Top Things to do in Lion's Head
Top Restaurants in Lion's Head
What to do and see in Lion's Head, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Lion's Head, Canada including Explorer's Tread, Greig's Caves, Black Creek Provincial Park, Lions Head Provincial Nature Reserve, Lion's Head Lighthouse, Bayside Astronomy, The Fishway, Lion's Head Beach, Devil's Monument Loop Trail, The Dandy Lion.
Restaurants in Lion's Head
1. Explorer's Tread
Overall Ratings
5 based on 43 reviews
Local guiding company on the Bruce Peninsula, safely guiding people to amazing destinations through hiking, biking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, or camping.
Reviewed By baroom - Mississauga, Canada
I read about Explorer’s Tread from both Tripadvisor and Visitlionshead.ca. I decided to browse their website, even their Instagram and Facebook pages, and after Reading about the guided kayaking tours and seeing such stunning pictures I was won over. When I saw an available date/time for the half-day paddle (Beneath the Lion, $70/person) on one of the days we will be in the area, I did not hesitate to send an email inquiry.
I received a favourable reply within the day and was advised to book online but to select Pay on Arrival since the activity may or may not push through depending on the fickle weather. My family’s reservation was for Aug 9, Wed, at 9:30AM. Several days and an email exchange later, we got the FAQs: where and when to meet, what to wear, what to bring, what to expect.
We woke up to the sound of rain on Aug 9 and lucky for us the weather cleared up before breakfast time. We met Zane, Explorer’s Tread co-owner, at Lion’s Head beach parking lot at exactly 9:30AM. We were joined by an older couple who completed our small kayaking group. After signing forms, packing towels and extra clothes inside dry bags, putting on PFDs, a last-minute washroom break, getting safety and emergency instructions, Zane made sure we were comfortably seated in our kayaks, gave us basic paddling tips and pushed our kayaks one by one gently onto the water. From the beach, we paddled along the shoreline towards the cliffs. All that paddling sure gave us an upper body workout but it was worth it. The blue-green waters of Georgian Bay are crystal clear we could see the rocks below us. The scenery was spectacular. Kayaking is really a must-do activity in Lion’s Head.
This was our first kayaking trip and it took us a while to paddle properly. Zane noticed we were moving at a snail’s pace so he showed us how to take big scoops with the paddle (like big scoops of ice cream). We also encountered a lot of waves once we got past the marina and lighthouse which I partly blame for our slow speed. When we finally caught up with the others, Zane told us that usually by this time his group would already be where we were supposed to go. So he gave us 2 options: continue on to our destination some distance further (exit our kayaks, stretch, etc) but must do a brisk paddle back OR turn around now and paddle at the same speed back to Lion's Head beach. We all agreed to just turn around.
On the way back I started feeling a little nauseous (bummer) so I told Zane about my problem and he said one thing that helps is to stare at the horizon, for example, at the top of the lighthouse. I tried but I still kept looking at my paddle and eventually Zane asked if I would like for him to tow my kayak to shore and I agreed. With him paddling with probably very little help from me, I felt much better in no time and soon the beach was within reach.
Justin, another Explorer’s Tread guide, was at Lion’s Head beach by then and he helped pull each one of our kayaks out of the water so we could exit. After taking the dry bags from the kayaks, we headed back to the trailer where we returned the PFDs and paid with credit cards using a Square reader. Zane also emailed us the pictures he took using his phone. I told him before we set out that I wanted pictures and he accommodated my request.
We definitely recommend Explorer’s Tread. Thanks Zane, for teaching us how to paddle, we appreciate the pictures you took and sorry you had to tow me back. My family had a fun and memorable time.
2. Greig's Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Greig's Caves:IS A DAY PARK OPEN MAY -THANKSGIVING,AND IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, GOOD HEALTH AND SHOES WITH TREAD IS A MUST. WE ONLY TAKE CASH ,3-12YRS $5.00 .13AND UP $10.00, MUST SIGN A WAIVER.. The most extensive and spectacular formation of limestone caves in Ontario. Like the famous flowerpots on flowerpot island off Tobermory, ON. Take a hike through rugged trails, that lead you to 10 natural limestone caves. After exploring take the trail above the caves for a spectacular views some 300 ft. above Georgian Bay. For the most up to date info on greig`s caves , prices to get in and hours and foot ware , go to our web site .
