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Tobermory - THE BEST 15 THINGS TO DO IN TOBERMORY, A PRETTY HARBOUR TOWN IN ONTARIO

THE 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOBERMORY, AN ONTARIO HARBOUR TOWN

Check out this article for more information: https://www.homebodyempire.com/the-best-15-things-to-do-in-tobermory-a-pretty-harbour-town-in-ontario/

The Best Guide to Tobermory Activities in This Adorable Harbour Town

At the apex of what I like to call Ontario's tail is the quaint little settlement of Tobermory. This waterfront village is located on the Bruce Peninsula, one of Southern Ontario's most beautiful areas. There are many thrilling activities available in Ontario's popular summer vacation destination of Tobermory. If you prefer being outdoors or want to experience some of Ontario's natural wonders, you must check out these things to do in Tobermory, Ontario.

NOTE ON TOBERMORY, A SMALL

The land on which Tobermory is situated is owned by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, who had been residing there for thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers. This area was inhabited by Ojibway and Odawa people before they were forcibly driven out to make room for incoming European settlers.

the oldest redwood in Canada's northern point, with views of the water

In the middle of the 1800s, the area was investigated to see if it might be used for agriculture. Despite the inability of the terrain to support farming, land portions were sold. As a result, some families experienced significant hardship while others totally abandoned the area. The construction of a sawmill in 1881 marked the beginning of the economy's growth, but it was short-lived due to overharvesting of the forests surrounding Tobermory and died out after only 20 years. The people died off as a result, and the economy crashed.

It took nearly a century for Tobermory to begin regaining its popularity when cottagers began to move in. In the 1970s, the town's population began to rise, and today it is one of Southern Ontario's busiest tourist destinations.

TOBERMORY: WHO IS SHE? WHAT COMES NEXT FOR ME?

The northernmost point of the Bruce Peninsula is where Tobermory is situated. There are mainly two ways to get about. You should locate Highway 6 and head in that direction because the majority of visitors are from the south. You may enter the heart of town by taking the main route on the Bruce Peninsula.

Southern Ontario alongside two national parks during the height of the season

If you're coming from the north, use the Trans Canada Highway around Georgian Bay to Highway 400. From here, travel Highway 26 to reach Highway 6, which will lead you across the South Georgian Bay area. You'll reach Tobermory if you hang a right onto it after 80 minutes. The more popular choice is to take a boat from Manitoulin Island through the Chi Cheemaun. Tobermory may be reached from South Baymouth in about two hours. Every day, depending on the season, different departures take place. Visit the Chi Cheemaun website for further details.

The Best Things to Do in Tobermory

Tobermory may appeal to you for a multitude of reasons. Here are just a few amazing things to do, including marvelling at the awe-inspiring granite formations of the Niagara Escarpment and experiencing a bit of cottage country.

ONE SHOULD VISIT BRUCE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK

This is perhaps one of the main reasons people visit Tobermory. On the eastern side of the peninsula, Bruce Peninsula National Park was established in 1987 to protect a substantial piece of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Lowlands region. The 156 km2 Cyprus Lake Provincial Park, managed by Parks Canada, was first designated as a National Park.

Bruce Peninsula National Park offers more than 10 kilometres of hiking routes, front and backcountry campsites, and a variety of other outdoor activities like birdwatching, mountain climbing, and more. Use the park differently in the summer by swimming or by taking your canoe or kayak and enjoying the pristine waters of Georgian Bay.

a couple's final resting spot along Ontario's lakeshore town's lakefront.

At the moment, visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park necessitates arranging a timed reservation. There is a way to get past this time limit so that you can stay in the park longer. If you book a night at Cyprus Lake Campground, you are free to explore the park during your stay. This will not only allow you to explore more of the park, but it will also allow you to observe beautiful landmarks like the Grotto (more on that below) at sunrise or sunset—or perhaps both, for you early risers!

TRAVEL TO THE FAMOUS TOBERMORY GROTTO

So I believe this is the big draw for visitors to go to Bruce Peninsula National Park. The Grotto, also called the "Tobermory Grotto," is an amazing rock formation that has developed into a cave along the Georgian Bay shoreline. It should come as no surprise that it is one of the most popular attractions in Tobermory given that it is a truly magnificent natural wonder that has evolved over thousands of years.

