How to Plan Your Summer Visit to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine
Parks Canada shares essential info for visitors planning a trip to parks surrounding Tobermory this summer, including tips and links for parking, Grotto reservations, camping, and more.
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Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, located in the Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, are popular summer locations. Parks Canada staff are expecting a busy and full season and would like to remind travellers to plan their trip and have confirmed parking, campsite and/or boat tour reservations before visiting.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, plan and prepare for your trip by visiting the parks’ websites and social media for information on required reservations, what to wear and pack, safety and hazards, and more.
From hiking trails to the famous Grotto, camping under the Dark Sky Preserve, enjoying guided programs or taking a boat tour, there are many ways to experience these national parks.
As part of the Canada Strong Pass, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, as well as a 25 percent discount on camping fees from June 20 to September 2, inclusive.
Reservations are still required at Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Regular fees still apply for other experiences and services such as parking, reservation fees, third-party services like boat tours, and more.
We rarely head out for an adventure with the expectation that something will go wrong, but sometimes the unexpected happens. Natural hazards like ticks, poison ivy, rattlesnakes, bears and variable weather, terrain and water conditions are a part of the national park experience.
You can mitigate the impact of an unfortunate circumstance by following park rules and being well-informed and prepared. Safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada, but safety is also a shared responsibility. Ensure you are fully prepared for the activities you choose to participate in at the national parks, so you can have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable visit.
Important tips
Visit the websites for Bruce Peninsula National Park and for Fathom Five National Marine Park for recommendations on what to wear and pack, safety and hazards, and how to prepare for your visit.
To prevent the spread of forest invasive species, DO NOT transport firewood into or out of the park. Firewood is included in the cost of your camping reservation. Pick up your permit at the Cyprus Lake Office.
Visit the calendar of events on the Bruce Peninsula National Park website for a list of guided programs led by expert staff, which are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Hours of operation
Parks Canada Visitor Centre:
May 1 to October 31, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cyprus Lake Campground Office:
May 16 to September 14, daily, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
September 15 to October 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Reservations
If you’re still looking to make plans this summer, the Parks Canada Reservation Service allows you to plan your trips to a wide variety of national parks and national historic sites across Canada with confidence, ease, and knowledge that you will have a guaranteed spot waiting when you arrive.
Reserving parking for your day visit or booking your campsite or yurt for a longer stay is easily completed by using the Parks Canada reservation system online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/ or by telephone at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
If your favourite spot is booked on your preferred days, check back regularly for cancellations or plan your visit for less busy periods like during the week or the shoulder seasons.
A new “Notify me” feature is also now available on the Parks Canada Reservation Service. With this new feature, you can sign up to receive an email notification if a front country campsite or Parks Canada accommodation that you are interested in and that was previously reserved becomes available.
Parking
Travellers arriving to park at the Grotto/Head of Trails, Halfway Log Dump, or Little Cove (municipal parking) must have a confirmed timeslot booking. Visitors without a reservation will not gain access to these areas. This means visitors with reservations can now fully plan their visit and come to Bruce Peninsula National Park knowing they will be able to get in.
Book parking for the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump using the Parks Canada reservation system. Parking at Little Cove must be booked with the Northern Bruce Peninsula Parking Reservation system.
Boat tours
Two boat companies offer trips to Flowerpot Island, which is the only land area that can be visited in Fathom Five National Marine Park. Capacity is limited, so again, travellers should plan and book before arriving.
Facilities on Flowerpot Island are limited. There are no garbage facilities or drinking water sources on the island. Composting toilets are located at Beachy Cove (main dock) and the light station.
During the summer, Friends of Bruce District Parks volunteers staff the Flowerpot Island light station, which features a small museum and shop offering basic drinks and snacks. Please pack water and snacks for your trip in reusable containers and take your trash and recycling back with you.
A third boat company also offers educational tours that will provide visitors on board the chance to see shipwrecks, caves and islands beyond Flowerpot Island.
Helpful links
· Parks Canada Reservation System
· Bruce Peninsula National Park
· Fathom Five National Marine Park
· Northern Bruce Peninsula Parking Reservation system
· Bruce Peninsula National Park – Facebook
Submitted by Parks Canada