WalkwithM

Nestled at the tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is a lakeside haven of turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, hidden caves, and serene hikes. This past weekend, I explored its gems — including the legendary Grotto, Flowerpot Island, the relaxing Sauble Beach, and even made a charming detour through Owen Sound. Here’s a quick look at where we went, what we loved, and tips to help you plan your own adventure.

🏡 Our Stay: Willow Cove Cottage, Elmwood

We stayed at a cozy Airbnb called Willow Cove Cottage in Elmwood — a peaceful retreat nestled beside a river, completed with morning birdsong and firepit evenings. Though it’s about an hour from Tobermory, the scenic drive made it a perfect launchpad for day trips while offering a restful place to unwind each night. My favorite nook in the entire property was the hammock under the willow tree, I even picked up a book (The little Flow shop by Lori Foster) to read from the local bookstore.

📍 First Stop: Tobermory Village

Downtown Tobermory is charming and full of character — think sailboats, waterfront patios, and little shops selling everything from art to ice cream. It’s also the ferry hub to Flowerpot Island, so it’s the perfect place to start your journey.

What we loved:

• Scenic harbor views
• Local fish & chips
• Laid-back, friendly vibe

🚤 Flowerpot Island – Like a Private World

From Tobermory, we boarded a glass-bottom ferry to Flowerpot Island, cruising past shipwrecks on the way. We booked our island drop off tour with Bruce Anchor Tours and the tour includes a view to two historic shipwrecks at the Big Tub Harbour and then a cruise to the rugged shoreline of the flowerpot island before we disembarked to explore the island. The island itself is quiet, wild, and filled with fascinating rock formations, hiking trails, scenic views overlooking the turquoise water and a visit to the historic lighthouse.

Highlights:

• The iconic “flowerpot” rock formations
• Easy coastal hiking trails
• Peaceful shoreline picnic spots
• Caves + crystal-clear water

Tip: There are no shops on the island — bring your own food, water, and bug spray!

🏞️ The Grotto – Iconic and Unreal

Hidden within Bruce Peninsula National Park, The Grotto is a must-visit. After a short forest hike, we were greeted by teal waters and towering limestone cliffs that looked like they belonged in Greece. There’s even a cave you can climb down into — if you’re adventurous!

Tips:

• Reserve a day-use pass (4 hours parking time slots) online through parks canada (they book up fast, don’t wait till the last minute)
• Water shoes maybe is an essential — it’s rocky but worth it. (I did the complete trail wearing my New Balance 520 V7 )
• Bring water + snacks, and plan to stay a while

🌅 Sauble Beach – Soft Sand & Sunset Bliss

After a weekend of exploring, Sauble Beach gave us the perfect ending. Known for its vast shoreline and glowing sunsets, it was the most relaxing part of the trip.

We lounged in the sand, dipped our feet in the water, and watched the sky turn gold and pink. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone who needs to just breathe.

Food Recommendations at Sauble Beach:

🛍️ Owen Sound – A Sweet Little Detour

On our way back, we passed through Owen Sound, a lovely town with small shops, riverside walks, and an artsy feel. It was the perfect spot to grab a final coffee, a dip in the water at the kelso beach and do a little souvenir shopping.

Worth a stop for:

• Dip in the Kelso Beach
• Boutique shops
• Cozy cafes
• A quiet stroll downtown

🧳 Travel Essentials

Here’s what I’d pack again (and what I wish I brought sooner!):

• Hiking shoes + water shoes
• Swimwear + towel
• Layers – evenings could get a little chilly, even in summer so pack up a sweater or two.
• Bug spray + sunscreen (two of my Favorite sunscreens are from Laneige & Neutrogena
• Portable charger

📸 Most Instagrammable Moments

• Clifftop views of the Grotto
• Standing beside a Flowerpot Rock
• Ferry slicing through Georgian Bay
• Tobermory Harbor at sunset
• Sauble Beach’s golden hour glow

🇱🇰 A Sri Lankan’s Take on Tobermory

There was a moment while standing at the edge of the Grotto, looking out at the impossibly blue waters, where it hit me — this wasn’t the warmth of the Indian Ocean or the coconut-lined beaches. But somehow, it felt just as familiar.

The crisp air, the sound of waves crashing gently against the rocks, and the serenity of Flowerpot Island reminded me of childhood trips to coastal towns back home in Sri Lanka — minus the spicy snacks and tuk tuk horns, of course. There’s a quiet charm here, different from the tropical chaos I love, but equally soul-soothing.

As a Sri Lankan, the idea of a “cold beach day” still feels funny. I walked the rocky trails in layers while thinking about how, back home, we’d dip into the sea without hesitation. But this contrast is what I’ve come to love most — discovering the many ways nature shows up in different corners of the world.

Tobermory may be far from home, but for a few moments, it made me feel deeply connected — to Canada, to Sri Lanka, and to the traveler I’ve become in between.

💬

Tobermory gave us a taste of Ontario’s wild side — from caves to coastlines and beach towns to quiet hikes. If you’re dreaming of a trip that feels like a mix of tropical waters + forest serenity, this weekend itinerary is your sign to go.

Tobermory will forever have a special place in my heart.