A Perfect Weekend To Tobermory And Bruce Peninsula National Park

This article may contain paid links where we make a small commission for purchases you make from links that you click from this article. By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support ❤️. For more details, read the disclosure page.Oh Canada, how lucky we are to have such a beautiful country filled with natural wonders. Ontarians are especially fortunate to have access to stunning destinations like Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Located on the Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is a small village that serves as the gateway to one of Canada’s most beloved national parks. Known for its sparkling blue waters, rugged cliffs, and unique geological formations, it’s no wonder why visitors from all over the world flock to Tobermory every year.

Each year we do our best to make the drive up to the Bruce Peninsula, and every time we are equally struck with awe and admiration for this breathtaking region. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a water enthusiast, or just looking for a reason to get out of the city a weekend to Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park needs to be on your radar! And this guide will tell you exactly how to make the most of the perfect weekend getaway.

In This Article

2 Day Itinerary To Tobermory And Bruce Peninsula National Park

What You’ll Get Out Of This Article

Find out where the best hikes are and what you will need to stay on track
Discover which are the best locations to stay at for optimal access to the park
Get the scoop on where to eat to fully indulge in local eateries.
You’ll get the full list of prices, access times, and tips for campgrounds and boat cruises for every season.

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO BRUCE PENINSULA

Where to stay: The Adventure Bruce Inn is a great location in Tobermory and gives you great access to the trails. We use Booking.com for all of our stays and use the Genius discount to get great deals on our hotel bookings. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
Must pack item: Even in the summer months it is still cold, pack warm layers for daytime and extra layers for nights. You are also going to cover a lot of ground on hikes and exploring so pack a decent pair of all round hiking shoes. We always bring our Buff with us no matter the weather, it is so practical for lots of uses!
Car rentals – It easier to get around if you have a car, so make sure you know about ways to save money with car rental coupon codes. We always start our search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so we know what the best deals are.
Flights – If you are flying in from elsewhere use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ontario!
Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance.
Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page.

Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula National Park is such a beautiful place where nature outdoes itself. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming (well, in the summertime at least), and there are trails that lead to some insane cliff hangs.

You can spend your weekend exploring the Grotto, relaxing at Singing Sands Beach, and catching the sunset from Flowerpot Island. Every moment here is truly magical.

This guide will give you the inside scoop on the best places to check out, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time there. You’ll get great tips on must-see spots and practical advice for an unforgettable adventure in Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park!

What Is The Tobermory Region?

The northern end point of the Bruce Peninsula – Northern Terminus

For those of you who aren’t native Ontarians or haven’t had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful part of Canada, let us introduce you to Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula. Located at the top of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, Tobermory is a small town with big charm. It’s known for its picturesque views and proximity to Bruce Peninsula National Park.

The Bruce Peninsula National Park was established in 1987 and spans over 120 square kilometers. It has some incredible hiking trails, unique geological formations such as the Grotto and Indian Head Cove, and stunning views of Georgian Bay.

The Bruce Peninsula and the famed Tobermory is one of the most spectacular places in Ontario. (I promise, I’m not biased!) What will impress you the most about this region is seriously how clear the water is, and the dramatic rock formations right off the coast. It’s like nothing you would expect to be in Canada.

And at first, we thought it was just some fancy editing on photos but it’s not a trick of the lens. You can literally see straight down to the rock floor which is something you’d only expect to see in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean Sea. The water is breathtakingly clear and a beautiful shade of turquoise blue. But it’s really cold, I mean it’s still Canada after all. During the summer, it’s super refreshing but be prepared for a bit of a shock when you first jump in!

While Tobermory feels like it’s a long distance from Toronto, it’s actually possible to make a trip of it in a weekend.

Personally, the best way to do this trip is to drive up later on Friday afternoon and book 3 nights at a Cyprus Lake campsite at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Alternatively, you could come up on Saturday morning as well.

Don’t believe the nay-sayers, Tobermory can be totally done on a 2 day weekend and we are about to show you exactly how!

Start Your Weekend In Tobermory

Day 1

A little ice cream pit stop.

A giant among kid sized picnic benches.

Large bowl of fries.

The fried shrimps + fries.

The Fish & Chip Place menu.

Our boat to Flowerpot Island waiting.

Onboard the Blue Heron Co. jetboat.

