Peninsula Section - Series #2 - Cape Croker Park to Lion's Head May 26 to May 28, 2026

June 02, 2026

Spring Series #2 - Peninsula Section

May 26 - 28, 2026

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Day One - Park Road (km 35.8) to Jackson's Cove (km 51.9)

Hiking With Friends returned to the Peninsula section for the second three day series of the four series planned for this spring. This would prove to be the hardest of the three hikes. A warm day, significant elevation changes, a later start,

all contributed to a very tough but spectacular hike!

Nine hikers set out on day one of the second series on the Peninsula. From left to right. Barbara, Catherine V (photos), Georgia, Faryde (photos), Ivan (photos), Renu (photos), Annette (HC and photos), Donna and out in front, Andrew (photos)

We start the day with a climb from Cape Croker park to the top of the escarpment.

We are grateful for some old and some new stairways to assist

with the steepest climbs.

Lots of spring flowers still blooming including Columbine and Trilliums.

Once we reach the top of the escarpment we are rewarded with spectacular

views of Hope Bay.

Some of the amazing new infrastructure.

We squeak in a bridge picture, the only one on the series.

Fortunately the ferocious cat of Hope Bay was sleeping or otherwise

occupied as we passed by.

As we descend to Hope Bay we view the cliffs of the escarpment across the bay and ask ourselves "Do we have to climb that?"

Hope Bay.

Is it the Caribbean sea? You would think so by the colour, but the

temperature, not so much!

The Hope Bay Campground store was our respite after a tough morning of hiking. They opened the store just for us and many of us indulged with a nice ice cream cone as a reward for our efforts.

We never tire of Trilliums but the pictures just can't capture how they blanket the landscape for this short period of the year.

The sign tells the tale of these 10,000 year old pot holes.

The answer to the question: Did we have to climb back up the escarpment after our break? Was clearly yes! Maybe the ice cream wasn't a good idea, after all!

A long climb up to our cars at Jackson's Cove Road and our day is finally done.

No time for Happy Hour but a nutritious meal at the Bear Tracks Restaurant

and early to bed for these tired hikers it was.

Another cute restaurant sign.

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Day Two - Barrow's Bay (km 67.9) to Lions Head (km 83.4)

After a good nights sleep we were recovered and ready for the next adventure.

Day two was a perfect day for hiking. A few degrees cooler than day one

and largely bug free. Most of the day was spent high above the bay on the

cliffs of Lions Head peninsula.

From left to right, Andrew, Georgia, Barbara, Donna, Annette HC, Renu, Catherine V, Faryde, Ivan

Barrow Bay Falls

Ivan is not sure whether to follow instruction one or two or both!

We will spend the entire day in the Lion's Head Provincial Park.

Spectacular views of Georgian Bay!

Elevenses on the shore.

The cell service on the peninsula is spotty at best. But Ivan discovers that if you wade into the water, stand on a rock and hold your poles at a

certain angle, you can get a call.

The Key Hole

The famous Lion's Head of Lion's Head

The hike ends at our accommodation, The Lions Head Beach Motel. Where we have time for Happy Hour before our group dinner at Rachel's

Restaurant on the main street.

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Day Three Jackson's Cove (km 51.9 to Barrow's (km 67.9)

Day three is another perfect day. Sunny but not too hot. No bugs to speak of. Lots of technical hiking but not the huge elevation changes we experienced on day one.

We say farewell to Georgia and soldier on with eight remaining hikers for the final day. Left to right, Barbara, Donna, Faryde, Annette HC, Renu, Catherine V and Andrew.