The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario 2025

The Grotto is indeed the jewel of Ontario. This scenic cave, which contains a pool of blue water, is located on the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park, not far from the town of Tobermory. The cave is hidden in the cliff face and its secluded beauty has been attracting visitors from all over the world.

Best Time to Visit the Grotto

The Grotto Parking is available from late April to late October.​ The summer months of July and August tend to be very crowded, so your best option is spring or fall. During these seasons, there are fewer crowds, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Grotto waters to the fullest. Prior reservation is recommended due to the high popularity of this natural landmark and limited parking space, so plan accordingly.

Formation of the Grotto

The Grotto was carved from natural stone by wind and water over thousands of years, which resulted in an open cave with stunning turquoise water inside. It's part of the scenic Bruce Trail at Bruce Peninsula National Park. The water of the grotto is so blue, thanks to the light which emanates from an underwater tunnel. The Grotto is not a good place for swimming because the water is always cold, even during the hottest summer months, although some swimmers try it out anyway. Scuba diving is also possible.

Location

The Grotto is located at the Cyprus Lake Road entrance to the Park. It can be reached from the cave mouth at Lake level or after you walk a short 45-minute rocky trail. While there, you can also witness the gorgeous landscapes of Indian Head Cove and the overhanging rock next to it, which is an underrated quaint spot for relaxation and sightseeing. The Grotto is situated approximately 11 miles (17 km) from the town of Tobermory, where you can stay the night and explore the nearby landmarks.

Schedule & Hours

The reservation options for the Grotto include several time slots, four hours each, during which you can fully enjoy the landmark. The Grotto can be visited from 8 am to 12 pm, from 9 am to 1 pm, from 12 pm to 4 pm, from 1 pm to 5 pm, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Tickets & Admission

Admission to the Grotto includes an admission fee, parking fee, and a reservation fee. Admission costs $9 for adults and $7.75 for seniors and is free for children under 17 years old. Online reservation costs $11.50, while reservation by phone costs $13.50. Parking reservation costs $15.75 for a personal vehicle.

Wildlife in the Park

The Bruce Peninsula park is famous not only for The Grotto but also for its population of black bears. So watch out for wild animals during your hike. The bears are usually roaming the woods of the park from early spring until late fall, but they tend to stay away from urban and crowded areas. It's important to follow safety protocols when exploring the park grounds.