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25 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do Tobermory, Ontario
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Canadian getaway, Tobermory is the place to be.
This charming town on the shores of Lake Huron offers plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy during your stay.
You may have heard of Tobermory for its famous Blue Grotto which looks like a Mexican cenote in the middle of Ontario, Canada.
That’s what first drew me to the town.
But there’s actually SO much more to see and do, and incredible places to visit.
To help you plan the ultimate Tobermory trip, here are the 25 best things to do, from hiking trails to boat cruises to sandy beaches!
I recommend this day tour to Tobermory from Toronto
Best Things to Do in Tobermory
1. Flowerpot Island
Flowerpot Island is one of the most popular things to do in Tobermory.
It’s located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park, but is the only one of the five islands that allow visitors on its shores.
The island is home to two huge flowerpot rocks that sit just offshore, and it’s a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
The flowerpots are towering rock formations built of layered sediment that, after years of erosion, separated from the rocky cliffs of the island.
The Indigenous peoples say that the flowerpots are actually two lovers from opposing tribes who ran away to be together. Their tribes chased them down where they fell off the cliffs and were turned into these flowerpots.
If you look closely, one of the flowerpots has a clear human profile.
You can view the flowerpots on a boat cruise that also stops by the shipwrecks.
Blue Heron Cruises offers boat tours to Flowerpot Island daily. You can choose to stay on board for a scenic trip or to stop for 3 hours of hiking the island’s trails.
Alternatively, you can kayak to the island from Little Tub Harbour.
Stay on the island to hike up to the lighthouse, trek the Loop Trail, or explore the island’s caves. If you plan to swim, bring water shoes because it’s quite rocky.
2. The Grotto
The Grotto is one of the most unique places to visit in Tobermory. It’s a huge underwater cave with crystal clear turquoise waters.
It’s the main attraction in Tobermory.
It looks like something you’d find in Mexico or the Caribbean, but it’s actually in Canada!
The Grotto is located on Georgian Bay and offers visitors a chance to dip into the lake.
You can get to the Grotto by following the Bruce Peninsula National Park trail that is clearly labelled for the Grotto.
Along the way, you’ll pass Indian Head Cove, which is often mistaken for the Grotto.
The difference is that the Grotto is a cave beyond the cove. It’s a bit harder to get into, especially during peak season when people line up to enter it.
3. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the best national parks in Canada.
It contains many popular Tobermory attractions, like the Grotto, Indian Head Cove, Singing Sands Beach, and more!
The park is also the end point of the 400km Bruce Trail that allows hikers to go from Toronto up to Bruce Peninsula National Park.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park is a stunning forest full of beaches, hiking trails, and cliffs.
The easiest trail is from Cyprus Lake which takes about 30 minutes to reach the Grotto and Indian Head Cove. However, you can find harder trails that are rockier and comprise part of the Bruce Trail.
You will need proper hiking boots to visit this national park, as the trails are very rugged.
If you’re not a fan of hiking, you can also go swimming, canoeing, birdwatching, or stargazing.
Due to the popularity of the national park, you now have to book a time slot and a parking pass to visit. Parking is in the Cyprus Lake Parking Lot.
You will need to book in advance, as slots go very quickly during the peak season.
The pass costs $54 and allows you to stay for 4 hours. This includes your national park pass, which will be refunded if you have an annual pass.
4. Indian Head Cove
The Grotto gets all the hype, but I was actually more entranced by Indian Head Cove, which is beside the Grotto in the Bruce Peninsula National Park.
The white limestone cliffs reminded me of Pamukkale, but instead of pools of water, there’s a stunning turquoise lake for you to enjoy.
The water is exceptionally cold unless it’s peak summer weather, but it’s still fun to lay out on the rocky shores to tan or nap after a long day of touring Tobermory. You can even skip rocks with strangers in a quasi competition.
