Top things to do in Tobermory, Ontario: The ultimate guide

Did you know there’s a place in Ontario with crystal clear waters as blue as the Caribbean? Tobermory, Ontario, blends spectacular landscapes with plenty of small-town charm. And taking in the Georgian Bay views is just one of the great things to do in Tobermory. Enjoy world-class hiking, lounge on a sandy beach, eat freshly caught fish, drink local craft beers, and lots more!

A visit to Tobermory provides many ways to explore the fascinating geology at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. You’ll also love its picturesque main street packed with great restaurants and locally owned shops.

Tobermory has become one of Ontario’s top destinations. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but it’s very important to plan ahead. Many of Tobermory’s most popular attractions are accessible only with permits that need to be purchased in advance, especially during the summer months.

Here’s our complete guide to things to do in Tobermory, Ontario. You’ll find our top tips for planning your visit, a look at the most popular attractions, and some of its lesser-known spots. There’s also a list of popular restaurants, some unique places to stay, and answers to your most frequently asked questions.

We’ve road tripped to Tobermory many times, both independently and as part of media visits hosted by Bruce Grey Simcoe and Destination Ontario. Have questions about planning your own visit to Tobermory? Join our Facebook community!

Tobermory is a stop on our Georgian Bay Circle Tour road trip >

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The 4 most popular things to do in Tobermory, Ontario

Most visitors to Tobermory are drawn for the same reason: to see Georgian Bay’s beautiful blue waters and the spectacular rock formations they’ve created over thousands of years.

Much of the land at the top of the peninsula is protected by Bruce Peninsula National Park. This 140-square-kilometre park falls within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The waters and islands surrounding the peninsula are conserved by Fathom Five National Marine Park. This became Canada’s first national marine park when it was established in 1987.

The most popular things to do in Tobermory and the surrounding area are within these two important parks. Here’s a look at four perennial favourites.

Hiking to the Grotto is a bucket-list experience

Hiking to the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park is widely considered one of the top things to do in Tobermory, Ontario. This spectacular cave was carved into the dolomite rock cliff faces of the peninsula over millennia by Georgian Bay’s rough waters. It has earned a reputation for its stark beauty.

To reach the Grotto, you’ll hike along the Georgian Bay Trail. This 1.5-kilometre easy gravel-lined path is relatively flat and accessible for most of its length. Expect this to take 10 to 20 minutes in each direction, depending on your pace. (To climb up the rocks and see the Grotto itself at the end of the trail, you’ll need to leave wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons behind.)

The Grotto is the most popular destination within Bruce Peninsula National Park. It’s also one of the top natural attractions in Ontario. To preserve the natural environment and keep traffic levels in check, Parks Canada has instituted a timed-access system.

During the peak periods from May through October, you’ll either need to purchase a four-hour Grotto parking permit in advance or book an overnight stay at the park’s Cyprus Lake Campground. Both reservations are in very high demand. If you arrive to Bruce Peninsula National Park without a camping or parking reservation, you won’t be able to access the Grotto unless you’re prepared to hike for several hours in each direction. It’s therefore critical to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Halfway Log Dump is another popular place to visit in Bruce Peninsula National Park. It’s subject to the same parking restrictions as the Grotto.

Check out these 9 interesting things to know about Bruce Peninsula National Park >

A boat tour is one of the top things to do in Tobermory

Aside from their unique colour, the waters surrounding Tobermory are known for two things. One is the shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour, which are some of the most accessible in Ontario. The other is the sea stacks on Flowerpot Island. These amazing rock formations were created by Lake Huron’s waves pounding against the layers of limestone.

You can see both while enjoying a Tobermory boat tour. We’ve had great experiences with Bruce Anchor Cruises. They have boats that are partially and fully covered so you can enjoy your tour regardless of the weather. Some even have glass bottoms so you can look straight down onto the shipwrecks. (On a calm day, though, we recommend grabbing a window seat instead. The views are just as good from there, if not better!)