Be prepared for things like black bears, but also don't forget to take advantage of the summer's most well-liked attractions.

Although it's not extremely difficult to reach the Grotto, many visitors attempt to down the sheer cliffside to explore the cave. The high likelihood of harm, the risk to first responders who would have to save you, and the most recent issue, the lack of space for physical separation, are just a few of the reasons why this is risky. Parks Canada has legally closed the cave for everyone's safety, even though it may be possible to access if you have the requisite expertise. You can still enjoy the view from the top of the neighbouring cliff right now!

THE BRUCE TRAIL WALK

You probably don't know this, but the famous Bruce Trail in Ontario ends near Tobermory. If you've never heard of the Bruce Trail, it's a route that stretches for more than 900 kilometres and descends the Niagara Escarpment to Queenston, which is near to Niagara Falls. Nowadays, hiking along the Bruce Trail and any of its numerous branching off-paths is a popular way for people to pass their leisure time. You shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Southern Terminus Cairn on the eastern side of the harbour.

fantastic shoreline views

The Bruce Trail, which passes through farms, provincial reserves, and areas that are close to cities, is actually the country's first-ever defined path. The terrain can be fairly difficult in some spots throughout the trail, despite the fact that there are a few easy sections scattered throughout. It's a good idea to come prepared and to always let someone know where you are, especially if it's your first time hiking that specific section of path. For more information on how to trek this well-traveled trail, check out my guide, which includes insider advice and techniques I've learned from my adventures along the Bruce Trail.

YOU MAY DISCOVER FATHOM FIVE NATIONAL MARINE PARK.

Fathom Five National Marine Park was created in the same year as the Bruce Peninsula National Park, making it the country's first national marine park. There are now only two marine conservation zones in the province of Ontario, and only four in the entire country of Canada.

Despite the fact that Georgian Bay's waters make up the great part of the park, a little section of it is really on land. The visitor centre is in a structure that is currently shared with Bruce Peninsula National Park; proceed there. This structure houses three distinct hiking trails, an accessible theatre, informative programmes, and educational exhibits about the area. One of these routes will lead you right into the centre of Tobermory, while the other two will lead you on a beautiful tour over the peninsula and all the way to Georgian Bay's shoreline. Don't pass up the opportunity to climb the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the neighbourhood! Without a doubt, the most well-liked activity that guests can partake in while at Fathom Five National Marine Park is a trip to Flowerpot Island.

DON'T MISS FLORPOT ISLAND

To get to Flowerpot Island, which acquired its name from the well-known granite pillars that resemble "flowerpots," cross Georgian Bay. Discover the paths that round the island as you approach the Flowerpot Island Lighthouse, passing by caverns and intriguing rock formations. Take the time to tour the island and bring some snacks and drink with you.

How long you want to spend exploring Flowerpot Island is entirely up to you. In around 1.5 to 2 hours, you'll be able to see the flowerpots and the cave. If you want to make it to the lighthouse, give yourself three hours to spare. But since you've come so far, why not devote a large amount of your day to seeing it all since you've travelled so far? Bring a picnic, take your time, and enjoy all the gorgeous views Flowerpot Island has to offer. The loop route will take you at least 4 hours to complete.

Tobermory is a terrific place for adventure, and agricultural gardening can help fill the prep fridge.

It's best to pack lightly because Flowerpot Island is a remote location. There is nothing there, including no shops, restaurants, or running water. There are composting restrooms at Beachy Cove, both beside the main pier and the historic lighthouse. Carry bug spray and sunscreen, wear sturdy footwear like a sturdy pair of hiking boots, and bring lots of drink. If you don't want to carry much, bring a Lifestraw water bottle so you never have to worry about running out! Of course, eating is important because a hangry hiker is an unpleasant hiker.

You must visit Flowerpot Island while in the area as it is one of the most distinctive things to do in Tobermory.