Dogs are allowed, but must remain on leash. My pup loved getting to slowly wade into the crystal clear water and dive down for rocks to give to the skippers.
I didn’t think I’d use the full 4 hours of my parking pass because of the short hike on the main trail, but I ended up spending 3 hours relaxing on the rocky beach. It was my favourite of all the Tobermory attractions.
5. Fathom Five National Marine Park
Fathom Five National Marine Park is Canada’s first underwater national park!
It’s home to Flowerpot Island and four other large islands, as well as many smaller isles along the lake.
This marine park is home to 20 shipwrecks, making it a popular spot for scuba diving.
Some of the shipwrecks are over 100 years old and you can see them clearly through the crystal-clear water.
There are also many lighthouses in the marine park that you can explore.
The best time to visit Fathom Five is during the summer when the water is warm enough to swim in.
6. Downtown Tobermory
Tobermory’s main street is located right on the water in Little Tub Harbour and is full of cute shops and restaurants.
You can find souvenirs, art, clothes, and more while strolling down the street.
There are also many places to eat, including ice cream shops, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.
Many people stay downtown by mooring their boats in the harbour.
7. Singing Sands Beach
The beach gets its name from the squeaky noise that the sand makes when you walk on it.
Singing Sands Beach is the best beach to visit to watch the sunset or to have a lovely afternoon picnic.
Because of the sand, you can wade out really far before you’re in deep water.
It’s located in Bruce Peninsula National Park and is a great place to relax after a long day of hiking or exploring the park.
Note: You cannot use your parking pass from the Grotto to visit Singing Sands. You’ll need to purchase a separate pass, as it’s across the highway and it’s illegal to walk across to this park.
8. Orchid Festival
The Orchid Festival is held every June and is a celebration of the wild orchids that grow in the area.
There are over 40 different types of orchids in the festival, which is one of the largest displays of wild orchids in North America.
During the festival, there are also guided walks, lectures, and workshops.
This is a great time to hike in Tobermory, as you can spot wild orchids in abundance throughout the forests.
9. Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is the longest marked footpath in Canada and runs the entire length of the Bruce Peninsula down to the Niagara Escarpment in Southern Ontario.
There are many different sections of the trail, each with their own unique scenery.
The trail ranges from easy to difficult, so there’s something for everyone.
You can also join a guided hike or take a self-guided hike with a map.
Many people use the Bruce Trail as a way to see the different attractions in Tobermory, as it connects all of the major hiking trails in the area.
Nature lovers and bird watchers won’t want to miss this attraction.
10. Big Tub Lighthouse
Big Tub Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in Tobermory.
The lighthouse is located on Big Tub Harbour and was built in 1885.
It’s the oldest working lighthouse on the Great Lakes and is open to the public during the summer months.
You can climb to the rocky shores around the lighthouse for the best sunset views in Tobermory.
There is also a museum located in the lighthouse that tells the history of shipwrecks in the area.
If you love lighthouses, don’t miss Cove Island Lighthouse, Flowerpot Island Lighthouse, and the Cabot Head Lighthouse nearby.
11. Stargazing
Tobermory is one of the best places in Ontario for stargazing.
The night sky is very clear due to the lack of light pollution. Most nights you can even see the Milky Way!
The Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Fathom Five Marine Park are both official Dark-Sky Preserves, protected by the government of Canada.
You can view the stars from anywhere, but the best spot is at Bayside Astronomy in Lion’s Head, a free spot to learn about the dark sky preserve and about the solar system.
12. Sunset Cruise
There are many different sunset cruises available in Tobermory.
Most of them depart from Little Tub Harbour and last around 2 hours.
During the cruise, you’ll sail around the harbour, outside of the bay to see the lighthouses, and through Flowerpot Island.
You might even spot some wildlife along the way!
Sunset cruises are a great way to relax and enjoy the views of Tobermory.
13. Shipwreck Glass Bottom Boat Tour
This is one of the most popular tours in Tobermory!