Reviewed By seescokid - Grand Rapids, Michigan
After doing the crowded hordes of the Grotto yesterday we were going to take a boat tour of shipwrecks and flowerpots but the boats were closed today. 8/31/17 With the experience of hiking the Grotto and Indian point we figured caves were in order.
This is one excellent, inexpensive and best above ground cave experience I have ever done. Did Jewel cave in Wyoming near Custer SD and caverns out east in NY but this was fabulous! My wife and I are far from avid hikers but this was exciting and quite challenging for us old folks. For $10 cdn it was a bargain and Mr Greig's grandpa started this and his sons will take over so I hope to send my grandkids here some day. He was super friendly and talkative.
Got there around 10:30 and only 3 cars in lot. Signed the release waiver and grabbed a hiking stick( highly recommend for balance) and went downhill for about 10 minutes to the first cave going back up. We passed a family and then no one around us and the caves just got better and better. He put down wood chips and the trail is labeled well. I enjoyed this part of Gods creation better than the Grotto personally although no water. Make sure you wear good footwear. Also take the short and easy hike to the top of the scenic trail for great views of the lake/ bays.
Rachel's in Lions Head was a good sandwich/ soup stop on this 15 Celsius ~ 60Fish day.
This made our trip to the Bruce!
3. Black Creek Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Anne D - Aurora, Canada
We got there midday and were surprised how little people were on the beach. It has nice fine sand, the water gets very gradually deeper and it is quite clean. Parking can be an issue so maybe get there early. There is a bathroom not nothing else so make sure you bring food, water and whatever you might need with you.
4. Lions Head Provincial Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Megan L - Winnipeg, Canada
This was such a great hike with absolutely amazing views. The colour of the water is to die for! For the hike, I went in the morning and parked in the actual parking lot. There was an attendant there emptying the garbage before I started the hike and she let me know that I do not need a park pass hanging in my car for this park.
Starting from the parking lot may be a bit longer, but it had more nature and felt a lot better than just walking down the other trail that was made of gravel. Once at the end of the trail from the parking lot, I turned left on the gravel road (which seems backwards), but it took me to the flower pot and cauldron. They were ok to look at but I didn't think they were anything too great.
I do not know where the trail leads to if you go right on the gravel road.
Once you get to see the water, you can keep hiking for more views and photo opportunities. The actual look out is amazing with room to sit on the rocks and relax.
This hike is not for people with mobility issues, that being said, there was a woman who was clearly having trouble but she didn't give up. If you have mobility issues and are up for a challenge with the up and down parts of the trail, this may be for you, but just keep it in mind that it isn't flat.
Last thing, I was happy that I went in the morning because by afternoon when I was coming back, there were several groups of people that I met going in. It was much busier on the trail, and for me, I would rather be in nature alone, or mostly alone.
I highly recommend this hike and hope to be back some day to do it!
5. Lion's Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
A wonderful little lighthouse located at Lion's Head on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. It's the gateway to a municipal harbour, one of the deepest on Gerogian Bay. A peaceful place to relax in the summer and take in the crystal clear waters and magnificent cliffs just opposite the lighthouse. Winter is just as wonderful as the ice builds up on it and the stormy waves crash over the jetty. Well worth a stop in Lion's Head to see it.
Reviewed By RistiON - Ontario
Visiting the light house is essentially visiting the marina, harbour & beach at Lion's Head. They are all there together in a small package. The scenery is gorgeous & the people at the marina are very helpful if you need anything. The lighthouse is at the end of a dock, it's just a super cute small lighthouse to explore & enjoy the views from - not a large exhibit or a structure that you can go inside. Take a walk along the marina at night & you might see a beaver like we did! Enjoy the happy vibe of the water front, scramble over the rock beach or go down to the sand beach on the other side of the marina & past the park & garden. You are also situated a short stroll from a short trail that takes you along the escarpment with a side loop up the escarpment. On Friday & Saturday evenings Bayside astronomy has presentations that are educational & entertaining - volunteers bring their telescopes & you can look at Saturn & it's rings & Jupiter & it's moons.