Each tour begins with a lap around Big Tub Harbour to take a close look at its two shipwrecks. Your guide will explain how the ships got there as the boat spins 360 degrees to offer a great view from all sides. From there, you’ll head out past Big Tub Lighthouse and into Fathom Five National Marine Park. After 15 minutes or so on the water, you’ll arrive at Flowerpot Island. After a brief stop, the tour will conclude with a return to Tobermory.

Note that cancellations can occur during severe weather or high winds.

Flowerpot Island is a fantastic day trip from Tobermory

The island above Tobermory is called Flowerpot Island. It’s within the territory of Fathom Five National Marine Park.

There is no mooring for private boats on Flowerpot Island. Unless you make the trip on your own via canoe or kayak — and this is a very challenging paddle that requires a lot of experience and preparation — you’ll need to book with a private tour operator to visit Flowerpot Island.

Tour operators offer two types of Flowerpot Island cruises. There’s a stay-aboard cruise, where the boat circles around the island but you don’t disembark. The other type is a drop-off cruise. If you choose this ticket, the tour boat acts as a ferry to Flowerpot Island. You can disembark when it docks and hike to the flowerpots.

Apart from basic pit toilets, there are no amenities on Flowerpot Island. Plan ahead and bring your own supplies such as water, lunch and snacks, and be prepared to leave with everything you bring. (The only exception is when the museum at the light station is open. They sell some drinks and snacks, but the safest bet is to bring your own.) The island’s trails are rugged, so bring sturdy footwear.

Here are our best tips on how to get to Flowerpot Island >

Bay Street in Tobermory is small-town Ontario at its finest

One of our favourite things to do in Tobermory time and again is to stroll along its downtown on Bay Street. This is the town’s central hub of activity, especially during the summer months. You’ll find unique shops like Nature’s Gifts, which sells crystals and handmade jewelry; the Reader’s Haven Book Store; gift shops like Mementos of Tobermory and the Tobermory Trading Post, and more.

Many of Tobermory’s restaurants are located here, as is the Tobermory Brewing Company. (We’ve got more info on these in the food and drink section below.) Add in the Sweet Shop — one of Ontario’s best-known candy stores — as well as several ice cream and gelato shops, and Tobermory’s Bay Street is the quintessential Ontario small town!

Note that some Tobermory businesses are seasonal and may not be open if you visit outside the summer months. Don’t let this deter you, though. Spring and fall are wonderful times to visit Tobermory. Just be sure to double-check the operating season of any locations you’re hoping to visit before you head out.

Things to do in Tobermory: the top 6 lesser-known spots

Tobermory’s main draws are wonderful, but there’s so much more to do! Here’s a look at six things to do in Tobermory that may not be on your radar. Consider adding these to your itinerary for your next visit.

Head to the Parks Canada visitor centre and climb the tower

When you’re in Tobermory, don’t head straight for the main attractions. First, check out the visitor centre for Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. Here, you can learn about both parks and the important ecological systems they protect.

You can also ask the staff at the visitor centre questions about trail conditions. This is very important if you plan to head out on longer hikes. If you need information on reservations or backcountry camping permits, you can find this here as well.

Just behind the visitor centre, you’ll find a 20-metre (65-foot) tower. If you’re able, climb the 112 steps to the top to check out the views of one of Southern Ontario’s largest remaining uninterrupted stands of forest. It’s worth the effort!

There is parking available at the visitor centre. The fee counts as an entry permit for Fathom Five National Marine Park, including the visitor centre and the trails immediately surrounding it, as well as access to Flowerpot Island. (If you have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, you can display it and park without paying a fee.)

The parking lot at the visitor centre gets very busy during peak times. If you’re already in Tobermory, you’ll find it easier to walk to it using the short trail that connects to town at the east end of Head Street. This walk takes less than 10 minutes, and you can save money by leaving your car parked at your hotel.