Passing by a lighthouse with a bunch of divers either getting ready to get in or just got out.

We looked up and saw this crazy double rainbow ring thing in the sky. WHOA!

Would love to be able to rent one of these cottages at some point.

The first shipwreck that we went to on our way to Flowerpot Island.

The lighthouse on Flowerpot Island.

The big flowerpot in front and smaller one in the backgrund.

The water is so clear that you can see the dramatic rock cliff drops underwater.

Welcome to Flowerpot Island.

Starting our hike through the island.

Inukshuk on the beach.

The big flowerpot up close and personal.

There was one cave to explore on the island. These are the steps leading up to it.

The Flowerpot Island map just by the lightstation.

I wasn’t joking about crystal clear waters.

A nice quaint town with lots of small mom and pop shops.

A look back at the Tobermory Pier.

The gorgeous Tobermory port.

To make the most of your weekend in Tobermory we’re going to assume you made the choice to drive up Friday night (fingers crossed). That means you need to get up bright and early on Saturday morning for your first day of adventure.

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants in Tobermory. Our personal favorite is Las Chulas where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast burrito and a cup of hot coffee before touring around the town.

Walking around the Tobermory Pier area.

Tobermory is a small town, so walking is the best way to explore it. Start your day by exploring the different shops and boutiques that line the main street. You’ll find unique souvenirs, local art, and delicious treats. From there, head over to join your first real activity for the day: a glass bottom boat tour. This is a must-do activity in Tobermory as it allows you to see the crystal clear water and underwater shipwrecks up close.

The Blue Heron jetboat after getting back to Tobermory.

We booked our tickets with Blue Heron Cruises, this is a round-trip tour to Flowerpot Island with stops at two 19th century shipwrecks, and excellent views of Big Tub Lighthouse. It’s called Flowerpot Island because of the unique rock formations that resemble flowerpots. With this specific tour, you’ll be able to get off the boat on Flowerpot Island to explore the caves and hike the trails. You’ll be able to choose your drop-off time and return time, so you can stay as long or as little as you like.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Blue Heron Cruises

Address: 7425 Highway 6, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Peak Season Drop-Off Schedule:
- Daily: June 17 – Sept 13
  - 8:45AM, 9:25AM, on the hour from 10AM until 3PM, final cruise at 4:35PM.
Shoulder Season Drop-Off Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: May 4 – June 17 & September 14 – Mid October
  - 10AM, 12PM, 2PM, 3:45PM
- Saturday, Sunday, & Holiday Mondays: May 4 – June 17 & September 14 – Mid October
  - 8:45AM, 9:25AM, on the hour from 10AM until 3PM, final cruise at 4:35PM
Cost:
- Drop Off Peak Season
  - Adults 18-64 – $69.91
  - Senior 65+ – $68.15
  - Youth 4-17 – $61.07
  - Child 0-3 – FREE But still requires a ticket
- Drop off Shoulder Season
  - Adults 18-64 – $59.95
  - Senior 65+ – $58.19
  - Youth 4-17 – $51.11
  - Child 0-3 – FREE But still requires a ticket
Parks Canada National Park Day Use Fee – Adult/Senior CAD$6.77

Additional Information About Flowerpot Island

How long to spend on the island?

1.5 Hours: see the flowerpots and cave.
3 Hours: see the flowerpots, cave & light station.
4-5 Hours: see the flowerpots, cave, light station, picnic, hike the entire loop trail.

What facilities does the Island have?

Hiking trail (loop).
Picnic shelter.
Composting toilets at Beachy Cove (main dock) and the light station.
Historic light station maintained by the Friends of Bruce District Parks.

What to bring?

There are no garbage facilities on the island. Please take back everything you brought with you.

The must-do Fish & Chip Place in Tobermory.

After your boat tour, head back to town for lunch at one of the many local restaurants. We highly recommend checking out The Fish & Chip Place. I mean just look at this flaky, perfectly fried fish and crispy chips.

The family platter of fish. Notice how it’s not overdone with batter. It was oh so good!

It’s the ultimate seaside meal and must-eat in Tobermory. Plus, the cozy and casual atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

Marco Polo Trading Company

Depending on what time you wrap up your tour and lunch, you can spend the afternoon exploring more of the town or heading out for another adventure. For those who want to explore more, we highly recommend checking out the Singing Sands beach on Lake Huron.

