Canada Bonnechere Cave In Eganville Is ‘One-Of-A-Kind’

Unusual sites pop up where many of us least expect them. Several years ago while visiting friends in picturesque Eganville, Ontario, (1.5 hour from Ottawa and from Algonquin Park) we were introduced to the Bonnechere Caves. Although I was stationed in Eganville with Canada’s RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) in the early 60’s; I had no idea such a gem was waiting underground.

Geologists verified that this Cave was at the bottom of a tropical sea some 500 million years ago. Stalactites, (icicle shapes hanging from the ceiling) shimmer under carefully placed electric lights - numerous fossils from eons ago, long before Dinosaurs, are entombed and preserved in the walls.

Although the Cave discovery dates back to the mid 1800’s when a surveyor followed water that disappeared into the riverbank. In 1953, retired World War II flying ace Tom Woodward tied a rope around a tree and followed the river into the dark unknown sink hole.

Before long he found a way to pump the water out and install lighting so he could open the ‘below-ground wonder’ to the public. Each fall the water level is again allowed to return to normal – mainly to keep the public out during the cold, snow covered winter. Cave temperatures remain constant, slightly above freezing, despite the sub zero or hot humid outside temps.

Chris Hinsperger became the new owner in the mid 60’s.

Theory relays the Cave was formed by melting glaciers 10,000 years ago. Several parts of the cave are really narrow, so it may not be the best place for the claustrophobic – stairs lead in and out of the cave – good walking shoes are suggested to navigate the scenic trails outside as well as inside the Cave.

Bats too live in the damp darkness – but during summer days they sleep and hide from busy passageways – they don’t like the smell of people.

By mid September to spring the bats slowly return for hibernation. When the Cave closed on a recent Thanksgiving Monday the staff counted 350 bats – it is expected a thousand call the Cave home mid winter.

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