Vanishing Waterfall Spring

## Overview Vanishing Waterfall Spring is a natural spring located on the Northern Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Situated along the rugged limestone coastline of the Bruce Peninsula — one of the most geologically significant regions in Ontario — this spring sits within an area renowned for its ancient dolostone cliffs, karst formations, and crystal-clear waters fed by the Niagara Escarpment's extensive underground aquifer system. The Bruce Peninsula is part of the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, a landscape shaped over hundreds of millions of years. The region's porous limestone bedrock naturally filters groundwater, giving rise to numerous springs and seasonal waterfalls along the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron shorelines. The name "Vanishing Waterfall" suggests a seasonal or intermittent flow — a common characteristic of karst springs in this area, where water can appear and disappear depending on rainfall, snowmelt, and underground water table levels. The spring is located near the community of Lion's Head (postal code N0H 1Z0), an area popular with hikers exploring the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath. Visitors to this part of the peninsula will find themselves surrounded by old-growth cedar forests, dramatic cliff faces, and sweeping views of Georgian Bay. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in the Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, near the coordinates **45.1380° N, 81.3337° W**. 2. From the town of Lion's Head, head north along the Bruce Peninsula. Use the GPS coordinates to navigate to the approximate location, as the spring is in a relatively remote area. 3. The nearest community reference is Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON N0H 1Z0. Look for access points along the Bruce Trail or local shoreline trails in the vicinity. 4. A GPS device or offline maps app is strongly recommended, as cell service can be unreliable along the peninsula's more remote stretches. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general area knowledge. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Bruce Peninsula National Park visitor centre or local tourism offices for the most current access information.* ## What to Expect The Northern Bruce Peninsula is a landscape of dramatic natural beauty, and Vanishing Waterfall Spring is nestled within this striking environment. Given its name and location along the Niagara Escarpment, the spring likely features water emerging from or flowing over limestone rock faces — potentially as a waterfall that varies in intensity with the seasons. During spring snowmelt and after heavy rains, water flow in this region's springs and waterfalls tends to be at its most impressive. In drier summer months, some of these features can slow to a trickle or temporarily vanish — a hallmark of the karst geology that defines the Bruce Peninsula. The surrounding terrain is rugged and may involve uneven footing on exposed rock, tree roots, and potentially slippery surfaces near the water. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, massasauga rattlesnakes (Ontario's only venomous snake), and a rich variety of bird species. The Bruce Peninsula's springs have historically been valued by local communities and Indigenous peoples for their clean, naturally filtered water. While the water from this spring has historically been associated with the region's reputation for high-quality groundwater, water quality can vary with conditions, and no guarantees of potability should be assumed. Visitors exploring this area will find it well worth combining a trip to the spring with a hike along the Bruce Trail, which passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Ontario.