National Parks
Before leaving home this summer to visit the national parks in BruceGreySimcoe, plan ahead, book ahead and contact the parks BEFORE leaving home to camp, hike or visit. Reserve your campsite ahead of time as these are booked quickly and, if possible, plan your camping adventure in the spring or fall.
Another valuable resource is Parks Canada's "
The Complete Guide to visiting Parks Canada", with updated and useful information on planning your trip to fully experience the wonders of these natural beauties.
Watch the video below for help in planning your visit:
Discover nature at its best and help to honour this shared outdoor space – check out the Visit Responsibly page for guidance on how to camp and hike respectfully. Our national parks, with their stunning scenery (above and below water) and back-to-basics camping adventures, offer an opportunity to escape into the wonders of nature.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Wildly gorgeous and extremely popular, the
Bruce Peninsula National Park is probably
the most visited natural site in BruceGreySimcoe. Part of the Niagara Escarpment’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it’s located between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and home to a rare ecosystem and the well-known
Grotto and Halfway Log Dump shoreline. (
Parking reservations are required to hike these areas during the busy season, so book well ahead of the day you plan to hike).
Cyprus Lake Campground, set in the park’s spectacular rugged beauty, is naturally suited for “no frills” camping with un-serviced campsites. Ten waterfront
yurts take rustic up a notch on the shores of Cyprus Lake. These roofed accommodations go fast so make a note to
book yours early.
The
Bruce Trail runs through the park on its way to Tobermory and features spectacular vistas of Georgian Bay. Hiking levels vary, ranging from easy to very difficult.
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Camping facilities may be limited on
Flowerpot Island in
Fathom Five National Marine Park, but what an awesome experience. Only six tent campsites are available in Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area, each equipped with a wooden camping platform close to a composting toilet. As these sites are boat-accessible only via
private tour companies, bring everything you need with you, including drinking water. As at Cyprus Lake,
reserve your site well ahead of time.
During your stay, hike the island trails to its unique flowerpot formations, caves and lightstation (maintained by volunteers). Hike lengths vary from 1 ½ to up to 5 hours. Try something different this summer and sign up for the
Volunteer Lightkeeper Host Program.
For more information and experiences: