With no artificial lighting, no guided tours, and a self-guided spelunking guide provided on arrival, it’s a rare chance to experience these ancient caves on your own adventure.
Winding passageways carved by ancient glacial meltwater connect several of the caves. You can easily spend hours ducking, climbing, and crawling through this underground maze, discovering new chambers and narrow passages along the way.
The caves were formed after the last Ice Age, when melting glaciers created prehistoric lakes that eventually became Lake Ontario and the upper Great Lakes. Over thousands of years, acidic meltwater dissolved the limestone, carving the caves and kettles visitors can explore today. Some caves remain surprisingly cool even during the hottest summer days, making it a refreshing escape from the heat.
Beyond The Caves
The adventure doesn’t end underground. Around 15 kilometres of trails wind through forests and across a striking limestone plain, leading to scenic lookouts over the valley.
You can also cool off with a swim in the Indian River, fish for smallmouth bass and perch, or rent a canoe or kayak for a gentle paddle to the village of Warsaw and back, a leisurely four-hour trip that’s perfect for beginners.
Want to turn it into a weekend getaway? The park offers 52 wooded campsites with showers and laundry facilities, and it’s just a short drive from the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyphs Provincial Park.
Pack sturdy shoes, a headlamp, and a spare set of clothes. This is one Ontario adventure you’re meant to experience up close.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: 289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Ontario, about 30 minutes northeast of Peterborough and less than two hours from Toronto
- What to bring: A headlamp or flashlight is essential, as the caves have no artificial lighting. Wear sturdy footwear and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. No ropes or climbing equipment are required
- Admission: A day-use permit is required. Camping, canoe and kayak rentals, and other activities have separate fees
- Camping: The park features 52 unserviced wooded campsites, plus washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a dishwashing station. Campsites can be reserved online
- Trails & activities: Explore seven limestone caves. Hike 15 kilometres of scenic trails, swim in the Indian River, fish, or rent a canoe or kayak
- Season: Caving is permitted from May through October. From November to May, the caves are closed, although the hiking trails remain open