A little further down we decided to take a dip in the water. It was ridiculously cold. My feet were hurting real bad just to take this shot!

This is the perfect spot to relax, swim, and take in the beautiful surroundings. The fine white sand makes a unique singing sound when you walk on it, supposedly that’s the reason for the name, but we didn’t hear anything! This beach is also great for families as there are shallow waters and picnic areas available.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Singing Sands Beach

Address: Singing Sands Interpretive Trail, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0, Canada
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8:00AM – 8:00PM Friday – Saturday 8:00AM – 10:00PM
Open: May 20 – October 31 – No winter maintenance.
Parking: Parking is first-come, first-served.
Cost: Bruce Peninsula National Park entry fees apply:
- Adult – $9.00
- Senior – $7.75
- Youth – Free
- Family/Group – $17.50
- Commercial Group, per person – $7.65
Amenities:
- Bike Racks
- Open Summer
- Restrooms
- Waterfront
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

Our very basic Cyprus Lake campsite.

After a full day of fun in the sun, head back to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest. If you want to make the most of being in the great outdoors, we highly recommend staying at the Poplars Campgrounds of Bruce Peninsula National Park which wraps around Cyprus Lake. This will give you the best access to all the hiking trails, boat tours, and beaches in the area. Plus, you can end the day with a nice fire and of course s’mores!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cyprus Lake Campground

Location: Cyprus Lake
Camping Permit: A camping permit is valid from 2PM on day of arrival until 11AM on day of departure.
Total Campsites: 232 drive-in un-serviced campsites.
Sections:
- Tamaracks
- Birches
- Poplars
Camping Options:
- Tent camping
- Trailer camping
- RV camping (up to 27 ft/8 m on specific sites only)
Amenities:
- Picnic table at each site.
- Firepit at each site.
Restroom Facilities: A mix of outhouse and flush-style toilets throughout the campground.
The Campground Hub (opened in 2020):
- Open-air pavilion with shower facilities
- Indoor washrooms
- WiFi hotspot
- Playground
- Basketball net
- Mini soccer field
- Outdoor theatre

Fees Overview

Camping Options:
- Group Camping (One Night with Showers): $7.75 per person.
- Cyprus Lake (One Night Unserviced with Washroom Building): $30.50.
- Additional Vehicle: $13.25 per night.
- Winter Camping (November 1 to April 30): $24.00 per site.
- Yurt Rental: $133.25.
Camping Services:
- Firewood Fire Permit: $13.00 per day.
Backcountry Use and Camping:
- Backcountry Fees: $13.50 per person, per night.
- Backcountry Parking: $13.25 per vehicle, per night.
Reservation Services:
- Online Reservation, Modification, or Cancellation: $11.50.
- Phone Reservation, Modification, or Cancellation: $13.50.
- Group Camping Reservation: $12.00.
Parking Fees:
- Daily Parking:
  - Per Vehicle: $15.75.
  - Per Commercial Bus: $62.50.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see:

What you’ll do:

Take a boat tour to Flowerpot Island

Where you’ll eat:

Breakfast – Las Chulas– A local favorite serving up delicious Mexican breakfast dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Lunch – The Fish & Chip Place – The freshest most flaky fish and hand-cut fries in Tobermory.
Dinner – Whip up some dinner at your campsite and maybe throw some smores on the fire, yum!

Where you’ll stay:

Cyprus Lake Campground: This will give you the easiest access to the trails and various sights you will see on your second day. The campground is equipped with washroom buildings, and showers, and even has small yurts available for rent.
The Adventure Bruce Inn: This property is more of an inn but with its proximity to the town of Tobermory, it makes a great stay from a convenience point of view.
Lionheart Guesthouse & B&B: While this is further south and located right by Lions Head Provincial Park, this is a comfy place to stay that comes with breakfast. This is more of a traditional bed-and-breakfast type of place. It is also cheaper than staying inside Tobermory.

Day 2

Heading back to the parking lot

The view we were treated it when we got to the top. I still can’t get over how clear the water is up here!

Walking back to the original amphitheater, we then had to figure our way back to the top and this point was it.

We then kept walking further and discovered an even larger amphitheater next door. Even my wide angle lens wasn’t enough to capture the immenseness of this place.

