Four hours North of Canada’s largest city, Toronto, there is a place that could be mistaken for a tropical paradise. There is crystal clear water. There are islands. But one step into the water reminds you exactly where you are: the frigid waters of Georgian Bay. Tobermory is a tiny town surrounded by beautiful scenery; the perfect Summer escape from the big city.
For a quick snapshot of Tobermory, check out my post “Beautiful Canadian Landscapes“!
Diving off Flowerpot Island
The town caters to the Summer crowd. Visit any other time of year and you will be met by a sleepy town with little to no activities. From June- Labour Day weekend there are countless things to do. There are shipwrecks to view, hikes to explore and there is a whole lot of water to swim in. The many Tobermory attractions are what makes the town so popular.
1. Tobermory Attractions: Flowerpot Island
Arguably the main attraction in the area, Flowerpot Island is located anywhere between 20-50 minutes by boat from the harbour. It is solely accessible by boat! Many different companies will ferry you there, and which one you choose will depend on your interests. Blue Heron Cruises offers drop-offs to explore the island, and you can choose between a scenic glass-bottomed boat or a faster jet boat. I’ve done this tour a couple of times, and it is the perfect way to really view what the area is famous for: it’s clear, blue water.
Blue Heron Cruises Port
Arriving at Flowerpot Island
The island itself has its own attractions. There are caves to explore, sea stacks to discover, and even a lighthouse. There are a few trails on the island that you can follow, the more popular being “The Loop Trail” that hugs the coastline.
Waters off of Flowerpot Island are beautiful (but cold!) to swim in!
Standing in front of famous flowerpot structure
*Truthful Travel Tip
The weather can get hot in the Summer, and the island has few resources. Make sure to bring plenty of water (there will be nowhere to get any on the island!) and pack for the forecast. The ride over to the island, especially if you are taking the jet boat, can be much cooler than on land, so pack a sweater.
2. Big Tub Harbour
This little cove, located just minutes from the main departing harbour, is filled with mostly intact shipwrecks. These are one of most famous Tobermory attractions for two reasons: the water is so clear that you can see them clearly from a boat, and they are perfect exploration sites for divers.
One of Tobermory’s shipwrecks
These shipwrecks have been moved to their current locations from surrounding areas. They, like Flowerpot Island, are only accessible by watercraft. Bruce Anchor Cruises is another company offering tours on the water that include a stop to the wrecks. Their fleet consists of all glass-bottomed boats, so you will not miss seeing the wrecks clearly as you pass over them.
Look how close this shipwreck is to the shore!
*Truthful Travel Tip
Prepare for where you want to be when you are passing over the shipwrecks. Tours are busy in the Summer, and if you want pictures of the wrecks from above, you will need to commit to an outdoor spot from when you leave the main harbor. To get the best spot on the glass bottom, scope out the indoor part of the ship before the boat departs.
3. Bruce Peninsula National Park
This Canadian National Park is one of my favorite Tobermory attractions. Viewing the picturesque scenery from the cliffs to the water below requires a small hike on the Georgian Bay trail. Once there, you have a few options.
Indian Head Cove on a busy Summer day!
The waters of Bruce Peninsula National Park
The first view you will see as you leave the trees and come out onto the cliffs is Indian Head Cove. You can climb down the rocks and enjoy the area. It is a great place for picnics and swimming in the water. If you continue further along the cliffs you will see people descending into a small area. The Grotto is an underwater cave that emits a beautiful blue light. Other activities in the park include visiting Cyprus Lake and traveling even further along the cliffs to a more private area!
Looking down into underwater cave in The Grotto
Blending in with Bruce Peninsula National Park’s rock cliffs!
*Truthful Travel Tip
The Grotto gets busy in the Summer, so much so that since my last visit a reservation system for parking has been implemented. Unless you are camping at one of the designated campgrounds you have a four hour time slot. Parking is the sole way to access this part of the park. It costs $11.70 CAD plus a $6.00 reservation fee. Be sure to book well in advance, or you may miss out!
4. Singing Sands
Located on the other side of the peninsula, almost directly across the entrance to Bruce Peninsula National Park, is a beach known as Singing Sands. It sits on Lake Huron, so the water is not the same deep, colorful blue. It is still a beautiful beach.
If you are traveling with babies or young kids, this is a perfect place. The water is shallow as far as the eye can see, only very gradually getting deeper as you walk out into the water. The water is clear and the sand is soft under your toes. It is called Singing Sands because this Tobermory attraction is home to a unique noise that the wind makes when it whistles through the sand dunes!
The shallow, clear water of Singing Sands
*Truthful Travel Tip
Singing Sands was recently reopened as part of the Parks Canada system. While this means better resources and management, that also means money is needed for upkeep. Parking here costs the same as parking on the other side of the park ($11.70 CAD), and is located across the road.
5. Hidden Coves
A quick look at a map of the area shows coves that dot the same coastline Bruce Peninsula National Park is located on. These coves offer a break from the crowds with the same views and swimming opportunities.
One of the secret coves perfect for quiet swimming
There is one with a tiny little island you can swim to. The water is protected from waves here, and is just a bit warmer than the water beyond the island. Some of these coves are simple to get to: drive until the end of the road and complete a quick hike. Others require more work, with longer hikes and less access.
A hidden cove with an “island” close enough to swim across to
*Truthful Travel Tip
These coves can be deceiving in their depth. Before deciding to swim across them, or in them, make sure you can see how deep it is, and then decide if you have the stamina to swim in deep water all the way across. I have taken a mask and snorkel into these areas and been amazed at the tricks the clear water plays. Although the water is a bit warmer than off of Bruce Peninsula or Flowerpot Island, it is still very cold water. Make sure you give your body time to adapt before taking on a big swim!
Whether you are visiting for just a day trip, or a week-long camping adventure, there are Tobermory attractions for each and every need. Enjoy swimming? Check out the coves. Enjoy hiking? Bruce Peninsula National Park has got you covered. Are you a history lover? The stories told as you approach the shipwrecks will enchant you. Do you love rocks? Check out the cool formations on Flowerpot Island. Looking to relax on a more traditional beach? Singing Sands is your place! Tobermory is the perfect Summer getaway for anyone and everyone!
