Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an occupancy fee?
A: An occupancy fee is a charge for additional adults or children over the base amount included in each site type.
Q: How much is the occupancy fee for children and adults?
A: The occupancy fee at Harmony Acres varies depending on the specific dates and the type of site you are staying in. Typically, for children, the fee averages from $4- $6 per night, while for adults it ranges from $14-$20 per night.
Q: What is the purpose of the occupancy fee?
A: The purpose of an occupancy fee is to cover additional costs associated with providing additional person(s) to your sites all the necessary amenities from water, bathrooms, supplies and onsite activities.
Q: How far is Harmony Acres Campground from the Grotto and can I walk there?
A: It’s about 2.5-to-3.5-hour hike one way (approximately 8.5 km) to go directly to the Grotto from Harmony Acres Campground through onsite trails that connect to the Bruce Trail. These specific trails are meant for experienced hikers due to Bruce Trail terrain in walking difficulty but also due to the length of time require to visit the Grotto and the return hike.
Q: Are there taxis or Ubers in the town of Tobermory if we decide to walk the trail one way?
A: Unfortunately No!
Q: How long does it take to get to Grotto at Cyprus Lake Campground from Harmony Acres Campground by vehicle?
A: It is a 5 to 7 min drive, turning left at the hiway to the Bruce Peninsula National Park entrance and another 10 minutes to Head of Trails by Cyprus Lake Campground. Pre booked parking passes are require!
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/U3HAeoiiKy32tTSD9
Q: Are we allowed to bicycle to the Grotto entrance? Is it safe along the main road - Hiway #6?
A: Yes, it is safe as there is a new bicycle lane along Hiway #6 to the entrance of Bruce Peninsula National Park and all the way to Tobermory town center. The Park entrance is approximately 4 km south (left) from Harmony Acres Campground gates. There will be a per person fee to enter the park/grotto.
Q: How far is the hike to the Grotto from Cyprus Lake Head of Trail?
A: It is about a half-hour to 45 minutes walking from Head of Trails depending on which route you take to get to the Grotto and shoreline.
Q: Is there a fee to enter Bruce Peninsula National Park?
Q: Can we drive to Flowerpot National Park?
A: Flowerpot Island is part of Fathom Five Marine National Park. There are several trips daily by a variety of boat tours that can take you to the island. It is best to pre book this trip during the busy summer season.
Q: Can I get off on Flowerpot Island? What is there to do?
A: You can get off on the island but make sure you check in with which boat tour is doing the drop offs and pickups when you are purchasing your ticket. Not all boat trips allow for you to be dropped off. There are shoreline and interior hiking trails, cave features, lighthouse station and great swimming by the famous ‘Flowerpots’. (eroded limestone sea stacks)
Q: Is there a snack bar and bathrooms on the island?
A: Yes, there are bathrooms on the island however bring your own food and water. It is the best picnic location in the whole area. There are trash facilities on the island for you to use. Be responsible to take care of the Earth and please do not Litter. Or return to Harmony Acres Campground and dispose of your trash here.
Q: Can I walk or bike to the boat tour offices? Do they have free parking for a vehicle?
A: All of the boat tour companies offer free parking for your vehicle(s). You must arrive 1 hour before boat departure and can remain for 1 hour after your return from Flowerpot Island, if you wish to check out the shops in the harbour. It a 5 km to the first Boat Tour offices if you want to walk or bike into town. There is a bicycle lane from Harmony Acres Campground along Hiway #6 towards town.
Q: Do I have to pay any other fee to go to Flowerpot Island besides my boat ticket?
A: If you do not have your Parks Canada Annual or Discovery pass you will have to pay a daily user fee per person at the time of purchasing your ticket. Have your pass available if you have one or pre order this Pass prior to coming to Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Q: Can I access the Bruce Trail from the campground? How far is it?
A: Yes, you can access the Bruce Trail from the campground. The trail access is at Driftwood Cove on your maps. The time to walk to the Bruce Trail is on average 1 hour to 1 hr -15 mins. From this access point you can take the Bruce Trail northwest towards Little Cove and Tobermory or southeast towards the Grotto.
Q: Is it a long hike from Harmony Acres Campground to town center or the Grotto?
A: Yes, it is a good hike for more experience hikers, especially to the Grotto. To go to Little Cove, it will take you about 3 hours from your campsite. This access is great option for those who are walking through on the Bruce Trail from other points on the trail and planning their terminus to camp with Harmony Acres Campground.
Q: Are there Bears on the campground?
A: On random occasions we will have a young black bear wander into the campground – curiosity motivated! This is why we are everyone to strictly follow our Garbage rules. The National Park is large land and Black Bear habitat. At Harmony Acres we ask that everyone respect the Golden Rule of pack out all food supplies/trash that you packed with you on your day trips.
Q: Are there poisonous snakes on the campground or nearby?
A: The Massassaga Rattlesnake is our only poisonous snake and up to 30” in length. They are a very shy and ecologically protected snake and prefer to live where there is not developed space and lots of human traffic. It is very rare to see them on the outer forest edge of the campground. They will give a distinct rattle sound if you are close by to them, and they tend to immediately look to escape from where you are. Do not pick up any snakes on Harmony Acres Campground or when on the trails systems in the National Park or Bruce Trail. You will find these snakes around wet lands and off the beaten trail. Make sure your dog(s) are on a leash at all times.
Q: What should I bring for camping at Harmony Acres Campground?
A: You will need to bring all necessary camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, cooler and your food supplies. Remember to pack warm clothing like sweaters, since it can still get chilly at night due to the close proximity to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from the campground. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring headlamp/flashlights, insect repellent, sunscreen and Band-Aids (blisters)
Q: If I don’t have an electrical site, is there a place to charge my phones and blow up my air mattress?
A: Yes, you can bring your phone to the main office and we have places to charge your phone(s) there free of charge. We do have a place by the maintenance shed with a compressor to blow up your mattresses.
Q: Do you have Wi-Fi throughout the campground?
A: No. We have Wi-Fi access in the library lounge and around the front patio, both at the main office.
Q: Does Radio Free mean no music at night or all the time?
A: Amplified music such as speakers, radios, phones and stereo systems are not allowed at any time. You can play your own musical instrument or partake in campfire singsong before 11 pm quiet hours. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for the full Radio Free rules.
