Valley tourism being explored yet again as Bonnechere Caves reopen
The Bonnechere Caves, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Ottawa Valley, reopened Tuesday.
Although visitors are technically outside while visiting the caves situated between Douglas and Eganville, the underground site is considered as an indoor attraction, and was restricted from opening before Step 3. The caves held a soft opening over the weekend and now, on day one, tourists are back in full force.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic. It was much busier than we thought it would be, even on the soft opening. Word of mouth seemed to spread fairly quickly,” says David Bell, manager of the Bonnechere Caves. “We’ve been sending people every five minutes through the cave. People are just so happy when they show up here and we’re really happy to see them and to get to talk to our customers again.”
For the most part, the attraction is business as usual after reopening. Since last being open Thanksgiving weekend of 2019, the only changes are that the cave tours are now self-guided and masks must be worn while underground.
“I think we definitely could have let a few folks in through the restrictions, but now we’re actually able to bring folks down,” says Kyle George, a tour guide at the caves. “We still have to bring less but I still think it’s right to wait.”
Attracting people from across the province, the Bonnechere Caves offer a tourist experience that almost serves as a reminder of pre-pandemic days.
“It was nice to get out and do something with the family since we’ve been stuck at home for so long, so we’re up here on holidays,” says Shawn LaBelle, who brought his family from Ottawa to the caves while visiting their cottage. “I mean you’re wearing your masks in the cave, but it feels like somewhat normalcy.”
“Oh it was awesome, natural history is amazing out here,” says Brent Smith who is also spending time at a cottage with his family from Oshawa. “It was pretty normal. It’s not crowded in there, pretty easy going.”
After a long wait closed, the Bonnechere Caves now believe they will explode back into business, rather than visitor levels taking a slow climb to get back to pre-COVID times.
“In 2019 we could see up to a couple hundred people coming through in a day,” says Bell. “We’re not quite at that point yet, but we feel like we’re going to get there.”
“People have been waiting so long to get back out in the community to see things,” George adds. “People are ready; people are going to be here.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.