Discover Lion's Head

Marked hiking trails, paddling beneath towering limestone cliffs and evening stargazing give Lion's Head a varied character. There is also a farmers' market featuring local produce and a beach with a sandy shoreline. Depending on whether you want to spend your stay mostly outdoors, by the water or exploring local highlights, there are different ways to plan your visit.

Hiking and Cycling Around Lion's Head

The Lion's Head Trail consists of two loops: the Main Trail and the Inland Trail. Together, they are about 18 kilometres long and marked in blue and white. For an easier hike to the trail, start at Lion's Head Beach Park. From there, follow the promenade to the marina, then head north along Bruin Lane, where the Bruce Trail leads into the forest. These two options help distinguish between hiking the loops and taking this easier route as described.

There is also a specifically described route for a bike ride: it starts at Lion's Head Marina, initially follows the lakeshore, then heads inland towards Forty Hills Rd. This gives you a choice of marked trails and a cycling route that takes you from the shore into the countryside for active days on vacation.

Water, Beach and Harbour

The necessary experience is important when paddling: this activity should only be undertaken by experienced paddlers or under the supervision of a guide. One special option is kayaking beneath Lion's Head's towering limestone cliffs. If you are interested in this type of paddling, you can make it a focus of your trip and take this requirement into account when planning.

Lion's Head Beach has a sandy shoreline and a playground. The harbour, in turn, has 203 seasonal, monthly and transient slips along 20- and 40-foot finger piers. The beach, harbour and paddling experience offer different ways to enjoy the water in this area.

Starry Skies and a Local Landmark

Bayside Astronomy is a free public program in Lion's Head. During its seasonal program, it takes place on Fridays and Saturdays at the POD beside Lion's Head Marina. The program includes short talks about the night sky and observations of constellations, planets, the Moon and other deep-sky objects using telescopes staffed by volunteers. Those interested in the night sky will find a different kind of experience here than on the hiking and cycling trails.

Another place to learn about the area's history is the replica of the original Lion's Head lighthouse. A group of high school students built it in 1983 based on the plans for the original 1903 structure. The replica still stands at its original location.

Shop Local and Plan Your Stay

The Lion's Head Farmers' Market takes place on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, and until 1 p.m. on long weekends. It offers products from local farmers and food producers, arts and crafts, and live music. The market combines local products with a cultural event and can be planned as a visit in its own right.

When choosing a vacation rental in Lion's Head, you can first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay: hiking loops and a cycling route, water activities, stargazing, or the market and local history. This way, you can focus your search on the destination and activities you want, without assuming that a particular accommodation or amenity is available.

More places to discover: Miller Lake, Walkerton, Chepstow, Sauble Beach, Tobermory, Southampton, Wiarton, Tara.

For the broader travel overview: Bruce County.