Hike to the Little Dunks Bay Lookout

Looking for the best hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park with young kids? Try the short trek to Little Dunks Bay Lookout. This easy trail is less than a kilometre long and takes under half an hour to complete each way. It’s an easy meander through the forest to a lookout where you can admire Georgian Bay’s uniquely blue waters. This trail is an excellent and less stressful alternative to the Grotto’s tall cliffs, especially for families with younger children.

More experienced hikers can continue from here on the Burnt Point Loop Side Trail. This moderately difficult trail is a 4.8-kilometre loop and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. You’ll be rewarded with another lookout over Georgian Bay before returning through the cedar forest.

Hike the rest of the Cyprus Lake trail system

There’s more to Cyprus Lake than the Grotto! While the primary path to the Grotto is via the Georgian Bay Trail, you can extend your hike into a loop by following the Marr Lake Trail. We love this extended hike for a few reasons.

For one, there’s another small cove a little further up the trail past the Grotto. Relatively few visitors make it far enough to find this spot, so it’s usually a tranquil place to enjoy the views, even on the busiest days.

Plus, the cobblestone beach leading into the Marr Lake Trail is a tough climb and a fun challenge. The trail itself ranges from moderate to difficult, and it lasts for just under a kilometre before it rejoins the Georgian Bay Trail where you can return to the parking lot. There are some interesting things to spot along this trail, such as the foundation of a long-abandoned home on Marr Lake.

If you’d like to add a more challenging approach, you can walk the moderately difficult Horse Lake Trail for 1 kilometre to join the Bruce Trail, then walk past the Grotto to join the Marr Lake Trail. This loop would likely push the time limit of a four-hour parking permit, so you’ll need to keep a steady pace.

Push yourself further and continue along the Bruce Trail

If you’re planning to visit Bruce Peninsula National Park and you’ve read this far, you’re probably interested in hiking. For a real challenge, consider taking your hike a few steps further — or many steps further! — by taking on the legendary Bruce Trail.

This 900-kilometre trail starts at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory and follows the Niagara Escarpment all the way south to Queenston, just north of Niagara Falls. Much of the trail is within the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve.

The Bruce Trail is renowned for its phenomenal views and incredible challenges. You can truly choose your own adventure here: stay within the national park and hike for a few hours, or use the trail’s backcountry camping sites and plan a multiple-day hiking adventure.

Further south on the Bruce Peninsula outside the national park boundaries, the Bruce Trail also connects to local trail systems such as the Lion’s Head Lookout trail, the Greig’s Caves Trail, and the Devil’s Monument Loop Trail. You’ll soon discover why the Bruce Peninsula is one of the top hiking destinations in Canada!

Singing Sands Beach is a family-friendly Tobermory destination

The Bruce Peninsula is famous for the rocky cliffs and blue waters of Georgian Bay. But on the western side of the peninsula, things couldn’t be more different!

Singing Sands Beach in Bruce Peninsula National Park is a long and shallow sandy beach. It’s much like those you’ll find all along the eastern shores of Lake Huron. It’s also one of the best places on the entire peninsula to catch a beautiful sunset. This gentle beach is great for younger kids, but Singing Sands Beach is worth visiting at any age to appreciate the Bruce Peninsula’s diverse geology.

Unlike some areas of Bruce Peninsula National Park, you don’t need a reservation to park at Singing Sands Beach. The parking lot does fill up on sunny summer days during the peak season, so it’s a good idea to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot.

Take the MS Chi-Cheemaun to Manitoulin Island

Once you’re ready to move on from Tobermory, you have two choices. You can drive back down the Bruce Peninsula, or you can continue northbound toward Manitoulin Island. Tobermory is the southern departure point for the MS Chi-Cheemaun, which has been sailing for 50 years between Ontario’s mainland and the community of South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.

The MS Chi-Cheemaun operates from early May to mid-October annually with two to three sailings operating daily in each direction. Sailings take 1 hour and 45 minutes one-way during peak season and 2 hours during off-peak times. Reservations for the MS Chi-Cheemaun are required at least four hours in advance. Note that cancellations can occur during severe weather or high winds.

