Chris and Val Hinsperger, Bonnechere Cave Owners

We are a family owned and operated tourist attraction and for a glimpse of what we are about check out this link!

https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=894641

Leashed dogs are allowed in our picnic area and on our walking trails however not in the cave. Service dogs with the proper paperwork and “in uniform” are allowed on the guided tours underground.

Do you have room for large RV’s and vehicles with trailers?

During May, June, September and October RV’s and trailers are rarely an issue. In July and August we are very busy to the point of an overflowing parking lot. Arriving early in the morning during our busy months before the day gets really busy would be appreciated.

Are the caves senior friendly?

Healthy active seniors visit our caves every day. There are a number of stairs going into the caves and coming back out. About 4o stairs going in and another 100 stairs out the back door. There are handrails on the stairs. Once inside the cave the boardwalk gently slopes through the cave system.

Are the cave tours bilingual?

The tours are offered in English. There is enough time in the guides explanation for interpretation.

Can you accommodate large groups?

We ask anyone arriving by bus or large group (over 15) to phone ahead to make a reservation and arrange a time that is mutually beneficial to both parties. We do offer group rates.

Are there accommodation for people with special needs?

In the case of persons who require accompaniment based on their special needs we charge that person based on the category they fall into and the person with them is free.

What about Underground Dining?

The dining evenings are two special events we do in September. To be eligible to purchase tickets for these evens you must have already been a visitor on our guided tours. When you visit seek out the owner to get on the dining list!

Does rain affect visiting the caves?

Our guided tours go rain or shine. Because parts of the tour ae above ground dress for the rain.

First and foremost we would like to Thank Chris for your kindness in letting us Celebrate our 25th Anniversary inside the CAVE. What an Amazing and Fabulous way to celebrate such a special event that will be remembered forever. Hats off to our entertainer Marc Audet (singer/songwriter) being with us rendering a beautiful and engaging songs for us.Thank you Marc.

Chris you will always be in our hearts, your good deeds will stay forever. Once again Thank you so very much. On side notes, you have a very friendly staff, well trained and smart people.Your site is very organized, the moment you enter to the parking until the end of the tour. Kudos to you and your team.
Quote from Terminator movie: "We will be back"
Name: Evangeline Polakowski

This place is pretty awesome! Friendly, knowledgable staff and owner with great sense of humour. Loved the tour. The grounds are beautiful. And from my highly fussy 13 year old niece. "Worth the 5 hour round trip". Nothing I could say could top that! Need to go back with more time!
Name: Cherie Englehart

We had a great experience today at Bonnechere Caves. Owen, was our tour guide and was full of great info and stories. He answered all my questions with detail and is genuinely interested in such a marvel of Nature. My 8-yr old daughter was just thrilled to see real fossils and did not expect that surprise when visiting. We are very fortunate to have a great site just sitting in our backyards. And that people are willing to work hard to keep the history alive and preserve this amazing place. The tour was well-organized, informative and fresh. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. The prices are reasonable and pictures are breath-taking. I've travelled to several parts of the World, but was just reminded today that you really don't have to venture off very far to capture the spirit, the passion and exurberence of Nature's overwhelming power to captivate, intrigue and spark the adventurous side that lies in us all. Thank you and we will be back again. Jeff, Nicole & Zoe
Name: jeff Narlock

hi chris.... as u know , i am married to a man who played in the Caves, before the caves were developed into the caves of today. i fell in love with him 45 years ago and later fell in love with the beautiful area that surrounds the caves. yes u sure have made the Caves a very interesting place to visit. i love the comment from Jennie on here----being proposed to by the falls------wow
Name: kathy kilby

King,
It was touching to see how passionately you've been dedicating your life to preserve and promote the history and wonders of the Bonnechere Caves. Thanks again for the unforgettable weekend in Eganville.
Name: Gabi and Phil

My first visit was in "74" with my parents. My second was with my wife in "89?" . I hope that we will make it out there again. Maybe try out the Provincial Park and the water. The first visit everything seemed so big the second visit it seemed a little smaller but as the years go by it`s just a neat thing to see
Name: John Paul Brampton Ont

Just got back from a camping trip at Bonnechere Provincial Park and took a side trip to Eganville for the caves. Was an awesome experience! John was a really good guide and told us a lot of great information and stories about the first explorer of the caves. Well worth it for the caves and the beautiful scenery by the river.
Name: Joanne & Michael

