Lion’s Head Trail on the Bruce Peninsula with kids (Is it worth the Effort?)

The Bruce Peninsula is full of incredible hikes, but Lion’s Head Trail is often described as one of the best. It is famous for its turquoise Georgian Bay views, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a natural rock arch that looks like a window to the water below. Families planning a trip here usually ask the same thing: is it realistic to hike Lion’s Head with kids, or is it too tough?

We decided to try it out with our family to see if the views were worth the effort.

 

Lion’s Head Trail Overview

Lion’s Head Trail is part of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath. The section at Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve starts from the McCurdy Trailhead and takes you through forest, caves, and rocky terrain before reaching the lookouts.

The full loop is over 15 km, but most families just hike to the main lookout and back, which is about 5 km round trip. That distance may not sound long, but the trail is rated moderate because of the rocky paths, tree roots, and steep drop-offs near the cliff edges. It is not stroller friendly, and toddlers would have a tough time. For school-age kids who are steady on their feet, it is manageable as long as you take your time and keep a close eye near the lookouts.

There are no washrooms, no water stations, and no snack shops along the way. Once you start the hike, you are really out in nature. Sturdy shoes, water bottles, and a few snacks are must-haves to keep the kids moving and happy.

 

Our Family Experience and Highlights

We started our hike at the McCurdy Trailhead, which is the main access point for Lion’s Head. The kids immediately noticed the white trail blazes painted on the trees, which mark the Bruce Trail. Following those little white rectangles became a game that kept them moving along the path.

Early on, the trail passes the Lion’s Head Pothole, a deep circular hole in the rock that was formed over 12,000 years ago during the last ice age. There are also small caves and rock formations that the kids loved exploring on the way.

One of the most unique stops is the natural rock arch, sometimes called the “window” because it perfectly frames the turquoise water below. The kids thought it looked like something out of a fantasy story.

The big payoff is reaching the Lion’s Head lookout. Standing on the cliffs, you get sweeping views over Georgian Bay with its bright blue and green water stretching out forever. It is breathtaking and definitely the highlight of the hike. The kids were excited to spot boats down below and to look back across the bay toward Tobermory.

The trail did have some challenges. There are sections with lots of roots and rocks where we had to remind the kids to slow down. And near the lookouts, the drop-offs are very steep with no barriers, so we kept everyone close. Even with those tricky parts, the kids had fun and felt proud when we made it to the lookout.

 

Parking: How to Book

Parking at Lion’s Head is limited and you need to reserve a spot in advance. The system is managed through the Park Pass Project, and you can book online at the official site here.

At the time of writing (September 2025), the rates are:

• 4-Hour Pass: $20 per vehicle
• Full-Day Pass: $30 per vehicle

Prices include tax and may change in the future, so it is always best to check the booking site for the most up-to-date information.

If your preferred time slot is unavailable, you can also consider parking at the Lion’s Head Arena on Tackabury Street, which offers a full-day option.

Parking on local streets is not allowed and may result in tickets or towing. Once you secure your pass, you will receive a confirmation to show when you arrive. From there it is a short walk to the McCurdy Trailhead, where the hike begins.

 

Things to Know + Pros and Cons for Families

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are no facilities on the trail. No bathrooms, no water taps, no snack shops. Bring everything you need with you.
• The trail is rocky with roots in many places. Sturdy shoes are a must for both adults and kids.
• Bring enough water and snacks to keep everyone happy. There are no places to refill once you start.
• Keep kids close at the lookouts. The cliff edges are very steep and there are no railings.
• Cell service can be spotty, so it is smart to download maps ahead of time or use the trail markers.

Pros for Families

• The views are incredible and feel like a real reward for the effort.
• The trail has fun natural features like caves, potholes, and the rock arch that keep kids curious along the way.
• Following the white trail blazes gives kids a sense of adventure and accomplishment.

Cons for Families

• The trail is moderate difficulty and not stroller friendly. Toddlers will likely struggle.
• The lack of bathrooms and water can be tricky with younger kids.
• Parking must be booked in advance and can be stressful if you leave it last minute.
• The cliff edges can make parents nervous, especially with energetic kids.

 

Is It Worth the Effort?

For families with older kids, the answer is yes. The Lion’s Head Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Ontario, and the lookouts over Georgian Bay are absolutely stunning. The trail feels adventurous without being too long, and the natural features like the rock arch and caves keep kids engaged along the way.

That said, it is not the easiest family hike. The rocky ground, steep cliffs, and lack of facilities make it better suited for kids around six and up who are comfortable on uneven trails. If you are visiting with toddlers or very young children, you may want to choose a shorter and safer trail on the Bruce Peninsula instead.

For our family, the effort was worth it. Standing at the lookout with those turquoise waters stretching out below us was the kind of memory that will stick for a long time.