Bonnechere Cave Dining
Been covering Ontario’s restaurant scene for years, and the Ottawa Valley keeps evolving unexpectedly. Eganville used to be famous for something unique: cave dining at Bonnechere Caves. Those candlelit dinners underground were legendary, nearly impossible to book, and honestly, one of the coolest dining experiences I’d ever heard about.
But like many things in the restaurant world, it didn’t last forever. The cave dining stopped a while back, which left a lot of people wondering what happened to Eganville’s claim to culinary fame. Turns out the town’s dining scene has quietly reinvented itself in some pretty interesting ways.
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The Bonnechere Cave Dining Legacy
It was a gray and drizzly evening when Bonnechere Caves offered something truly extraordinary. A group of 30 guests would huddle together at the base of a limestone hill, eagerly awaiting their descent into caves for dinner, not mining, just waiting to be seated at underground tables.
The small town of Eganville, located in Ontario’s Highlands, was home to this legendary cave dining experience. For several years, word spread swiftly about dining in 500-million-year-old limestone caves, making it one of the hottest tickets in the Ottawa Valley. Those fortunate enough to score reservations were part of something magical.
The Underground Experience That Was
Guests were led into the mouth of the cave, where elegant music welcomed them instead of bats. The narrow corridors and yawning rooms glowed from rows of tea lights and tall candelabras. Soft orange and yellow candlelight bounced along the smooth, curved walls, creating an exceptionally intimate experience.
Catered by Frisco’s Grill, meals began with wine and shared appetizers. Dinner featured beef or chicken in creamy mushroom sauce with vegetables and potatoes. Live acoustic guitar and piano music serenaded diners throughout the evening.
The Man Behind the Magic
Owner/operator Chris Hinsperger first worked at the caves when he was 12, later returning to take over the business. His passion for the Bonnechere Caves and the local area made each visitor feel special. He personally met and chatted with every diner – something rarely experienced elsewhere.
Cave dining took place twice a season and was notoriously difficult to book. Tickets went on sale after Victoria Day weekend, with reservations only by phone if you could get through to a live person.
Ottawa Tours
Exploring Bonnechere Caves Today
While the underground dining may be gone, Bonnechere Caves remains one of Ontario’s most fascinating geological attractions. Open from Victoria Day weekend in May through Canadian Thanksgiving in October, the caves operate daily from 10 AM to 4 PM with guided tours departing every 20-30 minutes.
What You’ll Experience Underground
The hour-long guided tours take visitors 60 feet below the surface through a 500-million-year-old limestone cave system. When this region was a tropical sea during the Ordovician period, layers of mud and silt accumulated over millions of years, eventually forming these spectacular solution caves.
Tours begin with an educational session featuring fossil displays and geological charts showing the “Record of Life through Geological Time.”
The descent into the caves is immediate and dramatic – temperatures drop noticeably even on hot summer days, making a sweater essential. Well-lit walkways guide visitors through narrow passages and larger chambers where stalactites hang like “rock icicles” from the ceiling, growing at an incredibly slow rate of one cubic inch every 150 years.
Fossil Paradise
The cave walls contain an extraordinary collection of preserved fossils including cephalopods, brachiopods, gastropods, crinoid rings, and fossilized coral all dating from before the age of dinosaurs. Visitors can photograph these ancient sea creatures embedded in the limestone, with guides pointing out particularly spectacular specimens, including what appears to be an octopus fossil.
Special Cave Experiences
The caves offer several unique programs beyond regular tours. Fossil Hunts run throughout the summer months, starting at 10 AM from the nearby Bonnechere Museum – these two-hour events combine cave tours with actual fossil searching in the surrounding area. Tie Dye Tuesdays offer $1 off admission for anyone wearing tie-dye clothing, honoring the Ottawa Valley’s 1960s-70s arts culture.
During your tour, guides demonstrate the cave’s complete darkness by turning off all lights – the pitch-black experience gives visitors a new appreciation for early cave explorers. Some sections allow adventurous visitors to squeeze through narrow passages separate from the leading group, earning them the playful title of “spelunkers.”
Seasonal Highlights
Late September visitors might spot hibernating bats beginning their winter residence in the caves. The caves flood completely each winter when river levels rise, requiring spring pumping to reopen passages for the season.
Above-Ground Attractions
The Fourth Chute waterfall on the property features additional fossil viewing opportunities. A scenic trail leads through the forest to a sinkhole visible through the trees, plus picnic areas perfect for extending your visit. Artists often set up easels near the waterfall, and the property includes a gift shop with ice cream and refreshments.
Bonnechere Caves Visitor Information
- Admission: $25 adults, $22 seniors (65+), $17 youth (13-17), $15 children (4-12), free for 3 and under
- Location: 1247 Fourth Chute Road, 125km west of Ottawa via Highway 417
- Tours: First-come, first-served basis, no advance reservations
- Note: Underground portions not suitable for strollers; comfortable shoes recommended for wet, uneven terrain
Nearby Attractions in Eganville Area
The Bonnechere Museum at 85 Bonnechere Street West offers additional geological and historical context, featuring a 1.5km Geoheritage Trail where visitors can hunt for fossils. The museum operates by appointment or for group tours of 10 or more.
Eganville Beach provides swimming and water activities along the Bonnechere River. The town sits at the junction of Highways 41 and 60, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Ottawa Valley.
