Tobermory, Ontario, is an absolute peach of a vacation spot. On the Bruce Peninsula, where Lake Huron meets Georgian Bay, it is perfect for a long weekend getaway from the city, or as part of a trans-Canada road trip. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Tobermory, Canada, for a relaxing short break.
The cherished tradition of cottage vacations is alive and well in Ontario (as it is in my family’s provinces in the Maritimes), and the Bruce Peninsula is a favourite area. Family holidays revolve around getting ‘away to the cottage / camp / cabin’ (the vernacular changes depending on the region). Visiting this area will give you a taste of this cute Canadian way of life.
Where is Tobermory?
An easy 4.5-hour drive from Toronto, Tobermory is a straight shot north-west of Toronto. The 10 highway runs in a weirdly straight line from Shelburne to Chatsworth out to the Bruce Peninsula. If you’re coming from Hamilton or Kitchener, you’ll pass through the Mennonite areas of St Jacob’s and Elmira as you head north.
Named after Tobermory in Mull (Scotland), due to the similar harbour conditions, Canada’s version is equally cute and wildly beautiful.
Extend your visit with a ferry trip over to Manitoulin Island, or use this route as a scenic way to meet up with the Trans-Canada Highway at Espanola for a cross-country jaunt.
Where to stay in Tobermory, ON
We stayed at the lovely Grandview Motel – this low-slung motel has a tranquil position on Earl Street (east side of the harbour), and has simple and clean suites with great parking and an outdoor lounge area with harbour views.
If you wanted something a little further away from the town centre, try the Big Tub Resort & Marina on Big Tub Harbour.
Tobermory, Ontario – Weekend Itinerary Ideas
Tobermory Township & Dining
Home to only around 4000 permanent residents, Tobermory is a little town that swells seasonally. With things geared towards the tourist influx, it has all the things you could need for a vacation stay – a supermarket, liquor store, visitor centre, restaurants and bars.
We had a couple of fantastic meals at the Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill – on the patio overlooking the harbour, tucking into poutine and ribs, life was sweet!
The other standout meal we had was from the Tacomory food truck, parked next to the Coastal Bed & Breakfast on Highway 6, a five minute walk from the harbour.
In town, you can get ice cream from a few places along the waterfront, and there are several souvenir and gift shops to browse.
Take a Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Tobermory is to take a boat tour. There are a couple of boat companies that leave from the harbour, and there are a range of tours on offer. From shipwreck tours, jaunts through the Fathom Five National Marine Park, and day trips to Flowerpot Island, these boat tours are definitely one of the most popular activities out of Tobermory.
We took the Blue Heron glass-bottomed boat tour of Big Tub Harbour and out to Flowerpot Island. It was a really lovely day, and the addition of the glass bottom was fantastic for seeing the Sweepstakes shipwreck.
The tour started at the shipwreck in Big Tub Harbour, and offered fab views of the mansions in the inlet, and of Big Tub Lighthouse (see more on that below). The boat was able to navigate over the wreck and circle to give 360 views of this schooner that sunk in 1885! Because of the crystal clear waters, the wreck seems like it’s right on the surface, yet the boat is able to safely navigate over it with ease.
After Big Tub Harbour, we headed out for a full loop around Flowerpot Island, with a stop to pick up / drop off those spending the day on the island.
Tobermory is the departure point for the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which crosses Georgian Bay to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. It operates from mid-May to mid-October, carrying vehicles, bicycles, and foot passengers, and the ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Flowerpot Island
The island gets its name from two large, naturally formed rock pillars that look like giant flowerpots. These precarious-looking rock formations punctuate the forested coastline, and sure are photogenic!
The island has a network of hiking trails, including routes to the flowerpots, a historic light station, and a cave. You can take a drop-off service on the same boat tour as we took in the morning, with time on the island and then a return trip later in the day.
There’s a small backcountry-style campsite with six tent platforms for those who want to stay overnight, but you’ll need to pack in all your supplies. Much like when we visited Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia (USA), we regretted not choosing to stay on Flowerpot Island and go camping!
We saw a few people jumping into the turquoise water from the outcrops, then sunbathing on warm rocks – it looked blissful to be honest!
Enjoy the Bruce Peninsula National Park
While staying in Tobermory, take in some of the National Park:
- The Grotto – One of the park’s most iconic spots, this cave with crystal-clear water is a beautiful hot spot, but be sure to book a parking slot in advance as it’s very popular in summer.
- Cyprus Lake – A great starting point for many of the park’s trails, including the hike to the Grotto and Indian Head Cove.
- Halfway Log Dump – Known for its rugged shoreline, it’s great for sunset views.
- Dunks Bay Beach – A small, quiet beach just outside Tobermory with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
The Bruce Peninsula is the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, please respect the indigenous peoples and the National Park by observing ‘Leave No Trace’ ethics.
The Bruce Trail runs from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Tobermory, through some beautiful landscapes. Taking in 885 km / 550 miles of the Niagara Escarpment (UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve), the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Tobermory is a lovely way to end this famous thru-hike.
Star gaze in the Dark Sky Preserve
Both the Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park are classified as Dark Sky Preserves. Like the Jasper National Park, taking some time out from your road trip to sit out under the stars and enjoy the lack of light pollution in these beautiful areas is magical.
Take a Scenic Drive
There are lots of cute places around the peninsula to explore if you have time:
- Wiarton – Famous for its weather-predicting groundhog, Wiarton Willie, this small town has been dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Bruce Peninsula’.
- Sauble Beach – Not technically on the peninsula, but close by, this is one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world.
- Big Bay – Known as the ‘Stone Skipping Capital of Canada,’ it has a small but picturesque harbour with great views across Georgian Bay.
- Hope Bay – A quiet, scenic bay with hiking trails, a rocky beach.
- Cape Croker – Located on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation territory, this area has beautiful cliffs, secluded beaches, and a campground with some of the best views on the peninsula.
- Red Bay and Howdenvale – Small, sleepy waterfront villages on the Lake Huron side.
- Oliphant – Just north of Sauble Beach, it’s known for its sandy shallows, kiteboarding, and the beautiful Oliphant Fen Boardwalk.
The Big Tub Lighthouse
This 14-metre whitewashed wooden lighthouse was constructed in 1885, and is still functional today (albeit automated instead of manual).
By far the best views of the Big Tub Lighthouse is from the boat tours, but if you are interested in visiting it by land, you can drive out to this side of the harbour. Bear in mind, however, that it is private land either side of the lighthouse, so it’s not much of a walk out here.
It is paid parking too, which tends to put some people off – which is why this is the bottom of the list of things to do in Tobermory – seeing it from the water is better. But a visit around sunset does offer some lovely views.
Things to do in Tobermory, Ontario
Canada has such diverse landscapes, and the Bruce Peninsula offered a gorgeous glimpse of the lake ecosystem that is so beloved here. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, or want to see a beautiful area on your road trip around Canada, then Tobermory is a top spot to spend a relaxing few days. There are lots of things to do in Tobermory, but to be honest, just enjoying the National Park and laid back vibes is enough.
Having family in Canada, we visit often. From the stunning Icefields Parkway, to the Sea to Sky Highway in BC, and the delightful Prince Edward Island in the Maritimes – there is so much to discover!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
