Caves and crevices boast the mysteries and exploration that Ontario has to offer. With exceptional cave systems like the Bonnechere Caves and Bruce Caves, visitors can get a glimpse of the epitome of historical geology and perhaps find some hidden treasures on their way. Here are 14 caves for you to explore in Ontario.
Bonnechere Caves
The Bonnechere Caves is a big name in cave exploration in Ontario. This family-owned and operated site is a sure wonder that draws people in with its stunning fossils and unique cave system.
Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville
Website
Greig’s Caves
Hidden away in the Bruce Peninsula, this natural cave system is a place of peace and tranquillity with a rugged atmosphere. Above the caves, you’ll find panoramic views 300 feet above the Georgian Bay.
Address: 407 Scenic Caves Rd, Lion’s Head
Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area
Located northeast of the home of Wiarton Willy, a short hike to the cave formations. Stay awhile to enjoy seven hectares of Niagara Escarpment.
Address: Bruce Caves Road, Wiarton
Warsaw Caves
Located in the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, the Warsaw Caves is located in the midst of hiking trails, beautiful waters for canoeing, and a campground. This series of seven caves were formed thousands of years ago at the end of the last ice age.
Address: 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw
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Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves
Timeless would be the way to describe the Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves, a privately-owned place with a history that dates back to the early 1800s. Explore the caves, learn about their geology, and marvel at some 450-million-year-old fossils.
Address: 2623 Harmony Rd, Belleville
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Eramosa Karst Conservation Area
The Eramosa Karst Conservation Area is filled with tons of scenery, including streams, forests, and meadows that provide room for natural adventure. The underground caves are geological formations found in limestone formations – the Eramosa Karst is an example of this that contains examples of 16 different karst features.
Address: Upper Mt Albion Rd, Stoney Creek
Website
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Explore the caves and caverns at the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, a series of trails that weave through seventeen unique geological features naturally carved by glacial ice. It is situated within one of Canada’s 18 UNESCO sites.
Address: 260 Scenic Caves Rd, The Blue Mountains
Website
The Grotto
The Grotto is a natural sea cave located on the shoreline of the Georgian Bay in Bruce Peninsula National Park. This popular destination gets busy, and it’s no wonder with this fantastic and memorable cave experience through sparkling blue waters.
Address: Bruce Trail, Tobermory
Website
Marmora Maze Caves
This large complex of cave passages is certainly maze-like, ranging from easy walking passages to tight crawls. These hundreds of metres of tunnels are an explorer’s paradise, bringing visitors to every nook and cranny in the Callaghan’s Rapids Conservation Area. Even if you are not interested in the caves, the conservation area is a lesser-visited park that features two waterfalls that are about one meter in height and span approximately 40 to 60 meters across, the entire width of the Crowe River.
Address: Callaghan’s Rapids Conservation Area, Marmora (N44 26.690 W77 41.060)
Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve
The Nottawasaga Lookout is a nature reserve that displays the Niagara Escarpment cliff and ravine habitats, and tons of Talus slopes, caves, and crevices. Here, you will find rare ferns and other plant species and opportunities to hike.
Address: 9749 County Rd 91, Duntroon
Website
Cave Springs Conservation Area
Cave Springs boasts incredible vistas overlooking both Lake Iroquois and Lake Ontario. It combines a great natural diversity and cultural folklore and mystique, with a famous ice cave that is located among it all.
Address: 3949 Cave Spring Rd, Campden
Website
Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park
The Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park is home to the crevice caves of the Blue Mountain area. Millions of years ago, large blocks of rock broke away from Niagara Escarpment forming interesting cliff cliffs and crevices.
Address: The Blue Mountains
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Limehouse Conservation Area
Part of the Niagara Escarpment, the Limehouse Conservation Area is known for the “Hole in the Wall” area where ladders cut through the escarpment rock. It is accompanied by a stunning watershed where the threatened Redside dace fish live.
Address: 12169 5th Line, Limehouse
Website
Rockwood Conservation Area
Get out and explore mother nature at Rockwood Conservation Area in Guelph. Brave the dark and be rewarded with ancient stalactites, columns and flowstone! The caves are not accessible to the public between October 16 and March 31 to protect bats while they hibernate.
Address: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa
Website
Ref Hell’s Hole. As of mid-August 2021 this is totally closed to the public. A new fence was in place. Signs were up everywhere saying “private property” and “no trespassing”, “under surveillance”. Game cameras were visible. If someone is planning to make this into a tourist place, I will NEVER go given the rude nature of the signs