A CAMPSITE NIGHT ON FLOWERPOT ISLAND

Do you think the enjoyable day on Flowerpot Island might have been extended? You're in luck because overnight camping is permitted on Flowerpot Island. The only way to really appreciate this Ontario treasure is to camp at one of the six available sites in Beachy Cove. Since there are no fires permitted on Flowerpot Island, you must carry everything you'll need, including non-cook food or a propane camp stove for cooking (tent, sleeping bags, clothes, etc.).

Never spent any time outdoors camping? Here is a good spot to test the waters. The only difficult part is that you are "stuck" on an island distant from civilization. The trail is only a short distance long and very rugged, so you don't have to travel very far to get to your campground from the dock where you're dropped off. A huge positive in my book is that the island is bear-free (unlike the Bruce Peninsula).

STAY UP LATE FOR SOME SERIOUS STARGAZING

Despite not being a designated dark sky preserve, Tobermory clearly has a flavour of cottage country. A smaller population means less light pollution, which means better astronomy opportunities!

It could be challenging to stay up late after a long day of touring Tobermory, but you won't want to miss the stunning skies. Trust me when I say it was worth the loss of sleep! This is especially true if you want to camp on Flowerpot Island that night. If the solar storm is powerful enough, there's even a chance to view the aurora borealis, though it's far less likely to occur in the summer.

The northernmost city is Tobermory.

In my opinion, spending an evening stargazing while gazing into each other's eyes ought to be at the top of your list of romantic things to do in Tobermory.

Submerge yourself to view some shipwrecks.

In addition to being one of the best scuba diving spots in Ontario, did you know that Tobermory is the best place in the world for freshwater diving? You can get a fresh viewpoint on this Ontario site by going scuba diving. If you can brave the chilly water, you'll be rewarded to some amazing sights as there are about 20 historic shipwrecks in these seas!

Do you want to know if a PADI open water certification is necessary to dive in Tobermory? Even though you must be to dive the shipwrecks, the adjacent dive shop Divers Den offers introductory dives so you can get a feel for the sport. All you need to bring is a towel and your swimming suit because they will have everything else. If interested, you can also get your certification from them.

GET IN A GLASS BOOT AND RIDE AROUND

If you want to explore some shipwrecks but don't want to risk the chilly waters of Georgian Bay, this is one of the Tobermory attractions you shouldn't miss! From Tobermory Harbour, you may join a glass bottom boat trip to learn more about the history of the area and get a unique perspective of the waterways below.

There are two main types of enterprises in Tobermory. First up is Bruce Anchor Trips, which provides round-trip cruises for adults for between $38 and $44. Ask about glass bottoms before booking since only two of the four boats they offer have them. The other is Blue Heron Cruises, which costs between $46 and $60 for an adult. Although every ship in their fleet has a glass bottom, keep an eye out for their newest one because it provides the best views.

The ability to combine a cruise with a visit to Flowerpot Island for a whole afternoon (or day!) of fun is one advantage of sailing from Tobermory. This is without a doubt one of the most popular activities in the area.

GET A PADDELS

If you want to explore the waterways near Tobermory while remaining warm and (mostly) dry, get out on the lake and go paddling. You can use a number of different entry points to the water on several inland lakes as well as along Lake Huron's coastline. A straight connects Cameron Lake and Cyprus Lake, making this place a great place to launch a canoe or kayak trip down the Bruce Peninsula. Each island, including Cove Island and Russel Island, has a distinctive assortment of coves, bays, and inlets. More and more people are making their way to these two places in Tobermory if they want to rent a kayak or canoe and get out on the lake.

If you don't have a kayak of your own, you can hire one at Big Tub Harbour Resort or Tobermory Cruise Line. For those who are interested, the latter also offers the option to rent stand-up paddleboards.

Remember that the Great Lakes are the topic at hand! You need to be cautious because these waters have the potential to experience sudden mood swings as well as strong currents. To avoid getting into over your head on an adventure, always do your research and keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you are unsure of where you should paddle if you do not already know, speak with one of the nearby rental companies or get in touch with someone who works at Parks Canada to learn more.

EAT A FEW CHIPS AND FISH.

I don't know about you, but whenever I'm near a beautiful body of water, I have a need for fish and chips. Fortunately, you can get some in a few places around town!

