Canada’s Most Famous Cave: Visiting the Grotto with Kids

If there is one spot that put the Bruce Peninsula on the map, it is the Grotto. This natural cave with its glowing turquoise water is the most famous attraction in Bruce Peninsula National Park and easily one of the most photographed places in Ontario. Families planning a trip to Tobermory often wonder if the Grotto is really doable with kids or if it is better left to adults. We went to see for ourselves.

 

What is the Grotto?

The Grotto is a natural limestone sea cave on the shores of Georgian Bay inside Bruce Peninsula National Park. Over thousands of years, the powerful waves of Lake Huron slowly eroded the cliffs and carved out the cave we see today. Geologists trace the rock itself back much further. The dolostone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment formed about 400 million years ago when this area was covered by a tropical sea.

What makes the Grotto so famous is the way sunlight filters through an underwater tunnel that connects the cave to the bay. This creates a glowing blue-green light that makes the water look almost tropical, even though you are standing in Northern Ontario. The cave itself is quite large, about 20 meters wide and 8 meters high, and on calm days you may see people swimming inside.

The Grotto sits near Cyprus Lake, about a 30 to 40 minute hike from the nearest parking area. While swimming is possible, the cold water and slippery rocks make it best suited for strong swimmers and older kids. Most families simply enjoy the views from the rocky shoreline above and explore the surrounding coast.

 

How to Book Parking for the Grotto

Visiting the Grotto is one of the most popular things to do in Bruce Peninsula National Park, so parking is tightly controlled. You must reserve your parking in advance through the official Parks Canada site. Without a reservation, you will be turned away at the gate.

When booking, you choose a specific time slot at the Cyprus Lake parking area, which is the only access point for the Grotto. There are two types of passes:

As of September 2025, parking costs $28.25 CAD per vehicle for a 4-hour time slot. This is usually plenty of time for families to hike to the Grotto, enjoy the views, and walk back. Prices include tax but may change, so always check the website before booking.

Parking reservations sell out quickly in summer, especially on weekends and holidays. Try to book as early as possible. Roadside parking is not allowed and may result in tickets or towing. Once your spot is reserved, you simply show your pass at the gate, drive to your assigned lot, and start the 30 to 40 minute hike to the Grotto.

 

The Hike to the Grotto

Reaching the Grotto is part of the adventure. From the Cyprus Lake parking lots, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes on foot to get to the shoreline. The most direct route is the Georgian Bay Trail, which is roughly 1.5 kilometers each way. It is not a long hike, but the trail can feel a little rugged with rocks and tree roots underfoot.

Kids will enjoy walking through the forest and spotting chipmunks, birds, and different types of trees along the way. The trail is well marked, so it is easy to follow, but it is not stroller friendly. Families with toddlers will find it challenging, while school-age kids who are used to walking will find it manageable.

Once you reach the shoreline, the views open up and you are rewarded with that famous turquoise water. The rocks here can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must. The entrance to the Grotto itself is down a rocky section that requires climbing, which can be tricky with kids. Many families choose to stay on the higher shoreline and enjoy the views from above, which are spectacular on their own.

 

Tips for Visiting with Kids

• Pack plenty of water and snacks. There are no food services or water fountains near the Grotto, so bring everything you need with you.
• Wear sturdy shoes. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots, and the shoreline around the Grotto can be slippery. Running shoes or hiking shoes are much better than sandals.
• Bring swimsuits and sandals if you plan to swim. The rocks near the water can be sharp and slippery, so sandals or water shoes help protect feet. Swimsuits are a must if the kids want to dip into the turquoise water.
• Keep kids close near the cliffs. The edges are steep and there are no railings, so supervision is important at all times.
• Swimming is best for strong swimmers. The water is cold, deep, and waves can pick up quickly. For younger kids, it is safer to enjoy the views from the rocks above.
• Arrive early. Morning time slots are cooler, less crowded, and easier with children.
• Bring a light jacket. Even on warm summer days, the breeze off Georgian Bay can feel chilly near the water.
• Plan bathroom breaks. The only washrooms are at the parking area, so make sure kids go before you start the hike.

 

Is It Worth It with Kids?

The Grotto is one of the most beautiful spots in Ontario, and seeing the turquoise water in person feels almost unreal. The hike is short enough to be manageable for school-age kids, and the views make it feel like a big adventure without taking all day.

It is important to be realistic though. The trail is not stroller friendly, the rocks can be slippery, and the cliffs have steep drop-offs with no railings. For toddlers, it may be stressful for parents, but for kids around six and up who can walk steadily and listen to safety rules, it is a fantastic experience.

The parking system means you need to plan ahead, but it also helps limit crowds so the trails and shoreline feel less overwhelming. With snacks packed, swimsuits ready, and a little extra patience, visiting the Grotto with kids is absolutely worth the effort.

If you are planning more family adventures on the Bruce Peninsula, check out our guides to Flowerpot Island with kids, our review of the Blue Heron Cruise, and our experience hiking the Lion’s Head Trail.