We visited Tobermory in summer 2023, but didn’t get a chance to write about it. It was our second visit to the beautiful blue waters so we knew exactly what to do this time. It was a 2 day weekend trip to enjoy some nature outside of 9-5 work routine.
Day 1: Lion’s Head Trail and The Grotto
Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area
The adventure started early on Day 1, with a scenic drive that even included a fox sighting! Our first destination was Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area, where we arrived around 9:30 am. The drive was beautiful, but the $10 parking fee felt a bit steep, especially since we only spent about 15-20 minutes exploring the caves, which are just a short 400-meter walk from the parking lot. Honestly, unless you’re super curious, you could skip this spot.
Lion’s Head Trail
Next, we headed to the Lion’s Head Trail, a personal favorite of mine. I’ve hiked it before and knew it was worth a revisit. The trail is rocky and full of roots, so proper hiking shoes are a must. The parking lot here fills up quickly, so it’s best to reserve a spot in advance. We ended up parking on the street a bit farther from the trailhead and walking to the main trail. The hike to the lookout point takes about an hour and a half and is perfect for a moderately active workout. The views of Georgian Bay from the lookout are absolutely stunning—totally worth the effort! We were lucky to spot a big deer on our way back, which was a delightful surprise.
After our hike, we returned to the car, pulled out our packed lunch, and enjoyed some delicious sandwiches under the shade of a tree. The summer heat was intense, and we were exhausted, but the little break gave us enough energy to keep going. We took a short recovery break on a nearby beach, letting the cool breeze and waves refresh us.
The Grotto
Our next adventure was at The Grotto, a must-see in the area. This popular spot requires reservations, so make sure to plan ahead. We chose the loop trail that includes Marr Lake, Boulder Beach, The Grotto, and Horse Lake. The trail is about 4.7 km long and can be completed in just over an hour and a half, but we took our time to soak in the scenery. The trail is rocky, so again, good footwear is essential. It started raining during our hike, but our trusty hiking shoes kept us safe and steady on the slippery rocks. The Grotto was crowded, as expected on a weekend, but it’s a beautiful spot. The water is cold but refreshing if you’re brave enough to take a dip!
Accommodation: Bear Tracks Inn
After a full day of exploring, we headed to our accommodation for the night, the Bear Tracks Inn. Yuo can book your stay either directly through the website or through Booking.com website. I found Booking.com to be slighly cheaper. This cozy motel is conveniently located by the main road and offers all the amenities you need. They even have a restaurant and gift shop on site. We ended the day with a delicious veggie pizza, which was the perfect end to an incredible day.
Day 2: Tobermory and Flowerpot Island
Drive to Tobermory
We started Day 2 bright and early, leaving Bear Tracks Inn around 7 am and making our way towards Tobermory. Our first stop was at TruFood Cafe, a cozy spot perfect for grabbing delicious sandwiches and coffee. They even have vegan options, which is always a plus! We arrived in Tobermory with plenty of time to spare. If you’re visiting on a weekend, give yourself extra time to find parking and get settled, as it can get very busy. Fortunately, it was a Monday for us, so the town was quiet and not as crowded.
Before boarding the Flowerpot Island ferry, we took some time to explore the local shops and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Tobermory is known for its crystal-clear blue waters, part of Fathom Five Marine National Park. There are lots of options for water activities, like renting a kayak or trying scuba diving, but we stuck to our plan and headed for the ferry.
Flowerpot Island
If you are heading to Flowerpot Island during the peak season and on a weekend, then it is prudent that you buy your tickets well in advance. We went with Blue Heron Cruises for our trip. We chose seats on the top deck of the ferry to enjoy the best views. There are various boat tours available, but we opted for the drop-off tour that takes passengers to Flowerpot Island where you will have about 3 hours to explore the island after which the ferry arrives to pick up everyone. The ferry ride includes a pass over nineteenth century sunken shipwrecks, which you can clearly see through the water—it’s a unique and fascinating experience. After the shipwrecks, the ferry speeds up, and it can get chilly on the top deck, but you’re free to move around and warm up inside.
The ferry ride to Flowerpot Island takes about 45 minutes. As luck would have it, it started raining just as we arrived, but the ferry staff were prepared and handed out ponchos. Always a good idea to bring a raincoat just in case! We set off on the island’s loop trail, which took us about 1.5 hours to complete. Despite the rain, it felt like hiking in a tropical rainforest, surrounded by lush greenery. The trail is breathtaking, and a waterproof camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery.
After our hike, we returned to the pickup point and enjoyed our packed lunch while waiting for the ferry. The highlight of our lunch was spotting an otter swimming nearby—such a delightful surprise! You can also purchase snacks at Flowerpot Island Lightstation, but it is about 45 minutes walk from the drop off point. They only accept cash.
Tip – If you are done early, then just ask the captain of the next ferry if they have room to take you back. You don’t have to wait 3 hours for your scheduled ferry.
Mapleton’s Organic Dairy Farm
With our adventure on Flowerpot Island complete, it was time to head back to Hamilton. The drive home took us through beautiful farmland. On the way, we spotted Mapleton’s Organic Dairy and decided to make a quick stop. It was a charming little farm where we got to see cows and pigs up close. It is a family owned farm and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. They also have a shop where you can buy fresh dairy products. We couldn’t resist treating ourselves to some delicious ice cream to enjoy at home.
That’s a wrap
And just like that, our whirlwind Tobermory weekend trip came to an end. It was a fast-paced and fully-packed adventure, filled with stunning landscapes, clear waters, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into hiking, water activities, or just exploring quaint towns, Tobermory has something for everyone.
Feel free to checkout the Canada section of our blog as more posts will be added to it as we explore.
