10 Ultimate Things to do in Tobermory
Are you looking for the perfect getaway in Ontario that is ideal for nature lovers? Then jump in the car for one of the best Ontario road trips up the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory. It’s one of Ontario’s charming small towns and is an outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list destination. Here’s your guide to the top things to do in Tobermory Ontario!
Tobermory is an adorable little village that oozes charm. It’s home to two harbours, Big Tub and Little Tub, with endearing names, a mix of eclectic shops and places to eat, all of which are local (you won’t find chain stores here!).
Even the people were lovely, from the shop owner who gave us the lowdown on where to eat to our waitress at our favourite pub who is always sweet and funny. Its places like these that draw us in and make us feel right at home. It’s no wonder why people visit Tobermory again and again.
Things to Do in Tobermory
For those planning to travel to Tobermory you’ll find a bounty of outdoor adventures! Regardless of your fitness level or interest there is a wealth of fun things to do in Tobermory Ontario for you!
Cruise Fathom Five National Marine Park
The Bruce Peninsula is home to two National Parks, one on land – Bruce Peninsula National Park, and one in the water – Fathom Five National Marine Park. And any Tobermory guide would not be complete without recommending these two incredible parks.
Part of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fathom Five National Marine Park has a unique ecosystem and is home to 20 islands, over 20 shipwrecks, and stunning crystal clear turquoise water.
There are multiple Tobermory cruise options where you’ll see shipwrecks, the Cove Island lighthouse, and can visit Flowerpot Island.
I took a boat cruise out to Flowerpot Island and along the way, it takes you over two shipwrecks. I was honestly floored. I had no idea the shipwrecks are in shallow water, that’s incredibly clear, and are huge and nearly intact after all these years.
Go Scuba Diving
One of the top activities in Tobermory is scuba diving. The area is home to over 20 historic shipwrecks. And five of them are located within Big Tub and Little Tub Harbours. With impeccably clear waters, Tobermory is known as one of the best freshwater places to dive in the world.
Along with shipwrecks, there are geological wonders including; swim-throughs, overhangs, sinkholes, and limestone shoals.
Don’t worry if you’ve never dived before. Tobermory’s dive shops offer PADI Discover Scuba Diving experiences for first-time divers. You can jump on one of the boats heading out and go diving or snorkeling.
But ensure you register with Parks Canada before entering the water as the waters that surround Tobermory are part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Visit Flowerpot Island
One of the top places to visit in Tobermory is Flowerpot Island. The island is known for its natural rock sea stacks, made from wind and water, and are affectionately called flowerpots.
The Island is located a short boat ride from Tobermory. Approaching by boat you’ll see the incredible flowerpots from the water.
But be sure to book a cruise that allows you to get off and explore the island for half the day with pick up later.
If you are only on the island for a half-day you can enjoy the various hiking trails, check out the lighthouse, and of course, see the flowerpots up close. But you can also camp on the island, be sure to book well in advance though.
Hike the Bruce Peninsula National Park
One of the top things to do in Tobermory is hike the Bruce Peninsula National Park. While the Bruce Peninsula is home to many awesome places to hike with awesome views, this over 150 square kilometre National Park’s most famous trail is the Bruce Trail.
The park is home to a wide array of habitats, from meadows to wetlands and lakes to rocky beaches. Bruce Peninsula National Park also has a ton of epic lookouts and vistas like Indian Cove and the world-famous Grotto.
Hiking the trails around Cyprus Lake and out to Georgian Bay you can see the top attraction in the area – the Grotto. After the Grotto, you can continue along the coast to a huge rocky bay called Boulder Beach. From here you can hike back along Marr Lake Trail or continue hiking in search of more epic views.
Don’t forget to explore the rest of the park, including the trails near the Visitor Centre like Burnt Point Loop, Halfway Log Dump, and Singing Sands (located on the western side of the peninsula).
Visit the Grotto
Located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Grotto is top of the list of Tobermory attractions. Set in Georgian Bay’s crystal clear waters, on the coast lies a limestone cave that is reminiscent of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
It’s a beautiful setting for photography, simply enjoying this natural wonder, or swimming in its refreshing waters in the summer. (But please note this Tobermory guide does not recommend swimming here – swim at your own risk as it can be dangerous)
To get to the Grotto you can hike in from the Cyprus Lake parking lot. The quickest hike is with the Georgian Bay Trail. But before you make the trek out to the Grotto be aware that there are now timed parking slots for the Cyprus Lake parking lots. So, check Park Canada for how to book your time slot before you go.
Stroll the Boardwalk
One of my favourite hidden gems in Tobermory is along the boardwalk. The boardwalk is located along Tobermory’s south shore of Little Tub Harbour.
This lovely boardwalk trail runs from the Bruce Trail Northern Terminus Cairn, across from the Blue Bay Motel, and east along Bay Street. A mix of walkway and boardwalk, it’s a great place to stroll along the harbour and enjoy the views that only Tobermory can offer.
And be sure to look out for the large beached old boat that’s been overtaken by vegetation.
Looking for more amazing boardwalks? Check out these 25+ Ontario boardwalk trails!
Visit Big Tub Lighthouse
The Big Tub Lighthouse is one of eight lighthouses found on the Bruce Peninsula. But this picturesque one is located right in Tobermory on, you guessed it, Big Tub Harbour.
Originally built in 1885, the lighthouse sits on a beautiful spot. You can wander over the rocky shores, have a picnic, or watch one of Tobermory’s stunning sunsets.
