Tobermory is nestled in Bruce Peninsula, 4 hours north of Toronto. This place is incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. It’s hard to believe that it’s only 4 hours away from home. Surrounded by luscious beauty and clear blue waters, you wouldn’t want to leave once you get there.
Here are a few things you can do besides admiring the clear blue Lake Huron water:
1. Fish & Chips
Lake Huron has one of world’s cleanest water, making it transparent and beautiful. Since Tobermory is surrounded by water, fishing is very popular in this area. You can enjoy the fresh caught fish at some of the restaurants here:
I. The Fish & Chip Place
II. Shipwreck Lee’s Pirate Bistro
2. Big Tub Harbour
Kayaks can be found to rent here. You can take a kayak and check out the underwater wrecked ships. Snorkeling/scuba diving are also options to get up close and personal with the wrecked ships! This is very close to the lighthouse.
3. Light House
The lighthouse is not very far from the main area (especially if you’re driving). It’s a 10 minute drive. You can check out this historic site and enjoy the views from there.
4. Flowerpot Island
The flower pot island is a 4-5 hour trip. You would have to take a boat from one of the cruise lines (insert here). It gets really busy during the summer time so make sure to do your bookings ahead of time. Flowerpot Island is a beautiful place consisting of flowerpots along the gorgeous coast. Swimming seems blissful here, however beware of the extremely cold glacier water here. There are short hiking trails on this island and don’t say I didn’t warn you to look out for snakes! You will spot many rattlesnakes here. Please watch out and it is best to not provoke them if you do come across any.
5. Bruce Peninsula National Park
With hiking trails to cliffs rising from turquoise blue waters to beautiful and unique species of animals and plants, this place will completely leave you wanting more. You can also visit the Grotto here. The Bruce Peninsula hiking trail is very long and you can easily get carried away. This is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, consisting of 782 km hiking trail. This happens to be Canada’s oldest and longest trail. There are camp sites here as well, allowing you to take breaks and spend some nights on your way to completing the entire trail.
6. Singing Sands Beach/Park
A bit of a hidden place. You would have to drive here from the main town. Biking won’t be too bad either. It’s a big beach and grass on the sands and water being shallow. It’s a nice park to stroll around or stargaze on a clear night. There’s also a short trail where you can go hiking if you’re up for an adventure.
7. Little Tub Harbour
Surrounded by shops and restaurants, this harbour has boats and ships that are docked here. There are also cruises that leave from here to the Flowerpot Island and other places. The gift shops here have creative pieces that you’d surely want to take home with you.
8. Fathom Five National Park
A great place to see sparkling waters, 22 shipwrecks, ancient rock formations. This is a great place to explore nature and admire the beauty of Canadian landscape.
9. The Grotto
Located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park, this place is the most popular attraction of Tobermory. Most people visit this town just to see the Grotto. It gets very crowded there during summers so you would have to book your parking spot from ahead of time. There are 4 hour parking time slots and this is more than enough if you are just visiting the Grotto at the national park. The hike from the parking lot to the Grotto is not very long (about half hour). Many people go diving but I would advise to be careful if you are not very good at swimming or have not gone diving before. There are no lifeguards or anyone to help you so go diving at your own risk!
10. Explore the Coasts
There are many hidden gems in Tobermory. All you have to do is look at the map and find the beaches and coasts by the water. You will be amazed by your discovery!
Transportation: You can book buses that bring you from Toronto to Tobermory or drive for 4 hours from Toronto.
Accommodation: Princess Hotel is right in the heart of Tobermory. There are other hotels but very limited, since it’s such a small town. If places are booked, you can also stay nearby in Lion’s Head or Owen Sound, keeping in mind that you’d have to drive 30-60 mins every day to get to Tobermory during your stay.
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