13 Best Things To Do Outdoors In Tobermory, Canada

1. Go camping in one of the best spots in Ontario

Take a three-day camping tour where all you need, including gear and food, is provided, so all you have to do is lie back and stare at the stars above with the ocean below. This amazing camping tour takes you into Bruce National Park, where you will learn basic camping skills and be able to enjoy the scenery around you. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Cyprus Lake Campground

Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Website: Cyprus Lake Campground

Summer House Park

Address: 197 Miller Lake Shore Rd, Miller Lake, ON N0H 1Z0

Website: Summer House Park

Lands End Park

Address: 59 Corey Cr, Hay Bay Road, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Website: Lands End Park

2. Get a close-up view of a shipwreck with a glass bottom boat cruise

Tobermory gives you the unique opportunity to view the history of its maritime past through glass bottom boat tours that take you over historic shipwrecks. These tours are only available during peak season, due to water levels in the area so make sure to check the dates that you are traveling. Otherwise, there are other cruise options that will give you the option to enjoy the other wonders of the area.

Glass bottom boat cruise

Address: 7425 Highway 6, N0H 2R0 Tobermory, ON

Website: Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

3. Take a cruise to a lighthouse or to orchid filled trails

During peak season in Tobermory, there are ample opportunities to travel on some of the most pristine waters in the region and witness the cliffs and terrain that mark this beautiful area of Ontario. These cruises will take you to historic lighthouses and drop you off at trail locations, where you can spend some time exploring and then come back to catch the cruise ride back to your home base.

Bruce Anchor Cruises

Address: 7468 Hwy. 6 North, N0H 2R0 Tobermory, ON

Website: Bruce Anchor Cruises

4. Get the best view of Tobermory on a helicopter tour

With such a spectacular view of the blue waters below and the unique cliffs filled in with a lush landscape, a helicopter tour of Tobermory will leave you breathless. The helicopter tours can range from 15km to 150 km (9.3 - 93 mi) which gives you many different options to view the Bruce Penninsula and surrounding areas.

Helicopter tours

Address: 7425 Highway 6, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Website: Helicopter Tours

5. Go birding

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

With its distinct landscape of land and water, Tobermory is a wonderful place to go birding or birdwatching. With many of its parks boasting over 200 species of birds, you can find ways to hand-feed chickadees or observe rare marsh birds. The ample number of trails provide the right opportunities to find a fascinating type of bird at every turn. There is even an annual birding festival that allows you to take guided tours to explore all of the birds of the region.

Birding in Tobermory

Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, N0H 2R0 Tobermory, ON, Canada

Website: Birding

6. Hike Burnt Point Loop in Fathom Five National Park

Explore this amazing ecosystem that is millions of years old to give you a beautiful platform to dive into and experience nature at its finest. This park is one of many in the area that allows you to see why this region of Ontario is so unique and special to the world.

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Address: N0H 2R0 Tobermory, ON, Canada

Website: Fathom Five National Marine Park

7. Explore Flowerpot Island

Named for its rock formations that look like giant flowerpots, Flowerpot Island is home to many trails that take you through paths covered with lush plants and flowers. The trails here lead to several scenic spots as well as a famous lighthouse. Make sure to keep your camera ready for sights that you won’t want to forget. Flowerpot Island is a popular destination and is usually only accessible during the various boat tours around the Peninsula.

Hiking the Flowerpot Island trails

Address: Flowerpot Island, Ontario, Canada

Website: Flowerpot Island Trails

8. Marvel at The Grotto

Tobermory is known for The Grotto, an ancient cave formation that sits above swirling turquoise waters. It is an internationally renowned natural wonder, and many people travel from afar to come to view its beauty. Planning a trip to The Grotto is pretty simple, everything can be done online. So make sure you plan your trip according to parking passes and weather but once you’re there you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the view.

The Grotto

Address: Bruce National Park, Tobermory, Ontario, Canada

Website: The Grotto

9. Take a boat adventure on the Tobermory Wave

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When taking a trip to Tobermory, you definitely need to go on a boat adventure upon the Tobermory Wave. The Tobermory Wave takes people out to visit various places around the Tobermory waters like the Grotto and the Flower Pot Island. You can enjoy a private boat tour as this boat can be rented privately for a small group of people.

Tobermory Wave Adventures

Address: Dock 4, Little Tub Harbour, Bay St, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Website: Tobermory Wave Adventures

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

10. Kayak through the beautiful clear turquoise waters

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

During your stay in Tobermory, it is very important that you have the chance to explore the surrounding nature. Take the chance to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Bruce Peninsula. There are different boats available for you to try out for yourself, that is not a cruise. Individual boats such as a kayak, perfect for going out to enjoy the serene atmosphere alone or have your friends and family join you on their individual kayaks.

On The Water Kayaks (by Tobermory Cruise Line)

Address: 53 Bay Street S, Tobermory,ON N0H 2R0

Website: On The Water Kayaks

Price: from 35 CAD (28 USD)

11. Go for a swim at Mermaid Cove

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mermaid Cove is a great spot for a swim, and can be accessed by a short walk from town. While the water here is crystal blue, do note that it is rocky and shallow, and might not be suitable for young kids.

Things to do nearby

12. Take a garden tour and catch a concert at Earthbound Gardens

In nearby Red Bay, there is a beautiful spot where you might catch a flight of monarch butterflies or wander through a cluster of lilies. Tobermory is known for its orchids and even has an annual orchid fest, but if you miss the festival and still want to get a glimpse of some of the flowers the area has to offer, then check out the garden tours at Earthbound Gardens.

Garden tours at Earthbound Gardens

Address: 14 Hea Road South Bruce, N0H 2T0 Peninsula, ON

Website: Garden Tour

13. Visit Cape Croker Park for a look into Tobermory's native culture

The Chippewas of Nawash own Cape Croker Park, which is available to tourists for camping, boating, and hiking. The beautiful 520 acres (208 hectares) are lined by limestone bluffs and contain several different landscapes to explore. This reserve is home to cultural events for the Chippewas as well as an annual pow wow. Check travel dates on their website for event details.

Cape Croker Park

Address: 112 Park Rd, Neyaashiinigmiing, N0H2T0 Ontario, Canada

Website: Cape Croker Park

A trip to Tobermory is a milestone for natural enthusiasts

Your trip to Tobermory will be filled with unique experiences that accentuate the human experience within profound natural surroundings. This region not only boasts ancient stone structures but also delicate orchids that find themselves growing in giant stone flowerpots.