You’ll take a glass bottom boat out to see two shipwrecks in the area.
While there are 20, it’d take far too long to see them all.
Blue Heron Cruises takes you to see the Sweepstakes, which sank in shallow waters 1885 before being towed to Big Tub Harbour and stripped for parts and coal; and the City of Grand Rapids, which caught fire and sank in the early 1900s.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of each shipwreck and see them up close through the glass bottom of the boat. The clear waters mean that even just looking over the side of the boat offers perfect views of the wrecks.
14. Kayaking & Canoeing
Tobermory is a great place to go kayaking and canoeing.
There are many different lakes and rivers to explore, each with their own unique scenery.
Paddling out to Flowerpot Island from Big Tub Harbour is a popular summer adventure. Lion’s Head is also well known for their paddling.
Another fun way to kayak in Tobermory is to do it about the shipwrecks on a tour. You need to be on a tour to do this to ensure that you do not damage the shipwrecks by accident, as the waters are very shallow.
Bring along your own inflatable kayak to save money!
15. Little Cove Adventures
Little Cove Adventures is a family-owned business that offers aerial park adventures.
This is the best thing to do in Tobermory with kids.
Climb rope courses in the trees to see the forest from a different perspective!
16. Edmunds Township Museum
The Edmunds Township Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Tobermory.
The museum is located in an old schoolhouse and has several different exhibits.
You’ll learn what life was like in the late 1800s with this old log home.
This is a free attraction.
17. Little Dunks Bay
One of the best sandy beaches in Tobermory is Little Dunks Bay.
The water is cooler than at Singing Sands because it’s on the Georgian Bay side of the peninsula, but the soft sand makes it perfect for staying out of the water.
You can also hike to Little Dunks Lookout while you’re here.
18. Go Scuba Diving at Shipwrecks
Tobermory is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive because of all the shipwrecks in the area.
Most of them are in shallow water, so you don’t need to be an experienced diver to enjoy them.
There are many scuba diving companies in Tobermory that offer tours to the shipwrecks.
You’ll need to get certified before you go on a tour, but it’s well worth it to see these wrecks up close.
19. Take a Helicopter Tour
One of the best ways to see Tobermory is from above.
Blue Heron Tours offers flights that last anywhere from 12 minutes to 40 minutes.
You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Tobermory, the Bruce Peninsula, and Georgian Bay.
While this isn’t a budget activity, it’s a bucket list thing to do. Not only will you be in a helicopter, but you’ll also be seeing one of the most beautful places in Canada!
20. Halfway Log Dump
The Halfway Log Dump is one of the best places to see fall colours in Tobermory.
This is because the leaves that fall into the water create a rainbow of colours.
It’s also a great place to go for a hike and see the forest from above.
Located 8km from the Grotto, this is the secondary parking lot that you can book to visit the cenotes.
However, it’s also worth visiting this hiking trail to get to the rocky shores of Georgian Bay.
You can spend time at Halfway Log Dump beach or opt to hike part of the Bruce Trail to the Grotto and Indian Head Cove.
21. Little Cove Provincial Park
Little Cove Provincial Park is an underrated hiking area. It’s part of the Bruce Trail.
Much like its neighbours, it offers sea caves, rocky beaches, and beautiful cliffs overlooking blue waters.
The beach is small, but often emptier than other Tobermory beaches.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, skip Indian Head Cove and spend an afternoon in Little Cove.
22. Tobermory Brewing Company
Tobermory Brewing Company is the only brewery on the Bruce Peninsula.
It’s a great place to try local beer, especially if you’re a fan of IPAs.
Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying summer weather – and, bonus, it’s dog friendly!
The restaurant offers yummy fair – beyond the fish and chips most restaurants focus on.
23. Try the Famous Fish & Chips
Tobermory is known for its fish and chips.
You can find this dish at almost any restaurant in town.
