Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Southern Ontario. It’s famous for rugged natural cliffs and rocky caves that rise out of the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.

Situated on 156 square kilometres, the park sits atop the Niagara Escarpment with spectacular views and vistas. Established in 1987 and operated by Parks Canada, Bruce Peninsula National Park provides visitors with incredible outdoor experiences, from extensive hiking trails to stargazing and winter camping.

Three people hike along a rocky shoreline overlooking blue water of Georgian Bay.

Bruce Peninsula National Park | Destination Ontario

How to get to Bruce Peninsula National Park

Location: Tobermory

By car: Several key sites in Bruce Peninsula National Park are accessible from Highway 6. The Visitor Centre is at 120 Chi sin tib dek Road in Tobermory. Limited first-come, first-served parking is available during the summer at the Visitor Centre and Singing Sands.

By transit: Parkbus is a private tour company that provides seasonal bus service from Toronto to Bruce Peninsula.

By ferry: The Chi-Cheemaun Ferry transports passengers and vehicles between Tobermory and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.

Know before you go

Reservations for camping and most parking at Bruce Peninsula National Park are required. Make reservations well in advance.

The Chi-Cheemaun Ferry operates in the spring, summer and fall. It operates two to three times a day, depending on the season.

The park is extremely popular from mid-June to mid-September, so consider visiting in early spring, late fall or winter for a quieter visit.

Things to do at Bruce Peninsula National Park

Discover more activities and experiences.

Swim in a stunning natural pool

Take an hour-long hike to “The Grotto,” a limestone sea cave and an underwater tunnel that glows in the sunlight. This is one of the park’s most popular attractions and requires pre-planning and reservations.

Explore coves and beaches

Find unique coves, rock formations and beaches, such as the cobblestone beach at Indian Head Cove, the rare cliff-edge ecosystem at Driftwood Cove and the gorgeous boardwalk at Singing Sands beach.

Connect in nature

From bouldering to birdwatching, geocaching to fishing, canoeing to snowshoeing, there are so many activities and experiences available at the park.

Hike the trails

Hiking trails in Bruce Peninsula National Park lead through mixed forests, along the rugged shoreline and connect to the Bruce Trail, the longest marked hiking trail in Canada.

Enjoy wildlife viewing

Keep an eye out for wildlife, including black bears, snowshoe hares, red foxes, porcupines, deer and diverse species of birds.

Camp year-round

Camping and overnight accommodation options in the park include drive-in sites, group camping, backcountry camping, yurt camping and winter camping.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

A natural pool formed by rocks and caves in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
The Grotto | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is located along the Niagara Escarpment, a long cliff created by retreating tectonic plates most famous for producing Niagara Falls. The rock of the escarpment is approximately 400 million years old.

The Bruce Peninsula is an ecological hotspot home to several rare and sensitive plant species. The concentration of over 30 types of rare and unique orchids is higher than any other Ontario location. It also supports half the world’s remaining Dwarf Lake Iris, rare Tuberous Indian Plantain and over 20 kinds of ferns.

The park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, which is an area that restricts artificial light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing.

Accessibility features

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking  space with a safe, clearly marked  accessible route from the designated  parking area to an accessible building  entrance.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has  adequate manoeuvring room for mobility  devices. Includes grab bars, transfer  space, accessible door latch, sink with  knee clearance, and lever handles or  automatic sensor faucets. 

Assistive listening devices available

Assistive listening devices are available  for rent or free of charge. 

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with  adequate manoeuvring room for mobility  devices. Includes grab bars, transfer  space, accessible door latch, accessible  sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use  faucets and adult change table. 

Last updated: November 25, 2024

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