The Mindemoya Cave is on private property at Rockgarden Terrace Resort located at 1358 Monument Road.
How to visit:
When: Open 10 to 3pm (with last ticket sale at 2:30pm), Monday to Saturday (Sunday closed). Please note, these hours are subject to change, depending on the weather (e.g. rain) and for special circumstances (e.g. group function, maitenance).
Where to go: The cave visit takes about 30 to 45 min in total, including the ~10 min walk along the resort trail, to and from, the cave entrance. The trail terrain is natural with rocks and roots, so good walking shoes are required. For ticket purchase please follow the cave visitor signage to the office window. We also kindly ask that you refrain from exploring the Resort grounds, as they are for registered house guests only and not part of the cave tour.
Cost? The cost per adult is $7.50 and children (between 2 and 12 years of age) are $6.00 including HST. Cash or debit please.
Where to park: Car parking is across the road from the Resort entrance gate.
Number of people per visit: The maximum number of people that can walk as a single group is 10. For larger parties please stagger your arrival (by ~45 min) and please note we do not have a gathering area available. Please note there are no reservations for cave visits.
Dogs? We are sorry, but dogs are not allowed on the trail or in the cave.
Please note: Our ultimate desire is to preserve and protect this natural treasure alongside giving enjoyment and ensuring people's saftey. We assess regularly the rock formation (by Engineer) as climate change and time (frost/thaw, tree growth etc) may have an impact on the cave stability. As a consequence we may need to limit cave visits as we feel necessary and reserve the right to close at any time if needed. We sincerely hope you understand and appreciate our efforts. Angela Argmann and family (owner and caretaker since 1975).
Lastly, to avoid disappointments on either side, if you are looking for a long hiking trail and mammoth-sized cave, this is not for you.
Cave History: The Mindemoya cave was carved out after the last Glacier 10,000 years ago and is on private property. It is approximately 9 to 15 ft high and 80 ft deep (ie not too big, not too small in size). At the very back of the cave is an opening to the surface from there the crevice route goes all the way to lake Kagawong which is at a higher elevation. Thus, the crevasses created during the Glaciation “ice-Age” and the immense water power after ice melt was the “Creator” of the cave. In 1888, the cave was discovered by three Mennonite preachers while out fishing. Seven skeletons were found and were thought to belong to the Odawa. The skeletons were taken to a Toronto museum, that was later gutted by fire. In 1986 to gain access to the cave an Inco engineer and his workers cleared away 6 ft of dirt and heavy fallen rocks to open the entrance and clear the floor. Prior to this work, the owners obtained permission following a soil assessment by a regional Archaeologist from the Ministry, that indicated no signs of habitation or human remains. The cave is gated to preserve and protect the beautiful natural carved Dolomite rock walls and the smooth washed out limestone floor. Watch your step on the trail and please no climbing or defacing of the rocks. Enjoy!