When you’re planning a trip to Ontario, there are many fun things to see and do. While you might be tempted to book a stay in the city, we’d recommend heading off the beaten path and coming to the gorgeous Bruce Peninsula.
This breathtaking destination offers some of the best outdoor activities in Ontario and has some genuinely picturesque little towns, including the stunning area of Lion’s Head.
Lion’s Head offers a little something for everyone, from the quaint restaurants and unique shops to the breathtaking outdoor attractions. If you’re searching for a place that can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you’d like, Lion’s Head can check all the boxes. You don’t want to miss out on Greig’s Caves when staying in one of our Lion’s Head cottage rentals. Here’s everything to know before you go!
About Greig’s Caves
Greig’s Caves bills itself as the Northern Bruce Peninsula’s best-kept secret, and we’d be hard-pressed to argue with them! This area was naturally formed about 400 million years ago, and you can truly feel the history all around you as you hike through the caves. The caves get their name from Charles Greig, who purchased the adjacent property in 1926 for just $3,400. Although Charles sadly passed away in 1971, the family has continued to run the business over since.
Today, Greig’s Caves remains one of the most popular attractions for visitors and locals alike. If you arrive and find that the area looks familiar to you, you might have seen these caves in movies such as Against the Wild and Quest for Fire! These breathtaking caves are awe-inspiring, and seeing them in a film can’t compare to seeing them in real life. Don’t leave Lion’s Head without coming here if you have some spare time in your schedule!
What to Expect
If you’re searching for the best hiking in Ontario, you can find it right here. While this destination may not be best for those who are hiking for the very first time, it’s definitely worth the trip if you have a little bit of hiking experience under your belt. As you trek through the caves, you’ll come face to face with some of the most breathtaking nature that Ontario offers. There are ten limestone caves that you can explore at your own pace while listening to the beautiful singing birds and exploring the rugged trails. It would be best to be allotted around an hour or two to explore all of the caves.
It’s recommended to bring a couple of essential pieces of equipment with you on your journey. Some parts of the caves can be rather dark, so it’s best to bring a flashlight. You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars, especially when you get to the trail’s peak above the caves. It will be about 300 feet above the waters of Georgian Bay, and binoculars will help you make the most out of the view! Finally, make sure you come prepared with proper hiking shoes with a good tread; the rocks around here can be slippery at times, so you’ll want the right gear to ensure your safety.
When you come to Greig’s Caves, you will be asked to pay a small entry fee. Adults pay just $10, children ages 3 to 12 pay $5, and children two and under are free. Please note that they only accept cash, so come prepared! Luckily, you won’t have to pay for parking.
Greig’s Caves are open during the summer months, often beginning in May and ending around Thanksgiving (in October here in Canada!). During this season, they are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though the last tickets are sold at 5 p.m. You will need to be in good physical condition to trek through the caves, and all participants must sign a waiver before entry.
How to Get There
To get to Grieg’s Caves, you’ll need to travel to 407 Scenic Caves Road in Lion’s Head. If you’re already staying in one of our Lion’s Head cottage rentals, you won’t have to travel far! First, you’ll want to make your way to Main Street, heading south toward Webster Street. Once you get there, continue onto Bruce County Road 9 and remain on it for 8 kilometers. Then, turn left onto Scenic Caves Road. After just 4.1 kilometers, you’ll find Greig’s Caves on your right!
Need to get to Lion’s Head in the first place? It’s relatively easy to get here from Toronto, Ontario’s capital. The journey takes about 3.5 hours. Start by making your way to Gardiner Expressway W and stay on it for 13.2 kilometers. Then, take Exit 139 for ON-427 toward Airport/ON-401. Remain on this road for 1.5 kilometers, then continue on ON-427 N for another 6.6 kilometers.
Take the ON-401 W exit on the left and remain on this road for 4.5 kilometers. Keep left and follow the signs for Hamilton/Brampton. Continue onto ON-410 N for 19.5 kilometers. Continue onto Hurontario Street, which will turn into ON-10, where you will remain for 20.4 kilometers. Then, turn left onto ON-10/ON-89 W and follow for 5.4 kilometers. The most extended leg of your journey comes now on ON-10/ON-6 N, where you’ll remain for 70.7 kilometers. You’ll then turn left onto Grey County Road 18, and after 5.1 kilometers, turn right to stay on this road. Finally, continue onto ON-6 N for 14.6 kilometers, then turn right to stay on the road for another 42.3 kilometers. You’ll soon make your way to Bruce County Road 9, which brings you into Lion’s Head!
Plan Your Visit!
Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Book your stay in Ontario today and prepare for countless activities that you’ll never forget, including a visit to Greig’s Caves! View our cottages rentals in Ontario and book your stay today!
Book Your Cottage Rental in Ontario
Greig’s Caves is just one of the fun things to do in Lion’s Head, but there are tons of other incredible destinations for you to explore. Head to Lion’s Head Beach to enjoy the warm summer weather or hike along the Lion’s Head Lookout Trail. Want to learn about some fascinating local history? Check out the Lion’s Head Harbour Lighthouse. You can also explore the other beautiful cities along the Bruce Peninsula, such as Wiarton, Kincardine, Tobermory, and more.
When it comes time to book your stay, look no further than Rent Cottage. We’re proud to offer some of the most impressive Lion’s Head and Wiarton cottage rentals and cabins all over the Bruce Peninsula. We always ensure that our cabins are equipped with convenient amenities for your stay, including fully stocked kitchens, spacious living areas, and tons of outdoor space. If you want to make the most of your time in the beautiful Canadian nature, our cabins are the only way to go!
To explore all the best things to do in Ontario, you have to start by discovering the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula. Contact us today to learn more and to book your trip!
