Are pets allowed on this route?

Unfortunately, pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on this route.

What is the best way to visit Bruce Peninsula? Can I visit all of the destinations below on one visit?

Bruce Peninsula is a vast region, and Parkbus offers access to its highlights - Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory, and Lion's Head.



Cyprus Lake Campground offers access to trails in the National Park, including the Grotto, Overhanging Point, and a number of caves. During peak summer weekends this area reaches capacity by 9am or earlier, and park rangers close off access to most new visitors until the evening due to limited parking spaces. Parkbus passengers wishing to visit but not camp will be able to participate in a guided tour provided by Parks Canada staff at our drop off in Cyprus Lake. All-inclusive group guided options are available if you have no equipment, experience, or cannot find a campsite. A limited number of Yurts are also available, but it is likely sold out already.



Lion's Head is a town and a spectacular nature reserve about 50km south of Bruce Peninsula National Park.



Tobermory is a small town about 20km north of Cyprus Lake, and is the most popular place to stay for people looking for roofed accommodation. Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and a grocery store are located in town. People staying in Tobermory can visit Fathom Five National Marine Park, and walk over to the portion of Bruce Peninsula National Park adjacent to town, including the visitor center (but it is too far to walk to Cyprus Lake / Grotto/etc)

What are some things I can do from Tobermory?

Tobermory is located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, a beautiful place to call home for the weekend, offering plenty of different activities depending on what it is you'd like to do. There are a number of hikes accessible right from the town centre, cruises you can take to see the sunset and explore Fathom Five National Marine Park (Flowerpot Island), as well as historic shipwrecks located near the bay. The town itself also offers a good selection of restaurants, bars with live music and small boutiques for shopping. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also contact Thorncrest Outfitters and rent a kayak to go paddling for the day (experts only).



The 2 night Tobermory itinerary recommended by our passengers include walking to the National Park Visitor Center and Observation Tower on the day of your arrival, then spending your second (full day) going to see shipwrecks and Flowerpot Island with one of private operators, exploring Flowerpot Island on your own. On the last day, you can hike a portion of Bruce Trail and explore scenic town of Tobermory.

I cannot find a place to stay, what can I do?

Bruce Peninsula experienced unprecedented growth in visitors in the last decade, and finding places to stay are difficult for anyone, regardless of whether you are camping or staying in Tobermory. The best way to assure that you have a place to stay is to make a reservation far in advance.







If you are going to Tobermory, and everything appears to be sold out, keep checking for cancellations, try to split your reservation into separate nights.



Going to Lion's Head instead of Tobermory / Cyprus Lake can be a great option if you are looking for a less crowded natural experience and still want to see the famous cliffs and blue waters of Bruce Peninsula. Lion's Head offers camping at McKay's Harbour (primitive, non-reservable Leave No Trace) camping for backpackers, and a town campground is located right on the beach! There is a hostel, hotel and a number of other accommodation options available.

Where can I stay in Tobermory? Are there any accommodation options near the drop off?

Our drop off in Tobermory at the designated bus parking area (by Escarpment Heights Motel), 5 min walk to downtown Tobermory, and 10 min walk to ferry terminal.

How do I get to Flowerpot Island?

Flowerpot Island is 6.5km from Tobermory harbour and reached only by boat. Two private tour boat companies operate return trips from Tobermory to the island from mid May to mid October, weather permitting. Check with them for schedules and rates:

www.blueheronco.com

www.bruceanchorcruises.com

How can I travel between the Cyprus Lake (Grotto) and Tobermory?

Unfortunately at this point there is no shuttle service between Bruce Peninsula National Park (Cyprus Lake) and the town of Tobermory. The Bruce Trail does connect the two, but it is about 22km of rugged terrain hiking.

However, Cyprus Lake is just one part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, which actually borders the town. You can walk to the Visitor Center, or even walk a portion of Bruce Trail that runs through the park and follows Georgian Bay shoreline.

If I am camping, where do I store my food overnight?

Cyprus Lake Campground (Bruce Peninsula National Park) does have a limited number of bear/raccoon proof boxes available on-site, but they must be reserved in advance by calling 519-596-2233. Parks Canada staff will then deliver the box directly to your campsite. You must store all your food, and any animal attractants (such as garbage, deodorant, etc) inside those boxes - otherwise they will be confiscated by park rangers.

If you are backpacking in Bruce Peninsula / Lion's Head, bring a rope and be prepared to hang your food, although National Park may have some food storage options for backcountry campers.

Are there showers at Cyprus Lake?

There are no showers available at to campers at Cyprus Lake Campground. There are showers for visitors staying at one of the reservable yurts.

Is there any place to buy food at Cyprus Lake Campground (Bruce Peninsula National Park?)

Unfortunately there is no place to buy any food at Cyprus Lake Campground. All visitors must arrive self reliant for the duration of their stay.

If you are staying at Tobermory, plenty of restaurants and a grocery store are available.

Is there any cellphone reception?

Cellphone reception is very limited at Cyprus Lake Campground and Bruce Peninsula National Park in general.

There is good reception in Towns of Tobermory and Lion's Head however.

How far is the walk from the bus drop off in Tobermory to the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry to Manitoulin Island?

Our stop in Tobermory is at the desginated bus parking area, beside Escarpment Heights Motel. It is about 10min walk from the ferry terminal, and 5min walk to downtown Tobermory.

If you are taking the ferry, make sure you make a reservation in advance, and make sure there is plenty of extra time between ferry arrival/departure and Parkbus arrival/departure. Either can be delayed, leading to a missed connection!

What is there to do on Manitoulin Island? Is it same as Flowerpot Island?

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world, and is huge - it takes many hours to explore by car. While it has great places to visit, you cannot go there for a day trip - and cannot explore it by foot. It is not part of the national Park.

Flowerpot Island, on the other hand, is part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park, has no cars (only hiking trails) and is an excellent day trip destination.