Dear Guests
Please excuse our mess...we are currently undergoing renovations.
We will be adding an additional 20 rooms and Event Space that can accommodate up to 150 people and we anticipate to be completed by Spring 2026.
The Matheson rooms face the construction site and may be noisy at times during the day, but we will do our best to help make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.
We are pretty excited about our renovation project and realize what an inconvenience it can be, but we feel the end result will all be worth it.
During construction elevator use will be limited to hours of operation - Check with front desk associates for operational hours.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we undergo these growling pains.
Sincerely
The Princess Team
Staying Near The Grotto in Tobermory: Our Local Guide
The Grotto is one of Ontario's most breathtaking natural wonders — a limestone sea cave carved by thousands of years of Georgian Bay waves, with turquoise water so clear you can see straight to the bottom. If visiting The Grotto is the reason for your trip to Tobermory, Tobermory Princess Hotel is your closest waterfront hotel base.
We are a 17-minute drive from The Grotto trailhead at Cyprus Lake. Our team has been welcoming hikers since 1977, and we have practical, honest advice on how to make your visit as smooth as possible.
How far is Tobermory Princess Hotel from The Grotto?
Tobermory Princess Hotel is located at 34 Bay Street South in the heart of the village, approximately 12 kilometres from the Cyprus Lake trailhead — the starting point for the hike to The Grotto.
● By car: approximately 15–17 minutes via Highway 6 and Cyprus Lake Road
● Hike to The Grotto: about 45 minutes each way (from the parking lot)
● Total visit time: plan for 2 to 4 hours
Parking at Cyprus Lake requires a reserved time slot, which must be booked in advance through Parks Canada. Create Reservation
Everything you need to know about visiting The Grotto
Permits and Reservations
A reservation is required to visit The Grotto and Indian Head Cove from late April through October.
Timed-entry parking permits are available through the Parks Canada reservation system and often sell out weeks in advance — especially in peak summer.
Parks Canada Reservations Home NOTE FOR OWNER: Please confirm current reservation requirements with Parks Canada before publishing — the system changes each year. Link directly to reservation.pc.gc.ca on the live page.
What the trail is like
The Georgian Bay Trail from the Cyprus Lake trailhead to The Grotto is approximately 2.4 kilometres each way. The path is rocky in places and involves some scrambling over limestone at the end. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended — sandals or flip-flops will make the final section difficult.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Return distance: approximately 4.8 km
• Allow: 2 to 2.5 hours for the return hike including time at The Grotto
• Swimming in The Grotto: water is cold even in July — bring a towel
What the hotel provides for Grotto hikers
Our team is happy to help make your Grotto day as easy as possible. Let us know at check-in that you plan to hike and we can arrange:
• Early breakfast at Pharos Restaurant before you head out
• Trail maps and current parking/permit advice from our front desk
• Packed lunch preparation — ask our kitchen the evening before
Our Local Tips for Visiting The Grotto
After decades of welcoming guests, here’s what we consistently recommend:
● Visit in September or early October for fewer crowds and comfortable hiking weather
● Add Indian Head Cove — a short detour that’s well worth it
● Bring more water than you expect — there are no services on the trail
● Arrive early to make the most of your time slot
● Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash at all times in the national park
Book your stay near The Grotto
Tobermory Princess Hotel is Tobermory's only year-round waterfront hotel and one of the closest hotels to The Grotto. We offer free parking, breakfast discount for all hotel guests, and harbour-view rooms with private balconies overlooking Little Tub Harbour.
Let’s Plan Your Stay
We’d love to host your group. Reach out to start planning your Tobermory getaway or add a memorable stay to your itinerary.
Contact us today to check availability, rates, and customized group packages.
events@tobermoryprincesshotel.com
