How To Spend A Weekend In Tobermory 2024
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Spending a weekend in Tobermory is one of the main things Ontarians do when they want to get away from the busy cities.
Tobermory is a charming harbor village situated on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada.
Known for its picturesque landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Tobermory is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Join us on a weekend adventure to Tobermory where you will find where to stay, where to eat and all the things you need to know for your visit.
*** This blog post is based on two separate trips, so I hope it answers all of your questions about how to spend the perfect weekend in Tobermory.
The first time we visited, was in the summer and the second time was in early fall.
There is a map of Tobermory at the end which shows the location of all the things I have mentioned.
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🚘 Car Rental
💧 Water Bottle
Everything You Need to Know About Spending A Weekend In Tobermory
Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to spending a weekend in Tobermory.
Where is Tobermory located?
Tobermory is a small harbor town located on the north tip of the Bruce Peninsula, in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Therefore, to the east, you will see the waters of Georgian Bay, and to the west – Lake Huron.
What is Tobermory famous for?
The whole area around Tobermory is famous for its turquoise, crystal-clear waters surrounded by jagged cliffs.
No wonder the freshwater scuba diving capital of the world is the town of Tobermory.
That is due to the many shipwrecks that you can find in the surrounding waters.
Also, the Bruce Peninsula is home to diverse and unique animals and plants, including some of the oldest living trees in the world.
What is the best time to visit Tobermory?
I would recommend visiting in the summer when the weather is the warmest and most places are open.
Spring and fall are also good times to visit but keep in mind it might rain and the temperatures will be colder.
Also, some of the shops and restaurants might be closed or operating for shorter hours.
In September and early October, the trees start changing colors and the whole area is absolutely stunning.
Wintertime is exceedingly cold, so unless you are prepared for extreme winter conditions, I would not recommend visiting then.
How far is Tobermory from Toronto?
It is about a four-hour drive from Toronto to Tobermory which is why I suggest doing a weekend in Tobermory minimum.
👉 If you do not have time for a weekend getaway to Tobermory, check out this day trip: From Toronto: Day Trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park
Why is the water so clear in Tobermory?
The clear and turquoise waters are due to the water chemistry in the area.
Therefore, the water is less acidic and higher in alkalinity as well as dissolved minerals.
Keep in mind, that the waters around the Bruce Peninsula are always ice cold even in the summer.
Is Tobermory worth visiting?
It is totally worth visiting Tobermory, especially if you have at least a weekend there to explore.
Seeing the shipwrecks and Flowerpot Island is an awesome experience.
What to wear in Tobermory?
You will want to pack comfortable clothing and shoes.
Don’t forget to bring your umbrella/raincoat and rain boots as it does tend to rain a lot in the area.
Packing a light jacket/sweater for the evenings, even in the summer months is a great idea.
During the day it will be warm but on boats and during the night it will get chillier.
Therefore, the best thing to do is layering.
🎥 Here are some videos from Tobermory:
Tobermory, Ontario – Harbour Part 1
Tobermory, Ontario – Harbour Part 2
also,
Tobermory, Ontario – Boat leaving the harbour
Weekend In Tobermory – Day 1
The main thing to do in Tobermory is to see the two shipwrecks and visit Flowerpot Island.
In order to do that you will need to do a boat tour.
Boat Tour (Tobermory Cruise)
Both times we visited, we did a boat tour with Blue Heron Cruises.
We did not pre-book, simply got the tickets right before the boat took off.
There are 4 locations where you can get your tickets, including a booth that is right on the docks.
Also, there are a few different boat types but I would strongly suggest going with the glass-bottom ones so that you can see the shipwrecks.
The name of the cruise is Flowerpot Island Glass Bottom Drop-Off Tour.
The Blue Heron boats are large and comfortable, so you will not get nauseous on them.
Washrooms are available onboard. There is an inside portion as well as an open deck above.
Also, dogs are allowed on the boat and on Flowerpot Island (on the second trip we visited with our pup).
Once the tour starts, the first attraction will be the shipwrecks (two of them).
The tour boat will kinda float over them and you can either see them through the glass bottom or from the side (you do not get off the boat).
After that, the tour continues to Flowerpot Island where you will get off and explore the island.
Other boat tour options
Blue Heron Cruises also offers two other cruises.
The first one is identical to the above cruise but you do not get off Flowerpot Island and cruise around the island and the other small islands around the area (called Fathom Five National Marine Park).
Scenic Stay Aboard Tour is the name of this tour.
Tobermory Sunset Cruise is the name of the second boat tour and it drives along the famous Bruce Trail where you can also see the Grotto (more on this below).
I would love to do the Sunset Cruise the next time we visit.
Shipwreck History
There are two shipwrecks that are located in Big Tub Harbor.
One is The Sweepstakes which is nearly intact and the other one is called The City of Grand Rapids.
The Sweepstakes
The Sweepstakes was a nineteenth-century schooner that hit a rock close to Cove Island (nearby) and sank in the shallow water.
All of the crew members were rescued on time so there were no casualties.
