Top things to do in Tobermory

Small Flowerpot @ Flowerpot Island (near Tobermory)

From Owen Sound, we went to Tobermory for the day. It was just under a hundred kilometers one way so we started early. Our first stop was the Visitor Centre where we got some tips on how to maximize our day. Here are my top things to do in Tobermory:

1. Enjoy the local fish and chips – after we got our boat cruise tickets, we had our lunch at one of the fish n chips restaurants in the area. Just by the Little Tub Harbour, there were many fish n chip places. We selected the one closest to the street, Shipwreck Lee’s (which required the least walking for our companions) and it was good. The fish was fresh and the service was fast and friendly! They also offer all you can eat fish n chips (not local whitefish, though).

Fish & Chips at Tobermory

2. Take the Glassbottom boat tour– there are two cruise operators out of Tobermory offering Glassbottom boat tours to Flowerpot Island. We chose the Bruce Anchor Cruises but it was similar in operations to the other operator, Blue Heron Boat Tours. The rates were not that cheap, coming out to about $40 per person. It is cheaper if you don’t get off at Flowerpot Island, but what is the fun in that? There was a tour about every 30 or so minutes and they give you a parking pass since parking was a bit difficult in the area.

Glassbottom boat cruise @ Tobermory

The tours depart from Little Tub Harbour, one of Tobermory’s two natural harbours. 

Little Tub Harbour, Tobermory

We crossed to the Big Tub Harbour where we saw the Big Tub Lighthouse built in 1885 

Big Tub Harbour Lighthouse, Tobermory

and got a view of the two shipwrecks at the head—The Sweepstakes and the City of Grand Rapids. These were both shallow enough and the waters were so clear that we were able to view these from the boat as well as the glass bottom area.

Shipwreck at Fathom Five National Marine Park, Big Tub @ Tobermory

3. Hike and view the majestic cliffs in Flowerpot Island at Fathom Five National Park—the National Park Day Pass is extra and can be purchased at the same ticket booth where you get your boat cruise tickets. Depending on your length of stay on the island, you can take a mini-hike to see the sea caves,

Sea Caves at Flowerpot Island (Tobermory)

take a closer look at the Flowerpots, 

Flowerpot at Flowerpot Island (Tobermory)

go all the way to the Lighthouse/museum 

Lighthouse at Flowerpot Island (Tobermory)

or do a loop trail around the island. We did everything except the loop trail as we only had 3 hours on the island. The sights were magnificent with aquamarine waters and majestic cliffs. Apart from the two famous “flowerpots” (which were actually 60’ seastacks), there were so many caves and strange rock formations surrounded by crystal clear waters. It was so beautiful and serene. Anywhere you turn, it was just picture-perfect (well, outside of the tons of tourists photobombing your shots).  

crystal clear waters at Flowerpot Island (Tobermory)

caves and cliffs at Flowerpot Island (Tobermory)

 The day pass for Fathom Five also allowed us admission to the exhibit and movie at the Visitors Centre. This centre also has access to where the Bruce Trail begins to take you on over 800km walking trails all the way to Niagara. They also have a tower looking out over Tobermory and the trails.

Trails at Bruce National Park Visitor Centre (Tobermory)

exhibit at Bruce National Park Visitor Centre (Tobermory)

And some things we will have to come back for:

1. Go scubadiving or snorkeling—apparently, Tobermory is the Diving Capital of Canada. We did get to see a couple of the shipwrecks (out of 22 in the Fathom Five National Marine Park!) from above the waters (yes, the waters were that clear!!!) and the accounts were fascinating.

2. Check out the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park-- this is a sea cave that was carved from the rock face by centuries of waves beating on the cliffs. Quite beautiful in the photos that I have seen and our reason to come back to the area! There are also many trails with varying degrees of difficulty in this park showcasing limestone cliffs, wetlands and even beaches.

3. Get to Manitoulin island—apparently another beautiful area and again, another reason to come back. Manitoulin is the largest freshwater island in the world! It is home to La Cloche mountains and accessible via car or ferry. In the summer months (May to October), the Chi-Cheemaun ferries between Tobermory and South Baymouth. It also boasts plenty of trails and cruises.

We just totally loved the sights and waters of Tobermory and Flowerpot Island. It was one of the most beautiful places we have seen. And while the cliffs reminded us of El Nido in Palawan, the crystal clear waters on limestone slabs where the girls played in gave us picture perfect memories to last a lifetime!