Eganville offers several ways to explore the natural and cultural history of the Bonnechere Valley: at the Bonnechere Museum, on a tour of the Bonnechere Caves, and along two geology trails with different focuses. When planning your trip, the kind of exploration you want makes a difference: underground with a tour guide, on a walk in nature, or along a limestone quarry and a hand-dug trench.

Natural and Cultural History

The Bonnechere Museum in Eganville is a living museum dedicated to the natural and cultural history of life in the Bonnechere Valley. It offers a distinct way to experience the valley, beyond individual geological sites. If you are interested in both natural and cultural history, you can plan the museum as a standalone activity alongside the caves and trails.

Guided Caves or Geology Trails

For over 65 years, the Bonnechere Caves have welcomed people from around the world. The tours are educational, informative and entertaining, and are suitable for all ages. The underground passageways are accessible only as part of a guided tour, with a tour guide and up to 25 other visitors. Exploring the passageways independently is therefore not an option for this visit. As tour operations may change seasonally, check the latest visitor information before your trip. After your visit, a path leads back through a sinkhole.

The Recreational Geology Trail opened in October 2012 as the first municipally operated recreational geology trail. The Township of Bonnechere Valley offers it in partnership with the Bonnechere Museum for recreational and educational purposes; it leads to a limestone quarry and a hand-dug trench. The museum’s Geoheritage Trail offers a different option: a 1.5 km walk through nature where you may find fossils. Benches are available along the trail; if seating is important to your plans, check whether they are currently available. Trail conditions may vary by season and weather.

You can choose based on the kind of visit you want: a guided tour underground, a 1.5 km nature walk, or a trail to geological sites such as a quarry and trench. The options differ not only in their subject matter, but also in whether the focus is on a guided tour, a particular walking distance, or specific geological destinations.

Getting Your Bearings and Another Activity

The Eganville Tourist Information Centre is located in an old log cabin on the Bonnechere River. Operating details may change; if you plan to visit, check the latest information. Another activity with a set starting point is the “Eganville 1-hour Workout”: it starts at McRae Lookout Park on Grist Mill Road. Route details and parking information may change, so check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Kirkland Lake, Deep River, Mount Forest, Schreiber

For the main travel overview: Ontario.