Shipwreck Lee's is my favourite location to visit because I like the laid-back atmosphere and unique decor. Despite the fact that they have a dining establishment close to the ferry dock, I favour their smaller, more secluded satellite facility on Bay Street in the heart of the city. Their fish and chips cost between $10 and $15 and are crisp, savoury, and delicious. They also provide limitless fish and chips, something I had never seen before, plus a gluten-free option!

If Shipwreck Lee's is already packed, there are a few other eateries in Tobermory where you can satisfy your craving for fish and chips. The Crowsnest Pub is right adjacent to the harbour, while the Fish & Chip Place is obviously on the eastern side. If you don't mind skipping the chips, fish tacos are usually a decent choice and are offered at Coconut Joe's and the Tacomory Food Truck.

Go shopping time!

You likely came to Tobermory to enjoy the environment, but you never know when something insignificant can catch your eye. You should check out the town's many adorable stores!

You ought to visit Reader's Haven if you're even the slightest bit of a book nerd. They provide a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, but I advise browsing their section that supports Canadian and local authors. Additionally, you may purchase Bruce Trail souvenirs here, such as hats, calendars, and maps.

While you're driving on Highway 6, why not pause at The Sweet Shop? Their indicators are simple to ignore. Your sweet tooth might be satisfied with some of their exquisite treats. People are undoubtedly waiting in line to get an ice cream scoop even though they produce their own fudge and chocolates. Really, it just seems to fit perfectly with a beautiful summer day!

If you're looking for truly unique and thoughtful gifts, I recommend the Mariner Chart Shop. They offer some of the typical Tobermory apparel for tourists, but they also have some amazing handmade things. If you take some time to go through their store, you could be surprised by what you discover.

Get a tour of the Tobermory Brewing Company and sample some of their wares.

Yes, you read it correctly—Tobermory has its own brewery. There is no replacement for getting it on draught from the brewery itself, even though you can buy some of their beers at the LCBO. The TBC team follows the traditional European brewing technique, which involves brewing beer in small batches without the addition of ingredients or preservatives. Keep a look out for their seasonal beer selection, which is always changing!

If you happen to be travelling with someone who doesn't like craft beer, they also have a sizable wine list and a variety of locally distilled spirits. While you're there, order one of their amazing charcuterie platters to enjoy as a snack with your beverage. Stop in for a pint. Every dish on their menu is daily freshly produced in-house and, to the maximum extent possible, sourced from the neighbourhood. Take a seat on their patio and enjoy your beer while gazing at the stunning surroundings.

Contrary to the bulk of other companies in the area, Tobermory Brewing Company is one of the few places in town that is open all year round. However, given everything that is going on right now, it is advised to visit their website or Facebook page to learn about their most recent office hours.

GO CHECK OUT THE BIG TUB LIGHTHOUSE.

A trip to Big Tub is an absolute necessity for any successful vacation in Tobermory. Despite the fact that the Bruce Peninsula is home to several other lighthouses, Big Tub is probably the most recognisable.

Big Tub has been used to guide ships into the harbour for more than 130 years and counting since it was initially built in the year 1885. There have been many ship captains grateful for Big Tub's guiding light because the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay can occasionally be dangerous. Despite the fact that Big Tub has had six authorised lighthouse keepers, the light has been automated since it was initially put in place in 1952. However, the lighthouse you can see is actually the second one to have existed here, as the first structure was replaced with the present-day, six-sided wooden replica.

SEE A SUNSET

Tobermory is situated in a highly picturesque area, which, as you can imagine, adds to the breathtaking beauty of the city's sunsets. Although the views from the waterfront are quite beautiful, I would advise travelling to a less well-known place to watch the sunset. The Singing Sands beach may be found on Dorcas Bay Road, which can be reached by travelling south on Highway 6. The beach that stretches down the shore of Lake Huron is a more quiet area of Bruce Peninsula National Park and a great place to spend the evening, especially during the golden hour.

Truth be told, there are many of beautiful spots to watch the sun set along the Bruce Peninsula. Be on the lookout for locations as you explore the western side of the island where you might wish to return later to take in the cotton candy skies.

