Cyprus Lake
Cyprus Lake
4.5
About
Scenic lake located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park that offers both camping facilities and hiking trails.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
13 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
137 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
43
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Journey289054
Kitchener, Canada95 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Ashamed to say I took me way too long to visit this stunning park. The waters are magnificent in blue and temperate. About a 15-20 hike from parking easy for almost everyone including young kids. The main attraction is worth it. Come prepare with your swim suit if you want to take a dip ( there is no where easy to change). If you have water shoes even better but not necessary the rocks are not sharp. Amazing and so well worth the visit..like I said ashamed it took so long when you live 2.5 hours away.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ty1998
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Family
Just felt I had to give an honest review of what transpired during our stay at Cyprus Lake camp grounds. In total we were four families that had booked four sites, about 24 of us and the youngest being 3 month old baby. Our neighbors complained on us for being excessively noisy on day 2. We had 3-4 year olds, and 7-8 year olds with few teens. By no means were we noisy! But the Warden came and gave us warning to keep things quite. We had been following camp rules and were aware of quite time hours. Our neighbors yelled at one of the kids at 0810 to keep quiet coz his kids were sleeping. I personally felt our neighbors didn’t like the fact that we were Asians. For the next two days/nights we were picked on and watched by the security personnel. There were other campers in big groups and playing guitar/music after 10 pm and they were not told anything. Took a walk after 10 pm to see if all the rules applied to everyone equally or just applied to us Asians based on the colour of our skin. Exactly at 10 pm the security guy shows up at our camp site asking us to turn off the music (which was playing softly, not even load). Overall, had a very negative experience. All of us are proud Canadians. Never have we felt so discriminated!!! The security personnel needs further education/training. Will definitely write up about our experience and mail it to appropriate office.
Written 21 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia G
Dallas, TX29 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The Birches campground is located between and close to two others. Although not right by the Lake Cyprus beach, it's within a walking distance. We camped at site 166 and it took us 5-6 minutes to walk to the beach.
If you do have a choice and would like to be located the closest to the beach, book one of the Poplars sites.
However, if you look for privacy and silence, pick a Tamarack or a Birch site.
If you do have a choice and would like to be located the closest to the beach, book one of the Poplars sites.
However, if you look for privacy and silence, pick a Tamarack or a Birch site.
Written 10 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
disney e
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Family
The park itself was beautiful . The grotto was very busy and took away from the experience. Beware of the park warden . We were 2 families camping side by side enjoying a night by the fire . It was only 10:30 and the park “warden” showed up . He said we were being to noisy . We apologized and said we would keep it down . We had no music playing and were just cooking hot dogs and marshmallows by the fire . Everything normal about a campfire . He then began to count the number of people at the fire. There were 7 of us in total . But were told only 6 were allowed on the site after 10pm . That we would have to return to our site immediately. Put down your marshmallows and hot dogs he said lol
This guy was just power tripping what an embarrassment to our country and parks canada
So much for I am Canadian
This guy was just power tripping what an embarrassment to our country and parks canada
So much for I am Canadian
Written 3 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
courtneybell
Gravenhurst, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
My family plus another family friend went to Cyprus Lake Campground staying in the Birches section of the campground for the Canada Day long weekend and were quite disappointed. We went there for a family reunion as we used to camp there when all of us kids were younger. The park was full and I understand that sometimes it may be hard to keep up with the volume of people but the washrooms were so dirty with toilets overflowing, poop all over toilets and toilet paper everywhere and this was in the WOMENS bathroom which i found very gross. This was on the Saturday by the evening of Saturday I couldn't even use them I drove to further washrooms to use which were a bit cleaner at least no over flowing toilets.
On Sunday morning at 8:30am I went to use the washroom near us and all toilets were overflowing water was everywhere I proceeded to try 2 other washrooms with in birches and all were so dirty with there toilets also overflowing!! When I got to the 3rd one in my section there was someone cleaning it and I told her that there are 3 other washroom that are absolutely unusable and she did not seem to care was actually quite rude saying "ya I'll let my supervisor know" and turned her back on me.I do get that I am camping but when there are washrooms available for use they should be usable and clean to an extent.