The broader Ottawa Valley region offers additional attractions within driving distance, including Calabogie Brewing Co. for craft beer enthusiasts and various artisan studios participating in seasonal studio tours.
Today’s Eganville Dining Scene
Granary Restaurant
The Granary Restaurant has emerged as Eganville’s top dining destination, consistently ranked #1 on TripAdvisor with over 198 reviews. Housed in a historic c. 1889 building, The Granary combines period decor with works by local artists. Their Bavarian Schnitzel with smoked meat and sauerkraut draws raves, as does their massive Club Salad. The restaurant successfully balances historic charm with excellent food at reasonable prices.
Rio Tap & Grill
Rio Tap & Grill has carved out its niche as the town’s go-to spot for casual dining with a view. Located at 107 Bonnechere Street West, this establishment offers a rooftop patio overlooking the river – perhaps not underground dining, but scenic nonetheless. Their menu features pub favorites like crispy chicken sandwiches, pulled pork wraps, and Cuban sandwiches, all paired with locally brewed Rio Lager. Recent reviews praise their potato nachos as surprisingly addictive.
Bonnechere Bakery & Bistro
Bonnechere Bakery & Bistro represents the artisanal side of Eganville’s food scene. Operating from a beautiful 1901 heritage building with original tin ceilings and wood floors, they specialize in fresh, homemade comfort food. Their scratch-made soups, gourmet frozen meals, and selection of cakes and pastries have made them a hidden gem in the Ottawa region. The Coconut Cloud Cake – vanilla sponge layered with lemon and raspberry puree – exemplifies their commitment to quality ingredients.
The broader Ottawa Valley dining scene has also strengthened, with nearby establishments like Redneck Bistro in Calabogie earning five-star reviews for their outdoor patio and excellent service. Calabogie Brewing Co. has become a destination for craft beer enthusiasts, producing award-winning year-round and seasonal selections.
Eganville Under & Above Ground Dining
While Eganville may have lost its underground dining novelty, the town has developed a more sustainable food culture. The Granary’s consistent quality, Rio Tap’s river views, and Bonnechere Bakery’s artisanal approach show that good food doesn’t need gimmicks to succeed.
Chris Hinsperger’s philosophy remains relevant: “You may be in the middle of nowhere, but you really are somewhere.” Eganville has proven that by focusing on quality ingredients, local character, and genuine hospitality, a small town can maintain its culinary identity even after losing its most famous attraction.
The cave tours continue at Bonnechere Caves, allowing visitors to experience the geological wonder without the dining component. Meanwhile, the town’s restaurants have stepped up to fill the void, creating their own memorable experiences above ground.
Eganville’s Community-Focused Restaurants
Sometimes the end of one era creates space for something better to develop. Eganville’s transition from novelty cave dining to solid, community-focused restaurants feels more authentic somehow. The Granary’s schnitzel might not have the Instagram factor of eating in a 500-million-year-old cave, but it’s probably more sustainable long-term.
Plus, you can actually get a reservation without spending hours hitting redial. The town’s dining scene feels more accessible now, less dependent on a single attraction. Sometimes losing the gimmick helps you find your real identity. Eganville seems to have figured that out pretty well.
FAQs Bonnechere Caves & Eganville Dining
Q: Is cave dining still available at Bonnechere Caves? A: No, the cave dining experience has been discontinued. However, the caves are still open for regular tours from May to October, allowing visitors to explore the geological formations and fossil displays.
Q: What’s the best restaurant in Eganville now? A: The Granary Restaurant consistently ranks #1 on TripAdvisor with 4.1/5 stars. Located in an 1889 heritage building, it offers reasonably priced food with historic charm and local artwork.
Q: Can you still get a meal with a view in Eganville? A: Yes, Rio Tap & Grill features a rooftop patio overlooking the river. While not underground, it offers scenic dining with pub-style food and locally brewed beers.
Q: Where can I find fresh, artisanal food in Eganville? A: Bonnechere Bakery & Bistro operates from a beautiful 1901 heritage building, offering scratch-made soups, gourmet frozen meals, fresh baked goods, and specialty cakes made with quality ingredients.
Q: Are there good dining options near Eganville? A: Yes, the broader Ottawa Valley has excellent options like Redneck Bistro in Calabogie (known for great outdoor dining) and Calabogie Brewing Co. for award-winning craft beers.
Q: What happened to Chris Hinsperger and the cave operation? A: Chris Hinsperger still operates Bonnechere Caves for tours. The cave dining was discontinued, but visitors can still experience the geological wonder and learn about the 500-million-year-old formations.
Q: Is Eganville worth visiting for food now that cave dining is gone? A: Absolutely. The town has developed a more sustainable dining culture with consistently good restaurants, local specialties, and heritage buildings that provide character without relying on novelty.
Q: What type of cuisine can I expect in Eganville? A: The dining scene focuses on comfort food with local touches – German-inspired dishes at The Granary, pub fare at Rio Tap, and artisanal baked goods at Bonnechere Bakery. Quality ingredients and reasonable prices are common themes.
Q: Can I still tour Bonnechere Caves without dining? A: Yes, cave tours operate from May to October. You can explore the limestone formations, see ancient fossils, and learn about the geological history without the dining component.
Q: How does the current Eganville dining compare to the cave dining experience? A: While lacking the novelty factor, current dining options offer more accessibility, consistency, and value. The focus has shifted from unique location to quality food and genuine hospitality.
