Located halfway between the renowned Algonquin Provincial Park and the capital city of Ottawa, you will find a place called Eganville, which is home to Ontario's captivating Bonnechere Caves.
This remarkable geological marvel is said to be one of the best examples in the world of solution caves – caverns carved into solid rock through the erosive action of acidic waters.
Hidden 100 feet below ground, the underground natural rock formations is a goldmine for fossils and limestone.
Bonnechere Cave owners Chris and Val Hinsperger, run tours every day from 10 am to 4 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. The guided tours are about an hour long and leave every 20 to 30 minutes. They have been welcoming adventurers from around the world for over 55 years.
The experience
Picture this: walking along a narrow boardwalk through dimly lit, damp caves while viewing fossils at a balmy, 10-12 degrees Celsius. Even on the hottest of Ontario summer days, these caves maintain their cool and welcoming temperatures. You’ll head down a set of stairs before heading down underground.
While these caves seem like intentionally crafted art, they are actually the handiwork of Mother Nature herself. Dissolved out of solid rock by years of acidic water flow, the cave system dates back millions of years. Discovered in 1955, the caves soon became a huge tourist destination before being turned into a small, family-owned tour operation.
Solidified into the rock walls are fossilized sea creatures, including octopus, coral, brachiopods, and more. You might even come across some living creatures on your journey like bats.
Once you finish your stroll through the caves, you’ll come up another set of stairs and stroll along a gorgeous trail past a sinkhole. If you want to keep the good times going, you can check out the beautiful white waters of the waterfall and end your day of exploring with a picnic.
How to explore the caves
Tours are only $22 for adults and shouldn’t take more than an hour. Since tours head out so frequently, all you have to do is show up when you’re ready and scoop up the next available spot. If you’re interested in the fossils and the history of the area, the tour guides will tell you everything you need to know and more.
The tour guides suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a light sweater or jacket, and bring a headlamp or flashlight if you want to get a close, clear view of the fossils.
There’s also a picnic area for guests to enjoy, and while leashed pets are welcome for picnics, they’re not allowed in the caves.
The cave system isn’t stroller-friendly, either, so make sure you’ve got baby-carrying gear if you’re bringing your little ones. There are refreshments for purchase and an outhouse you can use. It's best to prepare as if you were going on a casual hike.
Why you need to visit
Whether you’re new to the province or you’ve lived in Ontario your entire life, there are always more things to discover and the Bonnechere Caves are th perfect example. If you think you’ve done it all, maybe you haven’t looked below the surface enough (literally).
This place is so unique and unlike anything we're used to above ground, and presents the perfect opportunity to get to know a little bit of Ontario history and the creatures that once lived here.
