🦁 Lion's Head Lookout – June 2025 Review Lion's Head Lookout offers an exhilarating hiking experience with panoramic views of Georgian Bay's turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. Located approximately 40 km south of Tobermory, this trail is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts seeking both challenge and serenity.
🥾 Trail Overview Distance: Approximately 5.3 km round trip to the main lookout; the full loop extends to about 15 km.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with rocky and uneven terrain.
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and chosen route.
Trailhead: McCurdy Drive Parkette in the town of Lion's Head. authentikcanada.com +1 wanderlog.com +1 outandacross.com +1 authentikcanada.com +1
The trail meanders through dense forests, leading to a breathtaking cliffside viewpoint. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of Georgian Bay, making the effort well worth it. authentikcanada.com
🚗 Parking & Fees Parking: Available at McCurdy Drive Parkette.
Fees: Paid parking is in effect; reservations are recommended, especially during peak times.
Facilities: Portable toilets are available at the trailhead. planbeforeland.com +2 outandacross.com +2 authentikcanada.com +2
Due to the trail's popularity, parking spots can fill up quickly. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative parking options in town, which may add approximately 1 km to your hike. outandacross.com +1 wanderlog.com +1
🌿 Tips for Hikers Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
Preparation: Bring sufficient water, snacks, and insect repellent.
Timing: Early morning or weekday hikes are recommended to avoid crowds.
Safety: Stay on marked trails and be cautious near...
Read moreReturning to the Lion's Head Lookout Trail after a gap of four years, we were eager to relive the beauty of this hiking destination. However, our experience this time was marked by some notable changes. The most prominent difference we encountered was the alteration in the route leading to the iconic viewpoint. During our previous visit, we remembered taking a shorter path that led us directly to the breathtaking view. However, this time we were informed that the shorter route, which had crossed through private land, was now closed to the public. This shift necessitated a longer trek of approximately 3.5 km each way to reach the lookout point. The hike itself spanned a total of 2 to 3 hours, encompassing the journey to the viewpoint and back. The trail poses some difficulty due to the presence of numerous stones and tree roots, leading to a somewhat slippery terrain. Another significant change from our previous visit was the requirement to reserve a parking spot in advance. Failure to do so meant that we would be directed to an alternative parking area, from which a complimentary shuttle service would transport us to and from the trailhead. While the adjustments in the trail and parking arrangements were understandable, it was hard not to reflect on the ease with which we had accessed the view on our prior visit. The closure of the shortcut through private land did add an element of challenge to the experience, making us yearn for the simpler access we had...
Read moreDon’t take little kids there. Anyone below 10 years old would not enjoy it much unless they are really active, loves the outdoor and is ok with getting dirty.
The easy trail was closed. It’s not an easy trail when you stay on the main trail. Give yourself at least 4 hours.
Muddy, rough, rocky, lots of caterpillars hanging midway so be very careful not to run into them in your face. It will give you some serious pain with those fury needles.
Note enough signs, very long trail just to get to the lookup. I must say it’s overhyped and disappointing. Can’t really get a good view unless you make it to the very top.
This trail could be a lot better with more maintenance and love from the city and better path needs to be built or refined. At the very least, cover up mud pruned area where the rain water stays stagnant in a puddle. Open up shorter paths, don’t close the easy paths.
Most of the lookouts aren’t safe, no proper barrier and very small openings. This is especially scary when it’s windy. Which seems to be most of the tourist season.
If you have young kids, do yourself, the kids, and your spouse a favor, go find a nice beach; you can...
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