Accommodations in Tobermory and its surroundings

Even though I have visited Tobermory numerous times, I have never truly stayed there! I usually make it a day trip by staying at a motel close by and travelling there. Having said that, I would choose one of these alternatives if I were intending to stay at one of the Tobermory hotels.

The Grandview Hotel, which is about $135 per night, would be my first choice of lodging if I were to stay in Tobermory. Despite being basic, the guest rooms of the family-run Grandview Hotel are quite attractive. There will be a lot of blue, along with the nautical décor that I enjoy, so this shouldn't be a surprise. On-site dining options include a restaurant with a stunning patio overlooking Georgian Bay. Check what some of our previous guests had to say, or click here to see if any rooms are still available.

At the Bruce Anchor Motel & Cottages, a night's stay costs approximately $117. The Bruce Anchor Motel is an uncomplicated lodging option in Tobermory that is ideally situated next to the Chi Cheemaun. Their terrace offers some breathtaking views of the setting sun and overlooks Georgian Bay. In addition, they provide seven cottages, the most of which have three bedrooms and can easily fit four people. Additionally, I've heard that they will give you a discount on one of their cruises if you stay with them for the night. Clicking here will allow you to check the hotel's availability, or you can first read some reviews of the place.

Big Tub Harbour Hotel (around $135/night) is a great option for Tobermory lodging that also enables you to avoid some of the city's busier neighbourhoods. It is close to the lighthouse and may be located on the northern side of Big Tub Harbour. Some of the suites offer breathtaking views of Georgian Bay and its waterfront and are understatedly beautiful. Click here to see the comments that other visitors have made about their trip, or scroll down to read what they had to say.

Nevertheless, Tobermory has a reputation for becoming a little frantic during the warmer months of the year. It is usually required to make hotel bookings a very long time in advance if you want to find a place to stay in the city because it is such a popular location. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet vacation, I strongly advise you to find accomodation at either Lion's Head or Wiarton. Look at the map provided below to get a general idea of where to stay in Tobermory.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO TOBERMORY

As I mentioned earlier in this piece of writing, Tobermory is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. One of the areas in Ontario that is frequently mentioned as suffering the most from the negative consequences of excessive tourism is Tobermory. From the weekend of Victoria Day to the weekend of Labour Day, Tobermory experiences a sizable inflow of tourists due to the fact that so many people are drawn to Georgian Bay's breathtaking beauty at this time. If you want to spend the night anywhere, you'll need to make plans in advance because cottages and campgrounds fill up months in advance. This is particularly true for any extraordinarily long weekends that fall within that timeframe.

You should still be ready for crowds even if going in the middle of the week during the summer can be beneficial. You might drive into the city from one of the adjacent smaller towns, like Wiarton or Lion's Head, and stay there; however, you should be warned that doing so would result in parking issues. You will need to get in Tobermory very early in the morning or make plans to walk because there is a serious dearth of parking there.

Planning your trip for one of the shoulder seasons rather than the high or low seasons will generally work to your advantage. Even though many of the sites may still be closed at the start of spring owing to bad weather, Tobermory is at its most picturesque from the end of September to the beginning of October. The majority of the attractions will be open, and even while it can be a little chilly at night, daytime temps are normally rather pleasant. Your vacation won't break the bank because you won't have to pay the extra costs connected with travelling during the peak season. You have all the ingredients for a wonderful trip when you combine these elements with the fact that Tobermory has less tourists. Additionally, you'll be helping to prevent overtourism!

Last but not least, the only means to get to Tobermory is by driving using Highway 6, which comes to an end here before crossing Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island. This is the sole path that can be utilised to enter or exit the town. The number of vehicles that are stopped for exceeding the limit rises every year, despite the fact that the posted speed limit along this extremely straight portion of road is 80 kilometres per hour. In June of the previous year, there were over one hundred allegations of stunt driving made in just the month of May. This presents a risk to not only you but also to nearby residents, local wildlife, and other vehicles, pedestrians, and drivers on the road. Be a considerate visitor, contribute, and relax while you're here.