A look back at the hole we had to climb down to get down to the Amphitheater.

After taking the rabbit hole down, we got under Overhanging Point.

View from Grotto level. Pristine and beautifully colored.

Starting our hike along the Bruce Trail towards The Grotto.

Today is all about exploring the stunning coastline and crystal clear waters of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the campground. One of the best things about staying here is you’re already within walking distance of all of the main bits of the park.

Rocks with a view.

One of the best ways to experience the stunning natural beauty of Bruce Peninsula National Park is by hiking along its famous trail – The Bruce Trail. This 885 km long trail follows the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara Falls all the way up to Tobermory.

Obviously, we won’t be doing the full length, but we recommend starting in Cyprus Lake and hiking to Halfway Log Dump. This approximately 10 km round trip hike will take you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rocky cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Halfway Log Dump

Address: Halfway, Log Dump Rd Tobermory ON Canada
Distance: 6.2 KM.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard.
Reservations Required: June 15 to September 2.
- Day Use has a 6-hour Parking Limit.
- When Halfway Log Dump parking is fully booked, there is no more Halfway Log Dump access at that time.
What are the time slots?
- 7AM – 1PM
- 2PM – 8PM

Wide angle view of The Grotto area to the right.

On this hike, you’ll eventually reach the coveted Grotto – a must-see spot in the park. The Grotto is a beautiful cave-like structure with crystal clear water inside, making it perfect for swimming and cooling off from the summer heat. It’s seriously gorgeous, the water is a shade of blue that you won’t believe until you see it for yourself and it’s so crispy and fresh it will wash away all the hiking sweat.

Inside the Grotto. We thought it was much too cold to jump in but a whole bunch of people did as we left.

Depending on the time of year, the grotto could be quite busy, so we recommend getting there early to beat the crowds. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as some parts of the hike can be a bit rocky and steep.

The climb back up to the top from the bottom of the Grotto.

After spending some time at the Grotto, continue hiking along the trail to Indian Head Cove. This is another popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping. The water here is also incredibly clear and perfect for snorkeling.

A mini arch! Beautiful views all around here.

Personally, we recommend making a short stop at the Grotto for a swim and to see it, but Indian Head Cove is where you’ll want to set up for a longer stay. Bring snacks and plenty of water to enjoy a picnic while taking in the stunning views. You can lay a towel down, get in and out of the water, and just fully enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Grotto & Indian Head Cove

Hike: 45-minute hike from a designated parking lot.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Best time to visit: July – August (but it will be crowded.) To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Grotto and Indian Head Cove:

Reserve Your Parking Early: A paid parking reservation is required from April to October. Make sure to book well in advance to secure your spot.
Reservations: Parking reservations open in February each year and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab your spot as soon as they become available!
Time Slot Limitations: Be aware that the parking time slots are limited to 4 hours, which includes your hiking time.
Plan Your Hike: The hike to the Grotto takes around 45 minutes each way, so factor that into your 4-hour limit to enjoy your visit.
Enjoy the Sites: Allocate time for enjoying the Grotto and Indian Head Cove. It’s important to time your visit wisely!
Alternative Access: Consider hiking the Bruce Trail from the Halfway Log Dump or from Cyprus Lake Campground for additional visiting options.

Boulder Beach.

After spending some time swimming and adventuring at Indian Head Cove, you can either return the way you came or continue hiking along the trail to Overhanging Point. You’ll cross over Boulder Beach and make your way up to the cliff. It can be a bit of a challenge with some hiking and small climbing involved, but the views are certainly worth it.

We then walked further north towards Overhanging Point. This was shot right above the amphitheater below. Loved the combination of the lush green forest with the jutting overhang and the blue in the background.

Once you reach Overhanging Point, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay. This is a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the park before heading back to camp.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Overhanging Point

Distance from Indian Head Cove: 2.6km
Approximate hiking time: 2 hours (round trip)
Difficulty level: Moderate to Hard
Trailhead: Cyprus Lake Trailhead

As evening comes, you can head back into Tobermory to enjoy a beer at the Tobermory Brewing Company, you definitely deserve it. Or enjoy a nice quiet night at the campsite, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 2 Summary

What you’ll see:

What you’ll do:

Where you’ll eat:

Breakfast – Have breakfast at the campsite before starting your hike
Lunch – Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch at Indian Head Cove or Overhanging Point
Dinner – Tobermory Brewing Company – A local fave, with great food, drinks, and atmosphere in town.

