Hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park
The Bruce Peninsula is full of amazing Bruce Trail day hikes. And halfway up the Peninsula, in the charming small town of Lion’s Head, is a fantastic Ontario park full of natural wonders and epic clifftop views. So, whether you’re planning a vacation in Tobermory or looking for a day trip I reccommend you try hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park.
Lion’s Head Provincial Park is an over 500 hectare nature reserve located half way up the Bruce Peninsula on the northeast coast. The small town of Lion’s Head and the park itself are named for the rock formation located on the escarpment’s rock cliff. The rock formation looks like the regal face of a lion with the green forest growth as its wild mane.
Cool Facts about the Park
Lion’s Head is actually exactly halfway between the North Pole and the equator.
The cliffs of Lion’s Head, part of the Niagara Escarpment, support one of the oldest and least disturbed forest ecosystems in North America.
Hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park
We parked in a parking lot near the end of McCurdy Drive, where the Bruce Trail – McCurdy trailhead is located. Overly excited and anxious to hit the main trail we forgot our water, breaking one of my number one hiking rules. More on that later. We headed off down the trail and through a serene forest full of song birds, providing the soundtrack to our hike. From forested trails to peaceful meadows and past fragrant cedars, the hike was peaceful. We didn’t see a soul for the longest time, having the forest to ourselves. The trail was very rugged, we scrambled over rocks of the Niagara Escarpment, thanking myself for wearing my hiking shoes.
One of the cool aspects of the reserve is that it’s home to various potholes, and I’m not talking about traffic hazards. Lion’s Head potholes were created and carved out of the rock by water after the last ice age. These geographical wonders come in varying sizes and one such was big enough for me to sit in and even crawl up and through.
After a while we could feel a different sort of breeze, and smell the sweet, fresh water. We knew we were close to the cliffs. Scaling a steep rock path we stopped in out tracks at its peak. There before us the trees parted to unveil beautiful blue sky and as we treaded softly out onto the rocky cliff an incredible vista blew us away. Silence, except for the brisk wind rustling the trees. We looked at each other, both with smiles from ear to ear. It was one of many lookouts found along the trail, and not even the infamous Lion’s Head Lookout. But it completely blew me away. The reward for the hike was this stunning view over Georgian Bay, the Niagara Escarpment’s limestone cliffs, and wild, untamed nature at its finest.
Sitting there for a while, with one foot dangling off the edge, I soaked it all in. The sweeping views, the turquoise clear waters below, and the vultures soaring overheard, all somehow grounded me – even 200 feet up on a cliff.
Afterward we checked out a few other lookouts, including the Lion’s Head Lookout, where you can see the Lion Head rock formation. But strangely enough they didn’t touch us like that first one did. I’m sure you’ll have your own reviews one which one tugs at you. That’s not to say they weren’t spectacular. Maybe it was because we were dehydrated, as we’d forgotten out water in the car. Truth be told we were starting to lose steam, and desperately craving water. It didn’t help looking out over endless vistas of the sweet blue. We may have been a little melodramatic as we sat on the trail and wished for water, but I doubt we’ll ever forget water AGAIN!
Hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park is magical. With birds singing, ice age potholes, and stunning lookouts, Lion’s Head is at the top of my list of favourite Ontario trails.
Tips for Lion’s Head Provincial Park
How to Get There
It’s only a 35 minute drive from Tobermory to Lion’s Head and approximately one hour north of Owen Sound. There are two different ways you can enter. The main trail head and parking lot is down Moore Street, on McCurdy Drive. And the other is at the end of Cemetery Road. And 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 Lions Head Provincial Park trail map that’s right at the entrance to the trail. Parking is free.
Trails in Lion’s Head
It’s not just the Bruce Trail that runs through Lion’s Head. Other trails include; Giant’s Cauldron Side Trail (15 metres), Lion’s Head Pothole Side Trail (5 metres), Moore Street Side Trail (1.5 km), McKay’s Harbour Side Trail (600 metres), Geodetic Side Trail (100 metres), Inland Side Trail (3.8 km), Warder Side Trail (2 km), Ilse Hanel Side Trail (3.8 km), and Cemetery Road Side Trail (430 metres).
What to Know about the Park
Lion’s Head is a non-operational park, meaning there are no facilities like washrooms and such. Lions Head hours are from 9 am to 8 pm. Note that trail times range from two to six hours and that trail difficulty is moderate to intermediate.
Where to Eat Nearby
If you’re looking for breakfast before or a hearty lunch or dinner after hiking Lion’s Head Provincial Park you have a few options. There are a couple of great places right in Lion’s Head, there’s Rachel’s Bakery & Café, Lion’s Head Inn, and Marydale’s Family Restaurant. There are also great options if you’re heading back to Tobermory or Owen Sound.
What to Bring with You
I’m pretty sure you can guess what the first thing is that I’m going to recommend you bring – WATER!! I like to have at least a 24 ounce water bottle but prefer 32 ounces, especially in the summer, as it’s close to a litre. But there is some more hiking gear I think you should bring. First, always bring a durable and well-fitting pair of hiking shoes. I’m a big fan of my Merrell’s. But with the janky Niagara Escarpment a solid pair of hikers truly helps.
And don’t forget your bug spray. I always carry two. A spray bug spray and a rub on, which is great for your face and neck. One thing that’s always in my bag, whether I’m travelling or hiking is a power bank. I like to ensure that I have a back-up power source for my cell phone in case of emergency or I’ve taken too many photos with it and need a power boost. One last thing is always carry a little snack, whether it’s a protein bar or trail mix, it can really come in handy.
Check out the rest of my Day Hike Must-Haves
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re hoping to stay in the area there are a few different options for accommodation in Lion’s Head. There are Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, holiday homes, Guest Houses, and even a hostel. You can also stay at the Lion’s Head Beach Park Campground.
Nearby Hiking Trails
Georgian Bay Marr Lake Trail
Devil’s Monument Loop Trail
Black Creek Provincial Park
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