So glad we decided to check out the caves on our way home from Ottawa this long weekend. As it was 27C outside, it was nice to wander around underground in the cool, drippy caves. Owen was a great tour guide - full of enthusiasm and wit!
Name: Sue & JP

As a child i would consider the Bonnechere Caves a treat to visit if i was good. Every year it was the same, boy i loved those caves. one day my older cousin came and i had finally reached the age to see the caves with friends, boy what a treat! Soooo the tour started and i couldnt wait i was telling my cousin everything about the caves i figured, having been here every year i could run the tour and thats when it went all wrong! to make a long story short i apprieciate the spead at witch your staff found me and my cousin in a off limits cave. i hope i didnt cause you to much pain its been 15 years ive matured and would love to show my kids one day, i would follow all rules and hold my kids hands just in case...never the less i will never forget the Bonnechere caves my uncle is Ike Igan and im the mischevious nephew Adam
Name: Adam St Pierre 705 232 0736

Chris, We were at Bonnechere cave today and what a pleasent surprise. You knowledge of the caves and your obvious passion for what you do made our tour an experience we will never forget. We will be bring our adult children by this summer to see what a gem you have in Ontario.

Thanks again,

Bob & Lisa
Name: Bob & Lisa

Hi Chris, and all the staff at the Bonnechere Caves. Thank-you for making our special day fantastic. We had a great time, the wedding was excelent, people loved the idea of having the ceremony (for the time ever)inside the caves. The setting was more then we could ask for, and the tour was fantastic. People will be talking about this for years to come. Meny thanks to all the helpers, couldnt ask for a nicer group of people. We will be celebrating each and every year, with the knowlege that "caves" will be there for us to enjoy...cheers to all
Name: Mr. & Mrs. Jeff McCormick, July 17th 2010

your a good man chris.keep doing it.
Name: shawn bradley

Hi Chris, My Grandfather would be so proud to see what an amazing job you and your family have done of developing "his caves" into what they are today! I have such great memories of going "spulunking" with him thru the caves. I am excited to one day share the history and the same experience with my own family. Thank you so much.
Name: Meriah Miguez, Thomas Woodward's Grand Daughter

My ex-husband and I visited the caves about 25 years ago , I am now going to take my current boyfriend , he is beside himself with excitement . At that time the original discoverer gave us the tour it was fantastic and I still remember him. I am looking forward to introducing my boyfriend to spulunking
Name: Diane Moore

Hi Chris, I had a wonderful time in the caves, I was a bit hesitant at first being afraid of confined places but before we went on the tour you had told me "you will be ok, you have him" meaning my then boyfriend. And you were right, I really do have him now since he proposed on the trail by the waterfall after the tour! Greatest day of my life!
We also purchased the picture that was painted by the lady across the street, it was exactly where he proposed! Your staff was so wonderful and told us to bring the print and she would sign it! Such an amazing memory!
Name: Jennie and Jeff

Hi Chris - had a great time on the Jack Donahue school trip. There's not enough space here to put in all my comments - so here's a link to a story I wrote about our time out there.
http://mareadmare.blogspot.com/2009/06/bonnechere-caves-school-trip.html

Thanks for a great day - the kids had a blast!
Name: Ian

The bonnechere caves rocks
Name: 

My uncle and I visited Chris this year at the caves. I had a blast! what a fun and educational experience...I will be recommending the same experience to everyone! Thanks Chris! I will send you those pictures we promised
Name: Belinda & Bob

Chris, thanks for the help on the Christmas on the Bonnechere song...It means a lot you and me..Turtle Tim Beckett
Name: Turtle Tim Beckett

Thank you Andrea, for a great tour on September 26. Your enthusiasm and knowledge of the caves and geology was fascinating!
Name: stu (briarpatch1@hotmail.com)

My nephew and I came for an afternoon tour. We were lead through the cave by a wonderful young tour guide. He was interesting and well informed. We were told how the cave was formed and when it was discover and by what means it was first explored. The guide also showed us fossils that were found in the area. All very informative and fun. Now the rest of my family want to make a day of it. We plan on packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the view as well as the picnic tables provided along the trails. Thanks for making our visit a memorable one!
Name: Carol Pealow Pine Grove Motel Northbrook