After being deemed irreversibly damaged (after they salvaged all of the equipment and material that they could) she was brought to her current place.
Back in the day, The Sweepstakes was used to transport coal. She is now laying 6 meters underwater.
The City of Grand Rapids
The City of Grand Rapids had a different story.
She was docked in Little Tub Harbor (where Tobermory is).
A fire broke out onboard and the boat was tugged out of the Little Tub to the Big Tub Harbor where it burned out and eventually sank.
This is why this shipwreck is not as intact as The Sweepstakes (a lot of it burned down).
It is located closer to the shoreline – it is lying 3 meters underwater.
The City of Grand Rapids was a double-decked steamship and was used for transferring cargo and passengers between the local towns.
Divers from all over the world come and dive in the clear waters to explore the two sunken ships.
🎥 Check out some videos from the glass-bottom experience:
Tobermory, Ontario – Sunken Boats/Glass-bottom boat tour Part 1
Tobermory, Ontario – Sunken Boats/Glass-bottom boat tour Part 2
also,
Tobermory, Ontario – Sunken Boats/Glass-bottom boat tour Part 3
Tobermory, Ontario – Sunken Boats/Glass-bottom boat tour Part 4
Flowerpot Island
After you see the shipwrecks, the cruise continues to Flowerpot Island (Tobermory is about 6 1/2 km from it).
Visiting Flowerpot Island is one of the main things to do in Tobermory.
It gets its name from the rock formations that are located on its eastern shore.
From the dock at Beachy Cove (where you will get off the tour boat), it will take you about 10 to 15 minutes to get to them.
How long is the boat ride from Tobermory to Flowerpot Island?
It depends on the type of boat but for a regular size one about 35 to 40 mins one way.
🎥 Arriving at Flowerpot Island
Keep in mind that your boat tour ticket is timed and you will be picked up from Flowerpot Island in 3 hours.
There is an option to leave with an earlier boat however it depends on availability.
There are three hiking trails on the island: Lighthouse Trail, Mountain Trail, and Marl Trail.
Lighthouse Trail
The main trail is the Lighthouse Trail which will probably take you about 30 to 40 minutes one way.
If you are not into hiking, doing the Lighthouse Trail will be enough to see the two flowerpot rocks as well as the Lighthouse Keeper’s home.
The hiking is not difficult, however, if you are trying to get close to the flowerpot rocks you will need to walk on a rocky beach.
Most people will be able to do those parts with no problem – 90% of the visitors do only this trail.
Are there any food places on the island?
There is no food or drinks of any sort on the island but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic.
Bring a bottle of water as well. Or even better bring a LARQ Bottle Filtered which purifies your drinking water.
A lot of people bring food and relax on the rocky beach where the flowerpots are.
You do have 3 hours to spend on the island so if you are not going to do the other two hikes, you will have plenty of time to sit down and chill.
There are washroom facilities in two places on the island (at the beginning and at the end of the Lighthouse Trail).
👉 Grab your own LARQ Bottle Filtered. The Nano Zero Filter technology removes lead, heavy metals, chlorine, microplastics, and other particulates in the water.
Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes – no sandals or flats; no need for hiking boots, running shoes are fine.
I was wearing running shoes during the first visit and rain boots during the second as it rained the night before and it was all muddy.
Saw a lot of people hiking with white running shoes (big mistake, their shoes were covered in mud).
If you continue walking on the main trail you will reach a cave (a small side trail) and then the Lighthouse Keeper’s home.
It is a two-story house, originally built in the 19th century. At the present moment, volunteers are operating it.
Also, there is a small museum. A short trail leading from there will bring you to the Flowerpot Island Lighthouse.
Once they reach the Lighthouse Keeper’s home, most people turn around and walk back the way they came (back to Beachy Cove).
A few folks who are ready for an adventure continue to the Mountain Trail.
The Mountain Trail
The Mountain Trail goes through part of the interior of the island and I would say it’s the most difficult one of the three.
You do not need professional hiking equipment or anything like that.
However, there are two sections with steep stairs as well as points where you would have to jump over large stones.
The ground is uneven (with rocks and tree roots protruding) and I would recommend it only if you’re willing to get a little sweaty.
Therefore, if you have small kids or any kind of mobility issues, I would not recommend doing it.
There is not much along the trail other than the surrounding forest. You will probably be able to spot the most wildlife on this hike.
👉 If you do not have time for a weekend getaway to Tobermory, check out this day trip: From Toronto: Day Trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Marl Trail
The Marl Trail gets its name from a small lake located beside the trail. The trail offers medium-level hiking.
It is harder than the Lighthouse Trail and easier than the Mountain one. This trail leads to a small stony beach.
It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding water.
Keep in mind that the last two trails do not have washrooms or any facilities along the way.
Most of the island is undeveloped so make sure you stay on the labeled paths or you might get lost.
There are options for camping, however, you’ll have to book a lot in advance as there are only a few spots available.
We hiked all three trails with a dog and I am not a hiker, not even close, and I was able to do them within the 3 hours.
