Parks Canada Kicks-off Canada 150 Celebrations at Bruce Peninsula National Park

May 18, 2017                                Tobermory, Ontario                        Parks Canada Agency

Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park are welcoming visitors for the 2017 season.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017. The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass provides unlimited opportunities to enjoy national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas across the country.

Parks Canada wants to ensure the best possible experience for travellers coming to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. These sites regularly welcome more visitors than any other Parks Canada location in Ontario. Planning ahead is important for a successful visit. Travelling north, you may be tempted to stop at the beach at Singing Sands or to line up for the world famous Grotto, but we recommend you start at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Friendly visitor centre staff will welcome you and offer tailored advice to ensure you have a great visit.

In July and August, the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park reach capacity every day, and many would-be visitors are unable to access their destinations of choice. Spring and fall are the best times to avoid disappointment.

There are numerous activities for seasoned adventurers and more leisurely outdoor experiences in those periods. On June 2nd to June 4th, the Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival celebrates the wonderful wildflowers of the region. Flower lovers return annually to discover over 41 native species of orchid found in the Northern Bruce. September is also a great time to discover the natural environment, as the park is hosting a large Canada 150 Bioblitz from September 19th to 23rd, while the second annual Tobermory Race weekend offers a real challenge for runners.

Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure, and discovery and both parks are offering new Canada 150 programs and services that offer outdoor opportunities to learn more about our natural and cultural heritage. Along with Canada 150 commemorations, one of the oldest and best preserved shipwrecks, Sweepstakes, will also celebrate its 150th birthday in 2017. A special 3D underwater movie will connect non-divers to this hidden world like never before. Visitors will also be able to explore artefacts from Canada’s greatest mystery as part of a fantastic Franklin Expedition exhibit.

The biggest change for visitors to the parks for 2017 is a new system of timed parking spaces at the access point for the iconic Grotto. Timed parking will be implemented on weekends in May and June, and then daily throughout July and August. When the office at Cyprus Lake opens, Parks Canada will issue parking passes for three specific time-slots for that day only. Passes for the day will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are free for Canada 150. Parking passes cannot be reserved in advance. When all parking passes are distributed, there will be no further spaces available at the Grotto that day. If you are unable to secure a pass the day you visit, staff at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre will happily orient you to other attractions within the park.

To ensure the best experience possible experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit ahead of time. Before setting out to the Bruce Peninsula this summer, we encourage you to plan your trip at www.pc.gc.ca/bruce. Friend and follow us for updated traveller information on Facebook (BrucePeninsulaNP) and Twitter (@BrucePNP). If you’re hoping to see the Grotto, visit www.pc.gc.ca/grotto for all the information you need.

The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass is available from the Parks Canada website as well as at Parks Canada entry gates and visitor centres. Partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and CIBC will also be distributing passes for Parks Canada.

Please note that only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping and firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.