Why I'm worried about visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park

I’m conflicted about visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park. Part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Bruce Peninsula National Park has many impressive features.

First, there’s the wildlife: the park is home to more than 200 species of birds, mammals, amphibians and even some rare reptiles. But even more impressive is the flora. The park is unique in Canada for its wildflowers, including 43 of the 60 species of orchids found in Ontario!

That’s a small piece of land for so many orchids. Orchids aren't the only unusual plants on the Bruce. It’s also home to about half the world's dwarf lake iris, and most of Canada's stock of Indian plantain. The peninsula also supports more than 20 kinds of ferns, including the rare Northern Holly Fern.

And if flowers don’t impress you much, you can find some of the world’s oldest trees on Bruce Peninsula (yes, you read that right, I did say world and not Canada). Eastern white cedars 800 years old or more have been found growing on the Park’s shoreline. And a dead 1845-year-old cedar was found on Flowerpot Island (in Fathom Five Marine Conservation area). It had died about 1500 years ago. The oldest living tree found so far is over 850 years old.

Yes, all very impressive, but I’m still worried about visiting this park. And that’s because, about a month ago I received an email from the park, recommending that I reserve my parking spot if I wish to visit the Grotto, one of the park’s highlights.

The park is so busy during the summer months, especially at the Grotto that visitors need to reserve a parking spot months in advance. And, you can also only reserve for a maximum 4 hours.

I don’t know… my idea of a national park is not one where I need to reserve a parking spot months in advance. When I asked Michel if we should reserve our spot to visit the Grotto, his answer was quick and unequivocal: NO. I tend to agree with him, I’m not sure I’m up to braving a horde of tourists to visit the Grotto (I might have to come back during the winter when it’s less busy).

I’m looking forward to seeing the orchids and the trees but not so much all the tourists!