It’s a victim of its beauty: when you’re visiting the Grotto at Tobermory, you’re bound to experience crowds. The same is true of hiking the Cyprus Lake Trail at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
What do you do when you encounter hoards of people sunning themselves on the rocky shoreline at the Grotto at Georgian Bay in Bruce Peninsula National Park?
You enjoy the view as best as you can.
In this post, I’ll share with you our experience (albeit over 10 years ago), and the latest tips for visiting the Grotto.
Visiting The Grotto At Tobermory
Unfortunately for us, we chose the wrong day to visit The Grotto and Cyprus Lake Trail during our day trip to Tobermory, Ontario.
It was extremely busy and it was open to the public. While at the Park, we also explored the popular, but rocky Georgian Bay Marr Lake Trails.
I’ve updated this post with the latest news as of 2024 because the Grotto has become extremely popular in recent years.
I’ve shared tips about how to visit The Grotto so that you’re not disappointed.
But first, read on about our past experience in 2010!
What To Expect Exploring The Grotto At Bruce Peninsula National Park
Our destination was the Georgian Bay shoreline, with the well-known Indian Head Cove, Natural Arch, and the Grotto.
These spots normally offer fantastic scenery for the photographer.
Blue, aquamarine and teal waters, as well as a rocky shoreline, make for some dramatic imagery. But not when you have sunbathers in the shot!
Indian Head Cove is a rocky beach – there’s no sand here. However, this doesn’t stop people sunning themselves.
The cove, as well as the Grotto and Natural Arch are dolomite limestone.
Waves have eaten away caves and the rock along the shore, creating interesting places to explore.
These natural formations make for interesting photography.
Photography At The Grotto At Tobermory
Timing for photography is everything! If you want beautiful photos, try to go at times when nobody is around.
Morning and later in the afternoon!
What made the situation lousy for photos during our visit was that the cave at the famous Grotto was packed with a group of young teenagers.
They were hanging around on the rocks and in the water, oblivious to people above them who may want to take a photo.
So lesson learned – don’t go hiking here on a sunny warm day as you will encounter sunbathing and bathing “beauties” who have beached themselves on the rocks.
TIP: As there’s a reservation system in place now, chances are the crowds are more controlled. However, it’s still probably a good idea to book a time earlier in the morning when most are still enjoying their breakfast.
| Related: Visiting The Town Of Tobermory – A One-Day Day Trip From Toronto
Marr Lake Trail
If you keep going past The Grotto you eventually reach a quieter spot at the start of Marr Lake Trail.
The only thing that you need to be aware of is the rocky surface. It can be tricky for your ankles if you don’t watch where you step.
The view here is breathtaking.
If it’s a windy day, the water can splash you if you get too close to the shoreline.
It’s worth the more adventurous walk on an extremely rocky surface as you head into the quieter Marr Lake trail.
There are fewer people here so it’s easier to get the perfect shot.
If you want to rest a moment, this is a recommended spot for lunch. It’s also a great time to do some exploring.
The rocks and boulders that are here hold many little treasures of the past. There are fossils galore!
Marr Lake Trail is a quiet, less travelled one, but it’s also a tough trail. You’re dealing with rocks, an incline and more rocks.
By the time you are done, you wish you were back at your campsite or car.
| Related: Top Five Gorgeous Hiking Trails Near Toronto
Checking Out Cyprus Lake Trail
Once you complete the Marr Lake Trail you still need to head to the Head of Trails that leads you back to the Cyprus Lake trail.
It’s a bit of a walk, but the lake itself is gorgeous. More clear aquamarine water with a slightly rocky shoreline!
One thing you will note when you’re on the Cyprus Lake Trail is that it gets busier, as campgrounds are nearby.
Don’t be surprised to have your quiet walk disturbed by somebody carrying around a radio or talking loudly.
| Related: Exploring Bruce Peninsula National Park – The Area Around The Visitor Centre
Top Benefits Of Hiking In Nature
Tips For Your Bruce Peninsula National Park Visit
Aside from booking your reservation to visit, there are a few things to take with you when you visit the Grotto and Cyprus Lake Trail if it’s a warm, sunny day:
- One or two chilled, large bottles of water – you are going to need it at the halfway point
- Light lunch for a rest stop
- Comfortable hiking boots and proper socks. I learned my lesson the hard way with blisters!
- Sunscreen as the hike takes more than an hour – any unprotected skin will burn.
- Pack your patience! There are young people taking these trails to get to Indian Head Cove. They play their portable stereos loudly and some don’t know how to share the pathway. Of course, there are also those who will ruin your view of the lovely shoreline.
The best times to visit are very early in the morning or slightly later in the evening (if you can deal with the impending darkness of night) and cloudy overcast days to avoid the crowds.
See details below about doing a drop-in visit to the Grotto and reserving your spot.
If you’re camping on-site at Cyprus Lake, wake up early and head out as soon as you can!
A one-day roadtrip to Tobermory from Toronto is doable on weekends if you wake up very early in the morning. As they say… the early bird gets the worm!
NOTE FOR 2024
Due to the huge popularity of the Grotto, there is now a reservation system for parking and visiting. You can reserve a parking spot and visit time via the Parks Canada website.
Please make sure you do this so that you’re not disappointed!
QUESTION: What is your favourite place to visit in Bruce Peninsula National Park?
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This post was updated for 2024.
8 Comments
Your post is superb and helpful for visitors.All the images are really beautiful and eye catching.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Regards,
Amelie Wakelin
You are most welcome Amelie! Hope you get to visit during a time when there are few visitors so you can see the beauty of the location.
Hello! How long would you say the walk from Cyprus lake to the grotto is? We were planning on doing it on two different days. Does that make sense?
Thx
Hi Naomi, it’s about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you walk. Try to get on the trail earlier in the morning as it gets busy at the Grotto.
Thanks for warning re teenagers. 😆 I’m going in May. Do you think a be too bulky or get wet? I’m going to the Georgian Bay shoreline and the Grotto sea cave, camping at Cypress and online mentions climbing through narrow passages and water, but I couldn’t see pics of what this is like (i.e. Land in waist deep splashy water?). Thanks!
Hi Sylvia – it will be chilly in the water in May! I’m not sure about the Grotto area and getting to it via the water. We’ve stuck to views from above during our visits. Have fun visiting – you’ll likely have fewer people in the water at that time.
People ruining your shots? How dare they enjoy the park too. It does belong to everyone, teens included. A bit narcissistic to think only you deserve it.
Hi Gurp… true, everybody deserves to enjoy the park. But there’s a bit of decorum that comes with being in a public place that’s meant to be enjoyed by others. And when you’re stealing that enjoyment from others, you’re being selfish. The blue waters are what attracts people, including photographers. So there should be a bit of give on both sides, don’t you think?