Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto: Healing Your Spirit in the Waters of Bruce Peninsula
This jaw-dropping Bruce Trail section provides incredible lookouts along the Niagara Escarpment, and spiritual healing in the chilled, turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.
The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto trail is found in Bruce Peninsula National Park, just south of Tobermory. It follows a section of the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment to a rock beach and cave area that serves as the park’s main attraction.
En route, the trail climbs to a series of heart-pumping lookouts before descending back to the shore and climbing again, like a typical coastal trail. It’s a well-trodden path with clear markings, but you still feel pleasantly removed from reality thanks to the oblique, scaly escarpment and sparkling turquoise coast.
To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national park’s limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. Be sure to book your parking reservation in advance. *NOTE: This trail is closed until Ontario’s stay-at-home order is lifted.
Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto
Length: 15.4 km
Elevation: 382 m
Type: Out-and-back
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
You can view the point-to-point map on AllTrails.
Why I Loved Hiking Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto
Infinite secret places to cool off in the icy, yet healing bay.
Some of the most beautiful lookouts in Canada.
Rugged trail conditions provide quality exercise.
Easy to expand your hike along the Bruce Trail.
Follow me on Instagram for daily, exclusive images you won’t find on the blog.
Key Hiking Gear
You need a good moisture-wicking base layer for this trail.
An inexpensive pair of water shoes will keep your footing if you stop for a dip.
A Distinctive Canadian Hiking Adventure
It was difficult for me to get into this hike’s parking lot, and for two days I was another of Bruce Peninsula’s casualties, stuck with no reservation. But on the morning I was scheduled to leave the region, I instead got up at 5:00 AM to get there on time to secure a spot. When I finally got in, I was excited and a bit nervous. I wasn’t disappointed — it’s a technical, exciting hike with a near-perfect effort/reward ratio.
Mid-way, you’ll pass through Stormhaven, Bruce Peninsula National Park’s backcountry camping area. Be careful here — it’s easy to misinterpret the markings when you return to the Bruce Trail at the other side. However, red foxes pranced happily along with me as I reentered the trail, making up for the five minutes of confusion I experienced.
The storied Grotto was beautiful, but I didn’t stay long or explore the caves because there were large crowds that didn’t seem too concerned about social distancing. But on my way back, it was by then a blistering afternoon, so I stopped twice to cool off in Georgian Bay.
The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike is one of the greatest day adventures in Canada. I prescribe it for anyone looking for an in-province destination to refill your serotonin levels after a multi-year pandemic (or any season).