For those who love exploring and discovering new spots, the Warsaw Caves are definitely worth exploring. Following the retreat of ancient glaciers, these limestone caves offer a glimpse into Ontario’s geological past. Having known about these Ontario caves for quite some time, 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 the Ontario road trip! Don’t worry, folks, there are plenty of Warsaw Caves Conservation Area photos in this guide.
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- Where are the Warsaw Caves Located
- Warsaw Caves Hours and Entrance Fees
- What To Do at the Warsaw Caves
- Where to Eat Near the Warsaw Caves?
- Parks Near Warsaw Caves
- Warsaw Caves FAQs
- Why Visit the Warsaw Caves
Where are the Warsaw Caves Located
Via County Road 4, the village of Warsaw, Ontario, is a 20-minute drive northwest of Peterborough. Just outside of Warsaw is the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Peterborough County, which was once submerged under ancient glacial lakes.
The Ontario caves are located 25 minutes northeast of Peterborough, making them easily accessible for a great day trip or weekend getaway. Coming from Toronto, it’s about a 2-hour drive from downtown and from Ottawa, 3 hours.
Warsaw Caves address: 289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Ontario, Canada
How do you get to the caves near Peterborough, Ontario? Check the Warsaw Caves map below.
Warsaw Caves Hours and Entrance Fees
The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area operating season runs 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.
What To Do at the Warsaw Caves
1. Warsaw Caves Conservation Area Trails
If hiking is what you are after, there is plenty of it at the Otonabee Conservation, with 10km of nature trails that weave through a mossy forest. The most popular trail is the 4km Caves & Scenic Lookout loop trail. Heads up: some trail markers are hard to spot. Make sure you grab a map of the Peterborough caves or take a photo of one. For the most part, it’s an easy walk. Some sections of the hiking trail can be more challenging for some. This Warsaw lookout trail offers plenty of nature exploration, which leads you through lush forests, three scenic lookouts, and, of course, the caves themselves.
Walking along the main trail, you will hear sounds of the disappearing river. It is where the Indian River goes underground for a little bit. If you’re brave, stick your head into the caverns to hear the water flow better. Over thousands of years, the slightly acidic waters of the Indian River have played a role in shaping the limestone caves.
After hiking for what seemed like forever, we, along with other hikers, tried to find the Warsaw Caves Falls, but to no avail. We concluded that the only way to see the Warsaw Cave falls 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
Hiking along the Warsaw Caves lookout trail will eventually lead you to the Warsaw Caves Kettles. These kettles are bowl-like depressions in the limestone caused by stones or grains of sand that swirl around the same place for long periods. Kettles ‘potholes’ are also evidence of a larger ancient river. This one kettle, in particular, made an awesome play apparatus for the kids. It allowed them to sit inside, drop down and climb back up, over and over again. It’s also a 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 is 7. These two trails hug the shoreline of the Indian River and eventually take you back to the campgrounds.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Warsaw Caves?
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 welcome, but not on the Warsaw beach, inside caves, or 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.
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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 there were complaints about the caves being small and not worth visiting. 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 varying in length. Standing on the caves and looking down, some crevices are about 6 metres deep. However, depending on which cave entrance you choose, descent 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′) |
Exploring Underground Limestone Caves + Warsaw Cave Photos
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 opted not to go in and hike instead.
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 to Warsaw Caves
Inside the limestone caverns, it 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 Celsius, 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.
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3. Warsaw Caves Camping
After a long day of exploring caves, you can extend your stay by making a campsite reservation at one of Warsaw’s 52 unserviced campsites. We drove through the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground in late September, and I must say, it was a beautiful 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.
Campground amenities include washrooms, showers, laundry and a dishwashing station. They even had a couple of group campsites, not an option you would find at a typical provincial park. What was neat about the Warsaw Caves group camping sites was that they were far away from the family/single tent camping sites.
Interested in a campsite booking? Warsaw Caves Conservation Area camping reservations can be made through their booking portal.
4. Picnic Areas & Warsaw Caves Beach
After a day of exploring, relax and enjoy nature with a picnic or snacks by the Warsaw Caves River. And, if you feel the need for a dip, head down to the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area beach, where the waterfront is shallow, and the beach is sandy and clean – a perfect swimming area for little children. Dogs are not permitted at the beach area or around the picnic areas/picnic shelter.
5. Canoeing/Kayaking and Fishing
If you have a canoe or kayak, bring it with you. Or make use of the canoe rentals at the caves. There is a canoe/boat launch at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. 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.
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Where to Eat Near the Warsaw Caves?
There are no food options within walking distance of the Warsaw Caves, but a 20-minute drive in any direction will have you eating in no time.
Southeast of the Caves
For the best-tasting pizza, travel 20 minutes southeast of the Warsaw Caves to Norwood. Papa’s Pizza Land pizza comes loaded, is delicious and will leave you wanting more!
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 and sells out pretty quickly! Baked daily are fresh butter tarts, breads, cinnamon buns and massive donuts that can at least feed two. Hungry for some savoury foods – they have those too! Use the take-out window to order everything from fresh-cut fries to locally sourced beef burgers, hot dogs, and more. Our favourite, hands down, is the loaded, flavourful poutine.
Craving something cold? Try the ice cream/yogurt shop in the same plaza.
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, which is the best place to stay in Lakefield. Recently remodeled, clean, friendly staff, and situated in the historical downtown. After trying 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 best spot 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 healthy, nutritious, flavourful and sell out quickly. Our favourite menu items are the wholesome-tasting Cafe Breakfast and Bacon Egg Tomato on a bagel. Oh, yes, and the muffins are to die for!
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. The price range for pub-style food is mid to high.
Parks Near Warsaw Caves
Since you’re in the Kawarthas, another park worth visiting in the Peterborough area is the Petroglyphs Provincial Park.
The Petroglyphs house the largest collection of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada. There is a sacred glyph site where you can view ancient carvings – unfortunately, cameras and phones are not permitted in the building. Pets are also not allowed in the building. To learn more about the Ojibway, visit the on-site Learning Place Visitor Centre.
If you love day hiking, the Petroglyph Park offers approximately 17 km of hiking trails, with the shortest one taking 1.5 hours to complete. When you go, make sure you stop and visit McGinnis Lake – it features water that does not mix!
I will post a guide to the Petroglyphs hopefully soon – stay tuned. 🙂
Warsaw Caves FAQs
The Warsaw Caves are located in the village of Warsaw, Ontario, approximately 20 minutes northwest of Peterborough. The exact address is 289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Ontario.
The Warsaw Caves are open from mid-May to mid-October. Hours are 9 am to 9 pm on weekends, and 9 am to 4:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday. Entrance fees vary, so check their website for details.
Visitors can enjoy hiking on various trails, cave exploration, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and canoeing/kayaking in the Indian River. There are also scenic lookouts and picnic areas available.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at the Warsaw Caves on the trails but not allowed on the beach, inside caves, or around certain picnic areas. Be cautious when hiking above the caves, there are many deep crevices.
Why Visit the Warsaw Caves
If you’re looking for something to do in the Peterborough area, then the Warsaw Caves in Ontario are worth the trip for a day of spelunking and exploring. You can also rest up at the onsite campground, take a swim in the Indian River or paddle your way through the small town of Warsaw – the choice is yours. Warsaw Caves is a perfect destination for family and friends to get outside.
So grab your hiking boots, pack your gear, and book your Warsaw Caves tour – your next great adventure awaits!
👉 I hope you enjoyed my guide to the Warsaw Caves. What do you think – is spelunking something you would do at the Warsaw Caves, Peterborough?
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