6. Bayside Astronomy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
This free programme gives people the oppurtunity to get to know the night sky! we will have powerful telescopes to show you Saturn's rings, craters and Mountains on the moon, big nebulaes, massive clusters of stars, and enourmous galaxies, as far as 25 million lightyears away!
Reviewed By dan459us - London, Canada
Just think 2/3 of the world can't see the Milky Way!! Here you get a guided tour.
Staffed by volunteers from July 1 long weekend to labour day.
Friday and Saturday night. Aim to get here about 30 min after sunset. Obviously it needs to be dark.
The volunteers love what they do and keen to share with you.
Get for kids and young at heart.
You don't need to know astronomy to enjoy this.
7. The Fishway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Meredith F
We stopped here while in Thornbury on a Saturday afternoon. It was interesting to see, about 10 minutes was enough time though. We did see fish trying to jump up the dam part, and we saw a few fish in the actual ladder part. There are many historical plaques and signs which are useful to get an idea of the background for both the dam and the fish ladder.
8. Lion's Head Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By paula s
Nice little beach. Not large at all. Shallow entry makes it pretty good for families in my opinion. Seemed clean except watch out for Goose poop of course. Small play area and also accessible mat of sorts that made the beach easy to access for strollers and for wheelchairs or walkers too. That is important. Small parking lot and play area nearby.
9. Devil's Monument Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Bravaencore - Ann Arbor, Michigan
This is my kind of hike: enjoyable drive to the trailhead; good parking; moderate terrain that an unfit, middle-aged woman can manage; and spectacular views all along the way. Google the phrase, “devil’s monument loop trail,” and the first result is a great pdf file with a map and description of the hike. It describes this hike as “the most beautiful section of the entire Bruce Trail,” and I believe them.
It was easy enough to find the parking lot at the effective end of Borchardt Rd. If you take the Cape Chin North Road off the East Rd, there are signs at the key points to guide you to the parking lot. The drive, alone, is worth savoring. The woods around the parking lot were carpeted in trilliums when we were there – a sight I had never seen before.
Hikers who pulled in right before us chose to make a beeline to Devil’s Monument via the Minhinnick Side Trail, which is straight ahead (north) from the parking lot, but I think that’s missing the best part of the hike if they were doing it as a there-and-back. Families with small children might want to go that way for a shorter walk to Devil’s Monument. Instead, retrace your steps to the south end of the parking lot and the Devil’s Monument Side Trail turns to the east pretty much right there, between the tree with the blue, T-shaped blaze marks, and the one with the white blaze that marks the Bruce Trail heading south (sharing the road you drove in on). Once you turn into this path, you’ll start to follow the white blazes heading east, and then north, right along the escarpment. I’m scared of heights and it was fine for me the whole way. (Unlike bits of the trails near the Grotto and Indian Head Cove where I was much more nervous.)
The iron staircase down to Devil’s Monument is a side option. At the bottom is a boulder field which can be challenging for some to navigate. The good news is that the trail down to the beach does not have to go across the boulders to the right side of the Monument. Instead, you turn left to follow the cliff rising on your left, where you’ll come to a lovely waterfall, and then turn right, which takes you to the base of the Monument. That’s as far as I got, as the rest of the trail followed the path of the water from the waterfall, which was pretty wet and slippery for my abilities. Another middle-aged lady was able to manage it by scrambling and getting her bottom wet, but I didn’t get to see the boulder beach at the bottom. After returning back up the staircase, the walk back via the Minhinnick Side Trail was less spectacular, but still lovely from all the spring beauty around us.
Don’t tell anyone else about this hike or it will turn into the craziness by the Grotto.
10. The Dandy Lion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By RistiON - Ontario
This is a lovely artisan & novelty shop. Good quality pottery with better prices for the same artists than in Tobermory, lovely wood work, and exceptionally good selection of specialty chutneys. Not overcrowded with items so it's a pleasant experience to shop around.
TAGS
