Cave Springs

This site features spectacular vistas overlooking Lake Ontario and the old Lake Iroquois shore, and an exquisite representation of the Niagara Escarpment’s talus slopes and cliffs. The escarpment rim and bedrock plain forests are dominated by Sugar Maples. The rich and unique diversity of plants and habitat on these rare escarpment features provide a linear migration corridor for animals and plants, lending to the sites provision for protection.

The cultural folklore and mystique of Cave Springs is as rich as its natural diversity. Before her passing, the late Margaret Reed handed down the rich history of the area, speaking of the spring’s reputation as a ‘fountain of youth’, the famous ice cave, once used for refrigeration but regrettably blocked when dynamite was used in attempt to expand it, the underground lake, wartime hideout, mysterious rock carvings, and nearby native North American encampment site.

Cave Springs is an excellent location to see native wildflower and plant species from April to November, and a small arboretum with a focus on Carolinian species. Access to this area is by the Bruce Trail only. There are no parking or washroom facilities. The residence and barn area are private property with no public access.