It has been Years since I was there..Brought my 2 girls this time and they had a blast..What an experience for them, they were talking about it all the way home. Thanks for the great tour guide as well, He made it very exciting.
We will be back again,
A natural Wonder well worth the time to see !!!!!
Name: Ron, Nicolette & Breanna Jansen

About a week or so ago my girlfriend and I visited the Bonnechere Caves for the first time not knowing really what to expect. I am writing you with nothing but praise. The caves are fantastic!!!! But most of all the Tour Guide (Dan?) was the best tour guide we have ever had for anything. It's nice to have a tour guide that doesn't make things boring!! So thank you Dan for making our experience a memorable one.
Name: Trevor Kindree

I've visited Bonnechere Caves 4 times. It seems that every time I visit, there is something new to discover or something to view from a different angle. I love how nice and cool it is in the caves and the bats give this "young" cave a lot of character. A must see!
Name: Andrea Brabant

Amazing tour! Great guides and a fantastic host. Hats off to Chris and the Bonnechere Caves!
Name: Ross

Admission $10. All proceeds go to the musicians.

Admission $10. All proceeds go to the musicians.

Schedule

Rates (Bonnechere Caves - Tour Fees)

* Our prices include all applicable taxes and parking.

Every spring it is our pleasure to welcome busloads of school children to one of Mother Nature's most interesting classrooms. Our teachers do a wonderful job in the classroom but there is nothing like a properly chosen field trip to support those learning processes.

When you visit The Caves you will learn from our guides:

• the different types of rocks
• the process of fossilization
• the impact of glaciers on our landscape
• a greater understanding and respect for the planet we all share
• the formation of caves
• how stalactites grow
• hibernation practices of the small brown bats
• some local history
• how the caves were discovered and explored
• fossils of the Ordovician time period

(All of this will be done in an entertaining and easy to understand manner)

Because the underground is always 10 C we recommend that you bring a light sweater or jacket. Low heeled shoes are the best or in other words any footwear that you would use to go on a hike. We do have electric lights in the cave, but bring along a flashlight so that you can get an extra close look at the walls. Everywhere in the walls you will find scalloping patterns and fossils. To enhance your visit have the students click on the Fossil Work Sheet at the top of this page just under the school bus. Print it off and bring it along on your trip.

We have a concession stand where we sell drinks, snacks, ice cream, souvenirs and science related products.

OUR PRICING POLICY

• on the day of the trip the teacher (or designated person) pays on arrival
• we accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Cheque or cash
• students in the ages 4-12 category pay $12 taxes included and students in the 13-17 category pay $14 taxes included. All adults on the trip pay the same fee as their child (a regular adult rate is $22)
• teachers, bus drivers and teacher's aids are free
• if for some reason the trip has to be cancelled all we ask is that you let us know as soon as possible so that your spot can be filled by another school group. There is no penalty for cancellation we just hope that you will re-schedule a visit to us at another time. To arrange your visit call 1-800-469-2283 and ask for Chris or email us at:  cavemanchris@bonnecherecaves.com.
• We understand that a number of school groups are looking to do a number of activities in one day and we are often not the only stop on the agenda. We recommend the following neighbors who also provide learning activities for students.
• Frontier Trails Camp
• Bonnechere Museum
• Aqua Rose Gems and Minerals
• Shaw woods
• Logos Land

We look forward to welcoming you to one of Mother Nature's Geological Gems,

Chris and Val Hinsperger

Bonnechere Caves located in Eganville, Ontario!!

ALWAYS WATCH FOR OUR BLUE AND WHITE ONTARIO TOURISM SIGNAGE!

Our GPS coordinates:  North 45* 30.283 W77* 00.535

Our physical address: 1247 Fourth Chute Road

Just above is our GPS coordinates. We have them there mostly to look like we are up to speed with new technology however we strongly recommend when traveling rural Ontario (especially the Ottawa Valley) that you use our written directions. This technology is useful in a lot of situations however in our area roads have been put into the landscape to fit in with small mountain ranges and twisting river valleys which causes GPS directions to send you to some very interesting places.

From Ottawa:

Highway 17 west to Renfrew. From Renfrew take Highway #60 to Douglas. In Douglas watch for our blue and white Ontario tourism signage which tells you to turn left off the main street in Douglas. Hint: Highway #60 takes a sharp right onto the main street but still remains #60. When you see the farm supply store on your right you turn left.