How To Get To Tobermory From Toronto

The map below shows that it takes roughly 4 hours and 17 minutes from downtown Toronto to get up to Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula.

To maximize your time here, try to head out as early as possible.

Google Map screenshot of the 4 hour journey from Toronto to Tobermory.

Tobermory Trip Costs

A lot of people ask about the costs for trips so trying to be more diligent about capturing this info. This is the cost per person.

Gas – $20
Camp food – $20
Drinks – $15
Camping supplies – $10
Flowerpot Island Tour – $45
The Fish & Chips lunch – $10

Total Costs: $120

Tips & Tricks

Reserve early – We booked really late and there were literally only 1-2 campsites left for us to pick from. If you want your pick of sites or a chance to book yurt huts, I would do it as soon as bookings are available. Remember that this is not a provincial park so you’ll be making reservations with Parks Canada instead of Ontario Parks.
No showers – Keep in mind that there are no shower facilities in the park so just a heads up.
Gets cold – This is after all the north and when we were there in late June, nights dropped down to 10C. Water temperatures were ice cold at 3C. We talked to a few locals and they said at most the water only gets to 10C in late August. Packing-wise, be prepared to layer up at night.
Down the rabbit hole – There’s a hidden rabbit hole that can get you down into the Overhanging Point amphitheater down below. It’s easy to miss and a little daunting but totally worth the detour.

Packing List For Tobermory

If you plan on doing some camping on the weekend trip you’ll need some other items. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Camping Must Haves Packing List for that. Below are just some basics that will get you through your weekend to Tobermory:

Comfortable hiking shoes: This itinerary consists of lots of walking and hiking. Comfortable shoes are a must have.
Portable Towels: These come in handy for the random stops at the beach or if you decide to brave the cool Grotto water.
Buff: We take these with us on every trip, whether it’s cold or hot, this comes in handy.
Sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself on those sunny days!
Water bottle: Be sure to take plenty of water with you to keep hydrated!

Fun Filled Weekend To Tobermory And Bruce Peninsula State Park

See, we told you a weekend was plenty of time to visit Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park. Obviously, the more time you have the easier it is to get out and explore the trails and visit some of the lesser-known spots, but in two days in Tobermory, you can see all the highlights without rushing too much.

Go for a swim in the Grotto, visit Flowerpot Island, hike along the Bruce Trail, and enjoy some delicious food in town. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need to visit Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park? 2 days in Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park is enough time to see the main attractions and highlights, but if you have more time, we recommend 3-4 full days to get out and visit some of the more remote spots and hike longer trails. How do I get to Flowerpot Island? There are two ways to visit Flowerpot Island, by boat or by paddling. But we highly recommend it by boat unless you are well-equipped and trained to paddle. Two private tour boat companies operate return trips from Tobermory to the island from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.
www.blueheronco.com
www.bruceanchorcruises.com When is the best time to visit Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park? The best time to visit Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park is in the summer months from June to August. This is when the weather is warmest, perfect for swimming in the lakes, and all attractions are open. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, September and October are also beautiful times to visit when the leaves are changing colors. Can I camp at Bruce Peninsula National Park? Yes, there are several campsites available within Bruce Peninsula National Park. Reservations can be made through Parks Canada’s website. Do I need to make reservations for camping or accommodations in advance? Absolutely, especially during peak season from June to August. It is highly recommended to book in advance as accommodations and campsites can fill up quickly.

A Perfect Weekend To Tobermory And Bruce Peninsula National Park

Costa Cruises’ Music Cruise 2025, a journey across the Mediterranean inspired by the world’s most iconic festivals, will take place from 8 to 16 February

Carnival Cruise Line Launches ‘Book More, Earn Big’ Promotion For Travel Advisors. Travel Advisors Have Chance to Win First Look at Celebration Key and Earn Up to 1,000 Loyalty Rocks! Bonus Points

Disney Cruise Line Seeking Character Performers and Mainstage Dancers for New York Auditions

Brightline Supports The Everglades

Royal Caribbean is re-opening an attraction with a new idea