The Grotto Loop Hike Route Map

The approximate track of our hike around The Grotto Loop, at Bruce Peninsula National Park...

Head of Trails

Head of Trails - We were recommended a visit to Cyprus Lake and The Grotto area of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Its about a 2-mile round-trip to The Grotto from here at Head of Trails. About a half dozen trails branch off from here into the park.

Cyprus Lake

From Head of Trails the path briefly runs along the shore of placid Cyprus Lake.

Georgian Bay Trail

The trail passed this pretty little cascade as it crossed the outlet stream from Cyprus Lake.

Georgian Bay Trail

A crappy shot of the woods, but it was all I had...

Indian Head Cove

The Georgian Bay Trail reaches its namesake at Indian Head Cove after about a half mile. According to the trail guide this area is a popular swimming and Scuba area in the summer.

Indian Head Cove

The Georgian Bay Trail reaches its namesake at Indian Head Cove after about a half mile. According to the trail guide this area is a popular swimming and Scuba area in the summer.

Horse Lake

Turning onto the Georgian Bay Trail, you shortly pass a small interpretive area with this view of Horse Lake.

Indian Head Cove

Indian Head Cove

Indian Head Cove

Indian Head Cove Panoramic Shot

Indian Head Cove

It is a bit of a climb down to the rocky "beach" at Indian Head Cove.

Bruce Trail - The Grotto

Heading north on the rugged Bruce Trail from Indian Head Cove you soon reach The Grotto. The awesome power of the lake is clearly visible here.

Bruce Trail - The Grotto

Heading north on the rugged Bruce Trail from Indian Head Cove you soon reach beautiful cliffs of The Grotto.

Bruce Trail - The Grotto

This interesting formation is located near The Grotto area along the Bruce Trail.

Bruce Trail

You round a point just north of The Grotto and are treated to this view. This is the first glimpse of the immense rock-strewn beach we would have to cross to get to the Mar Lake Trail, our return route.

Bruce Trail

If you look close you can see the white blazes that mark the path of the Bruce Trail along this section of rock. The half mile or so of trail we followed was all like this. It was rough with just my camera, it would be brutal with a full pack.

Bruce Trail

Another shot of the rugged shore north of The Grotto.

Bruce Trail

Water & Rock

Bruce Trail

Alex getting a hand from Grandma & Grandpa...

Bruce Trail

The terrain became more irregular as we neared the rocky beach. This shot shows a typical view of the shoreline forest.

Bruce Trail

Taking a breather as things flatten out...

Bruce Trail

I have visited many rock-strewn beaches along the Great Lakes but this one takes the cake. It is a mystery to me how so many stones would be deposited in this one spot.

Overhanging Rock

The Bruce Trail is no less rugged north of the beach but is less exposed. The overlook is not well marked so you just have to check out the numerous side trails until you get a view.

Bruce Trail

On the way back from Overhanging Rock I scrambled out onto a ledge to get this view of the stone beach. As you can see the beach separates the waters of Georgian Bay from Mar Lake just inland.

Bruce Trail

My father and I decided to check out a nearby place called "Overhanging Rock" just north of the beach. First, we had to make this steep scramble up into the woods.

Mar Lake Trail

A trailside break...these little guys impress me more every time we go out.

Bruce Trail

We got back to the beach and found the boys still having a ball. They didn't like being told we had to keep going.

Mar Lake Trail

We reluctantly headed back to the car along the Mar Lake Trail. The north end of the trail follows the shore of Mar Lake and you can see the stone beach at the north end. From here it was about 3/4 of a mile back to Head of Trails.