Tobermory Ontario

Exploring Tobermory and the Northern Bruce Peninsula

Tucked away on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is a quaint Canadian town home to under 4,000 permanent inhabitants.

Yet the pretty harbourfront village is far from sleepy; its crystal clear waters and centuries-old shipwrecks make Tobermory one of the top freshwater SCUBA destinations on earth. There’s plenty on offer for landlubbers as well, from hiking the forested Bruce Trail to exploring the cragged Grotto cave and Flowerpot Island.

There truly is something for everyone around Tobermory. Let’s take a gander at the top things to do in Tobermory and the Northern Bruce Peninsula.

Top things to do in Tobermory

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Fathom Five National Marine Park

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
The Fathom Five National Marine Park protects the shimmering Georgian Bay, whose touristic treasures include ancient shipwrecks, lonely lighthouses, and a thriving freshwater ecosystem. Hiking, sailing, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides are available in this exciting section of Lake Huron.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Framed by rugged coastlines and packed with lush forest terrain, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is a playground for avid outdoor enthusiasts. Tranquil hiking trails wind through the park, and its picture-perfect lakes are perfect for pitching a tent.

Flowerpot Island

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
As the star attraction of the Fathom Five, Flowerpot Island juts out of the glistening Georgian Bay. A well-maintained circular hiking route takes in the most scenic views, including the jagged ‘flowerpot’ rock formations that rise vertically from the lake.

Little Cove Provincial Park

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
West of Bruce Peninsula National Park lies this smaller provincial park, home to the rocky Little Cove Beach. The sheltered cove is a top spot for kayaking, and there’s a scenic hiking trail leading to the Bruce Peninsula campgrounds.

Big Tub Harbour

TYPE: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
The long and skinny Big Tub Harbour lies just outside of Tobermory and is a hit with visitors for its crystal clear waters, lush tree-lined shores, and the spooky Sweepstakes–a 19th-century shipwreck visible from the surface.

Little Tub Harbour

TYPE: FOOD & DRINK, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Smack bang in the center of Tobermory lies Little Hub Harbour, the town’s primary port and mariner. A whole host of culinary venues and pubs line its shores, including the unmissable Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill.

Mermaid Cove

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
A 20-minute hike east of Tobermory will see you arrive at the quaint Mermaid Cove. You won’t find any mythical sea creatures here, but rather clear and calm waters to swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.

Singing Sands Beach

TYPE: BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES
Located on the southern shores of the Bruce Peninsula, Singing Sands Beach is your best bet for a tranquil beach escape. Shallow waters make it ideal for the little ones and several dog-friendly trails crisscross around the area.

The Grotto

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, SIGHTSEEING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
A highlight of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Grotto is a gorgeous limestone cave lapped by clear turquoise waves. Visit on a boat trip from Tobermory or hike here through the pine forests of the Bruce Trail.

Big Tub Lighthouse

TYPE: SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Perched on the tip of a peninsula and marking the entrance of Big Tub Harbor, this 14-metre whitewashed lighthouse can be spotted from miles away. Visits inside the 19th-century structure aren’t permitted, although it’s worth visiting all the same.

Little Cove Adventures - Aerial Park

TYPE: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES
Located on Highway 6 just three minutes from Tobermory, this sky-high rope course is a blast for the kids and the young at heart. A selection of cute and clean cabins are available should you fancy staying the night.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

TYPE: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Boasting crystal clear water and almost two dozen shipwrecks to explore, the Fathom Five National Marine Park serves up the best underwater adventures in Canada. Its near-perfect visibility and dazzling limestone shoals make it well worth braving the frigid water.
Fathom Five National Marine Park

Kayaking or Canoeing

TYPE: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Experience the unbridled beauty of the Fathom Five without getting your feet wet by renting a kayak or canoe. The Bruce Peninsula coastline is awash with cute little coves and caves to explore, suitable for paddlers of all levels.

Day Trips and Tours

TYPE: SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
From glass-bottom boat trips to SCUBA tours and sailing excursions further afield, there’s no shortage of exciting day trips to choose from in Tobermory. The agencies around Little Hub Harbour will be more than willing to organise an epic mini-escape.

Dinner Cruise

TYPE: FOOD & DRINK, SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Hop aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun cruise ship and enjoy a delicious Canadian feast as the sun sets over the Georgian Bay. What better way to top off a perfect day in paradise than wining and dining under the stars?
Fathom Five National Marine Park

Breathtaking Sunsets

TYPE: SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Sunsets over the Georgian Bay showcase a dazzling display of contrasts and colour. The mesmerizing light show steps up a notch in summer and is best viewed aboard a vessel or the west-facing Shoal Bight Bay.
Fathom Five National Marine Park

Stargazing

TYPE: SIGHTSEEING
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
A low level of light pollution makes Tobermory an excellent spot to gaze up at the heavens in awe. Head to the harbour at Lion’s Head on Friday or Saturday nights in summer for the free Bayside Astronomy Program.

Hiking Trails

TYPE: NATURE & PARKS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Lushly forested trails abound throughout the Bruce Peninsula, from 20-minute island loops to grueling multiday treks. The Bruce Peninsula National Park boasts the best hiking spots as well as plenty of pretty lakeside locales to pitch a tent.

Helicopter Tours

TYPE: SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GOOD FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES
Grab a bird’s eye view of Tobermory’s divine natural splendor in a thrilling helicopter ride around the region. Itineraries range from 12 minutes to an hour and offer a whole new perspective on the lake, peninsula, and islands.
Fathom Five National Marine Park

Snowmobiling

TYPE: WINTER ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES
Escape the winter chill by embarking on an adrenaline-pumping snowmobile excursion through the peninsula’s fens, bogs, and beaver ponds. You’ll blast over ridges and tear through cedar forests on this thrilling Skidoo adventure.
Fathom Five National Marine Park

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

TYPE: WINTER ACTIVITIES
GOOD FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES
To explore the snowscape at a slower pace, opt for a snowshoe or cross country skiing expedition. Flat gentle terrain and gorgeous evergreen pines mean the Bruce Peninsula has some of the finest cross country trails in Canada.

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