Toronto 
For those after a quiet summer or beach vacation in Ontario, look no further than the town of Lion’s Head.
This smaller Georgian Bay community sits on the east side of the Bruce Peninsula and within the small Lion’s Head Harbour area. While many things about Lion’s Head are smaller than other towns in this part of Ontario, the town still offers many places to stay, eat, celebrate, and enjoy Lake Huron.
A trip to Lion’s Head, whether for the day or weekend, could be spent relaxing in your private cottage, sunbathing and swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, and more.
The Best Trails in Lion’s Head
Exploring Lion’s Head on foot will bring you across Main Street and past many local shops or eateries, out to the Harbour and lighthouse on the breakwater, out to the beach, and can connect you to the Provincial Park Trails. Plus, many exciting hikes await a short drive outside of town.
- The Lion’s Head Trail in Lion’s Head Provincial Park offers stunning views from 200-foot cliffs over turquoise and ultramarine waters. The trail, consisting of a main and inland loop totalling 18 kilometres, leads through forests to spectacular vistas of Cape Dundas, Barrier Island, and more. Starting at the Bruce Trail Parking (paid parking) on McCurdy Drive, the path is marked by blue and white blazes.
- Greig’s Caves is a paid hiking experience around a protected group of caves. The first loop only takes about 10 minutes, while the second loop and Cave Trail will take about 45-60 minutes.
- The Greig’s Caves hikes are self-guided, but if you’re looking for some help from local experts, you can book guided hikes for caves with Bruce Eco Adventures.
- There is also a lighthouse at 16 Bruin Street for that perfect summer snap. The lighthouse, built in 1903, faced frequent rebuilds due to harsh weather. Automated in 1969, it was replaced by a metal post. In 1983, students recreated the original, which now stands as a cherished visitor landmark.
Water & Beach Fun
The small cove that the town surrounds on Lake Huron helps to make the beach and swimming area in Lion’s Head nice and calm. These calm waters also make it a little easier to explore on a canoe, kayak, or boat.
- The local Lion’s Head Beach covers most of the town’s shoreline area on the Georgian Bay. The breakwater and cove of land around Lion’s Head make this beach perfect for swimming with some of the Huron’s calmer waters. From the beach, it is only about a 2-5 minute walk to Main Street.
- The next-closest beach to town comes courtesy of Black Creek Provincial Park. It is on the west side of the Peninsula and only about 12km from Lion’s Head. This is a more rural beach experience, with the only services at the beach being washrooms and parking.
- The waters around Lion’s Head are great for paddling or boating. Public boat launches are accessible from Burma Road and Lemcke Road.
Summer Events & Concerts in Lion’s Head
The summer season, sports, food, art, music, and more are celebrated each summer in Lion’s Head through a variety of family-friendly festivals. Plus, the town offers the opportunity for live music on a weekly basis over the summer.
- The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race takes place each August in Wiarton, about 35km south of Lion’s Head. From the town’s Bluewater Beach, enjoy spectating boat and foot races, taking in the live music, or more activities around the water. Wiarton also has a great summer concert series set against the stunning backdrop of Colpoy’s Bay.
- The Harbourside Stage in Lion’s Head will have free concerts each week in the summer.
- The Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market is open from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend every year and is set up right beside the beach. On top of shopping, enjoy live music, relaxing in the Muskoka Chair Lounge, and tons of fresh foods.
- Enjoy the Dark Skies of Bruce Peninsula with Bayside Astronomy. Meet astronomers and look through telescopes to view some of the most spectacular parts of space every Friday and Saturday at dusk this summer at the Open Air POD steps from the Lion’s Head Marina.
Summer Eats in Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head has a little bit of everything you could need for a summer vacation or day trip. This includes picnic foods for the beach, family restaurants, and places for cold treats.
- Grab burgers, fries, and easy to-go meals for the beach from The Booth Takeout.
- Enjoy live music or a tasty family brunch at the Lion’s Head Taste Kitchen
- Taste the wonderful homecooked meals of Rachel’s Restaurant.
- Treat yourselves to ice cream on the patio of Cindy Lou’s.
Summer Stays in Lion’s Head
The options for places to stay in Lion’s Open opens up greatly over the summer months. The local Lion’s Head Inn is still undergoing renovations. And while they improve this popular accommodation, take your pick amongst several other waterfront stays, rural stays, or simple hotels and motels.
- The hotels and inn which surround the water and Harbour include Lion’s Head Beach Motel, Lionheart Guest House, or these Air BnBs.
- Find a few inns or bed and breakfasts a short drive outside of town in the more rural parts of the Peninsula with places like On the Cliff Bed & Breakfast, Lofty Heights Bed & Breakfast, or Bear Tracks Inn and Restaurant.
- The Lion’s Head Beach Park operates a small campground with picnic tables and fire pits at each site, and waterfront views.
