Description: We wanted to do something a bit different with our visitors and so decided on a trip to Bonnechere Caves. They are located in the Ottawa Valley in Eganville. It took us about 2.5 hours to get there.
When we arrived in the car park we are the only car there. We used the bathroom facilities which are composting toilets (hole in the ground) with no hand washing facilities other than hand sanitizer. They were very clean though and didn't smell too bad.
We went to get our tickets from the booth ($16 each) and was greeted buy a friendly lady and introduced to a young man who was to be our guide. We were told the tour would start in 20 minutes.
We wandered around and found the Bonnechere River which runs inside the property. It is very pretty and there is a trail you can follow along side it. Be aware there is poison ivy about.
When our tour started we were let to a covered stand and shown some fossils, we were joined by another family of four. The guide was very knowledgeable and had some good stories to tell. He also told us about the original owner of the land and how he first found the cave, explored them and loved them so much he bought the land and set up tours to show others. When he died one of his workers took ownership and these have been the only owners of the place.
Next we were led into the caves. It is considerably cooler underground, but on the very hot day we visited it was very welcome. Again we were told some very good stories of how the place was found and emptied of water so that people like us could explore them. At one point all the lighting was turned off and you get to experience total darkness - and boy it is dark.
The tour lasted about an hour and was very enjoyable. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and welcomed questions throughout, When you leave you can visit the shop where you can buy souvenirs or pick up guides about local attractions.
We enjoyed out tour and can definitely recommend this trip.
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