National Parks

Bruce Peninsula has two national parks and one of them is under water!

Discover a part of Canada’s natural legacy in a unique world biosphere reserve. These parks are world renowned for their rugged beauty and variety of experiences. Take a walk, a swim, a dive, and a boat tour. Bruce Peninsula National Park covers large areas spanning the northern Peninsula. The sculptured bluffs, cliffs and caves of the Niagara Escarpment form two sides of this unique natural area, the sloping shores and bays of Lake Huron a third. Beyond the southern edge the largest remaining patch of contiguous forest in southern Ontario ends and farmland begins.

Bruce Peninsula National Park offers you truly spectacular scenery, where the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment meet the second-largest of the Great Lakes. Over the past 10,000 years, great changes in water level have eroded the softer portions of the stone, leaving the tougher “caprock” of ancient coral reefs. The resulting cliffs form the backbone of Bruce Peninsula, the heart of the Park. Further inland and on the western side, wetlands, lakes and globally rare alvar ecosystems present a unique array of wildlife and plants. Over 40 species of wild orchids live here. Wildflowers like the lakeside daisy and dwarf lake iris which bloom in late May are found only in this region.

Grotto tip: The parking lots to access the Grotto fill up daily in July & August from mid-morning until late afternoon, and you may be redirected to enjoy other locations. Weekends and holidays can be exceptionally busy. Consider planning your visit for the early morning or during spring and autumn seasons. Come to the Parks Canada Centre for park information, exciting exhibits, a tower and trails that lead to Georgian Bay.

Take a cruise and explore the Fathom Five National Marine Park

The harbour of Tobermory is your gateway to Fathom Five, the northern climax of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The sparkling clear waters and stepping stone islands welcome you to the rich diversity and maritime heritage of Georgian Bay. Twenty-two shipwrecks remain on the lake bed to tell their stories. These connections to our past are over a century old and a few have sunk within sight of the three local lighthouses.

The cold, clear freshwater and fascinating geology have made Fathom Five the “Scuba Diving Capital of Canada.” Local charters cater to SCUBA divers and snorkelers. Please remember to register at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre where you can also see exhibits about local diving and marine history.

Other ways to experience Fathom Five include taking a boat cruise, catching a tour boat to Flowerpot Island, kayaking, climbing the viewing tower or hiking the trails at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, taking a dip in the cool blue water at the Big Tub Lighthouse, or simply sitting back and enjoying a sunset from Little Tub harbour.

Flowerpot Island

The jewel of Fathom Five National Marine Park, Flowerpot Island is famous for its awesome natural rock pillars. This is a must-see attraction! On a trip to the island, you can you photograph the rock pillars, climb stairs up into a cave, visit an historic lightstation, swim in crystal-clear water and enjoy a relaxing picnic. Your trip to the island begins in Tobermory’s picturesque harbour. From spring to fall, tour boats operate on a regular schedule (weather dependent) and pass over shipwrecks en route to the island. Plan to spend a half-day or more on Flowerpot Island to have ample time to explore and relax. Six tenting sites are available for primitive camping; register in advance at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.

Flowerpots rank highly as one of the most photographed icons of the Bruce.

How To Get to Bruce Peninsula National Park

Cyprus Lake Campground:
Cyprus Lake Road,
Tobermory, ON
GPS: 45.225937 N, 81.524772 W

Visitor Centre:
Chi sin tib dek Rd,
Tobermory, ON
GPS: 45.257412 N, 81.655633 W

The park is accessible from the south along Highway 6 or from the north via Owen Sound Transportation Company MS Chi-Cheemaun, which operates during the spring, summer and fall. Check MS Chi-Cheemaun's schedule online or contact them at 519-596-2510.

Take advantage of a direct bus service from downtown Toronto to national parks in Ontario with Parkbus! Parkbus offers an environmentally friendlier and affordable option for residents of the Greater Toronto Area to get out, discover and enjoy Canada’s treasured natural wonders. To find out more about Parkbus, as well as their routes and schedules, www.parkbus.ca or contact them at1-800-928-7101.

You can also reach the area by private boat or by plane. Tobermory airport has a 1220 metre (4000 ft.) paved field with user-operated lights, but no radio. Wiarton has a full-service airport.

For more information please go to http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/visit.aspx

Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada

Hours of Operation - 2016

Parks Canada Visitor Centre

Spring (May 1 – June 30)

Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Summer (July 1 - September 5)

Daily 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Fall (September 6 – October 31)

Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

After October 31, the Visitor Centre will be closed for the winter.

Administration Office

Administration Office open by appointment. Please call (519) 596-2233 ext 221.

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Closed holidays

Cyprus Lake Campground Office

Open 7 days a week from April 29 - October 10, 2016

Spring (April 29 – June 30)

Saturday - Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, 9:00am - 9:00pm

Summer (July 1 - September 5)

8:00am - 11:00pm

Fall (September 6 - October 10)

Sunday - Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, 9:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, 9:00am - 7:00pm

Winter (October 11 - April 30)

Please note: During the winter months, only winter camping sites in Tamaracks Campground will be available. Please park at P2 and self register at the kiosk located on site.