Overview
About Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, Ontario, Canada
Established in 1932, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is a natural attraction offering year-round seasonal outdoor adventures for all ages. A tourism award-winning experience, it is both a Canadian Signature Experience and an Ontario Signature Experience, designated by the Canadian Tourism Commission.
HISTORY: The caves, caverns and crevasses at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures began forming over 450 million years ago. The area has an extensive native history. Before 1616, as many as 8000 native people lived in nine villages along the Niagara Escarpment. By 1616, Samuel de Champlain is known to have visited the Petun tribe who lived in the village of Ekarenniondi. The Iroquois overran the tribes and by 1650, The Petun and Huron abandoned their villages. In the mid- 1800’s, settlers begin to carve farms in the region. By 1930, the property was settled and operated as a farm. In 1932, Alfred Staples began promoting it as a tourist attraction with guided tours. Members of the Staples family continued to operate it. In 1993, businessman Rob Thorburn bought the property and ‘breathed new life’ into this significant tourist attraction by adding light adventure activities such as treetop walking, ziplining, winter activities and more.
What to do at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures?
Attractions and things to do at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Nature, history, scenery and memorable adventures await the whole family at the most varied natural playground in Ontario.
SCENIC CAVES NATURE ADVENTURES
Explore a self-guided trail of caves, caverns and crevasses carved millions of years ago by glacial ice, and savour the breathtaking lookouts from the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, set in one of Canada’s sixteen UNESCO biosphere reserves. Learn about the First Nations’ Huron Petun tribe as you discover the mysterious places and hidden natural fortress which sheltered the native people from their enemies. Venture over Southern Ontario’s longest 420ft. Suspension Footbridge which offers spectacular views of Georgian Bay and surrounding countryside. Hitch a ride on Rocky the train, and enjoy the additional features such as: children’s adventure playground, pan for gemstones, mini golf, trout pond, picnic areas, snack bar and gift shop.
ECO ADVENTURE TOUR
Experience treetop canopy walking and zip cable gliding! Southern Ontario’s longest Suspension Footbridge offers the most spectacular views of Georgian Bay and surrounding countryside as you start your guided tour. Then climb high up the treetop canopy, 40 feet above the ground where we’ve created a web of platform decks spun together by cables and air borne walkways, a mere 10 inches wide. Leave the forest canopy by zipping down a 300’ forest zip line. Explore the caves & caverns as you learn about the flora, fauna and the area ecosystems in intimate groups. Finish the 3-hour guided trek by flying down the 1000’ Escarpment zip line. Reservations are required. Height and weight restrictions apply. Please visit website for spring/summer/fall operating schedule.
THUNDERBIRD TWIN ZIPLINE ADVENTURE
The adrenaline really begins to pump in anticipation as you leave the 50ft tower of the Thunderbird Nest. Next, you and a friend are soaring for a half mile, on one of the longest twin zip spans in Canada. Thunderbird’s new technology allows the rider to control their own speed and even stop and enjoy the views while suspended over the Escarpment. On a clear day you’ll see Collingwood, Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach… even Christian Island and beyond! This adventure also includes access to the Suspension Bridge with panoramic views of 10,000 square kilometers of beautiful countryside and the deep blue expanse of Georgian Bay over 300 metres below.
Closed in 2023.
SCENIC CAVES NORDIC ADVENTURES
With our unique location high atop Blue Mountain, the Nordic Centre sits amidst a 200 year old forest, on 370 acres of the magnificent Niagara Escarpment. Glide along 27 km of cross country ski trails professionally groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Snowshoe across Ontario’s longest 420 ft. Suspension Footbridge providing spectacular views, or explore the 10 km of pristine snowshoe trails. Warm up by a roaring fire in the rustic chalet serving delicious hot foods. Reserve a spot on our guided night snowshoe hikes. Also available: ski and snowshoe equipment rentals (including baby glider/pulks), waxing facilities and lessons.
Who will enjoy the attraction the best?
Activities appeal to all ages. Baby carriers are available for snowshoeing and baby pulk sleds for cross-country skiing.
When to visit Scenic Caves Nature Adventures?
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Hours / Timing
The property is open May to October for green season activities and late November/December to March/early April for winter activities.
Hours of operation change according to the season. Please view the website for details
Admission gives visitors access to the property for the day.
Time required to visit
Half a day to a full day
May – October activities: The trail through the caves/caverns/crevasses and down to the Suspension Bridge takes approximately 1 – 2 hours. The Eco Adventure tour is 3 hours in length and reservations are required. The Thunderbird Twin Zipline does not require reservations.
Nov/Dec – Mar/Apr activities: There are a variety of looped trails at varying lengths for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Best time to visit
A great visit any time of the year. Activities offered vary according to season.
How much will it cost to visit Scenic Caves Nature Adventures ?
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Admission
Park Admission: All day access to caves, suspension bridge.
admission starting at: (plus HST)
FALL RATES
Adult (18-64): $33
Senior (65+): $30
Youth (3-17): $30
Toddlers (2 & Under): Free
Winter Rates:
Adult (18-64): $26.50 to $31
Senior (65+): $22.00 to $26.50
Youth (8-17): $22.00 to $26.50
Children 7 & Under Free Trail Pass
Other activities – vary. There are a variety of admission package options detailed on the website.
Group rates are available for green and winter season (birthday parties, social and corporate). Sign up for the Enewsletter for special offers, contests and updates.
How to get tickets?
Tickets may be purchased at the main entrance. Reservations/payment for the Eco Adventure Tour may be booked online.
Types of payment accepted
Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Cash, Interac, US Dollar
How to get to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures?
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Directions & Location
It is an excellent daytrip destination, approximately 2 hours from anywhere in central Ontario.
Directions from Collingwood: Drive west on First Street to the First Street extension. Continue west on Mountain Road which becomes Grey Road 19. Continue on Grey 19, merge into the Roundabout. Exit the Roundabout on Scenic Caves Road. Follow this road to the top of the hill.
GPS Coordinates: 44.487704, -80.316292
Parking
Free Parking.
What about Amenities & Accessibility ?
Access:
The terrain is a natural biosphere reserve featuring caves/caverns + crevasses, rugged forest trails, stairs and steep inclines. Due to the nature of the activities, there are restrictions with accommodating guests with mobility and vision limitations.
We recommend you view our accessibility information on the website or call in advance to discuss. Access for wheelchairs and strollers is limited.
Amenities
Family-friendly washrooms.
Snack bar, gift shop.
Accommodation
Seasonal accommodation packages are available.
Other Information
Service/guide animals are permitted. Pets not allowed.
Fully closed running shoes are mandatory. Activities are open weather-permitting.
All pictures : © Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
This place does not care for your safety!
Last year, my friend and her 5 year-old daughter got stuck in the washroom for 1.5 hrs, and didn’t end up going down to the caves.
So this summer, we decided to give it a second chance. The parking lot was full, and they didn’t even let me in to drop off the kids (extra parking is 1km away). They told me I have to drop off the kids on the side of the road, which is not safe, on a hill with a curve where other cars are going by fast!
There are plenty of other things to do in this area, and you don’t deserve our money!