However, I did get a bit out of breath on the Mountain Trail but so were the other people we met on the way.
Flowerpot Formations
Seeing the flowerpot formations is one of the best things to do in Tobermory.
Their formation is actually super interesting.
Over many many years the wind, waves, and rain/snow have affected the rocky cliff that was once running along the shore.
Due to the elements, the soft rock eroded quicker, leaving the harder rock in the shape of flowerpots behind. They are also called sea stacks.
There are two flowerpot rocks that you can see once you start walking from the Beach Cove on the Lighthouse Trail.
The first one you will see is the small flowerpot and once you continue walking you will see the large flowerpot.
The trees on Flowerpot Island are a mixture of birch, spruce, balsam, etc.
Some of those trees are the oldest living trees in the world (over 1500 years old).
Also, you can find a variety of rare orchids.
Animals to watch for are beavers, squirrels, a variety of gulls, and other birds.
Unfortunately, the only wildlife we saw was a few chipmunks and on our first visit, we saw a garter snake (harmless).
Once you return to Tobermory, a good place to stop for dinner is Shipwreck Lee’s.
They offer all-you-can-eat fish and chips. I would highly recommend trying white fish (the local fish).
The restaurant is a bit tucked away so refer to the map below to find it, as it is kind of at the back of this other building.
Weekend In Tobermory – Day 2
On the second day of your weekend in Tobermory, I recommend visiting the famous Grotto in the morning.
Grotto
Visiting the Grotto is one of the best things to do in Tobermory.
However, you will have to drive to it (it is about 30 mins from Tobermory).
It is an area with rocky cliffs and caves which are part of the Bruce Peninsula on the Georgian Bay side.
In order to reach the Grotto, you will need to hike for about 45 mins one way but the hiking is not intense.
Once you reach the end of the trail, there will be a bunch of stones close to the water where you will be able to sit and take in the beautiful views and crystal clear waters.
The Grotto itself is a cave made out of limestone with turquoise water inside.
It is possible to swim inside however even though the water looks tropical, it is actually pretty cold even in the summer.
Local Shops
You are probably wondering what to do in the actual town of Tobermory.
Well, there are a bunch of small shops along the harbor on Bay Street.
Don’t forget to check them out, they have unique souvenirs and local products.
Unique things to buy are apparel with the words Tobermory, Flowerpot Island, or Georgian Bay, maple syrup, or any Indigenous People art.
However, keep in mind that most of them close relatively early.
Big Tub Lighthouse
In the afternoon, I would recommend checking out the Big Tub Lighthouse.
It is one of the things to see in Tobermory, Ontario.
You can drive to it or simply walk from Tobermory but I recommend driving as that will take you about 5-10 mins while if you chose to walk it will be around 40 mins (one way).
The Big Tub Lighthouse was built in 1885 and it is still active to this day. The lighthouse is built from timber and it is painted white.
Currently, it is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. You cannot go inside.
It is a popular spot for diving/swimming and picnics.
For dinner, I would suggest checking out The Fish & Chip Place where you can grab some fish and chips and some fish tacos.
Where To Stay For A Weekend In Tobermory?
There are not many accommodation options, because the area is small.
However, if you have a car then finding a place a bit further would not be that big of a problem.
There are some cottages for rent as well.
Tobermory Princess Hotel
We stayed at the Tobermory Princess Hotel during our first visit and we enjoyed it.
It is not the newest or fanciest hotel but we found it alright for the price and location.
- Reasonably priced
- Centrally located
- Also, they had a good breakfast available (usually included)
- Large balconies overlooking the harbor
👉 Check availability for your dates: Tobermory Princess Hotel
Bruce Anchor Motel, Cottages, Villas, and Cabins
Another option for your weekend in Tobermory is Bruce Anchor Motel, Cottages, Villas, and Cabins.
This one is located on the opposite side of the harbor.
- Different accommodation types are available
- Centrally located
- Free private parking
- Also, Free WiFi in all areas
👉 Check availability for your dates: Bruce Anchor Motel, Cottages, Villas and Cabins
Map Of The Activities To Do During A Weekend In Tobermory
🦄 If you are looking for more information on what to do around the Bruce Peninsula, check out his post:
15 Things To Do In Wiarton, Ontario
10 Things To Do On Manitoulin Island, Ontario
👉 If you do not have time for a weekend getaway to Tobermory, check out this day trip: From Toronto: Day Trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park
Conclusion: How To Spend A Weekend In Tobermory
In conclusion, spending a weekend in Tobermory is a delightful and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway.
From exploring the iconic Grotto and surrounding hiking trails to embarking on a scenic cruise to Flowerpot Island, the natural beauty of Tobermory never fails to captivate.
The charming village offers a range of cozy accommodations, delicious dining options, and friendly local establishments.
Whether discovering the fascinating shipwrecks or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches, Tobermory promises an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A weekend in this gem of Ontario’s natural wonders will leave you with cherished memories and a desire to return to this enchanting destination time and time again.
