Planning your trip to the Grotto & Cyprus Lake area, or Halfway Log Dump

Bruce Peninsula National Park

2024 reservations launch February 5, 2024, at 8 am EST for parking for the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump.

Reservations are required for parking to access the Grotto from April 30 to October 31, Halfway Log Dump June 15 to September 2 and at Little Cove from May 15 to October 15.

The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. A visit to these locations requires you to plan ahead.

Please note that first-come, first-served parking lots at the Visitor Centre and Singing Sands fill up early every morning and do not provide access to the Grotto.

Plan and reserve in advance!
When parking lots are full, there is no other access to the park.
We do not recommend travelling to the park without a confirmed reservation.

Driving in and dropping off visitors is not allowed. All vehicles require a valid permit to enter each area.

How to reserve parking and what to expect

Visiting the Grotto shoreline
Grotto
  • Confirmed reservation required from April 30 to October 31, 2024
  • 4-hour parking time slots
  • Directions: access from Cyprus Lake Road
  • Grotto directions
More details

Reserve your time slot for parking beginning February 24, 2022 at 8 am EST. When Grotto parking is fully booked, there is no more Grotto access at that time.

What are the time slots?

  • 1) 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • 2) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • 3) 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 4) 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • 5) 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • 6) 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

What can I see in 4 hours?
The hike to the Grotto, Indian Head Cove and the Georgian Bay shoreline is roughly one hour round trip. This provides more than enough time to explore the area before returning to your car. 

Walking on Cyprus Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns. 

Campers staying at the Cyprus Lake Campground can hike to the Grotto from their campsite.

Visiting Halfway Log Dump shoreline
Halfway Log Dump
  • Confirmed reservation required from June 15 to September 2, 2024
  • 6-hour parking time slots
  • Directions: access from Emmett Lake Road
  • Halfway Log Dump directions
More details

Reserve your time slot for parking beginning February 24, 2022 at 8 am EST. When Halfway Log Dump parking is fully booked, there is no more Halfway Log Dump access at that time.

What are the time slots?

  • 1) 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • 2) 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

What can I see in 4 hours?

Here you can explore a large section of the beautiful Georgian Bay shoreline, hike the Bruce Trail along the clifftops, or combine both for a memorable experience before returning to your car.

Walking on Emmett Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns

 

Two ways to reserve day use

 How much does it cost to visit?

You can learn more about specific fees on the parks Fees Page

(Admissions fee) + (Parking fee) + (Reservations fee)

When to visit

Bruce Peninsula National Park is busy from mid June to mid September and on weekends from May through October. Plan and reserve entry in advance. Expect traffic, long wait times and full parking lots.  For a quieter visit, consider visiting in early spring or late fall.

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