Tobermory & Bruce Peninsula

A village at the tip of a peninsula between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, with turquoise water, limestone caves and Flowerpot Island — one of Ontario's most popular summer nature destinations.

Tobermory sits at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, about 300 km (roughly a 4-hour drive) from Toronto. The peninsula's backbone is the Niagara Escarpment, where white limestone cliffs, sea caves and crystal-clear turquoise water create what's often called "Ontario's Caribbean". There are three main areas to explore. First, Bruce Peninsula National Park, whose highlights are the Grotto, Indian Head Cove, Halfway Log Dump and Singing Sands, with the northern section of the Bruce Trail running along the cliffs. Second, Fathom Five National Marine Park: take a glass-bottom boat from Tobermory's Little Tub Harbour to see the shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour, then land on Flowerpot Island for a hike. Third, the Lion's Head lookout, Greig's Caves and Sauble Beach in the central and southern part of the peninsula, which you can fit in on the way there or back. The best time to visit is June–September; July–August brings the warmest water but also the biggest crowds. Parking at the Grotto must be booked in time slots on the Parks Canada website, and boat tours, campsites and B&Bs should also be reserved in advance. After mid-October the boats stop running and most shops close, though hiking during the autumn colours is lovely. There's no direct public transport, so you'll essentially need a car; in summer a seasonal bus runs from Toronto. Plan on 2–3 days; the Chi-Cheemaun ferry continues on to Manitoulin Island. The water is cold even in summer and the cliffs have no railings, so take care.

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Where to eat

Itineraries