The Grotto
The Grotto
4.5
About
The Grotto, in Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of the top tourism attractions in Ontario. A shoreline sea cave with the beautiful blue waters, the Grotto is a unique natural wonder and memorable place to experience. It is also a very popular and busy location, especially during the peak season of July and August and on long weekends. At those times, the parking lot will fill up and you may not be able to access the Grotto.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
1,265 reviews
Excellent
880
Very good
274
Average
67
Poor
24
Terrible
20
Ivritours T
1 contribution
Aug 2020
09/30/2020 our family of 12 people went to Tobermory with a Grotto visit.
20 km from Grotto, our bus broke down, I had to order another bus from Toronto, hoping that I had a reservation to the grotto from 17-21 and people could watch the sunset and then return to Toronto on another bus I ordered.
I ordered 2 minivans to pick up my family to Grotto, it was also not easy to do on Sunday, we waited in the heat for about 1.5 hours and my family arrived at the grotto at 19: 20. I had to stay with the bus and wait just for a tall track.
12 elderly people stood at the entrance to the park and for about an hour begged them to let them in;
The girl, calling herself a supervisor, categorically refused ...
Firstly, because I was a holder, although almost everyone had the same surname
Secondly, we were 20 minutes late.
And all the explanations about the broken bus and other people were taken with obvious disdain and people stood at the gate for 2 hours and waited for the bus from Toronto.
There are different situations in life and there is always an exception to the rule ...
I'm sorry that an organization like Canada Park is hiring and making them supervisors of soulless robots.
20 km from Grotto, our bus broke down, I had to order another bus from Toronto, hoping that I had a reservation to the grotto from 17-21 and people could watch the sunset and then return to Toronto on another bus I ordered.
I ordered 2 minivans to pick up my family to Grotto, it was also not easy to do on Sunday, we waited in the heat for about 1.5 hours and my family arrived at the grotto at 19: 20. I had to stay with the bus and wait just for a tall track.
12 elderly people stood at the entrance to the park and for about an hour begged them to let them in;
The girl, calling herself a supervisor, categorically refused ...
Firstly, because I was a holder, although almost everyone had the same surname
Secondly, we were 20 minutes late.
And all the explanations about the broken bus and other people were taken with obvious disdain and people stood at the gate for 2 hours and waited for the bus from Toronto.
There are different situations in life and there is always an exception to the rule ...
I'm sorry that an organization like Canada Park is hiring and making them supervisors of soulless robots.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
princesss
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
I have lived in grey bruce my whole life and, while I know how popular the grotto has become over the past several years, I was even more disappointed this time. Went on a Sunday night at 6pm and It was still too crowded. Couldn't even enjoy the view in peace. It looked and sounded like downtown toronto. We paid around $30 and barely stayed ten minutes when we got to the grotto. Could hardly move or step down the rocks because there were so many ppl constantly in the way. Such a beautiful area and it is being ruined... it is honestly a real shame. They need to reduce the amount of people allowed back there at a time. I am never going back there mid summer again. I will go early spring or late fall when hopefully all the city people are gone.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cass8-4U
London, Canada3,404 contributions
Aug 2021
Access is by reservation only and they are for a 4 hour period of parking. Driving from Kincardine for a 9 am time slot required a very early start but it was worth it!
The scenery is breathtaking. The grotto was closed to swimming but the view from above is awesome. The natural bridge is an interesting geological feature. The area is high and rugged and I was surprised there are no safety features.
Swimming is allowed in the cove - the water is crystal clear and gorgeous shades of blue. Highly recommended!
The scenery is breathtaking. The grotto was closed to swimming but the view from above is awesome. The natural bridge is an interesting geological feature. The area is high and rugged and I was surprised there are no safety features.
Swimming is allowed in the cove - the water is crystal clear and gorgeous shades of blue. Highly recommended!
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HammerHeidi
Hamilton, Canada341 contributions
Aug 2020
What an amazing experience to swim in the grotto and at Indian Head Cove. Needs to be booked online months in advance to get parking and a time slot to enter, but this also controls the crowds. You park and walk half an hour to the grotto. You can continue on past the grotto to a rocky beach or go back to Indian Cove and swim easily off of large rocks. Very beautiful location with crystal clear turquoise water. Kids loved it.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
North_shore_mamacita
49 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
It is a must to see if in Bruce Peninsula. You must reserve your parking spot well in advance as it gets busy and they are limiting access due to Covid. Great outdoors adventure. Highly recommend this gem in Canada.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin M
Angeles City, Philippines50 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Located with in Cypress Lake National Park outside Tobermory, it’s definitely worth the effort to get there.
You will need a reservation and pay to park but well worth it. The park setting and trek out to the The Grotto site itself is breathtaking but only once you are at The Grotto itself you can truly appreciate the scenery and experience. Cut out of stone the natural beauty abounds and the initial sense of sudden cold temperatures from the water subside quickly.
