Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve

by

by Doug Cunningham

Lion's Head Lighthouse
Lion’s Head Lighthouse

The trip along the Georgian Bay shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula from Lion’s Head to Barrow Bay is approximately 12 kilometres in length. One should allow the better part of a day to enjoy it as a day-trip, or could make it a leisurely two-day trip by camping at McKay’s Harbour where an old logging road leads up to the Bruce Trail.

The Lion’s Head Promontory and its backcountry regions are classified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. Paddling this section of the escarpment provides a rich opportunity to experience first hand its many natural wonders – from the rich fossil history, through the beautiful cliff ecosystem with its rock climbers and old growth cedars, through to the hiking trails that radiate out from McKay’s Harbour and into the wildflower rich woodland.

These shores are exposed to the north, east, and southeast, with no barrier lea protection. Wind and waves can combine to produce conditions which would challenge experienced kayakers. The waters are cold, deep, and the reflection of the waves from the escarpment shoreline produce clapotis that makes paddling challenging. When rounding the Lion’s Head Point beware of surf accompanying strong north and east winds. Get an accurate weather and wind update before venturing out.

The best time to make this trip is May through September. There is very little shoreline development as this is a Provincial Nature Reserve but there are cottages at the south side of Lion’s Head Harbour and along the shore adjacent to the entrance to Little Lake at Barrow Bay. Lion’s Head provides the main harbour north of Wiarton and is the home base to many sailboats and motorboats. On summer weekends there is considerable traffic in and about the harbour mouth. Exercise caution when entering or leaving this area. In addition caution should be exercised when entering the narrow entrance to Little Lake at Barrow Bay. Parking is available at the Lion’s Head Beach Park and Barrow Bay-Little Lake boat launch.

POINTS OF INTEREST
lionsheadmap

  1. Lion’s Head: There are number of unidentified shipwrecks in Lion’s Head Harbour; the shallowest is a 42 metre long schooner that can be easily seen from a kayak. Looking out from the Lion’s Head Beach you can see Point Hangcliffe, the highest section of this section of the escarpment, and farther along, at the end, you can detect the outline of the famous lion’s head.
  2. Lighthouse: A replica of the Lion’s Head Lighthouse has been constructed just to the north of the breakwater by students of the Technical Department of the Bruce Peninsula District School. The original lighthouse, which had been built on the end of the breakwater near the entrance channel, was disassembled and destroyed by the Coast Guard in May 1969. Lion’s Head residents still mourn their loss and anchor ends in the concrete pier still mark the original location.
  3. Brachiopods: Just north of the breakwater at Lion’s Head the pebbles and cobbles are full of fossil corals. As well, located in the large dolomite slabs on the beach are abundant brachiopods.
  4. Cliff Climbing: Paddling along the massive cliffs and talus slopes of the Lion’s Head Nature Reserve you will become aware of rock-climbers. Some of the best dolomite rock climbing in North America is to be found here, and watching ascents from the seat of your kayak is certainly entertaining.
  5. Old Cedars: The “Old Growth Cedars” which cling tenaciously to the exposed dolomite cliff faces represent the oldest undisturbed plant community in Ontario. Some of these cedars are more than 1000 years old and represent a valuable record of past climate changes.
  6. McKay’s Harbour: This harbour is located about a kilometre beyond the Lion’s Head Point and was the site of a summertime fishing camp, complete with bunkhouses, docks and fish packing facilities, until 1913. It is not a particularly good harbour because of its eastern exposure and partially submerged boulder barrier reef. The beach itself is a mixed beach of sand, cobbles, and hardhead boulders. If conditions permit, however, it is worthwhile stopping or camping at the Bruce Trail Campground and then exploring the back trails of the Lion’s Head Nature Reserve. Wildflowers, karst topography, and magnificent scenic vistas await the explorer.
  7. Cliff Paddling: From McKay’s Harbour past Gun Point to Barrow Bay is a pleasant paddle in calm conditions. The shoreline is talus slope, cobble beach, and exposed cliff, but be warned, until you reach Barrow Bay there is little opportunity to egress. The Bruce Trail winds along the top of the cliffs and you will see a number of hikers during your journey.
  8. Water Falls: The boat launch area at Little Lake is located next to a set of the waterfalls produced when the waters of Judges Creek descend the escarpment. In spring the falls are quite energetic and produce spray and roar in abundance.

Lion’s Head Nature Reserve, Georgian Bay

lionshead2
Lion’s Head Park

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Maps

Maps: 1:50,000 Dyer’s Bay (41 H/3); Cape Croker (41 A/14)

This is one in a series of Bruce Peninsula paddling trip descriptions written by Doug Cunningham for the Georgian Bay Committee. It was originally published in the Summer 2000 issue of Qayaq.

GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.