This is the first time in the 26 years I have camped that I have been so disappointed in the patrolling of the park and the lack of care to cleanliness. I will not be returning to this park.
On Sunday morning at 8:30am I went to use the washroom near us and all toilets were overflowing water was everywhere I proceeded to try 2 other washrooms with in birches and all were so dirty with there toilets also overflowing!! When I got to the 3rd one in my section there was someone cleaning it and I told her that there are 3 other washroom that are absolutely unusable and she did not seem to care was actually quite rude saying "ya I'll let my supervisor know" and turned her back on me.I do get that I am camping but when there are washrooms available for use they should be usable and clean to an extent.
This is the first time in the 26 years I have camped that I have been so disappointed in the patrolling of the park and the lack of care to cleanliness. I will not be returning to this park.
Written 5 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reena B
14 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I live in Bruce County with my family and every year we camp at Cyprus Lake in the Yurt accommodations and head to the Grotto.
Staff: We never noticed how unengaged the staff were before, however we recently stayed at the Georgian Bay Islands National Park where the staff were phenomenal. The staff at this park appear annoyed by questions and you will be given different information based on who you speak with. We found the programs at the other site much more family friendly, easier to access and staff engaged parents and kids to join in.
Yurt: I personally love this accommodation and would highly recommend everyone try it at least once. This visit in particular was less enjoyable due to a fire ban- camping with no campfire just isn't camping! This is no one's fault, but perhaps check weather conditions and fire bans before heading out. This was our 3rd year Yurt'ing and one difference we found this year was that they no longer provide lanterns in the Yurt. Again, this was disappointing as it was not listed in "items to bring" and other parks DO provide you with lanterns. Had we known, we simply could have brought our own from home.
Tip: Pack a fly swatter. The mosquitos did a number on us this time around!
The Grottos:
In the past, we were given the ability to park at P1 and walk the trail since we were already paying to be in the park and paying for parking. This time was different... with more visitors, the park has decided to instill a strict parking policy where you make a reservation for P1. This is a NEW policy since last year so we did not make a reservation- which is our fault I admit. The annoying part was, people were leaving the park as the 4 hour reservation slots are very long for those who are just coming to see the Grotto. My husband was dropping my toddler and I off in P1 and we saw a park staff member. We explained that the parking lot was mostly empty, it was 7pm and most people had left from the 5-9 slot. We asked if someone leaving gave us their permit, if he could park there. They said no because the pass won't match his plate. My husband had to go back to the parking lot for the Yurts (45min walk) while my and my toddler waited in the EMPTY parking lot for him to come back. This was super frustrating and it is very evident that the park does not know how to handle the influx of tourists.
My suggestions would be
1. If people are camping in the park, have an option to transport people with special needs using a Park's vehicle.
2. Have shorter reservation slots! Most people going to see the Grotto do not stay for 4 hours. This will improve the flow and allow more people to visit in the dat.
3. If people are not showing up for their reserved time slot, that slot should be then up for grabs after a certain time period.
4. For those who are camping at Cyprus Lake, a reservation for the Grotto should be an option at the time of booking! One does not know it's not included until they arrive, at which point, it is too late.
Staff: We never noticed how unengaged the staff were before, however we recently stayed at the Georgian Bay Islands National Park where the staff were phenomenal. The staff at this park appear annoyed by questions and you will be given different information based on who you speak with. We found the programs at the other site much more family friendly, easier to access and staff engaged parents and kids to join in.
Yurt: I personally love this accommodation and would highly recommend everyone try it at least once. This visit in particular was less enjoyable due to a fire ban- camping with no campfire just isn't camping! This is no one's fault, but perhaps check weather conditions and fire bans before heading out. This was our 3rd year Yurt'ing and one difference we found this year was that they no longer provide lanterns in the Yurt. Again, this was disappointing as it was not listed in "items to bring" and other parks DO provide you with lanterns. Had we known, we simply could have brought our own from home.
Tip: Pack a fly swatter. The mosquitos did a number on us this time around!
