Scenic Views · Fishing · Ontario
A sea cave with an underwater arch and vivid blue water on the Georgian Bay shore in Bruce Peninsula National Park near Tobermory, ON. Parking must be booked in advance from May to October.
The Grotto is a sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs of Georgian Bay, where sunlight entering through an underwater arch lights up the water inside. Around it are white rock ledges and water so clear and blue that visitors compare it to the tropics. It's one of the most visited spots in Ontario's parks, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Getting there means a forest hike from the Cyprus Lake parking area, then a scramble along the rocky shoreline and down into the cave. Reviewers call the trail well maintained but say the shoreline requires climbing, so good shoes matter. One tip: go when the sun is high over the bay to see the blue glow through the arch.
Swimming is popular on hot days, but the water is cold, warmest in late August. Georgian Bay can be fished with an Ontario licence, though the Grotto itself is a swimming and sightseeing spot; the park's inland lakes, such as Cyprus Lake, hold bass and walleye, with a ban on live and natural bait. Camping at Cyprus Lake lets you come and go without a parking slot.
Parking for the Grotto and Cyprus Lake area must be reserved from May 1 to October 31, in four-hour time slots, and books up fast in summer. Drones are banned throughout the park, and dogs must be leashed. Check conditions before swimming, as waves can make the cave dangerous.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 3,818 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
