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When are you open?
Why do I have to pay an admission/parking fee? Is the water in the park safe? What are the caves like? What do I need to go in them? Does your campground have water/electrical hookups/trailer sites? Can I bring my dog to the park/camping? Why is there a ban on bringing firewood into the park? |
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| Got a question you'd like answered? Email us at caves@nexicom.net. | |
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When are you open?
The park is open daily beginning in mid-May (the Friday of the Victoria Day weekend - May 16, 2008) and closes after the Thanksgiving weekend in October (October 13, 2008). You can still visit the park in the off season – just leave your car in the parking area near the gatehouse and walk in. The public campground is also open from mid-May through to October. Group campsites are available at other times of the year by contacting our head office at (705) 745-5791 to make the necessary arrangements. You can also organize a school trip by calling this number. The caves are open to the public from April 15 through to December 1 each year. They are closed through the winter for your safety as snow and ice make footing unsafe. |
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Why do I have to pay an admission/parking fee?
When you pay your admission or parking fee you directly help support the operation of the park. Admissions and user fees are an important source of revenue and cover off a significant portion of the operating costs of the conservation area. If you are a frequent visitor, you can save money and show your support by purchasing an annual pass at the gate house. The pass is good for a year from date of purchase and allows access to both Warsaw Caves and Selwyn Beach Conservation Areas. The pass is valid for general admission only and does not cover camping or other user fees/services. |
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What are the caves like? What do I need to go in them?
You could describe our caves as "beginner" caves - they're easy to explore, but still lots of fun. The Warsaw Caves is a series of seven caves anywhere from 40m (130 ft.) to 91m (300 ft.) long. Some are connected, while others are dead ends that you'll have to backtrack. The network of caves is compact enough that you don't have to worry about getting lost. You can stand up in some places, but in others you'll have to crouch or wiggle your way through. Walking surfaces are generally level, but can be uneven and slippery in spots. There are no extreme drops with the sharpest ledge being about 1.25m (4 ft.) high. You won't really need any special equipment beyond a flashlight (we sell headlamps at our gatehouse). Wear clothing that you're not afraid to get dirty, and a sturdy pair of shoes. Make sure that if you carry in a water bottle or a snack that you bring the bottle or wrapper back out with you - no littering! Have fun spelunking! |
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Is the water in the park safe?
A program is in place to ensure that the water in the campground and in the swimming area is safe. Drinking water is regularly tested in accordance with Ontario’s safe drinking water regulations. Water quality in the swimming area is monitored by the local health department. |
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Does your campground have water/electrical hookups/trailer sites?
All of our campsites are unserviced – we do not offer water or hydro hookups on individual campsites. Potable water is available at several stations throughout the campground. A limited number of our campsites can accommodate trailers or RV’s (i.e. large, well surfaced). |
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Can I bring my dog to the park/camping?
Sure, you can bring your dog – after all he's part of the family. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times and are not permitted to disturb other park visitors or campers, and they may not harass wildlife. You are required to clean up after your pet – poop and scoop, please! |
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Why is there a ban on bringing firewood into the park?
We enforce a ban on firewood being brought into the park because of the movement of dangerous insect pests that can destroy a forest. The ban applies to all firewood from Toronto and from the London/Windsor area where trees are being attacked by the Asian Long Horned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer. A more general ban applies to any wood from outside of the country. These restrictions are based in Provincial and Federal laws intended to combat the threat. The most significant factor in the spread of these destructive bugs is known to be the movement of wood from one location to another. The first Asian Long Horned Beetle infestation in the Toronto area, centered on Steeles Av. and Hwy. 400, is believed to have started with wooden shipping crates from China. Wooden shipping materials must now meet specific standards before coming into the country, but we are still having to cope with the resulting problem. Firewood purchased locally (within Peterborough County) is okay to bring to the park. Firewood from any other origin is not - this includes old skids and other wooden shipping materials. You may be refused entry to the park or directed to remove from the park any firewood found on your campsite if you cannot clearly demonstrate that it did not come from an affected area. When you buy your firewood locally, you support the operation of the park and the local tourism economy, and you protect our forests so they can be enjoyed for years to come! More information is available here. |
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Home | Info | Pictures | Campsites | Register | Links | Fees | Maps | Contact Us Call us toll free at 1-877-816-7604 Phone: (705) 652-3161 289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Ontario E-mail: caves@nexicom.net © 2008 Otonabee Region Conservation Authority |
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