Lookout Tower
Ascend the 65 foot (20 metre) Lookout Tower, located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park by the Visitor Centre. Take the over 100 steps to the top for epic 360-degree views over Tobermory, the Bruce Peninsula National Park, and the mighty Fathom Five National Marine Park.
It’s one of those amazing things to do in Tobermory and I recommend climbing the Lookout Tower either first thing in the morning or in the evening for a beautiful sunrise and to beat the crowds.
Hunt for Orchids
The Bruce Peninsula is considered one of the best places in the world for orchids. Covering Tobermory’s Bruce Peninsula National Park during late spring into early summer, there are over 40 species of orchids found on the Peninsula. In comparison, there are 77 species in Canada, of which 61 are in Ontario, and 44 of those are found on the Bruce Peninsula.
There’s even an Orchid Festival at the beginning of June, with various events, hikes, and guided tours. Some beauties to look for include; the Yellow Lady Slipper, the tiny Ram’s Head, and the Calypso orchid that can be found on Flowerpot Island.
But please be mindful of these delicate flowers. They can’t be replanted, trampling them will kill them, and some even take years to bloom. So be sure to stick to the trail.
Discover where else you can find incredible flowers in Ontario!
Take in a Sunset
Watching the sunset off the shores of Tobermory is a must! There is an array of places in Tobermory to catch the sunset. One great place is Sunset Park!
Located just outside the village, Sunset Park allows a magical sunset without the crowds. Another popular Tobermory attraction that makes for a great spot to take in the sunset is along the rocky shore around Big Tub Lighthouse.
Day Trips from Tobermory
If you’re staying for a week or so in Tobermory and looking to explore more of the area there are plenty of things to do and places to go. You can explore more of the hiking trails along the Bruce Peninsula, including Lion’s Head, Spirit Rock Conservation Area, and Skinner’s Bluff.
If you want to explore more small towns head to Lion’s Head, Sauble Beach, and Wiarton. You can also explore the peninsula many lighthouses like Cape Croker Lighthouse and Cabot Head Lighthouse, which makes for a scenic drive leading to it too!
There are also two different caves systems, Bruce Caves which is free except for the parking fee, and Greig’s Caves which you explore by booking a tour.
Add Tobermory to an Ontario Road Trip
While travelling to Tobermory is one of the best Ontario road trips you can also extend that road trip and make Tobermory one of the stops. While travelling from Toronto you can enjoy plenty of stops on the way to Tobermory and a few further afield. One stop on the way to Tobermory could by in Grey County where you can chase waterfalls, explore charming small towns, and hike more of the Bruce Trail. And after Tobermory, you can catch the Chi Cheemaun Ferry over to Manitoulin Island. Here you can spend a few days exploring the island, hiking, star gazing, or just plain relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tobermory Ontario
If you’re planning a road trip you may have a few questions about visiting Tobermory. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about Tobermory including when to visit, parking, and what it’s known for.
What is Tobermory Known for? – Tobermory is best known for the Grotto! But it’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts for many other reasons. It’s also known as fresh water SCUBA diving capital of the world.
Where is Tobermory? – Tobermory is located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, just over three hours north of Toronto. Situated on the picturesque Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory is sandwiched between two National parks, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Parking – There is paid parking in Tobermory from May 15 to October 15 each year. Parking rates are $3.00 per hour or $15.00 per day for Municipal parking lots as well as on-street parking. There is free parking in Tobermory in the cruise line lots for guests using the cruises. But this is on a first come, first served basis.
What is there to do in Tobermory? – The top activities in Tobermory are visiting the Grotto, hiking the Bruce Trail, taking a cruise, visiting Flowerpot Island, seeing Big Tub Lighthouse, going scuba diving, and exploring the Bruce Peninsula National Park.
How long should I plan to stay in Tobermory? – The drive up the Bruce Peninsula is a long one for many. So, I highly recommend spending at least one or two nights in Tobermory to catch the top attractions. But five days or a week is ideal to causually enjoy all the best Tobermory things to do.
Where to Eat in Tobermory
It may be small but there are plenty of places to eat in Tobermory. For breakfast, there are three main spots; Leesides with a water view, Craigie’s, and the Princess Hotel that offers affordable meals with a view.
For lunch, head to Foodland’s deli counter for a fresh sandwich if you’re on a budget or The Coffee Shop for a sandwich, samosa, or salad.
For dinner, enjoy fish & chips from one of two restaurants, for a classier meal and drinks head to Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill, and for traditional pub grub visit Crowsnest Pub with rooftop views of Tobermory.
Where to Shop in Tobermory
Tobermory is full of charming shops where you can purchase everything from traditional souvenirs to paintings of the area, and so much more.
A great start is the Trading Post, selling an array of gifts, clothing, Canadian-made pieces, and moccasins. Another great shop is the Mariner Chart Shop, full of attire, jewellery, books, home decor, and all things nautical.
Where to Stay in Tobermory
There are endless options for places to stay in Tobermory. You can rent a cabin or cottage and also book a vacation rental. There are also campsites in and around the Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula National Park – but book early as spots go quick.
But if you’re looking for more traditional accommodations in Tobermory there is a wealth of hotels, motels, and Bed and Breakfasts. A few of my favourite Tobermory hotels are the Princess Hotel, Blue Bay Motel, and Harbourside Motel, all of which are located right on the Little Tub Harbour.
Book Your Tobermory Stay Today!
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