One of the most breathtaking displays of “the handiwork of Mother Nature” can be found just over an hour’s drive from Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. A geological marvel, the Bonnechere Caves are millions of years in the making and boast an intricate cave system of narrow passageways just waiting to be explored beneath the earth’s surface.
What’s even better is that this network of Ontario Caves near Ottawa is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Ottawa Valley and promises a surreal weekend getaway to add to your summer bucket list.
The History Of The Bonnechere Caves
First discovered in 1855 by an area surveyor and explored by Tom Woodward a hundred years later, the Bonnechere Caves have occupied their location along the Fourth Chute of the Bonnechere River for an estimated 500 million years.
The caves are believed to have been formed when the region’s limestone floor was covered by a massive prehistoric sea during the Ordovician time period of the Paleozoic era. While the sea receded following the last ice age, the ancient water remained flooded in the tunnels until Tom Woodward drained and explored the site in 1955.
Since then, the caves have served as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors keen on exploring its vast network of ancient tunnels and the fossilized remains of the prehistoric sea creatures that dwelt here.
Getting To The Bonnechere Caves
Owned and operated by Chris and Val Hinsperger, the Bonnechere Caves are managed by a family-owned business and are only accessible to visitors along a guided tour.
It is about an hour and a half drive from downtown Ottawa to the cave’s parking lot. There is no need to call ahead for a reservation, as the cave team is readily available to supply a tour guide upon your arrival.
The entire cave tour takes about 20 minutes to complete, and all guests are required to wear low-heeled shoes. It is also suggested that visitors wear a light sweater in the summer months and warmer jackets or coats in the colder season, as the caves are often much cooler than the outside weather.
While the caves are a spectacular geological wonder to visit on their own, the cave team does arrange for various semi-regular events throughout the operation season. The Bonnechere Cave Fossil Hunts are popular among visiting families, while the complex’s underground concerts focus on local musical talent.
Other Activities And Attractions in Bonnechere Valley
1. Fourth Chute Falls
Also known as the Bonnechere Falls, Fourth Chute Falls is a breathtaking set of rapids located directly across from the cave entrance. Completely free to visit, the falls feature nearby picnic tables and vantage points from which to admire the water feature.
Visitors looking for a great hike to another set of waterfalls should head over to the nearby Bonnechere Provincial Park, the 4.8 km outback hike to the High Falls. This easy-to-follow route is relatively flat and rewards breathtaking natural environments before arriving at the white waters of the waterfall.
2. The Fossil Hunt Geology Trail
Millions of years ago, the caves near Ottawa were once the bottom of a tropical sea. And when the water level of southern Ontario’s prehistoric seas recessed, they left behind the remains of several ancient sea creatures whose fossils can still be found in the tunnels today.
To explore this fossil-filled marvel, the cave team organized several fossil hunts throughout the year. During these two-hour fossil finding events, guests are granted a tour of the historic complex, which finishes with a fossil hunt that often explores some of the best views of the site’s ancient life.
Organized several times throughout the year by the cave team, the Fossil Hunt Geological Trail is a two-hour event that sees people of all ages engage in a fun tour of the fossil-filled marvel.
3. Bonnechere Valley Museum
Located in nearby Eganville, a stop at the Bonnechere Valley Museum should be included on your itinerary to see the famous caves near Ottawa. A living museum, this historical complex includes activities, workshops, and exhibits exploring relics and artifacts recovered throughout various time periods in the Bonnechere Valley.
However, the museum’s most popular exhibit is its 1.5 km Geoheritage Trail, which explores the natural surrounding environment of the valley, including an exhibit of different rock types, a limestone quarry, a dug trench, a Riverview walk, and its famous fossils.
The Best Time to Visit The Caves Near Ottawa
While the area around the caves is open year-round for short hiking trails and nature walks, the Bonnechere Caves near Ottawa operate on a seasonal schedule, closing throughout the winter months.
The best time to visit is from July to August. During this time, the caves are open daily for hour-long tours that commence every 20 to 30 minutes between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additionally, this time also experiences cool and comfortable temperatures even on the hottest summer days, with the tunnels becoming particularly chilly around late September.
Where To Stay Near The Bonnechere Valley
Visitors looking for the modern comforts of a cozy inn Hotel will want to base their visit on the Bonnechere Caves in the nearby small town of Eganville.
However, when visiting the region, I highly suggest camping in one of the nearby campgrounds to fully appreciate the natural beauty that is the Bonnechere Valley.
The Cedar Beach Camp Resort and Serenity Bay Cottage and RV Resort are located just 15 minutes from the cave. Alternatively, Covered Bridge Park and Bonnechere Provincial Park are located just a little further down the road and promise an even more idyllic setting for a long weekend or family getaway.
