Have you heard about the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario? A popular place about three hours from Toronto, the Bruce Peninsula offers scenic hiking options for outdoor lovers, including the Lion’s Head Lookout. If you plan a visit, don’t miss the Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve as one of the natural attractions on the peninsula. Lion’s Head Lookout is part of the 900-km Bruce Trail from Tobermory to Niagara. If you’re not up for a month-long trek, you can still explore part of “The Bruce” on Lion’s Head Lookout Trail!
Last Updated: January 2026
In September 2021, I spent 10 days on Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula with a group of students and young professionals participating in the Ocean Bridge Program through Ocean Wise. Through this experience, we had the chance to visit several places on the Bruce (or Saugeen) Peninsula, including the Lion’s Head Lookout. As we travelled around, we noticed how the peninsula didn’t escape certain challenges from the pandemic, including an increased number of visitors and a lack of outdoor education and etiquette. When we visit natural environments, including provincial and national parks, it’s essential to do our part to protect and preserve these wild spaces.
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Lion’s Head Lookout Trail Map
About the Lion’s Head Lookout Trail (Bruce Peninsula, Ontario)
Location: Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve, Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Distance: 7 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate – depending on fitness level and abilities
Elevation: 56 metre elevation gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Lion’s Head Lookout Trail is a short segment of the Bruce Trail, the 900-km hiking route from Tobermory to Niagara River. Along the Lion’s Head Trail, visitors will walk through the forest, explore glacially made potholes, and find impressive views of the Georgian Bay from the Lion’s Head Lookout.
Note: The entire Lion’s Head Loop is approximately 17 km in length and takes several hours to complete. Due to limited time, I was only able to hike a portion of the trail. Even so, the Lion’s Head Lookout is one of the best hikes near Toronto.
Finding the Lion’s Head Lookout Trailhead
We parked at the McCurdy Drive Parkette to access Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve. If you’re starting in the town of Lion’s Head, the park access is around 1.5 km away and about 40 km south of Tobermory. In the parking area, there are portable toilets and garbage bins to dispose of trash properly. Remember, pack out any garbage or litter (including organic waste like orange peels and apple cores).
Reservations are required to park at McCurdy Drive. Book your 4-hour pass or full-day pass online ahead of time. If there is no parking available, shuttles are offered at the local school and arena from the Lion’s Head Transit Authority. Alternatively, you could park in town and add a kilometre to your hike.
Read next: The Grotto Hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park
Lion’s Head Lookout Hike — One of Ontario’s Most Scenic Trails
Did you know the Bruce Trail is the longest and oldest marked footpath in Canada? The 900-km Bruce Trail stretches from Tobermory to Niagara following the Niagara escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. While some tackle the Bruce Trail over 30 days, many choose to hike shorter segments over a longer period of time. As part of the Bruce Trail, Lion’s Head Lookout Trail is one way to experience the magic of the Bruce Peninsula without committing to a month-long thru hike.
From the parking area, follow the Bruce Trail through the rugged forested trail, watching for rocks and roots along the way. Sturdy hiking shoes and even trekking poles aren’t a bad idea here. Keep going to the eroded potholes formed by glacial activity. At this point, you’re not far from the impressive lookout perched above 200-foot cliffs overlooking the Georgian Bay. Use caution near the cliffs as there are no guardrails. In the past, visitors have returned via the Moore Street Side Trail, but this wasn’t an option when we visited. We opted for the 6 km out and back route and the entire hike took about 1.5 hours.
If you’re looking for a longer day hike, consider tackling the 17-km Lion’s Head Loop in about 5 to 6 hours. Continue down the Hanel Side Trail and then back onto the Bruce Trail. After visiting the lookout, I would love to return for the full loop one day. I’ve heard the Lion’s Head Loop is one of the best hiking trails in Ontario!
Note: Moore Street Side Trail is closed to visitors. Please respect private property. Do not use this side trail and instead complete the Lion’s Head Lookout Trail as an out-and-back route.
What to Bring for the Lion’s Head Lookout Hike
The Lion’s Head Lookout Trail isn’t overly long or challenging. That being said, it’s still important to carry hiking essentials for your trip. I brought a day pack with a water bottle and a few snacks. While I was comfortable wearing trail runners, you may want hiking boots if you prefer extra ankle support on rugged and rocky trails. And even when the forecast looks sunny, I carry a waterproof jacket just in case. It’s always a good idea to have a small first aid kit to deal with minor injuries.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go — Hiking on the Bruce Peninsula
Park Pass: Each vehicle in the park must have a valid provincial park permit. Buy your park pass before you go. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas with a valid permit displayed on the dashboard.
Parking: The McCurdy Drive Parking Lot requires online reservations between May 15 and October 15. A parking fee is required.
Toilet: Outhouse toilet is available in the parking area.
Pets: Pets must remain on a leash while in the provincial park. Bring a strong harness for your pup to stay safe near the cliffs. Remember, pack extra poo bags and pack full bags out.
Leave No Trace: Several locals on the Bruce Peninsula described an explosion of visitors during the pandemic, and oftentimes an increase in litter. If you haven’t already, learn about Leave No Trace and practice these principles on the trails.
Safety: Parents should be cautious when hiking with children, with no guardrails and steep 200-foot drops at the lookout.
Navigation: White blazes mark the main trail, and blue blazes mark the side trails. There’s a useful park map at the trailhead (snap a photo to bring with you), and plenty of signage in the park. If you like a digital map, download Lion’s Head Lookout from AllTrails for offline use.
Things to Do in Lion’s Head, Ontario
Lion’s Head is a quaint little town on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. If you visit on a sunny day, stroll along the marina to find the picturesque Lion’s Head Harbour Lighthouse (you can see Lion’s Head Provincial Park across the water). Plan a relaxing day on a nearby beach or check out the Lion’s Head Farmer’s Market operating from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving (a must-see if you visit on Saturday morning). Find craft beer, local art, artisan products, and lots of delicious food to taste. Live music brought the park to life with toe-tapping folk tunes (including Farewell to Nova Scotia — felt like home!).
Read next: Your Complete Guide to Pukaskwa Coastal Trail in Ontario
Have you explored the Lion’s Head Lookout Trail on the Bruce Peninsula? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
great review and insight thanks! fyi that moore street short cut is actually off limits as it is private property.
Appreciate your comment, James. Good tip! Yep – we hiked along the official Bruce Trail not Moore St (see route map).
Beautiful trail and scenery, but to call this an easy hike for two senior citizens is highly inaccurate. Many rocks, roots and small climbs were taxing for these beginner hikers!
Hi David, good point! I’ve changed the trail rating to moderate. Thanks for the feedback.