For those who love exploring and discovering new spots, Warsaw Caves is worth exploring. We have known of these caves for quite some time, but a few people said it was not worth going. So, after many years, I finally decided that was enough – I wanted to see these supposedly tiny caves! And let me tell you, they are worth visiting!
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Where are the Warsaw Caves Located
Just outside the village of Warsaw is the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Peterborough County. The caves are located 25 minutes northeast of Peterborough, making it easily accessible for a great day trip or weekend getaway. Coming from Toronto, it’s about a 2-hour drive from downtown and 3 hours from Ottawa.
Warsaw Caves address: 289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Ontario
Warsaw Caves Hours and Entrance Fees:
The Warsaw Caves have an operating season from mid-May to mid-October. They are open from 9 am to 9 pm on Friday, Saturday and long weekend Sundays. From Sunday to Thursday, operating hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
You do need a day use permit. The day-use entrance fee of $19.50 per vehicle. The walk-in fee is $10.25 per adult and $6 per child.
What To Do at the Warsaw Caves
1. Hiking Trails
There are over 10 km of trails at the Otonabee Conservation. The Caves & Scenic Lookout trail is 4 km long. For the most part, it is an easy walk with some sections that can be more of a challenging hike. This lookout trail leads you through lush forests, three scenic lookouts, and, of course, the caves themselves.
Walking along the main trail, you will hear the sounds of the disappearing river. It is where the Indian River goes underground for a little bit. There are a few caverns where you can stick your head in to really hear the water flow.
We and other hikers tried to find the Warsaw Caves Falls, but to no avail. We concluded that the only way to see the waterfalls is when the river is high and coming in fast, usually after a massive rainfall or early spring. Otherwise, there are no falls.
Warsaw Caves Kettles
As you hike along the Warsaw Caves lookout trail, you’ll come across the Warsaw Caves Kettles. These kettles are bowl-like depressions in the limestone caused by stones or grains of sand to swirl around the same place for long periods. Kettles are also evidence of a larger ancient river. This one kettle, in particular, was a blast for the kids. It allowed them to sit inside, drop down and climb back up. Great spot for a photo op!
There are two other hiking trails that we did not have time for. Both are known as the Limestone Plains trail. One is 4 km and the other 7. These two trails hug the shoreline of the Indian River and make their way back to the camp grounds.
Are the Warsaw Caves Pet Friendly?
We have a little Maltese that we brought with us. He had no problems hiking the trails with us. Just be mindful around the caves as there are many deep crevices where you or your pet can get hurt. Leashed dogs are welcomed, but not on the beach, inside caves, and around a few picnic areas.
Are the Warsaw Caves Open in the Winter?
Yes, the Warsaw Caves trails are open in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
2. Cave Exploration
The caves are the main attraction, featuring fascinating limestone formations and unique ecosystems. Access to the caves is from the parking lot. I mentioned that we did not visit the caves because many complained that the caves were small and not worth the visit. The complainers were older, and I can see why they felt this way. However, if you go in with the perception that you are visiting these massive underground cave systems with flowing water, you will be gravely disappointed. But, if you understand the term cave correctly, you’ll know it’s just a term for an underground chamber with no specific size.
So, How Deep Are the Warsaw Caves?
There are seven small underground caves, all of which vary in length. Standing on the caves and looking down, some crevices look about 6 metres deep. However, depending on which cave you enter, descention is about 4.5 metres. You will then be scaling along a horizontal crevice.
| Cave | Length in Metres (Feet) |
|---|---|
| #1 | 54.86m (180′) |
| #2 | 91.44m (300′) |
| #3 | 39.62m (130′) |
| #4 | 86.86m (285′) |
| #5 | 88.39m (290′) |
| #6 | 32m (105′) |
Inside the Limestone Caves
Every cave has its entrance. Caves #1 through #5 are connected by underground channels. I don’t want to give away too much, as the point of seeing the caves is to explore them and discover the nooks on your own. Caving in Warsaw is for the entire family. From the youngsters to the elderly, there is a cave for everyone. Those with phobias, injuries, or uncertainty did not go in and opted to hike.
For those uncomfortable with tight spaces, you may want to start with cave #5 and go from there. The latter caves have large openings, high ceilings and a long corridor. All caves have a vertical climb to the surface. In caves 1 through 5, expect a bit of a squeeze to get in, narrow passageways, and tighter vertical climbs out.
What to Wear
Inside the limestone caverns is surprisingly clean. Expect to find smooth rocks, many of which are a bit slippery. I highly recommend you wear sturdy, grippy shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty or sliding on your behind with. An absolute must is a good-quality headlamp. If you’re accident-prone, I suggest you bring a helmet to help keep your focus on your footing, not your head. 🙂
In general, the temperature in the Warsaw Caves is 15 degrees Celcius, except for cave #4. This one requires a jacket unless you need a cool down from exploring the other caves. Number four is a cool 2 degrees! During our visit, there was no ice in this cave. Some visitors did mention that ice can be seen earlier in the season.
3. Camping
After a long day of exploring caves, you can extend your stay by making a campsite reservation at one of Warsaw’s 52 un-serviced campsites. We drove through the Warsaw Caves Campground in late September, and I must say, it was beautiful potential spot for camping in Ontario, Canada. It is not a flat campground, far from it. The sites themselves are flat, but the terrain is quite hilly.
