Hope Bay Forest
Beginning June 1, backcountry camping and day-use will be permitted in non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves where these activities are normally available. Party size must not exceed the limit set out under the emergency order in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Facilities and Activities summary
Before you visit: check what facilities/activities are available and pack what you need (e.g. water, snacks, mask/face covering, and hand sanitizer). Postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate.
Please note winter activities are weather dependent, please check the Ontario Parks Ski Report or local weather forecasts for snow conditions.
When you visit: Continue to follow public health advice including practicing physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required, when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible and when entering indoor public spaces, and wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Facilities
Activities
- Blue - available at the park. Check operating dates. - Grey - unavailable at this park.
- Red - Temporarily Unavailable
- Purple - Available at park, but restrictions apply. Check operating dates. Click icon for details.Restrictions
Biking 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Biking - (Mountain Bike) 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Birding - Festivals 
Restrictions
Boating 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Boating - Motorboat Restrictions 
Not all waterbodies in the park allow motorboats and/or motor size may be restricted.
Restrictions
Camping - Backcountry 
Reservation and check-in procedures may be temporarily modified at this location. Check re-open details under operating dates section more information.
Restrictions
Camping - Car 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Camping - Dog Free 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Camping - Group 
Restrictions
Camping - Radio Free 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Camping - Seasonal Campsite Rental 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Camping - Walk In 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Camping - Winter (includes Roofed) 
Restrictions
Canoeing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Disc Golf 
Restrictions
Dogsledding 
.
Restrictions
Fishing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Golf 
Restrictions
Hiking 
Some of our trails are not ready for hiking. For your safety, please respect trail closure signs.
Restrictions
Hiking - Overnight Trails 
Reservation and check-in procedures may be temporarily modified at this location. Check re-open details under operating dates section more information.
Restrictions
Horseback Riding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Hunting 
Hunting is permitted only in specific seasons/locations, contact the park office for more information.
Restrictions
Ice Skating 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Kite Boarding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Rock Climbing 
Climbers at Bon Echo must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada or register at the park office with park staff.
Restrictions
Skiing - Cross Country 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Snowmobiling 
Snowmobiling is only permitted in certain areas. Contact the park for additional information.
Restrictions
Snowshoeing
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Swimming 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Tobogganing 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Whitewater Paddling 
This activity is not available in the winter.
What You'll Like:
Found on the Niagara Escarpment, this nature reserve contains outcroppings of exposed bedrock that are 500 million to 435 million years old, making it of keen interest to geologists. Other unusual geological features include a subsurface karst pavement. The rock in such a pavement has weathered through naturally occurring acids. The Hope Bay Forest features spring wildflowers, and a selection of many types of fern.
Park Facilities and Activities: Hope Bay Forest is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. There are no visitor facilities. The area is best suited for hiking and nature appreciation. The Bruce Trail passes through here. Visitors are reminded that the natural habitat is very fragile.
Location: On the Bruce Peninsula, 65 kilometres north of Owen Sound.
(519) 389-9056
Size: 353.00 ha
Year established: 1985
Park Classification: Nature Reserve
MacGregor Point Provincial Park R.R. 1
Port Elgin
NOH 2C5
