The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park
Are you looking for one of the best places to hike in Ontario for views? Then one of my top picks is Lion’s Head Provincial Park! Located along the Bruce Peninsula, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping cliff top views over the crystal blue waters of Georgian Bay.
I’ve hiked Lion’s Head countless times, and through various seasons, and it’s always one of my favourites. There are so many unique features of the park, from epic views to scenic forest trails. Plus, if you like learning some fun facts, like me, Lion’s Head is the halfway point between the North Pole and the equator!
So, whether you’re planning a trip to Tobermory or looking for exciting places to hike, this is the guide for you! I’m sharing all my best tips for hiking Lion’s Head. Discover why you need to put this on your hiking bucket list, what to know before you go, as well as what to do nearby and more.
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Hiking Lion’s Head Tips & Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Lion’s Head is approximately 35 minutes south of Tobermory, so it’s a great stop for those planning a road trip from Toronto.
The park is 1 hour north of Owen Sound on the west side of the Bruce Peninsula. Take Bruce Road 9 west off of Highway 6. Then take a left on Main Street in the village of Lion’s Head and a right onto Moore Street. The main trail parking lot is down Moore Street, on McCurdy Drive.
Address: McCurdy Drive Parkette, Bruce Trail, (map)
Parking
Lion’s Head trail parking is now under a reservation system. Reservations are required when visiting between May 15 and October 15. There are two options, 4 hours for $20 and a full day for $30. You can make your reservation here.
The main parking lot on McCurdy Drive, is small. If you have an oversized vehicle, you’ll need to park at the Lion’s Head Arena, at 4 Tackabury Street.
Take Photo of the Trail Map
One of my top hiking tips is to take a picture of the map at the trail head before you start off. Be sure to snap one of the Lion’s Head Provincial Park trail map that’s right at the entrance to the trail.
Lion’s Head Trails
There are a number of trails in Lion’s Head Provincial Park. All are considered moderate to intermediate. If you’re planning to just do the lookout, it’s an out and back trail. At roughly 7 km can easily be done within 2 hours. However, if you are hiking the Bruce Trail through the park and lookout, it could take between 3 – 5 hours one way.
- Bruce Trail
- Giant’s Cauldron Side Trail
- Lion’s Head Pothole Side Trail
- McKay’s Harbour Side Trail
- Geodetic Side Trail
- Inland Side Trail
- Warder Side Trail
- Ilse Hanel Side Trail
- Cemetery Road Side Trail
What You Can & Cannot Do
This is a restricted park; you can only hike and snowshoe in the park. There is no camping, hunting, or motorized vehicles allowed in the park.
When to Go
The most popular time to hike is during the summer months. But I think the best time to hike Lion’s Head is in the fall. The temperatures are comfortable, the bugs are nil or minimal, and it’s so much quieter in the shoulder season.
What to Pack
Whether you’re hiking the Bruce Trail through the park or just to the lookout, I recommend packing a day hike bag. Make sure to pack the essentials like a large water bottle, some snacks, and a small first aid kit.
I also recommend proper footwear when hiking anywhere along the Niagara Escarpment. The trails in Lion’s Head are full of uneven terrain, rocks and roots across the footpath, and a proper pair of hiking shoes makes a difference.
Also, remember to pack out whatever garbage you brought in.
Where to Eat Nearby
There are a few options for places to eat in Lion’s Head. One popular spot is the Taste Kitchen. You’ll find everything from wraps to bowls as well as hearty options like burgers and sandwiches.
My favourite place to eat near Lion’s Head is at Bear Tracks Inn, on Highway 6. It’s a great spot breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Hiking to Lion’s Head Lookout
On an ideal spring day, we parked at the main trailhead and set off toward the main lookout. The trail begins gently, winding through a quiet forest alive with songbirds. Their calls create a peaceful soundtrack as sunlight filters through the trees. The landscape shifts between wooded sections, open meadows, and pockets of fragrant cedar, each adding to the calm, immersive feel. For a while, we didn’t see another person.
As we continued, the terrain became more rugged along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. The trail narrowed and turned rocky, with sections that required careful footing over uneven limestone. Along the way, we came across one of the park’s most unique features—glacial potholes. Formed by swirling meltwater after the last ice age, these smooth, rounded holes are carved directly into the rock. They vary in size, with some large enough to climb into, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s geological history.
Not long after, the air shifted. A cool breeze carried the fresh scent of water, hinting that the cliffs were close. After a short, steep climb, the forest opened suddenly. We stepped out onto a rocky ledge and paused.
Below us, the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay stretched out endlessly, framed by towering limestone cliffs. The view was vast and quiet, with only the sound of wind and distant birds. It wasn’t even the main lookout, but it felt unforgettable.
We continued on to the iconic Lion’s Head Lookout, where the famous rock formation comes into view. The perspectives along this stretch are all incredible, each offering a slightly different angle of the cliffs and shoreline.
With its mix of peaceful forest, ancient potholes, and dramatic coastal views, Lion’s Head Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most memorable hikes.
Hiking Bruce Trail in Lion’s Head Provincial Park
After parking one car in each of the lots on either side of the park, we headed out early on a fresh fall morning. We started out from the Cemetery Road Side Trail, which was short. It led us to the Bruce Trail.
Every time I’d hiked Lion’s Head before, it was the trail to the lookout. So, I was excited to finally hike the entire Bruce Trail through Lion’s Head.
I was blown away by the amount of clifftop hiking this section of the trail had. I found the views even more incredible than the small section of the park near the famous lookout. The views of Georgian Bay and limestone cliffs were staggering!
I also think hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park in the fall is the best time to do it! It’s one of my top picks for fall hikes in Ontario, thanks to the views that include both the crystal blue waters of the bay and vibrant pops of orange and yellows in the forests stretching out along the coast.
This hike took us around 5 hours, as we stopped often for photos. Plus, we enjoyed pausing atop the cliffs to eat our snacks and enjoy the views.
What to Do Near Lion’s Head
Visit the Harbour
A short 5-minute drive from the park, I always visit Lion’s Head harbour whenever I’m in the area. It’s a must-stop for many reasons! It’s home to a beach and a cute little lighthouse.
However, the showstopper is the view of the famous Lion’s Head cliffs! There’s even a fun sign that’s great for a photo-op.
Take in a sunrise
If you’re staying in the area, the harbour is an amazing place to take in the sunrise! Sitting on the pebbled bank near the lighthouse is a great spot to watch as the sky erupts with brilliant oranges, pinks and reds as the sun rises in the sky.
Enjoy a Sunset
If you’re not much a morning person, don’t miss the sunset on the opposite coast of the Bruce Peninsula. And a great spot to catch the sunset is from the beach at Black Creek Provincial Park. The park is only a 15-minute drive from the park and has picnic benches that you can sit at and soak in the setting sun.
Where to Stay Near Lion’s Head Provincial Park
While many people stay in Tobermory during their trip to the area. Lion’s Head is another great option as you’re still nearby.
Bear Tracks Inn
One of my favourite places to stay on the Bruce Peninsula is at the Bear Tracks Inn. Sadly, they had a fire, but they rebuilt the motel with brand new rooms. I love their dedicated passion of using local contractors and Canadian goods to refurbish the motel. Plus, they have a wonderful restaurant.
Other Trail & Ontario Parks Guides
+20 Best Bruce Trail Day Hikes
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