The Grottos:
In the past, we were given the ability to park at P1 and walk the trail since we were already paying to be in the park and paying for parking. This time was different... with more visitors, the park has decided to instill a strict parking policy where you make a reservation for P1. This is a NEW policy since last year so we did not make a reservation- which is our fault I admit. The annoying part was, people were leaving the park as the 4 hour reservation slots are very long for those who are just coming to see the Grotto. My husband was dropping my toddler and I off in P1 and we saw a park staff member. We explained that the parking lot was mostly empty, it was 7pm and most people had left from the 5-9 slot. We asked if someone leaving gave us their permit, if he could park there. They said no because the pass won't match his plate. My husband had to go back to the parking lot for the Yurts (45min walk) while my and my toddler waited in the EMPTY parking lot for him to come back. This was super frustrating and it is very evident that the park does not know how to handle the influx of tourists.
My suggestions would be
1. If people are camping in the park, have an option to transport people with special needs using a Park's vehicle.
2. Have shorter reservation slots! Most people going to see the Grotto do not stay for 4 hours. This will improve the flow and allow more people to visit in the dat.
3. If people are not showing up for their reserved time slot, that slot should be then up for grabs after a certain time period.
4. For those who are camping at Cyprus Lake, a reservation for the Grotto should be an option at the time of booking! One does not know it's not included until they arrive, at which point, it is too late.
Written 16 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrismedia01
Toronto44 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
On the way back from Tobermory, we stopped off at Cyprus Lake to check out the Grotto. We heard it was amazing, but until you see it for yourself it doesn't quite kick in.
A 20 minute walk through the the Bruce Peninsula and you're there. The walk itself was beautiful and relaxing, such nice scenery within the woods. You are right on the Bruce Trail, such a nice scenic walk. There's a few different paths you can take that take you around the Trail. They are all labelled, so you won't get lost. You follow the one for the Grotto, and although its a bit of a trek...well worth it!
Once we got there, we were greeted with turquoise blue water, caves and rock cliffs. It was absolutely amazing! You can swim in the water and the view makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean. I just couldn't believe a spot like this existed in Ontario. It reminded me of Tulum, Mexico (minus the Mayan Ruins). Make sure to bring your camera, a swimsuit and good shoes for walking on rocks (if you choose to).
and most importantly...definitely take some time to enjoy the view and take it all in. It's well worth the trek!
A 20 minute walk through the the Bruce Peninsula and you're there. The walk itself was beautiful and relaxing, such nice scenery within the woods. You are right on the Bruce Trail, such a nice scenic walk. There's a few different paths you can take that take you around the Trail. They are all labelled, so you won't get lost. You follow the one for the Grotto, and although its a bit of a trek...well worth it!
Once we got there, we were greeted with turquoise blue water, caves and rock cliffs. It was absolutely amazing! You can swim in the water and the view makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean. I just couldn't believe a spot like this existed in Ontario. It reminded me of Tulum, Mexico (minus the Mayan Ruins). Make sure to bring your camera, a swimsuit and good shoes for walking on rocks (if you choose to).
and most importantly...definitely take some time to enjoy the view and take it all in. It's well worth the trek!
Written 25 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa R
Windsor, Canada17 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
I visited Tobermory for the first time in 15 yrs. I vacationed there many years with my family and always had a good time no matter where we stayed or what we did. This time I was very disappointed. No the Bruce Trail and all the parks are so popular that you have to go to the park entrance at 6:30 am every day to reserve your parking spot for a 4 hour block of time, and it is first come first serve so if there are too many people ahead of you , you can't get in . I was completely stunned. All the parks within a 20 mile radius are also booked this way. If you park outside of the park on the high way you will be ticketed and/or towed. The provincial government is too cheap to make the parking lots bigger so more people can go hiking at one time. This was a total shocker!! I drove 6 hours and planned my trip 3 months ahead to just hike this trail and relive some fond memories. What a joke!! Never going back and it is shame that people will not be able to enjoy this lovely place because of this inconvenience. Super sad! :(
Written 7 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback Lisa R.
