Lion’s Head Lookout Trail Parking — Attraction in Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula

If you’re considering the Lions Head Lookout Trail, here’s a detailed and realistic account that might help you prepare better than most glossy blogs do.

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🚗 Parking – Don’t Wing It

Reserve in advance. Seriously. Parking at the official Lions Head trailhead costs $20 and is limited. Reservations fill up fast during weekends and peak months, so book early through the official site. If you’re not lucky enough to snag one, you’ll have to park in town for around $15 at designated paid spots.

🚫 Avoid the free 2-hour parking trap unless you’re a speed hiker. Even the shortest version of this trail takes at least 3 hours, and you don’t want to risk a ticket while soaking in the view.

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🥾 The Hike – Beautiful, but Brutal on Feet

Let’s be real: this trail is not a walk in the park. The terrain is filled with rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces. It can be tough on your feet and ankles if you’re wearing soft sneakers or flat shoes. You’ll thank yourself for wearing high-ankle trekking shoes or something sturdy with decent grip and ankle support.

That said, the views from the edge are absolutely worth it – cliffs overlooking crystal-clear Georgian Bay waters, with panoramic scenes you’ll remember for life.

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🥤 What to Carry – Don’t Come Empty-Handed

Bring: • At least one water bottle per person (the trail is dry and there’s no refill point). • Light snacks or energy bars – you’ll burn more calories than you expect. • A small backpack for your hands-free comfort.

🚽 Washrooms are only at the trailhead parking lot. No facilities deeper into the trail, so plan accordingly.

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🐦 Beware of the Seagulls – Seriously

You might expect birds near water, but these seagulls are aggressive. If you’re eating near the edge or scenic points, keep your food sealed or hidden. They’re not shy about stealing snacks right out of your hands or bags.

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🧭 Trail Navigation – A Bit Tricky

This is not one of those “just follow the path” trails. There are white trail markers painted on trees — follow those closely, especially near forks and split-offs.

To reach the iconic edge lookout, you might have to go slightly off the wider, more trodden trail. Many hikers miss the best views because they assume the path just ends. Be curious but careful.

🗺️ On the way back, if you’re unsure, open Apple Maps — it surprisingly highlights trail names and some key junctions that help get your bearings if you feel turned around.

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🧭 Final Tips • Start early for cooler temperatures and better lighting. • Don’t hike too close to the edge – there are sheer drops and no rails. • Watch your step and take breaks — there’s no rush, and the journey is as stunning as the destination.

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⭐ Verdict:

A moderately challenging hike with some of the most rewarding cliff views in Ontario. Totally worth it, as long as you go prepared with good shoes, water, and a little trail awareness.

You’ll likely leave with tired legs, amazing photos, and a full heart.

🌲 Rating: 9/10 – would hike again (but...

We were at Tobermory early August and decided to do this hike. And WOW, anyone who loves hiking, I would strongly recommend visiting Lion's Head Lookout Trail, especially if you are nearby Tobermory. Because, I know I will need to come back again to hike beyond the main lookout. I've attached some pictures as reference.

Recap: -Parking lot (McCurdy Drive Parkette) is not that big, we got there around 11:30 on a Tuesday. Paid for 3 hours of parking. You can pay for more if you intend to take your time up there. -We left around 2:30 and the lot was full. There was also an enforcement officer guiding traffic and not allowing cars to enter the lot as it was full. If going on a weekend, I suggest going earlier. -The trail itself wasn't too difficult but its not nicely paved so you would need to watch where you are stepping. Subtle uphill and down. Long story short, follow the WHITE MARKINGS on the trees to get to the top of the Lion's Head Lookout. It should take around 45-60 minutes depending on your pace. -I recommend hiking shoes (if you have) unless you don't mind if your shoes get a bit dirty. It also provides you with stability. The trail was a bit muddy due to rain the day before. -When you get to the top, you climb up on this small area where you see Georgian Bay over the horizon. You are literally at the edge of a cliff, I would cautious those who are afraid of heights to stay away from the edge. Otherwise, the view is spectacular, you will not be disappointed. -You can continue on the trail to many cliffside spots where you get better views, unfortunately we ran out of time (we took a side trail accidently and extended the time it took to get to the top). Please LOOK UP as you walk the trail and follow the WHITE MARKINGS. Or please map out your route, we noticed a trail that was easier to get up there was closed.

Last but not least, if you have time, venture beyond the main lookout. Other reviews mentioned the hole and other spots where you are able to get an even better view of the Bay.

Enjoy...

20 minutes drive from Tobermory the Lions head village has this amazing trail situated in Bruce peninsula. The parking on the street in 3 dollars per hour and residents of this village takes 35 dollars per day for parking in cash. The parking is free after 6 pm. Except for long weekend you should be good finding a parking spot. The Lion's head lookout is magnificent sight to behold after 1.5 hours of trail. The trail is much easier if you go with a group and is recommended. The trees are marked with white paint for directions and vigilance is necessary otherwise you can easily go astray in the woods. Shoes with good grip is required as the trail consists of wet stones, tree roots and damp soil. The journey is very peaceful and one will have good physical exercise. After a bit strenous trail you will find yourself on the top of a lookout of about 25 storeys high from the water level from where you can see the stunning Georgian Bay blue-green vast waters and can spend easily 25-30 minutes. The view will be absolutely worth the physical task and is perfect for taking memorable photos. Must...