A nature seeker’s paradise and one of Canada's most stunning towns, Tobermory, Ontario, boasts excellent lakeview cottages. Take your family to this small harbour town enriched with freshwater diving spots, vast forests, and numerous hiking trails. Tobermory cottage rentals are in high demand during summer, when the scenic lakeside town comes alive.
Dig into fresh fish and chips by scenic Georgian Bay
Tobermory is dotted with plenty of eateries overlooking beautiful Georgian Bay. A local favourite, the Fish & Chip Place, has been dishing out the finest Georgian Bay whitefish accompanied by gorgeous views of Little Tub Harbour since 1998.
For the best craft beers in town, head to Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill. Enjoy beautiful lake views while indulging in fantastic burgers and steaks washed down with a local brew. Family-run Leeside Restaurant & Patio Bar is popular for its hearty breakfast, although it’s open for other meals, too. Located across from the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Terminal, this family-friendly diner has wide windows that offer spectacular views of Little Tub Harbour and Chi-Cheemaun dockings. Don’t miss its sandwiches and homefries.
Get active as you discover Tobermory's landscapes and heritage
Head to Singing Sands, in Tobermory, to hang out with family. The shallow and sandy beach is along picturesque Lake Huron makes it an ideal place for a day of swimming and sandcastle building. For some family thrills, check out Little Cove Adventures, off the beaten track in Tobermory. Challenge yourself with various levels of tree climbing, tire swinging, rope courses, and much more.
Yet another great destination for kids is the St. Edmunds and Peninsula Museum in Tobermory, just off of Highway 6. Discover Tobermory's local and marine heritage through this small but informative museum.
The famous Tobermoy Glass Bottom Boat Tours will get you close to one of Tobermory's fascinating shipwrecks. The water is so clear that these eerie time capsules from the maritime past are also visible by boat from the surface of the water.
For an alternative outing, your family can explore the grottos of Bruce Peninsula National Park by kayak and canoe. No matter your outdoor pleasure, your accommodation makes it easy to make the most of this region's gorgeous nature.
Tobermory's Natural Wonders: UNESCO treasures and secluded grottos
Part of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fathom Five National Marine Park promises extraordinary exploration, thanks to a unique ecosystem comprising 20 islands and numerous shipwrecks. Go diving in some the world’s clearest waters, with a rare 25 meters' visibility. A boat cruise from here leads to Flowerpot Island, named after its flowerpot-like rock sea stacks. Hike the forested trail past the picturesque coastline and turquoise waters and see garter snakes, songbirds, and bald eagles.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is yet another diverse paradise for hikers, with meadows, wetlands, and rocky beaches. With hidden lookouts and vistas, the park is home to famously scenic Indian Head Cove and the Grotto. Hike for 45 minutes through the park, admiring its ancient cedars and wetlands to reach the Grotto on Georgian Bay, where you'll surely want to snap some photos. Back in town, on the south shore of Tobermory’s Little Tub Harbour, don’t miss the boardwalk's scenic views of the harbour, and check out the vegetation-covered old boat on the beach. You'll also want to venture to Big Tub Harbour's lighthouse for panoramic views of the rocky lakeshore. The place is ideal for picnics and watching the area's famous sunsets.
Events and Festivals in Tobermory
Tobermory cottages for rent fill up fast in June, when two of the area's most important festivals are held. The three-day long Chi-Cheemaun Festival, held on the third weekend of June, dates back to 1975. It celebrates the arrival of the ferry connecting Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. Kicking off with a slowpitch tournament, the festival includes a children's art contest, antique and classic car display, mini golf tournament, and other entertainment before closing with fireworks. Saturday's pancake breakfast, the food booths, and the beer garden are major draws for foodies.
Tobermory cabin rentals are high in demand during the week-long Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival. Activities are held at the park visitor center headquarters and in and around Bruce Peninsula National Park. Celebrated naturalists and photographers lead walking tours and workshops, introducing visitors to the area's 44 species of rare and beautiful orchids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Tobermory?
At the moment, there are 155 vacation homes from 9 different providers in Tobermory.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Tobermory?
Many travellers are searching for Pets allowed, Internet, and Pool when booking a vacation home in Tobermory.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Tobermory?
Finding a vacation rental in Tobermory that allows dogs is definitely possible, with 46 pet-friendly homes on offfer.
What's the best month to book a vacation rental in Tobermory?
The warmest time of year in Tobermory is July and August, with the nightly price of a vacation home starting at $108.