The best fish and chips are debated. I won’t weigh in, as I’m celiac and couldn’t try the varietals.
But the local fish and the use of craft beer to make the batter leads me to believe that all of these places would have awesome options.
Shipwreck Lee’s is probably the best known as it offers all you can eat fish and chips. But I was also told that the Brewery and the Fish and Chips Place are top contendors.
24. Parks Canada Visitor Centre and Lookout Tower
The Parks Canada Visitor Centre is a great place to learn about the area.
They have interactive exhibits, a short film, and even a kids play area.
Once you’re done inside, head up to the lookout tower for an incredible view of Georgian Bay.
The best part? It’s all free!
25. Take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
The Chi-Cheemaun Ferry is a car ferry that takes you from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island, and vice versa.
Manitoulin is the largest freshwater island in the world and it’s a beautiful place to explore.
The ferry ride itself is about 2 hours long and it’s a great way to see Georgian Bay and Lake Huron (you’ll be riding along the line between the two!).
Things to Do Near Tobermory
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin is often paired with Tobermory, as you can access the island via ferry.
Visit Canada’s largest freshwater island to go hiking and experience the Indigenous culture.
This is a great stop on a road trip. You can catch the car ferry from the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula.
Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ontario.
It’s about a 2 hour drive from Tobermory, but it’s worth the trip. You can even make it a day trip.
The beach is huge and there’s plenty of room for everyone.
The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming.
There ar also many restaurants and shops in the area, as well as a playground and splash pad for kids.
Wiarton
Wiarton is a cute town located a short drive, about an hour, from Tobermory.
It’s home to the Wiarton Willie Festival, which takes place every February.
The festival celebrates Groundhog Day – and Wiarton Willie, the local groundhog.
If you’re looking for a place to stay outside of Tobermory, Wiarton is a great option.
There are many Airbnbs and hotels in the area.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound is a city located about an hour and a half from Tobermory.
It’s the biggest city near the Bruce Peninsula, so it’s a great place to go for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
There are also many things to do in Owen Sound, including visiting the Tom Thomson Art Gallery and exploring Harrison Park.
Where to Stay in Tobermory
Best RV/Car Campsite: Lands End
Best Glamping: Yurts in Cyprus Lake Campground
Best Waterfront: The Grandview Motel is a charming spot on the water in Little Tub Harbour with individual terraces to enjoy the views.
Cozy B&B: The Forest House offers a tranquil and cozy atmosphere for adults only.
Best Homestay: Boutique Inn with luxury amenities in natural surroundings.
Where to Eat in Tobermory
Tobermory Coffee Company
The Tobermory Coffee Company is a great place to get coffee and pastries.
The coffee shop is run by the sweetest couple who took the time to explain their love story (which, of course, involved coffee!). They have the charm that make small towns so great, but the culinary prowess that meant I returned multiple times in two days.
They use local ingredients and make everything from scratch.
The space is small but cozy, with a few tables inside and out.
It was my favourite spot to eat in Tobermory. Their mocktails and lavender white chocolate mocha are quite literally something to write home about because I sent like 20 text messages raving about how good they were!
This is a great spot to start your morning or recharge after your first hike.
Tacomory
Tacomory is well known for being the Mexican food truck in Tobermory.
It’s supposed to be a good place for tacos, but honestly it was meh.
You could make better nachos with packets from the grocery store.
Still, it offers more vegetables than most stores and gluten/dairy free options, unlike fish and chips shops.
Shipwreck Lee’s
Known for their all you can eat fish and chips.
Tobermory Brewery
Craft beer and delicious food, complete with a lovely patio that’s a popular destination in the evenings.
Ice Cream
If you want yummy ice cream, head to Peninsula Ice Cream and Treats. The Sweet Shop also dishes out great scoops!
How to Get to Tobermory from Toronto
If you’re coming from Toronto, the best way to get to Tobermory is by car.
