Caving With Kids

Visiting a cave can be mind-boggling, physically demanding, overwhelming and perhaps agonizing for claustrophobics. But, it can also be a breathtaking, rare experience and total FUN! Caving is definitely an out-of-the-ordinary, exciting and adventurous outing for kids and parents alike!

Most caves are formed in soluble rock, usually limestone or dolostone, dissolved by the action of slightly acidic water. They are very damp and cool. Some cave systems have connected passages that may extend for kilometers, but the majority of caves are short. While many cave passages can be very small and narrow, others will have the visitor in awe of their immensity.

When you first enter a cave, you experience a mysterious and odd feeling… but only for a short moment -- then you discover something completely out of this world. After all, you are entering a natural environment that is much different than others on the surface of the earth!  Have your camera ready for an absolutely awe-inspiring scenery.

If you were expecting a walk in the park, think again! That’s why you need to prepare – so you can make the most of your visit. Caving is completely safe but you must observe all the rules posted by the park or site. In most cases, you’ll find groomed trails, hand rails, stair steps and proper lighting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when visiting a cave:

-Even on the hottest of summer days, caves will remain cool, so you should always bring a sweater or light jacket.

- Expect to do lots of climbing so make sure you wear comfortable shoes – running shoes are highly recommended. As well, there will be many stairs leading you in and out of caves. Beautiful nature trails surround the caves – you will be doing lots of walking!

-Take it slow and always watch where you are stepping. Running, jumping, and other fast movements can be dangerous. Always make sure you have a firm grip wherever you are climbing.

-You may encounter narrow crevices and tight while exploring a cave. Avoid forcing your body into places that you cannot back out of.

-Stay on the guided trails and always stay in a group to avoid getting lost.

-Caving can be tiring - know your physical limits and watch for fatigue in your kids.

Chris Hinsperger, owner of Bonnechere Caves in Eganville says that visiting caves can be a totally fun experience for kids. He recommends that parents always call ahead when visiting any cave, to ask how they should prepare themselves. When asked about the wow factor for kids at Bonnechere Caves, he indicated that “it’s when we turn out the lights so kids can't even see their own hand in front of their face because of the absolute dark. Kids are also wowed by the amount of fossils we have embedded in our limestone walls.”

Interested in visiting a cave? There are many opportunities that await adventurous souls. Here is a list of caves in Ontario:

Bonnechere Caves
Eganville Ontario
1-613-628-CAVE (2283) or 1-800-469-2283
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Website: www.bonnecherecaves.com
Millions of years in the making, the Bonnechere Caves are a thrill for the sightseer. Guided tours leave every twenty minutes and last approximately forty five minutes to one hour. Located just 90 minutes from Algonquin Park and 80 minutes from Ottawa, in the town of Eganville Ontario, lies the Bonnechere Caves.

Bruce's Caves Conservation Area
Wiarton, ON
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority – 519-376-3076
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Website: www.greysauble.on.ca/ca-brucescaves
This property lies in the former Keppel Township, just off Grey County Road No. 26, 4.8 km northeast of Wiarton. Bruce's Caves Conservation area consists of 7 hectares of Niagara Escarpment and rock talus, upland hardwoods, wooded swamp and caves.

Flowerpot Island Caves
Flowerpot Island, Ontario
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Website: www.tobermory.org/flowerpot 
Towering cliffs, strange rock formations, numerous caves, dense forest, glens, meadows, and flowers all surrounded by crystal clear water make Flowerpot Island one of the best attractions on the Peninsula.  Other relics of the ancient sea that once covered all the Great Lakes area are the caves located 20 meters above Georgian Bay.

Mount Nemo Conservation Area
On the Niagara Escarpment in Burlington
905-854-0262
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Website: www.hrca.on.ca
This conservation area has one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment. Rich green ferns blanket limestone boulders scattered among old growth forests that are alive with jewel like birds. Crevice caves and ancient cedars, a thousand years old, can be seen all along the meandering cliff edge trail. Features viewing geological features such as crevice caves, cliffs and talus slopes.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area - Sheep Cave
Appleby Line north; 1 km north of Derry Road on top of escarpment.
905-854-0262
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Website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area has some of the most inspiring scenic viewing found anywhere. Five breathtaking lookouts dot the edge of towering cliffs of Ontario’s striking Niagara Escarpment. With excellent hiking trails, this natural environment park is perfect for that therapeutic walk in the woods during any season. Viewing geological
features such as crevice caves, cliffs and talus slopes.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
260 Scenic Caves Road
Collingwood, ON, L9Y 3Z5
705-446-0256
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Website: www.sceniccaves.com
Nature, History and Adventure for the whole family. Self guided tour of caves, caverns and lookouts on the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment. Ontario's Longest Suspension footbridge offers light adventure and the most spectacular views of Georgian Bay and Surrounding Countryside. Gemstone Mining, mini golf, trout pond, picnic areas, snack
bar and gift shop. Try the Treetop Walking and Zip Cable Gliding attraction.

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground
289 Caves Road
Warsaw, ON K0L 3A0
705-652-3161 or 1-877-816-7604
Nestled in the valley of the Indian River, the conservation area offers a range of recreational opportunities the entire family or other group can enjoy! Also includes 50 family campsites, 3 large group camp areas, 13 km of hiking trails, including a Caves and Limestone Plain Trail, 7 caves to explore and a scenic lookout over the river valley, sandy beach and swimming area on the Indian River, canoe launch and rentals, firewood, ice and refreshments, picnic areas.
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Website: www.warsawcaves.com