Top tips for visiting Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory is one of Ontario’s most beautiful towns, and it’s absolutely worth taking the time to visit. There are a few things to know that will help you plan a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Here are our best tips for visiting Tobermory.

Tobermory is not an easy day trip from the Greater Toronto Area

From most parts of the Greater Toronto Area, it takes at least 3.5 hours to drive to Tobermory one-way. Even if you leave early in the morning to explore during the day, you’ll likely find yourself returning to the city late at night in the dark. It’s worth booking a night at a hotel or one of the many campgrounds in the area instead. You won’t feel rushed, and you can have a safer and more relaxed journey home.

Be sure to arrive in Tobermory with reservations

Tobermory is a popular destination. It’s very common for overnight accommodations and parking reservations to be completely sold out, especially during the summer months and doubly so on weekends. If you don’t have a reservation, it’s a good idea to plan a visit for another time and make advance bookings for when they’re available.

Expect crowds at peak times

During the summer months and especially on weekends, you’re likely to encounter crowds at the most popular destinations as well as on Bay Street. This can include long waits to get into most restaurants. Weekdays are slightly less busy than weekends, and the shoulder seasons — May to June and September to October — are less busy than the peak summer months of July and August.

Swimming at the Grotto is at your own risk

The Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park and the shallower inlet next to it, Indian Head Cove, are popular swimming spots during the summer months. However, the water stays cold well into August and can become choppy with little notice. Jumping or diving off the cliff faces is extremely dangerous and not permitted. There are no lifeguards or safety personnel on duty anywhere within Bruce Peninsula National Park. Swimming at the Grotto or anywhere else in the park is therefore entirely at your own risk.

It’s worth the extra money to stay close to downtown Tobermory

When choosing accommodation, you’ll find that locations within Tobermory cost more than those that are driving distance away. Consider how you’ll spend your time when deciding where to stay. The Parks Canada visitor centre, docks for boat tours, and main commercial area on Bay St. are all within easy walking distance of one another. Parking in town is scarce and costs money during peak times, so these charges can add up quickly. You may find it’s worth the premium to book accommodation closer to the centre of town.

Fuel or charge your vehicle before you arrive

There’s one small independent gas station in Tobermory. While several hotels have slower Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations for guests to use overnight, there are no Level 3 charging stations in Tobermory as of this writing. To be on the safe side, it’s smart to fuel or charge your vehicle in Owen Sound before heading up the Bruce Peninsula.

The best places to eat and drink in Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory is famous for its fresh-caught fish and chips and its local craft brewery. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find many more flavours to explore! Here’s a look at some of best destinations in Tobermory when it’s time for food and drink.

Tobermory Brewing Company

The Tobermory Brewing Company is a very popular spot, especially during the summer months. You’ll find a wide variety of house-made craft beers, including a lager, a blonde, an IPA, an amber, and a dark ale. The restaurant also serves up traditional pub fare such as nachos, poutine, burgers, and more. There’s a dedicated gluten-free menu, and the kitchen stays open with a late-night menu until 11 PM.

Pharos

Pharos is the Greek word for lighthouse, and that’s exactly what this Tobermory staple has become for hungry travellers. Located inside the Tobermory Princess Hotel, the family behind Pharos has been a fixture in Tobermory since the late 1970s. Head here for delicious classic Greek cuisine and filling breakfasts. In our experience, Pharos is diligent about accommodating dietary restrictions. Their pizzas are rumoured to be the best in town!

Las Chulas

Looking for stellar authentic Mexican food in Tobermory? Head to Las Chulas for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more. Las Chulas also offers affordable breakfasts and a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and soups. We have celiac disease and can say with authority that Las Chulas is the best place in Tobermory to find a safe and delicious gluten-free meal.