We are glad to hear that you and your family have so many positive memories at Bruce Peninsula National Park. We are sorry that you were unable to visit the Grotto this summer. This is the most popular location in the park and the parking lots fill up every day of summer, often in the morning.
The new timed parking program is in place to help prevent traffic congestion and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience. It's our first year of the program and we are continuing to explore options to further improve Grotto parking in future years.
Increasing the amount of parking spaces would allow a greater number of people into the Grotto but would create other challenges, including health and safety issues. There is a delicate balance between maintaining ecological integrity and providing Canadians with opportunities to enjoy our parks.
The spring and fall are great times to visit, there are fewer visitors and the same great scenery! We truly hope that your family will return and enjoy the park in the future, as you have in the past.
Written 3 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TMLTML97
Lion's Head, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Couples
Grew up near here. City people have ruined the experience. They all think that they are still driving on the 401 up here. They have no respect and they leave garbage everywhere...Stay at your pollution infested beaches in Toronto...sad
Written 14 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen W
Orangeville, Canada409 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Well'll maintained hikes for any level. There is also other trails with more difficulty. Lots of places to just sit and enjoy. These trails will also lead you to the grotto. There is also camping at this National Park.
Written 15 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying at the birches campground. Can we hike to the grotto or do you have to have a parking pass and drive in? Also it says no fires after 11 and no alcohol after 10. Does anyone know how enforced this is? Kinda ruins camping doesn't it ....
Written 13 February 2020
We are staying in a cabin nearby and booked a parking pass . We have some friend who want to camp there and will meet us in the parking lot to hike to the grotto. Which campground is closest to the parking ? Thanks
Written 21 May 2019
chwinggyp
Montreal, Canada
Hi,we’re going to camp in tamarack camp ground with our dog this coming August. Is it possible to walk from the camp ground to the grotto and how long would it take? I’m trying to look for the trail map but can’t find one.
Written 10 February 2019
No, you can not walk into the Grotto. You must drive in. That is how they regulate the area. Also, I’m not sure about your dog. I would research that some more. I do not recall seeing one dog there during our visit.
Written 11 February 2019
I’m planning on visiting with a friend next summer, I will be 16 and he will be 17. Would we be able to get a campsite?
Written 8 October 2018
I am unsure if that, you should check their website for that information. I would not want to give you the wrong information!!
You’ll have a great time!
Written 9 October 2018
I’m planning on visiting with a friend next summer, I will be 16 and he will be 17. Would we be able to get a campsite?
Written 8 October 2018
I believe you will be able to book a campsite as my daughter was always able to as long as you give home address and can pay for the site
Written 11 October 2018
Hi, we are camping at cyprus lake soon. Do you mean that parking reservation for the grotto is necessary even if you camp there? How far is the walk from cyprus lake camping ground to the grotto? Thank you.
Written 12 August 2018
I believe the parking reservations are for daily visits only. The trail from the camp grounds to the grotto could take as little as 20 minutes or if birding like we were, several hours. Contact Parks Canada to get more details when you pre-book the camp ground reservation. They are very helpful.
Written 13 August 2018
I'm looking to book for the yurt for a few nights. Could anyone advise on food preparing? Like what to bring and places to buy things. Thanks.
Written 22 July 2018
There is a Foodland grocery store in Tobermory which is a medium size store and provides a good selection of food items.
Written 22 July 2018
How close are the private shower facilities to Cypress Lake Provincial Park? I’ve heard they cost $2, but how long of a shower does that get you?
Written 11 July 2018
Sorry I do not know. Suggest you contact the Bruce park office by email. They usually respond fairly quickly.
Written 12 July 2018
Hello!
I saw your post on your Tobermory experience! My boyfriend and I really want to go but we dont know where to pick camping that is closest to this? Where do you guys stay? Thanks so much for you help!!
Written 18 June 2018
We stay in Tobermory rather than camp but you can camp at Cyprus Lake - reserve well in advance. Grandview Motel and Escarpment motel off reasonable room prices. Parks Canada has camping for The Bruce on their Bruce web site.
Enjoy.
Written 18 June 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 18
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing