Bonnechere Caves, Ottawa Valley Travel Guide

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Discover a subterranean world of ancient fossils and geological wonders at Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario. A unique glimpse into Earth's distant past.

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Bonnechere Caves

Explore the Bonnechere Caves, a natural wonder in Eganville, Ontario, formed over 500 million years ago. Take a guided tour through limestone tunnels adorned with fossils of ancient sea creatures, offering a unique glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past.

A brief summary to Bonnechere Caves

1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville, Ontario, K0J 1T0, CA
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-3 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bonnechere Caves.

Wear low-heeled shoes for comfortable walking on the cave's pathways.
Bring a light sweater or jacket, as the cave temperature remains cool even on warm days.
Bring a flashlight to get a closer look at the walls and fossils.
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the unique underground scenery.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Rideau Canal National Historic Site

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The National War Memorial

Earnscliffe National Historic Site of Canada

Explore Bonnechere Caves on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bonnechere Caves, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Ottawa, take Highway 17 west to Renfrew, then Highway 60 to Douglas. In Douglas, watch for the blue and white Ontario tourism signage directing you to turn left off the main street. Follow the signs to Bonnechere Caves. Parking is included in the admission fee.
Public Transport

From Ottawa, take the bus to Renfrew. From Renfrew, a taxi to Bonnechere Caves will complete the journey. The taxi fare is approximately $60-$90.

Discover more about Bonnechere Caves

Venture into the depths of the Bonnechere Caves, a remarkable geological site near Eganville, Ontario, where you can witness the artistry of nature spanning half a billion years. These caves, carved from ancient limestone, began forming during the Ordovician period when the area was submerged under a tropical sea.Discovered in 1855 and first explored in the 1950s, the caves reveal a network of underground tunnels shaped by the Bonnechere River. As you explore the caves with a guide, you'll discover well-preserved fossils of ancient marine life, including cephalopods and other prehistoric creatures embedded in the walls. The tour guides share stories about the caves' geological history and the explorer Tom Woodward.The caves maintain a cool temperature, so bringing a light sweater is recommended. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the passages, pointing out the unique geological formations and fossils. The standard tours last about an hour and are available from May to Thanksgiving.