Tobermory

The top of the Bruce Peninsula is a natural oasis, famous for its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Enveloped by Georgian Bay to the east, Lake Huron to the west, and the Cape Hurd Channel to the north, water activities are plentiful. The town’s two harbours, Big Tub Harbour and Little Tub Harbour, offer scenic boat cruises around the channel islands. 

If you want to get out of the boat and explore, you can opt for a ferry to Flowerpot Island. You’ll find a loop trail that takes you out to the famous “flowerpots” (sea stacks) and the Flowerpot Island Lightstation Museum. Those who want to paddle on their own can rent sea kayaks and navigate the calm coves along the peninsula’s shoreline. 

Tobermory is home to two beautiful nature parks. Fathom Five National Marine Park offers hiking routes, swimming spots and plenty of views of the sea stacks. The park features ancient rock formations and 22 shipwreck sites, including the Sweepstakes Shipwreck in Big Tub Harbour and several surrounding Cove Island and Russell Island. Snorkelling and diving excursions, or glass-bottom boat cruises, give you an up-close view of the sunken ships. 

A short drive south will take you to Bruce Peninsula National Park, which hosts the famous sea stacks and rock formations, plus large sections of forests. Here you can camp or rent a yurt and enjoy various outdoor sports, such as hiking, boating, cycling, birdwatching and snowshoeing in the winter. Favourite hiking spots are the peaceful Boulder Beach, the Grotto sea cave and the Overhanging Point along the famous Bruce Trail. 

The Bruce Trail is a regional favourite, stretching north-to-south from Tobermory to Niagara for nearly 900 km. It’s Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, making stops near Nottawasaga Bay and Owen Sound before entering the Bruce Peninsula. Here it weaves along the rocky coastline. Many who visit Tobermory opt to walk a portion of the trail and enjoy an overnight at a campground. 

Tobermory has four lighthouses. Some are easy to access by car, while others require a ferry ride or a short hike. The town’s primary lighthouse is the Big Tub Lighthouse, but you’ll also find Cabot Head Lighthouse at the national park's southern end. If you head out to Flowerpot Island, you can hike to the lighthouse or catch a glimpse of the Cove Island Lighthouse if you take the ferry between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island.

After a day enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Tobermory, take a stroll through the streets lining Little Tub Harbour. Check out Bay Street for cafes, restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. You’ll also find grocery stores, laundromats and public washrooms. If you’re looking for something to eat, try the region’s famous white fish. And to learn more about the area’s history, head south along Highway 6 and stop at St. Edmunds and Peninsula Museum.