It’s about a 4 hour drive, so it’s doable in a day.
You could also take the Greyhound bus, but it takes about 7 hours and there are only a few buses per day.
To drive, head to the Gardiner Express Way West. Follow signs for the airport. Exit onto the 401 North and continue until it becomes to ON-10. Follow until it becomes the ON-6.
👉 Don’t want to drive? Take this tour from Toronto to Tobermory!
Best Time to Visit Tobermory
The best time to visit Tobermory is in the summer.
The weather is at its best and all of the attractions are open.
However, this is the busiest season and when costs are highest.
Spring and fall offer great weather with fewer bugs and snakes, but the water will likely be too cold to swim.
Winter is beautiful in Tobermory, but very cold. If you visit, bundle up well to handle the cold temps!
Tips for Visiting Tobermory
Gas
There is only one gas station currently operational in Tobermory. It’s called Hoppy Gas, located by Tacomory.
The prices are a few cents higher than back in Wiarton. I recommend filling up there instead.
Snakes
There are a lot of snakes on the Bruce Trail, so watch your step!
There are garters and the deadly Massassaga Rattle Snakes.
I got lucky as I visited in early spring on a colder day.
Black Flies
If you visit in the summer, be prepared for black flies! They are tiny but they bite and they are relentless.
I recommend buying some bug spray before your trip.
👉 This bug netting will help you avoid nasty bites!
Bears
There are bears in Tobermory!
They are more scared of you than you are of them, but it’s still best to be prepared.
Make sure you have bear spray with you if you’re hiking and keep your campsite clean.
Grocery Store
The only grocery store in Tobermory is a small Foodland. It is closed Sunday and closes in evenings around 6pm.
Plan accordingly!
Wrap Up: Best Things to Do Tobermory
There are plenty of things to do in Tobermory – from exploring shipwrecks to hiking the Bruce Trail.
You can also visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, take a helicopter tour, or try some local beer at the brewery.
And don’t forget to try the famous fish and chips!
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Tobermory.
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FAQs
Things to do in Tobermory in the Fall
The best thing to do in Tobermory in the Fall is to go hiking.
The leaves are changing color and it’s a beautiful time to be out in nature.
You can also visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, take a helicopter tour, or try some local beer at the brewery.
Things to do in Tobermory in the Winter
The best thing to do in Tobermory in the winter is to go snowshoeing.
It’s a beautiful way to see the landscape and you can often find animals tracks in the snow.
Things to do in Tobermory in Summer
The best thing to do in Tobermory in the summer is to go swimming.
There are many freshwater lakes and beaches that are perfect for a cooling dip. The Grotto is the most popular place for this.
Things to Do in Tobermory in Spring
The best thing to do in Tobermory in the spring is to go hiking.
The weather is perfect for being outdoors and the flowers are starting to bloom. The Bruce Trail is a popular spot at this time.
Free things to do in Tobermory
You can explore the town, visit the beaches, go hiking, and more.
Some of the best free things to do include visiting the Little Tub Harbour, walking along Main Street, and checking out the views from Big Tub Lighthouse. I also recommend visiting the Lookout Tower to see the whole Peninsula.
If you have a kayak, paddle out to Flowerpot Island for free!
Is it worth going to Tobermory?
Absolutely! Tobermory is a beautiful town with plenty to do.
It’s especially great if you love being outdoors, as there are many hiking and swimming opportunities.
I also recommend it for people who enjoy history, as there are several shipwrecks to explore.
How many days do you need in Tobermory?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Tobermory.
This will give you enough time to do some of the main activities, like exploring the town and going for a hike.
If you have more time, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
How do I spend a day in Tobermory?
There is no shortage of things to do in Tobermory!
In one day, you could explore the town, go swimming, visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, take a helicopter tour, and try some local beer at the brewery.
And don’t forget to try the famous fish and chips!
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
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💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
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For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
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Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