A QUICK GUIDE TO TOBERMORY

Are you willing to give some of these Tobermory activities a try? You are, I'm certain! Here are some frequently asked questions about Tobermory and some details you might find helpful when booking your vacation.

WHY REMARKABLY TOBERMORY?

The Tobermory Grotto's fame and the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula National Park have increased interest in this charming harbour town. There is, however, a lot more to see and do in the area, as this tour demonstrates.

HOW DO I PRONounce TOBERMORY?

excellent inquiry To say it correctly, say toe-burr-more-ee.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT TOBERMORY?

Everything depends on you. If you want to swim in the clear waters throughout the summer, it will be challenging to dodge the crowd. In my opinion, the best times to travel to Tobermory are in late September and early October when the weather is still pleasant enough for some outdoor activities and the crowds have thinned out.

HOW LONG SHOULD I REMAIN IN TOBERMORY?

It is possible to spend just one day in Tobermory, however it is advised that you remain for at least two or three days to take advantage of everything the town has to offer. Click here to see the available hotel options.

WHY IS THE WATER IN TOBERMORY SO COLD?

The reason the water in Tobermory is so frigid is because of the thermocline in Georgian Bay, an unseen boundary where temperatures change dramatically. The water is cold below this thermocline and starts off at about 3-5 metres below the surface in the spring, although it does drop to 25 metres or lower in the summer. Because it takes longer for the water above Georgian Bay to warm up, despite its depth, it frequently has cooler temperatures than other Great Lakes regions.

WHY IS THE WATER IN TOBERMORY SO CLEAR?

Tobermory's water is remarkably clean because it filters through the area's limestone bedrock. It might be a little cloudy after a heavy storm because the wind stirs up material from the lakebed, but it quickly clears up. An excellent essay with further details is available from the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation.

ARE THE FREE ACTIVITIES AT TOBERMORY PAID ACTIVITIES?

Tobermory does indeed provide a variety of free activities. Both exploring the town and strolling the trails in Tobermory are free activities. Furthermore, admission to Big Tub Lighthouse is free.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE WHILE TRAVELING TO TOBERMORY?

What an excellent question, given all the sights and activities to enjoy while travelling to Tobermory! Since many people go from the sizable metropolis of Toronto to Tobermory, these are some of the locations I advise stopping at.

Avoid missing out on the incredible Martian-like environment of the Cheltenham Badlands!

If you need gas, Orangeville is a great place to stop because, in my experience, it's typically a little cheaper than other adjacent areas. There are many attractions in the town, such as wonderful restaurants and beautiful public art, so that isn't the only reason to go!

Some of Grey County's most stunning waterfalls can be seen in the nearby communities of Eugenia and Flesherton.

The Bruce Peninsula officially begins when you reach Owen Sound. This area, which has a few more waterfalls and a tonne of great restaurants, is a great place to stay for a night or two if you want to explore more of the South Georgian Bay region.

In Wiarton Say hello to Wiarton Willie by going to see him! However, because he frequently naps during the day, he might not be as friendly as you'd like.

Visit Lion's Head Lighthouse or the nearby provincial park for a wonderful Bruce Trail hike.

You'll need at least a few days if you want to stop at every destination since there are so many sights to see between Toronto and Tobermory. If you plan to travel this route over a few days, clicking through the links above will give you some helpful recommendations for things to do, restaurants to visit, and more.

IF TOBERMORY IS TOO BUSY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The greatest time to visit Tobermory is in the early spring or late fall because that is when it is busiest, as I previously stated. If you're determined on a trip in June, July, or August, there are a lot of other great places near the Bruce Peninsula. Wiarton is one of Highway 6's most undervalued beauties, as my tour guide will demonstrate. Visit it, it's highly recommended. Nearby amenities include beaches, a number of top-notch restaurants, shipwrecks, and more. Lion's Head is a beautiful spot, even though it has grown in popularity over time as more people find how amazing the hiking trails are.

CAN A VISIT VALUE TOBERMORY?

I think this manual answers that question! Tobermory is unquestionably worthwhile seeing, but it may require some planning and preparation. Given that, you should start making trip arrangements as soon as possible to experience all of these fantastic things to do in Tobermory, Ontario.

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