Tobermory sits at the tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, where Lake Huron meets Georgian Bay. This tiny harbour town is home to some of Canada’s most stunning natural scenery — turquoise waters and trails for the entire family. And the best part? It’s incredibly dog-friendly.
We spent five days exploring with Naina & Naaz and didn’t want to leave.
About Tobermory & The Bruce Peninsula
Tobermory is a small village at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. With a year-round population of just a few hundred, it swells with visitors during the summer months — and for good reason. The waters here are impossibly clear, the hiking trails are world-class, and the town has a laid-back charm that’s hard to beat.
The Bruce Peninsula is home to Bruce Peninsula National Park, which protects some of the most spectacular shoreline along Georgian Bay. The park’s crown jewel is the Grotto — a natural sea cave with turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean, not Ontario.
We visited in mid-June 2024, driving up from Ottawa — an 8-hour road trip with a lunch stop in Toronto. It’s a long haul, but absolutely worth it.
Where We Stayed
We booked a lakefront cottage through Airbnb in the Northern Bruce Peninsula — a beautifully done 3-bedroom place with its own private dock, deck chairs, and a backyard that opened right up to the lake.
The interiors were tastefully decorated — cozy and comfortable without feeling over the top. Stepping out the back door, you’re met with an expansive view of the lake, a private dock to sit on, and chairs perfectly placed for morning coffee or evening drinks.
It was a bit off the main road and quite secluded at night — which we actually loved. No noise, no neighbours, just the sound of the water. Naina and Naaz had the run of the place and spent hours by the lake.
The only downside? We had to take care of the garbage ourselves at checkout — a minor inconvenience for an otherwise great stay.
The Grotto — Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Grotto is the highlight of any trip to Tobermory, and it lived up to every expectation.
We booked our time slot two weeks in advance — and this is essential. The park requires reservations, and popular slots fill up fast. We chose a morning slot (before noon) and arrived early. The trail from the parking lot to the Grotto is about a 30-minute walk along the Bruce Trail, winding through forests and along the cliff edge with stunning views of Georgian Bay.
When we arrived, the Grotto was relatively quiet — just a handful of people. The water was that impossible shade of turquoise that you see in photos and think must be edited. It’s not. It really looks like that.
We climbed down to the water and went for a swim — and yes, Naina and Naaz went in too! The water was cold but refreshing, and watching the dogs paddle around in that crystal-clear water was one of the highlights of the trip.
Pro tip: As our time slot was ending, the afternoon crowd started arriving and it became packed. The Grotto completely lost its charm with too many people. Go early — before noon is the sweet spot.
Activities
Bruce Trail Hiking
The Bruce Trail runs the entire length of the Niagara Escarpment, and the section around Tobermory is spectacular. We hiked a portion on our way to the Grotto and spent a separate morning exploring the trail further south. The terrain is rugged — limestone rock, tree roots, and cliff edges — so proper footwear is a must. Both hikes were dog-friendly, and Naina and Naaz loved every minute.
Head Cove
A beautiful, quieter spot along the Bruce Trail. We visited early on the morning of June 21st and had the place practically to ourselves. The rocky shoreline and clear water made it a perfect spot for photos and letting the dogs explore.
Little Cove
Just down the road from Head Cove, Little Cove is a popular swimming spot with a small beach. The water here is crystal clear and shallow near the shore — great for wading in (though still cold in June!).
Tobermory Town
Tobermory itself is a charming little harbour town. The main strip along Bay Street has shops, restaurants, and the harbour where the Chi-Cheemaun ferry departs for Manitoulin Island.
We spent a couple of evenings wandering the town, grabbing seafood and local beer, and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can walk everywhere and every local seems happy to chat.
Food
The seafood in Tobermory is excellent — fresh, local, and well-prepared. We tried several spots along Bay Street and were consistently impressed.
The standout was Stella’s Gelato & Café on Bay Street — their gelato was incredible. After a long day of hiking, stopping here became our ritual. Highly recommend.
Tip: Arrive at restaurants early. Tobermory is a hugely popular destination in summer and places fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Yay or Nay
A massive yay!
Tobermory exceeded our expectations in every way. The Grotto was as stunning as the photos suggest, the hiking was incredible, and the dog-friendly nature of the whole area made it even more special for us travelling with Naina and Naaz.
If you’re in Ontario and haven’t been, put it on your list. If you have a long drive (ours was 8 hours from Ottawa), we’d recommend 4 nights. If you’re closer (say, from the GTA), even 3 nights would work — you could easily visit multiple times.
This is one of those places that reminds you just how beautiful Ontario really is.