We made it to the site with a 16 month and stroller easily in the beautifully maintained park. Took some snacks, lunch and drinks for a picnic on the rock top after swimming in one of Georgian Bay’s most beautiful spots. If you travel that way don’t miss the opportunity to visit. Take note reservations are a must and it’s a very popular destination so plan ahead or you will be disappointed.
You will need a reservation and pay to park but well worth it. The park setting and trek out to the The Grotto site itself is breathtaking but only once you are at The Grotto itself you can truly appreciate the scenery and experience. Cut out of stone the natural beauty abounds and the initial sense of sudden cold temperatures from the water subside quickly.
We made it to the site with a 16 month and stroller easily in the beautifully maintained park. Took some snacks, lunch and drinks for a picnic on the rock top after swimming in one of Georgian Bay’s most beautiful spots. If you travel that way don’t miss the opportunity to visit. Take note reservations are a must and it’s a very popular destination so plan ahead or you will be disappointed.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slb888scm
Preston, UK15 contributions
Jul 2022
It was difficult to get a time for the Grotto with the reservation system. We went on a wet day in the evening and hoped that the fewer number of bookings would have meant it was quieter. However when we got to the grotto it was full of groups, from the campground. There was litter and people playing music which totally detracted from the place not to mention the biting sand flies.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
to_travel_is_my_life
Trenton, Canada171 contributions
Jul 2021
We had a 9 am - 1 pm reservation. We got there shortly after 9 am and we took the Horse Lake Trail which eventually led to the Georgian Bay Trail. The views at the Grotto are amazing and the colour of the water is stunning! However, it was quite crowded and it was hard to find a secluded spot to take in the beautiful landscape or to enjoy the water. Make sure to bring water shoes. Even while wearing hers, my daughter slipped and fell. We didn't stay very long due to the crowds. Maybe it would be quieter in the evening. Glad we went though. The Grotto should definitely be on your bucket list!
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendymurcia87
Canada494 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
In this place you have 2 options to go down to the cave. the first is through a hollow in the form of a vertical tunnel in the middle of rocks and the second is going down a slightly horizontal rock wall, it is a bit difficult and dangerous since the rocks have sharp points. The water is always very cold even in summer.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patlv23
Winnipeg, Canada962 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
The hike from the parking lot is longer but more developed than Halfway Log Dump. There are also 3 choices (easy, intermediate, hard). It was quite crowded on a weekday. Hard to imagine the weekend, though it helps they limit it with reserved parking and smaller time slots (comapred to Halfway Log Dump). 4 hours goes by really quickly though. The Grotto (and the Natural Arch) is beautiful though only the bravest dare to climb down the cliff to see it up close (i.e. not us). The main pools were crowded but not too crowded that we didn't enjoy. There is more scenery to enjoy east and west (likely as part of the Bruce Trail). There are washrooms and a drinking fountain at the parking lot and washrooms near the grotto.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asking this question again as there was only one answer above and calling the park didn't help! Can you bike to the trailhead? Is there safe place to park our bikes for 4 hours?
Written July 9, 2024
How do I book m parking to get a spot here?
Written June 29, 2024
Would you say a 4.5 year old could do the hike to the grotto? You mentioned you went with kids, but not sure how old your kids are.
Written July 29, 2021
I didn't go with kids, but many others were travelling with kids. It is a 30 minute hike (depending on your pace). I think a 4.5 year old would get tired, so a wagon might be helpful. It is difficult once you get there to make your way down on the rocks to the water. I would think carrying a 4.5 year old would be necessary.
Written July 30, 2021
Sanyaa S
Toronto, Canada
Hi, I was wondering if there is any other way to get to the Grotto entrance other than by car? Can we bike or walk to the entrance?
Written July 28, 2020
We were told that you can take a 3 hour hike in from the Halfway Log Dump site.
Looks like a rough hike and you still pay $$$ to park, if you get up early enough to get in the parking lot.
Written August 30, 2020
I have a 4-8pm time slot for parking at the grotto but a day pass to the national park (comes with the reservation) am I able to visit cyprus lake in the morning to kayak or will I be turned away and made to enter the park only at 4pm?
Written July 17, 2020
Hi, just a quick question. Are we able to walk from the Bruce Trail or Marr Lake Trail down to the Grotto? Thank you.
Written July 2, 2020
Hi. I'm going to the grotto in August 1st. I readed about the parking limit time and I would like to know if you can get there by uber and stay the whole day or which recommendations do you have to stay longer than 4hrs. We are staying 10min drive away from the grotto.
Thanks in advance
Written July 6, 2019
Good question! I highly doubt there’s Uber in or near Tobermory! It’s a very small town! We did see some people biking so I wondered if people could bike in without paying for parking?! If you stay at the Cyprus Lake campground you can visit longer and for free.
Written July 16, 2019
The trail to Grotto - how far is it from Bruce parking? How hard is the trek? Is it flat or steep?
Written June 30, 2019
I do remember some climbing but it is not bad. I saw people with canes who made it. To get down to the water it is a walk on I think a dirt path. I was very careful and did not have any problems. I hope you go.
Written June 30, 2019
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