Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a popular spot.
It offers great hiking and scenic views, is home to a portion of the Bruce Trail, protects many rare cliff-dwelling species, and is a hotspot for fall colors.
The crowds flocking to this small park are increasing, so it’s important to plan your visit carefully.
We count on people to be respectful of the park and each other, so read on for our suggestions on how to avoid peak times and keep this natural gem protected:
Are you planning a trip to Mono Cliffs?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking for a frustration-free day:
1. What’s new in 2023?
Have you ever arrived at Mono Cliffs and not found space for your vehicle even though you have already reserved it in advance? We’re working hard to avoid that frustration and help visitors secure their space before they arrive.
This year, there are new gates at the entrance to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. These doors will be fully automated.
To gain access, all you need to do is scan the barcode on your daily vehicle permit in advance at the gate, and you’re ready to explore!
If you arrive at the park and have technical difficulties with the gate, simply press the call button to contact park staff. We will do everything we can to help you get to the park as quickly as possible!
2. How do I reserve my daily vehicle permit in advance?
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park has a limited amount of space for visitors.
To help ensure day-use access, our visitors are now required to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance.
Advance daily vehicle permits are available for reservation at 7:00 am, five days prior to arrival date. We offer daily vehicle permits in four-hour time slots, in addition to full-day permits.
When purchasing your permit, please note that you will only be guaranteed access during the selected time. Access to the park is not permitted outside of the designated time slot.
Reservations can be made:
- online
- by phone: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
For more information, including how seasonal permit holders can take advantage of this opportunity, visit our website.
3. When is the best/worst time to visit?
Mono Cliffs draws large crowds on weekends, especially during the summer and fall. This means that the best times to visit are winter and early spring.
Beat the crowds by visiting from November to April.
If you are planning a trip during the busiest months, be sure to visit on a weekday, especially Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Whenever you plan to visit, you must obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance, as described above. No entry will be permitted without a permit. Once all available permits are sold, the park will be full for the day.
Please note that parking has limited capacity and parking is not permitted on municipal roads. Visitors must park in a designated spot and obey all signs, or risk receiving a ticket, parking ticket, or even having their vehicle towed.
Wondering if permits are still available? When registering online, the available time slots will be indicated in green. If there are no green slots, then the park is full.
4. How do I get to the park? / Where do I park?
The park entrance is located at 795086 Third Line EHS, Mono. That is where you will find the private entrance and parking.
Once you have scanned your vehicle permit at the gate, park in a designated spot and obey all signs. Parking outside of designated areas or failing to obey traffic signs puts you at risk of receiving a ticket, parking ticket, or even having your vehicle towed.
5. What do I do when all the available permits are sold?
If there are no vacancies for the rest of the day through our booking system, try exploring somewhere new in the area (see point 8 below).
There are many attractions in the area. Mono City has many options for any hiker or adventure seeker.
6. How much does the visit cost?
Day use fees are charged per vehicle:
- full day: $18.00
- four hours: $8.50
You can also use your seasonal permit to book in advance at no additional cost.
7. What park rules should I keep in mind?
It is important to stay informed during your visit. There are dangers of cracks due to unstable and uneven terrain.
Additionally, the park’s trails are designed to avoid damaging sensitive plants and habitats. Leaving the trail puts those species at risk and we know you want to help us keep them safe. Walking off trail can also spread invasive species.
If a park warden finds someone off the trail, the person may be subject to a provincial violation notice and associated fines.
It is also prohibited to remove plants or natural objects from provincial parks. Please refrain from picking flowers, picking mushrooms or any other action that removes a natural object from the park.
8. Can you recommend any places to hike other than Mono Cliffs?
The Mono area has several local parks. There are also several provincial parks in the region.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park offers six hiking trails, including the Lookout Trail that leads to an observation deck overlooking the park and surrounding area.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville has five great hiking trails. The 50m deep Bronte Creek ravine is a photogenic feature.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
If you’re willing to venture further afield from the GTA, MacGregor Point Provincial Park features a collection of biking and hiking trails, with several routes along Lake Huron’s stunning shoreline.
You can’t miss the sunsets here!
9. Where can I have lunch?
Head to Mono Town or bring your lunch for a picnic (don’t forget to pack out the waste!).
10. Can I bring my dog?
Yeah! Just make sure you keep your dog on a leash (no more than 2m). Clean up after Fido and place the waste in a trash can or bag it.
11. What should I or should I not pack?
What you should definitely pack: sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, a good pair of walking shoes
Ticks are also common in much of Ontario, so you may want to bring a pair of needle-nose tweezers.
What you should not pack: alcohol and firewood
Fires are not allowed in the park at any time and violators will be fined.
Additionally, limit the amount of food packaging and other disposable items you carry and dispose of waste responsibly. Do your part to limit single-use plastics, prevent litter, and keep our parks beautiful.