Cobbles beaches, rock faces and bluffs highlight the rugged, natural  characteristics of Gros Cap.  Steep cliffs rise from the water to a height of 60 to 90 metres (200 to 300 feet) overlooking Lake Superior and the shipping lanes.  Take Highway 550 to its end and enjoy the lakeside vistas.  The North Gros Cap Road provides access by car to the north of the site in the summer months.  

The geology of Gros Cap is unusual because the property is situated on a batholith, a large deep-seated body of intrusive igneous rock consisting of coarse-grained granite rock.  This was created when the magma (hot liquid rock) miles below forced its way upward.

Gros Cap exhibits a wide variety of vegetation types including mixed forest, cedar swamp, hardwood stand and significantly rare wildflowers.  This diversity in habitat has created plentiful wildlife. Mammals that can be seen daily include squirrels, hares, chipmunks and various species of birds.

The 40 kilometer (25 mile) Saulteaux section of the Voyageurs Trail starts in the Gros Cap Conservation Area and runs through to the Hiawatha Conservation Area.