Bruce Peninsula

There are so many magical places in Toronto, but some days I crave something more. I dream of a place with fresh air and clear blue water that is always clean enough for swimming. My desire for these things often takes me to new places, sometimes on small road trips, and sometimes on bigger adventures that involve planes and trains and hours in the car. I suppose Bruce Peninsula falls somewhere in between these two.

I first journeyed north to Bruce Peninsula for my Mermaid Lagoon shoot with Bicyclette, and I fell in love with the famous “grotto” area immediately. A section of the park with deep, crystal blue water, gorgeous greenery, and plenty of cliffs to jump off of, the grotto is a mystical spot that looks like it should be inhabited by mermaids. Luckily, us mortals are invited too, if we’re up for the 4 hour drive that is (and yes, the water is COLD!)

A few weeks ago Paige from Bicyclette and I went on a big road trip to a very special spot to shoot some mermaid photos. We climbed cliffs in tight dresses and waded through icy cold water, but it was all worth it for this magical editorial!

Far across the sea tucked into a bay, there’s a magical grotto filled with treasure, turquoise waters and sequins. To the untrained eye it appears empty, a secret mystical spot that’s rarely explored, but if you wait till the sky turns pink and the sun starts to set, you’ll realize there is so much more to this tropical spot.

Even if you stay for weeks, you might only hear a whisper, or on occasion your eye will catch a lock of mint hair as it disappears behind a rock. They’re always careful not to be seen, but have no doubt, they’re here. They spend their days braiding each others hair, stringing pearls onto delicate necklaces to wear, and exploring the deep blue sea. With cheeks that gleam like opals in the midday sun, and glittering fingernails, they drape themselves in silks, pastel knits, and tulle.

They are mermaids, and this is their home: the Mermaid Lagoon.

Photos by Jason Matos