7 Best Things to do at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

The Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a beautiful year-round destination with significant outliers, cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, and scenic lookouts.

It is especially popular during the winter and fall seasons, although it can get crowded on weekends in the summer. The park offers activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking, and is dog-friendly as long as dogs are kept on a leash.

However, camping and swimming are not allowed. Despite these restrictions, there are still many things to see and do at the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and this blog will provide ideas for exploring the park’s various attractions.

A short history of mono cliffs provincial park:

During the 1970s government began acquiring the mono cliffs area for making it a provincial park to preserve the ecological importance and natural features of the Niagara escarpment. The mono cliffs provincial park was established in the year 1985.

The provincial land was regulated for the first time under the provisional parks act 1985. The mono cliffs are a part of the Niagara escarpment parks and open space system ( NEPOSS).

Things to do in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park:

1. Go to hiking trails:

For all the hikers out there, you’re going to love this place as it consists of 8 hiking trails, each having its unique lookouts to watch the scenic beauty.

Things to do in paris ontario
Photo by Jake Melara on UnsplashCopyright 2015

Not just for hikers but also for young kids and adults who want to go just for a walk with their dogs or for a hike with their friends. I will mention the names of the 8 trails below so that you can go for a hike on whichever you think is the best.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is home to a number of trails that offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors. Here is a brief overview of each of the trails available in the park:

a. Spillway Trail (1.3km): This multi-use trail goes in two directions and can be accessed from the spillway and carriage trails.

b. cliff top trail or Topside Trail (2.8 km): This 5-mile loop trail is moderately trafficked and part of the Bruce Trail. cliff top side trail also offers a spectacular scenic view from the top of the cliffs, and there is a lookout platform where visitors can stop and take in the views.

c. Carriage Trail (1.3 km): This short trail serves as an access point to four other trails in the park. Visitors can climb a wooden staircase to reach the cliff-top viewing platform.

d. Lookout Trail (600m): This lightly trafficked trail is mainly used for walks, hikes, and nature viewing.

e. South Outlier Trail (3.5km): This trail features various wildflowers and plants, and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

f. Walter Tovell Trail (4.8km): This moderately trafficked trail features plants and wildflowers, as well as a small pond.

g. Mccarston’s Lake Trail (3.6km): This heavily trafficked trail passes by Mccarston’s Lake.

h. Bruce Trail (900 km): The Bruce Trail is the longest and oldest footpath in Canada. It passes through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscape and natural beauty.

it travels through the mono cliff provincial park. It is located right from the Niagara escarpment park entrance to Tobermory, Ontario.

2. Biking Trails:

mono cliffs provincial park
By Midia/ pexels

If you are the one who loves biking and want to experience the mono hill trip on your bike/cycle, then you can try this. The list of trails in which biking is permitted in mono hills are given below:

a. Carriage trail

b. Spillway trail

c. Link trail

d. Walter tovell trail

e. Cliff topside trail

3. Discover the split narrows nature reserve:

The bruce trail conservancy preserved this split narrowly. The split rock trail is one of the 105m dead-end hiking trails, following the split rock crevice system.

You have to walk through the mossy crevice, and after you explore this trail, make sure to go on with the split rock narrow side trail as it will lead you to some beautiful valley views.

Also, there are a lot of interesting rock formations and caves as well. Explore these short trails near the mono cliff to see the most fantastic nature view.

4. Horseback riding

mono cliffs provincial park
By Helena lopes/ pexels

You can even go horseback riding as this is one of the provincial parks that allow horseback riding. Get the feels of the fresh wind on your face as you ride the horse and travel through the trails and enjoy the fantastic scenic views.

It’s one of the fun things you can try out on Mono Cliffs if you love riding a horse.

5. Visit Mccarston lake

You can go to this lake through the Mccarston lake trail, and go straight on the trail further. You will get another trail on the left which will also take you to the lake, but it will take you longer to reach it.

As you go straight down there, you will see a lookout, where you can stop and enjoy nature’s view. As you proceed a little further, you will find a left trail to take you to the lake.

This kettle lake is 14000 years old (approx), created when a retreated glacier’s piece of ice melted, known as the Mccarston lake. You can stop here for a while to check out its breathtaking view and take pictures.

6. Jacobb’s ladder:

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a beautiful natural area located in Ontario, Canada. It is known for its scenic rocky cliffs and its diverse plant and animal life, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

To access the famous Jacob’s Ladder stairs, you will need to visit the park and make your way to the viewing platform. From there, you will see the metal stairs that will take you up to the wooden path.

Jacob’s Ladder is a popular attraction within the park, and it offers a unique and exciting way to explore the cliffs and experience the stunning views.

As you climb the stairs, you will be able to see the fossil-rich cliffs up close and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

This is a great opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the park and learn more about the geological history of the area. Just be sure to watch your step and stay safe while climbing the stairs, as they can be steep and slippery at times.

7. Go for a picnic:

mono cliffs provincial park
By Evangelina silina/Unsplash

You can also go for picnics with your friends and family to have a good time in this park. Visiting the place during the fall season for a breeze is the most suitable one as at that time the park has lovely weather.

Some table arrangements are also done at the time of fall, summer, and spring for picnics in the grassy land, which is located near the parking lot.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a beautiful natural area that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.

If you are planning to visit the park, it is important to follow some basic do’s and don’ts to ensure that you have a pleasant and safe experience and that you also respect the park’s environment and its rules. Here are some of the main do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO’S:

  1. Stay on the trails while hiking: This is important for your own safety, as well as to avoid disturbing or harming plants and wildlife.
  2. Park your car in the designated parking lot: This will help to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of accidents.
  3. Bring your dog with a leash: Dogs are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to prevent them from disturbing other visitors or wildlife.
  4. Respect the park’s environment: This includes leaving no trace behind, picking up any litter that you might see, and not harming any plants or animals.
  5. Ride your bike carefully on the trails: Be mindful of other hikers and give them plenty of space when passing by.

DON’TS:

  1. Don’t litter: It is important to keep the park clean and tidy, so please make sure to dispose of any trash in the designated bins.
  2. Don’t bring liquor: Alcohol is not allowed in the park to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and sober experience.
  3. Don’t damage any property: Please respect the park’s facilities and infrastructure, and do not damage anything intentionally.
  4. Don’t ignite fireworks: Fireworks are not allowed in the park to prevent fires and to avoid disturbing the peace.
  5. Don’t make noise: Please be mindful of others and keep your noise levels down, especially when near campsites or other areas where people may be trying to relax.

If you want to bring your own food, you are welcome to bring a packed lunch or a picnic to enjoy in the park. If you prefer to eat at a restaurant, there are several options nearby, including the Mono Cliffs Inn, which has a great ambiance and food.

Closing Thoughts

There is a lot more than you can explore and discover at the Mono Hills; sometimes, while going on trips like this, you may even find some of the hidden gems of the place. But one thing about the places like these allows you to feel more connected to mother nature and have a sense of relaxation from all the stress.

You can also explore places nearby the Mono Cliffs provincial park, i.e., the Island Lake conservation area, Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve, Museum of Dufferin, and many more.

Then what are you waiting for? If you are planning a trip to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, add these places to your list for things to do so that you don’t miss out on the best places.

Have a happy trip!!

Exploring Ontario's Natural Beauty Biking Adventures in Provincial Parks
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Last Updated on by Priyanshi Sharma

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