The campground offers washrooms, showers, laundry and a dishwashing station. They even had a couple of group campsites, which is not something you would find at a provincial parks. What was neat about the Warsaw Caves group camping sites was that they were far away from the family/single tent camping sites. Warsaw Caves camping reservations can be made here.
4. Picnic Areas & Warsaw Caves Beach
After a day of exploring, relax and enjoy a picnic or snacks by the Warsaw Caves River. Here at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area beach, you will find a shallow waterfront area with a sandy beach, a perfect swimming area for little ones. Dogs are not permitted around the beach area or around the picnic areas/picnic shelter.
5. Canoeing/Kayaking and Fishing
There is a canoe/boat launch at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. The park offers canoe rentals, or you can bring your own canoe or kayak. Paddling from the canoe launch to the Warsaw dam takes about two hours. Don’t forget about the two-hour paddle back!
A small variety of fish can be found in the Indian River, such as smallmouth bass, perch and sunfish. You can fish from the launch or, better yet, fish from your canoe a little further downstream.
Is There Food Near Warsaw Caves?
There are no food options within walking distance of the caves, but a 20-minute drive will have you eating in no time.
Southeast of the Caves
Let’s start by driving 20 minutes southeast to the town of Norwood, where you will find the best-tasting pizza at Papa’s Pizza. I mean it – it really is that good!
Southwest of the Caves
Head 12 minutes southwest from the caves, and you’ll land at the Kawartha Sweets & Eats shop. The food here is fantastic! Baked daily are fresh butter tarts, breads, cinnamon buns and massive donuts that can at least feed two. New this year is a take-out window, where you can order everything from fresh-cut fries, locally sourced beef burgers, hot dogs, etc. Our favourite, hands down, is the poutine. It is loaded and full of flavour!
West of the Caves
Fifteen minutes west is a cute, touristy-looking village of Lakefield where you can find plenty of food options – everything from bakeries, fast food and sit-down restaurants.
During our stays at the Village Inn, we took the time to try out the local restaurants, and I must say, our favourite dining options in Lakefield are The Nutty Bean Cafe and Canoe & Paddle. We tried to dine at Cassie’s, which we hear has excellent food, but it was either closed or a reservation was needed.
The Nutty Bean Cafe is the place for delicious fair-trade coffee, steamers, muffins and sandwiches. Everything on the menu is made fresh to order and, where possible, locally sourced. Their baked goods are nutritious, flavourful and sell out quickly. Our favourite menu items are the wholesome-tasting Cafe Breakfast and Bacon Egg Tomato on a bagel.
For a great dinner option with a cool atmosphere and live music, the Canoe & Paddle is the place to be. From steak & mushroom pie and fish & chips to burgers and bangers, the Canoe & Paddle offers hearty gastropub food. The food is tasty, and the portions are filling! Some family favourites are the Big Ben Burger, Tacos Salad and the Heartbreaker Panini.
North of the Caves
Head 10 minutes north to McKraken’s Landing, and you will find Hobart’s Lighthouse. The food is excellent, as are the views of Stoney Lake. Expect to pay mid to higher range for pub food.
Conclusion
The Warsaw Caves in Ontario are a hidden gem for spelunkers and outdoor enthusiast. If you are looking for adventure and a chance to reconnect with nature, the stunning landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and rich natural history make Warsaw Caves the perfect destination. So grab your hiking boots, pack your gear, and get ready to explore the wonders of the Warsaw Caves – your next great adventure awaits!
I hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear what your impressions of the Warsaw Caves were like.
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Sounds like a very cool place!
It absolutely is. Worth the visit if you’re ever in the area.
The caves look like a beautiful place to visit. If I’m ever in Ontario, I will make sure to go!
The caves will definitely bring out the explorer in you if you’re not afraid of tight spaces.
Looks like an explorer dream. Thanks for sharing!
It really is. Thanks for your comment.
Looks like such a beautiful place! I LOVE caves, but also…I’m not very adventurous, so I’m not sure how far I’d get! Haha Thanks for sharing and being so thorough!
Haha. I understand – good thing the caves are small and many, perfect for short adventures. 😉
Me and my husband love to hike and explore caves. We will have to put this trip on our bucket list
Sounds like a great idea. It’s always fun to explore new places.
Did you have any issues with wildlife? I think in the daytime, it wouldn’t be that bad, but Moose kind of scare me.
No, no issues with wildlife. There are deer, but I haven’t heard of any moose sightings in this part of the area. A moose won’t bother you unless you provoke it or give it reason to. You’re pretty safe in this neck of the woods.
Great article. I had not heard of the Warsaw Caves in Ontario. They look worth a visit!
Thank you! The caves are fun and the best thing is that there is something to do for everyone.
We love Warsaw Caves although we didn’t go in any of them😊 This spring we took our kayaks on Indian river too, it is a beautiful area.
The caves for sure aren’t for everyone, but a least there’s still so much to do above the caves. My hubby refused to go in as well. Kayaking the river sound found, it’s a goal for next year. Did you start at the park or at the launch in Warsaw?
We launched at the Dam park, we couldn’t say no to a free parking😊
Yes, absolutely. That must have been a beautiful paddle.