Nottawasaga Bluffs Caves Hiking Tour: Private Trail

Hike into Nottawasaga Bluffs caves, then pick your own way back down the Escarpment

A private guided hike on the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario leads into Nottawasaga Bluffs caves through a keyhole arch entrance, with a fixed 2.5km cave exploration and an epic lookout, then four different return trail options you choose based on what you want to see. The guide customizes the route to your interests. Minimum two people per booking, and children are welcome from age 4.

The experience

Nottawasaga Bluffs sits atop the Niagara Escarpment near Collingwood, and the hike starts on an apple tree-lined trail before the forest thickens into moss and ferns. You'll reach the keyhole arch, a 1-meter-high natural opening, that marks the entrance into the caves. Everyone on the tour walks the same 2.5km through the main caves, exploring the open chambers with their tall walls, then stops at a lookout point to rest and take in the view.

After the caves, the route splits. Your guide works with you to choose from four different return trails, each offering something different: some emphasize the lookout views across the Escarpment, others focus on narrow crevices and enclosed cave exploration. If you're comfortable with a steep descent and tight spaces, you can visit Freedom Rock (an outcropping that broke away from the Escarpment), and the Tomb, a small adjacent cave where an unknown 19th-century liberal carved aphorisms into the stone. The full hike covers 5.5km and takes around three hours. You'll receive a Google photo album with pictures, videos and a reel from your guide at the end.

Bring water, snacks, closed-toe shoes and layers for the season. In spring and fall, crampons slip onto your boots for traction on wet rock. A headlamp is provided for cave sections. The hike is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, though service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Private guide who customizes your return route based on your interests.
• the fixed 2.5km cave walk through Nottawasaga Bluffs with lookout stop.
• headlamp for cave sections.
• crampons in spring and fall when needed.
• Google photo album with pictures, videos and a reel sent after your hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Step it Up Adventures

Is this one for you?The hike involves a moderate level of physical fitness and includes steep descents, tight cave passages and uneven terrain, so it suits hikers comfortable with three hours of sustained walking and some scrambling underground. The private format and customizable return route let you control the intensity and focus of the second half based on your energy and interests.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the Nottawasaga Bluffs caves and the Singhampton Caves on this tour?

Nottawasaga Bluffs caves are fewer in number but offer more closed and underground discovery in the side caves, plus a larger lookout point. Singhampton Caves are all open with taller walls that feel more grand. This tour focuses on Nottawasaga Bluffs as the main destination.

Can I choose which return trail I take after the cave walk?

Yes. After exploring the 2.5km cave section and the lookout, your guide will work with you to pick from four different return routes, ranging from 2.0km to 3.5km. Some emphasize views, others emphasize more cave and crevice exploration, so you can tailor the second half to what interests you most.

How long does the whole hike take?

The full hike is around three hours and covers 5.5km total, including the fixed 2.5km cave walk and your chosen return route.

What should I bring, and what does the tour provide?

Bring water, snacks, closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing for the season. The tour provides a guide, a headlamp for the caves, and crampons (spikes for your boots) in spring and fall when needed. You'll also receive a Google photo album with pictures and video from your guide afterward.

Are there places to eat after the hike?

Yes. The tour ends near Creemore and Glen Huron, both with local cafes and restaurants. Giffen's Country Market in Glen Huron is a popular stop for a warm drink or snack after the hike.