From Toronto:

There are many different routes you can take, all of them scenic. The easiest way is to take Highway 401 to Napanee and then Highway 41 to Eganville. As you come into Eganville watch for the sign that tells you to take the first right. From there it is approximately 9 kilometres.

From Algonquin Park:

Highway #60 to Eganville. At the traffic lights in Eganville turn right on Highway 41 and cross the bridge. Continue on 41 for about a kilometer and turn left either before or after the Catholic church. (either road gets you there) The church is the one you see on Eganvilles skyscape as you drive the long hill down into town as you arrive.

From North Bay-Petawawa-Pembroke:

Highway #17 to Pembroke and stay on #41 going through Eganville (it goes across the bridge) and turn either before or after the Catholic Church.

Eganville and Area by Bike!

“A four season activity!”

Come to Eganville all year round to enjoy some of the best cycling available anywhere. Choose the town of Eganville as the centre of your adventure. Go out in any direction from the town centre and experience paved hard topped rural roads that take you into beautiful natural landscapes past historic and natural sites. These sites include, McRae Mill, Bonnechere Caves, Foymount Hill, Shaw Woods, Melissa Bishop Park, Balaclava Mill and Pikwàkanagàn First Nations Village. Enhance your experience by staying a few days. Restaurants are ready to rehydrate and nourish you and our local accommodators are ready to make your overnight stay one that will recharge your batteries getting you ready for another day of exploration. And if you’re motivated to ride because of its’ social connection then join the Bonnechere Bike Group that meets every Wednesday at 5:30 PM in June, July and August at the McRae Mill site. Everyone is welcome! And don’t rule us out as a winter cycling destination. Sand and dirt backroads become hard snow covered Fatbike trails in those cold winter months when most people have put their bikes away.

Tour de Bonnechere Pedal for Mental Health

http://tourdebonnechere.blogspot.ca/

OVTA site Bonnechere River and valley cycling http://www.ottawavalley.travel/Valley_Explore/Bike/Bonnechere_River_and_Valley.html

GearHeads continues to service bicycles all year long so let us give your ride a makeover in the winter months.

Visit Gearheads website!

Phone: 1-613-628-CAVE(2283)
Toll Free: 1-800-469-2283

Email: cavemanchris@bonnecherecaves.com

Thank you for visiting the Bonnechere Caves!

1. The Bonnechere Caves – guided tours suitable for all ages go all summer long through this post glacial cave system formed in limestone from the Ordovician Time Period.
2. Glacial Erratic – situated at the traffic lights in downtown Eganville this Erratic was deposited over 10,000 years ago for us to marvel at.
3. Fossil Rock Wall – this artificial feature also situated in the downtown contains hundreds of invertebrate fossils from the Ordovician Time Period. Look for them or just enjoy the climb.
4. Bonnechere Museum – situated at the traffic lights the museum is open for visitors all summer long. Learn about the geology of the area and also our community’s history.
5. Fossil Hunt Geology Trail – located by the lower bridge in Eganville on John Street this site allows collectors the chance to find an invertebrate fossil.
6. Monument to honor survivors of sexual violence - made of the many shades of ancient Ottawa Valley granite each stone was placed by over 250 people to create North America’s first monument to recognize survivors of sexual violence.
7. Foymount Hill Lookout – learn the story of glaciation and its’ impact on the Bonnechere Valley. Also enjoy the beautiful view from the “Highest Populated Point in Canada.”

On the shore of Mink Lake, in a private wooded setting, this authentic log cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family adventure vacation. Equipped for modern comfort, its handcrafted appointments lend a rustic charm. Make our secluded lakeside housekeeping cottage your base for exploring historic Eastern Ontario. Stuart Log Cottage is a stone's throw from the Town of Eganville, which was founded in the early 1840's as a grist mill community.

Go to Stuart Log Cottage website

Under a hill of limestone, said by geologists to have been the bottom of a tropical sea 500 million years ago, the Caves present a weird and wonderful sight. Stalactites, or rock icicles formed at the rate of one cubic inch in 150 years, hang from the ceiling and the handiwork of nature is enhanced by electric lights. Entombed in the rock and preserved forever can be seen fossils of coral and sea creatures alive long before the age of the Dinosaurs. Millions of years in the making, the Bonnechere Caves are a thrill for the sightseer.