : The Grotto from Cyprus Lake Campground
We have done this trip a few times now. The Grotto is awesome. The water is cold but very clear. You can do scuba diving at nearby Tobermory and also take the Tobermory Ferry over to Manitoulin Island to explore some amazing white sand and limestone beaches.
Make sure you bookmark this post for when the Global Quarantine Pandemic Lockdown is over and come visit us in Canada.
Did you know the water was this blue on Lake Huron ?
It is incredible .... you can Google the Term “The Grotto, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay” and you will see thousands of photos of the bluest water you could imagine.... looking like somewhere in the Greek Islands or the Caribbean.... but right here in Ontario Canada.
This is a very well kept secret in Canada. Now you know about it too.
Image Source: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/experiences/grotto/services
This is our drive from Toronto :
Source: Google Maps
Hiking to see the Georgian Bay shoreline and the Grotto sea cave is a highlight for many visitors to the area. Here are some tips to be prepared to get the most of your visit to Bruce Peninsula National Park:
A hike to the Grotto and Georgian Bay shoreline begins at the P1 parking lot located in the Cyprus Lake area. The Georgian Bay Trail is the most direct route to the shoreline and is approximately 30 minutes. The beginning of the trail is rated Easy with a wide crushed gravel surface and few hills, however the shoreline of Georgian Bay is very rocky and can be challenging for children, elderly and those with mobility issues. It is necessary to pay attention to your footing and to keep children well supervised. The portion of the Bruce Trail leading to the Grotto does require some climbing over slippery rocks and tree roots.
Indian Head Cove
Flat limestone rocks and a small white boulder beach surround the tropical looking but cold blue waters.
A great place to dip your feet in the cool waters of Georgian Bay and enjoy a snack.
Natural Arch
Left of Indian Head Cove as you look toward the water along the shoreline.
The blue waters of Georgian Bay can be seen through this hole in the rock on the way to the Grotto.
Don’t be confused – continue along the Bruce Trail to find The Grotto.
The Grotto
Once you arrive at the shoreline, keep left and follow the white blazes of the Bruce Trail leading towards the Grotto. The Grotto is a large sea cave containing a pool of water. An underwater tunnel extends from the pool inside the cave through the cliff to Georgian Bay. This often makes it appear as though the pool is glowing on sunny days.
There are two options to descend into the Grotto:
The chimney is a small rocky tunnel that allows you to cork screw your way down to the Grotto opening. Those with mobility issues and children should use extreme caution. Take your time and maintain 3 points of contact while descending. Be aware of others coming up.
The other option is to climb down the 12 meter (40 ft) open cliff face. Know your limits. Once again, those with mobility issues and children should use extreme caution and know their limits. The cliff face includes a series of shelves and rocks that you can climb down. Typically, this route results in wet feet.
Either option is suitable for exiting and climbing back out.
Source : https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/parks-canada-expanding-bruce-peninsula-national-park
Can't wait for the next one. Looks beatiful!
Thanks... lots to see right here in Ontario.
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