While we were planning the trip to Tobermory, we were unsure if a day trip to Tobermory is possible. If you don’t know, Tobermory is a harbor village on the Bruce Peninsula in the province of Ontario. It is a famous tourist spot for the folks in Ontario and else where in the East Cost of US and Canada.
Early in September, we travelled to Tobermory. The weather and time are ideal. The main benefits of travelling in the shoulder seasons are that the summer crowds are gone, the weather is still warm enough for outdoor activities, hiking trails are less crowded, parking is easy at popular locations, there are no traffic jams, there are no restaurant wait times, and there are options for accommodations. Given that we were travelling with our 4-year-old, it made life so much simpler for us.
Plan Ahead
Tobermory is famous and on the travel list of many in Ontario. So, planning would make sure that you can visit the famous spots. Here are a few things that will help you plan your trip to Tobermory.
- Reservation for cruise to Flowerpot Island: they have limited time slots that fill up quickly. We booked drop off cruise from Blue Heron. It costs approx. 65$ adult. You can find more details on the website.
- Parking reservation for Grotto: You don’t have to reserve parking if visiting after October 31. You can find more details here. You do have the option to use your banking credentials when you pay for the parking.
- Book accommodations if you are planning to stay. Many people start the day early to drive to Tobermory and back. We booked an Airbnb closer to cruises (10 minutes) and Grotto (20 minutes).
- Pack food, water and any essentials for the Flowerpot Island. The island is secluded and has washrooms, a small shop near the light keeper’s cottages for water and light snack (not sure if its open all year around). Make sure that you carry everything you need for your trip (approx. 4 hours)
You can also consider booking accommodations at Sauble beach as its an hour drive from Tobermory and has plenty of options.
Things To Do For your Day Trip to Tobermory
Here are few of the activities that you could try while you are visiting Tobermory. We definitely had fun and we hope you will have a great time.
Visit Big Tub Lighthouse
The Big Tub lighthouse was our first stop of the day, and it was simple to reach. During this brief stop, you could see the lighthouse and THE gorgeous Lake Huron. Because the terrain is rocky and close to the sea, wear sturdy shoes. A limited number of paid parking spaces are available near to the lighthouse.
Flowerpot Island Hike
At 11 a.m., we boarded the Blue Heron cruise after visiting the Big Tub lighthouse (The lighthouse is a 10-minute drive from the loading dock). The Flowerpot rock formation, which earned the island its name, was our first stop on the Loop walk after the cruise left us there. Plenty of people will be taking pictures, but if you travel a short distance farther, you can find a spot on the shore where you may enjoy Georgian Bay on your own.
The caves were our next stop, which was a great activity for families. To go to the caves, you must be able to climb a set of stairs. These steps are kept in good condition.
The cottages of the light keeper was the third stop. One of the island’s most breathtaking locations, ideal for photos. Along with enjoying a snack, you can also relax on Muskoka chairs by the water. We strongly advise stopping at the lighthouse station for a rest.
It is moderately difficult to complete the loop’s last segment. Rocks, a lot of elevation variation, and tricky passages to negotiate were some of the challenges you will see on this last segment. This segment was one that both our kid and we adored. Since many people like to be near water, the route was all to us.
Hike the Grotto
We reserved a parking space for the evening from 5 to 9 pm in order to enjoy the sunset at the Grotto. To avoid cancellation, you must arrive within the first two hours of your scheduled arrival time. It’s a short hike, and the most of the trail is a broad gravel one. Strollers are permitted up till Indian Head Cove. The terrain is rough between Indian Head Cove and Grotto, making it challenging for those with any special needs.
We arrived at Indian Cove after travelling on the dirt trail for 30 to 40 minutes. Awe-inspiring vistas of Georgian Bay greet you. It’s a spacious place where you may go swimming or just relax and watch the sun set.
When you arrive at Indian Cove, you will observe the Grotto’s direction marks. The trail has elevation and is rocky in this area. We travelled from the Indian Cove to Grotto in 10 to 15 minutes. The views of the Georgian Bay were breathtaking. ❤️💕
If you are a national park enthusiast, check out our other blogs on Arches National Park, Grand Tetons National Park and many other places that we love. Feel free to reach out if you have questions.