Other places to eat and drink in Tobermory

Since we have dietary restrictions, we haven’t had a chance to try Tobermory’s fish and chip shops, which are extremely popular. The Fish and Chip Place serves exactly that and has a reputation for excellent fresh Georgian Bay whitefish. Shipwreck Lee’s also serves fish and chips and has an all-you-can-eat menu available.

The Sweet Shop is a classic candy store and a must-visit in Tobermory during the summer. You can also get ice cream there, or you can visit Peninsula Ice Cream and Treats. Stella’s Gelato and Café has a selection of gelato flavours as well as hot beverages and take-out breakfast and lunch options.

On the opposite side of the harbour, the Tobermory Coffee Company has a selection of great house-roasted coffees, and there’s a BeaverTails outpost open during the summer. These locations are most convenient for a quick pick-me-up when you’re waiting in line for the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry.

The best campgrounds and hotels in Tobermory, Ontario

Staying overnight in Tobermory lets you enjoy a more leisurely visit, especially if you’re driving up from Southern Ontario. Part of Tobermory’s charm is its small-town feel, so you’ll mostly find campgrounds and no-frills accommodations. Here’s a look at some of the hotels and campgrounds we recommend based on our previous visits to Tobermory.

The Escarpment Heights Motel is in an ideal location

With the tour boat dock and downtown Tobermory both in easy walking distance, the Escarpment Heights Motel has a fantastic location. Its rooms are clean and functional, and there’s plenty of on-site parking for guests across its two lots. As of summer 2024, there are two Level 2 charging stations available for use by overnight guests.

The Tobermory Princess Hotel is in the heart of town

Here’s a hotel that puts you in the middle of it all in Tobermory. Located on Bay Street among the town’s main strip of shops and restaurants, the Tobermory Princess Hotel has clean and functional rooms in a multi-storey layout. Pharos, the on-site restaurant, serves hot breakfasts and delicious Greek food for lunch and dinner.

Cyprus Lake Campground is Tobermory’s most popular

Bruce Peninsula National Park’s Cyprus Lake Campground is the most popular choice for camping in Tobermory. This very spacious campground offers 232 sites among towering cedar trees, with some sites able to accommodate RVs up to 27 feet. There are also 10 yurts available at Cyprus Lake Campground, which require a two-night minimum stay.

All sites at Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park are unserviced, meaning there is no electricity available. Water is delivered via centralized taps located throughout the campground. The Campground Hub is a permanent facility available to campers with electricity, showers, flush toilets, a wi-fi hotspot, and an outdoor theatre and sporting grounds.

The main advantage to booking at Cyprus Lake Campground is that it’s an easy hike to the Grotto and its surrounding trail system. This means you don’t need to purchase a parking permit to access these areas, and you can spend as much time there as you like. However, this campground is notoriously in very high demand, and advance reservations are essential.

Harmony Acres Campground is a eco-conscious retreat

You’ll find plenty of small, family-run campgrounds around Tobermory. These can be great alternatives if you’re not able to get a reservation within Bruce Peninsula National Park or you’re simply looking for other options.

We enjoyed our stay at Harmony Acres Campground, a radio-free campground with private sites. It’s conveniently located right on Highway 6, less than a 10-minute drive from Tobermory. Harmony Acres has campsites with electrical and water hook-ups, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some sites are hammock- and pet-friendly.

Note the showers here are pay-per-use, and you’ll need to purchase park permits and parking reservations separately.

Camping on Flowerpot Island is a truly remote getaway

If a remote camping experience is on your bucket list, check out Flowerpot Island. There are six backcountry campsites available on the island, each with tent pads. No fires are permitted anywhere on Flowerpot Island, so you’ll need to bring a propane stove or plan your meals accordingly.

Private mooring is not allowed, so plan to arrive with a private tour operator such as Bruce Anchor Cruises. Canoeing or kayaking to the island is an option, but it should only be considered by extremely strong and experienced paddlers. Note that you may be required to stay longer than planned if inclement weather makes the island’s surrounding waters impassable.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Tobermory

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