Scenic Caves Collingwood
Scenic Caves is one of Collingwood’s top attractions and rightfully so. We have been to this natural park a couple of times and it’s on my must-go-to places when visiting Collingwood.
As part of Niagara Escarpment, the Scenic Caves are located right on top of the Blue Mountains and easily accessed from Blue Mountain Village via the Mountain Road, which turns into Grey Road 19.
Even though you will be exploring caves and crevasses, plan for a sunny or bright day, to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Georgian Bay below.
Proper footwear is an absolute must, as you will be climbing rocky paths, steep terrain and even a smaller “rock wall” while exploring several caves. Running or hiking shoes are required to enter the park.
The Scenic Caves Park offers fun for the whole family, including a playground, the Suspension Bridge, Gemstone Mining, a trout pond, a gift store, mini-golf, Nature trails, a picnic area, the new Thunderbird Ziplining attraction and, of course, the caves.
When you come to the front gate, you have several ticket options during green season (May to October)
Buy a General Admission pass, which includes the Scenic Caves, trails, playground and Suspension bridge,
or add the Thunderbird Twin Zip-line to the package.
The 200 ft Thunderbird Zip-line is the longest one in Canada
My son and husband went together and loved it! Two people can take the plunge side by side, and if you like thrills and are not afraid of heights, make sure to add it to your package.
Undecided? You may also buy tickets to the Thunderbird on the top of the hill.
Then there is also the option to book an Eco-Adventure Tour: (Reservation is required)
The Eco-Adventure is a three-hour guided tour, which includes treetop canopy walking, 300 ft. zipline through the forest, a 1000 ft. Escarpment zipline, as well as the General Admission,(caves, trails, suspension bridge, park)
There are some weight, height and physical restrictions; please read here before booking.
The Scenic Caves are connected with self-guided trails that follow up steep hills, stairs, some narrow bridges.
Again, I would recommend you choose a dry day, as the grounds and stones can get very slippery after a rainfall.
Parts of the hill and caves can pose a challenge to very young or old So keep that in mind. You should be able to walk securely on your own to safely complete the trails.
The caves provide an interesting view into the geology, natural and native history of this region and signs with facts and trivia are posted along the trail stops. If you want more background info and insights, visit the website http://www.sceniccaves.com/activities/caves-caverns/caves-and-trails/.
My kids favourite caves were the “Ice cave” (still freezing cold in the hot days of summer) and “Fat Man’s Misery crevasse”.
Venture through the last one only if you are not the least bit claustrophobic!
A gentle descend along the Nature trails leads you back to the park store.
This shady trail, which winds through the forest, along sugar maples, oaks, birch trees, wildflowers and rare Maidenhair Ferns was one of my favourites!
Suspension Bridge:
Hike (20 minutes) or take the tractor pulled waggons (10 minutes) to the Suspension Bridge at the end of the park.
The 420 ft long Suspension Bridge is flexible, 25 metres high and offers a beautiful view over the Georgian Bay and the tree canopy below. On clear days, you may see 10,000 square kilometres!
If you are afraid of heights (Yes, I am!) and a swaying bridge (it moves with people walking across!), rest assured, there “can never be too many people on the bridge” as the sign states.
We went on a very windy day, and I gripped the rail and my husband’s hand tightly!
If you go:
260 Scenic Caves Road,
Blue Mountains, L9Y 3Z5
website: www.sceniccaves.com
Discounts & Coupons
We used the Attractions Ontario coupon and saved $4 each, get yours here
Season & Dates
The Green Season runs from open May/June until Nov 1, 2015 (weather permitting)
and times vary. For details visit www.sceniccaves.com/plan-your-visit
During the winter season (December to the end of March) visit the Nordic Centre and enjoy Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe trails. Find Nordic Adventure packages and rates at www.sceniccaves.com/nordic-rates-packages
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