Kingston 
Within the Ottawa Valley is an incredible opportunity to travel underground, through a large cave system, and see multiple large fossils around the caves. This is also a chance to discover what this region may have looked like hundreds of millions of years ago.
Credit: Bonnechere Caves
The Bonnechere Caves are officially open for the season with safe, simple, and educational experiences within a large cave system. The tours are the only way to access the Bonnechere Caves, where special artifacts and pieces of natural history are preserved as well as on display.
What’s in the Caves?
Hundreds of millions of years ago, this part of Ontario, and the rest of the world, looked a lot different- this region specifically was a tropical sea. And when it was this tropical, underwater world, is when the Bonnechere Caves formed!
The Bonnechere Caves are estimated to be around 500 million years old and were extensively studied for all the geological gems that hide in the cave walls or the Bonnechere River. And now, those geological findings are on full display along the Bonnechere Cave tours.
Touring the Bonnechere Caves
The only way to tour the Bonnechere Caves is with an expert tour guide. Fortunately, the Bonnechere Caves are open daily, 10 am-4 pm, from May to Thanksgiving with tours departing every 30-40 minutes. Guests are able to bring their own flashlights or headlamps, and are free to photograph all the coolest parts of the caves.
Guests should keep in mind that, even though the caves are open during the warmer months, it can get a bit chillier underground and around the caves. A few extra layers are recommended for the tours. And while all ages are welcome on the tours, the underground portions are not suitable for strollers.
As the tour guides bring you through different tunnels, stairways, and cave structures, you’ll get to learn about all the other fossils found within the Bonnechere Caves and riverbeds, how the caves were formed, and more neat facts.
Cavestock
The featur event of the summer at Bonnechere Caves is the Cavestock Concert Series, with a few different dates in 2025. These are $10 concerts, with proceeds supporting the local musicians who perform.
Cave Challenges & Activities
There are a handful of activities and challenges that the Bonnechere Caves owners and family recommend to any cave explorers. This includes two on-site activities and one challenge for guests.
- The Mount Foymount cycling challenge encourages anyone in the area to take on the 4km climb on a bike up Mount Foymount. Those who have photographic proof of their feat can exchange it for a free t-shirt from Bonnechere Caves that says, “I Climbed Mount Foymount!” Once at the top of the hill, enjoy the unbeatable views of the Ottawa Valley.
- The artistic and creative guests are encouraged to take time to paint their own version of the Bonnechere Caves waterfall. On the park’s open days, expect artists sitting peacefully with books, canvas, or easels near the waterfall.
- Tie Dye Tuesdays are a way to honour the Ottawa Valley’s arts and culture scene, which grew and thrived in the 1960s-70s; every Tuesday, guests who are in at least one article of tie dye apparel get $1 off their admission.
Things to See & Do in Eganville
The nearby town (within cycling distance) of Eganville has many things to offer all types of sightseeing tours. Take a tour of the local restaurants and cafes, all located close to one another, and browse more history and heritage. You’ll also find several more awesome views of the Bonnechere River.
- A visit to the Bonnechere Museum before or after the caves will offer additional historical, geological, and general information about the cave system. Plus, the museum offers exhibits on local Eganville culture and history.
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- The Bonnechere River is a great source of recreation around Eganville: meander the riverside trails at Centennial Park, take a dip in the river at Rotary Beach, or enjoy historic views from McRae Lookout Park.
- Pack a picnic in Eganville to bring out to the scenic sites around the Bonnechere Caves. Sit riverside at one of the tables and bring in snacks from local Eganville eateries. The tables are nestled neatly next to the Fourth Chute Falls. Most of Eganville’s takeout spots and restaurants are around Highway ON-60 or Bridge Street.
- Bonnechere Provincial Park, located an hour from the caves, showcases the incredible geological, natural, or cultural history of the Bonnechere River Valley.
Planning your Trip – Bonnechere Caves
What: The underground Bonnechere Caves is a natural area and attraction that is also a local and family-owned business. In order to help the public discover and tour the Caves along the Bonnechere River, the operators have put together seasonal daily tours after having made trail and access improvements around the caves. Admission and tours with Bonnechere Caves are the only option for seeing the caves and is a great way to support a unique local business. Tickets and tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location and how to get there: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville; 125km west of Ottawa via ON-417; 10km south of Eganville via Fourth Chute Road
Best time to go: May Long Weekend- Thanksgiving
Cost: $25 per adult, $22 per senior (65+), $17 per youth (13-17), $15 per child (4-12), 3 and under free; all tickets are first-come first-served
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