Another amazing trail. If there is one trail you don't want to miss, it is this one. The grotto is amazing so pack a bathing suit. Quite a bit of climbing once you get there.
Not ideal for little kids. Lots of cliffs.
Halfway Log Dump to Grotto and back, 13km (with some double-backing). A great day trek, moderately difficult. The greatest benefit from a start at Halfway Log Dump is parking access (~60 cars, $11.70 fee) and until you reach the Cyprus intersection, no people. The grotto was well populated, we left quickly. Two dogs with us (Portuguese Water Dogs), they loved the day. Note that the first access to water, north from Halfway Log Dump is over 5km; this proved to be a lot of heat for the dogs. Full summer heat/humidity would have been too much.
This was not a strenuous trail. The terrain was challenging though, so rough in some parts that pieces of tread broke off from my shoes (although the treads were small). The rocks along the shore was also a bit challenging to walk on as they move when you step on them. Beautiful view of the turquoise colour shoreline in some spots. The grotto was a nice spot. Toilets at the start of the trail, 1/2 way to the Grotto (at Stormhaven) and at the Grotto. Took 5 hours for the return trip so we were happy to rest our feet when we finished.
In retrospect I'm glad we weren't able to get reserved Grotto parking because that trail would not have been as much fun.
so nice
The view from here was breathtaking, the rocks were sometimes tricky to maneuver but overall the hike was awesome.
This trail has become over crowded. In general the hike is great and the views are amazing but in my opinion too many people use this trail at the same time and it becomes unpleasant.
Nice short trail that is generally a loop with good variation and views. Can get very busy on summer weekends so beware that without a reservation you may not even get into the park!
Next to Horse lake trail is the Georgian Bay - Marr Lake Trail which has the best view.
Challenging at some points, worth the views
Went here end of October last year. Only one other person on the trail! It was absolutely incredible, I had no idea Ontario was so beautiful. A must see
Good hike with some really nice views
Should be noted that you’ll need reservations to hike in the Cypress Lake area and the trail is fairly busy. You can make reservations ahead of time online or on the phone with Parks Canada. Cost per car is $17 including parking and entrance fee. If you don’t make reservations ahead of time, chances are you’ll be able to make the 530 to 930pm. Great place to bring a family, not really any difficult hikes in the area.
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS!!!!!!!!
Great little hike!
Great trail..very rocky.. don't know why it's rated as moderate, it's fairly challenging !
Beautiful
Really nice hike. Wish it was 5 times longer.! :-). Good varied terrain and beautiful scenery.
Dawn C. on Georgian Bay - Marr Lake Trail
This Trail was perfect for all levels with Beautiful Scenery!
Did the Horse Lake trail - Marr Lake trail loop. It was great! The Grotto was crowded. Be sure to continue north past the Grotto and check out overhanging rock. It was the best experience imho. Just ask the park staff how to get there when you check in. Just remember its not as easily accessible as the Grotto. There's moderate hiking required. There's also a path under the rock on the far side of the site.
Nice hike, continue on to the grotto.
The camping at Cyprus Lake isn't terrible, but I have camped else where that has been better. The trail is easy enough, with most of it being boardwalk. You can continue on the trail right to the Grotto. The Grotto is spectacular and the water on the Georgian Bay is very blue. Be cautious in wet weather, and winter as the rocks can be very slippery and icy. It is also highly populated in the summer, which makes it hard to enjoy the true sights of the Grotto.
Absolutely lovely trail alongside Cyprus Lake and on to the Grotto. I highly recommend this trail, and it's not super difficult. A lot of it is boardwalk. Just be careful when you get to the Grotto, the rocks can be slippery in wet weather!
Crystal clear turquoise water, sheer limestone cliffs, rock beaches and pine trees. These images are iconic of the Northern Bruce Peninsula and a trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this unique part of the Niagara Escarpment.
Georgian Bay Trail and Marr Lake Trail are two of several tails that can be accessed from Cypress Lake Campground (Right off of highway 6 on Cypress Lake Road). Arrive early, as early as possible to avoid the crowds. There can be long line of cars at the gates and the parking lot will eventually fill up.
Georgian Bay Trail is incredibly popular as it is an easy route to Indian Head Cove (rock beach) and The Grotto (underwater cave). You will park near Cypress Lake Campground and follow Cypress Lake Trail around the lake shore and over a bridge until you connect with Georgian Bay Trail. Relatively undiscovered 20 years ago when I first visited, this trail now buzzes with people and has become a fairly easy hike - great for family's with children (they have even installed washrooms at the end of the trail). The trail is a point to point trail and heads straight out to the shore of Georgian Bay. It is a little bit of a climb down to the water (watch your children the limestone can be slippery) but a great spot for a picnic and a swim (if you enjoy ice cold water).
Hikers looking for something more challenging should not be discouraged. Once you reach the end of Georgian Bay Trail, your are now connected to the rugged Bruce Trail. Follow the trail to the left and along the shore of the bay (watch your step and wear proper footwear you are hopping boulder to boulder) until you arrive at Boulder Beach. You can either continue along the edge of the water to stay on the Bruce Trail or you can follow the sign for Marr Lake Trail to head back to Cypress Lake. Marr lake trail is much more like a hiking trail than the path you came out on and also much less busy. This will connect back to Cypress Lake Trail and take you back to the parking lot.
Set aside a full day for this trip especially if you are driving a couple hours to get to the park. I would recommend even staying overnight. There are plenty of things to do on the Bruce Peninsula. Tobermory is right at the tip of the Peninsula and is a great little town to visit. From there you can take a boat ride to Flowerpot Island or you can go to the other side of the Peninsula to visit Cabot Head Lighthouse.
Loved it!!!