How To Do An Awesome Day Trip From Toronto To Tobermory
Our goal was a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory, Ontario, We wanted to see if we could do an experience-rich, one-day visit. The truth is, you can do a one-day trip to Tobermory from Toronto if you are willing to wake up early!
The trick to making it happen is timing. We headed out very early in the morning and drove up Highway 6 from the Burlington area to escape the suburban sprawl.
So this day trip to Tobermory is for the early birds who can wake up and hit the road at 4 a.m. So tip number one: get prepared the night before and set the alarm as early as you can!
Doing A Day Trip From Toronto To Tobermory
The first part of the day trip from Toronto to Tobermory takes you through the suburban sprawl of the city, past Brampton and northwest through farmland.
If you’re coming from Toronto itself, it’s best to take Highway 10, but if you’re coming from the western part of Lake Ontario, use Highway 6 all the way up.
Just be careful through stretches of the highway as traffic can be a bit intense through the Southern part of the highway.
What you see along the way to Tobermory on Highway 6 is sections of forests, small villages, and towns.
Black Angus cows graze on farmers’ fields. Bales of hay are obvious reminders that you are passing through prime farmland.
Every little while you see the very tempting signs inviting you to visit the Sweet Shop in Tobermory.
One sign said “Losing too much weight? Get yourself into the Sweet Shop?” So tempting…
| Related: Exploring The Stunning Scenery At Bruce Peninsula National Park
Best Things To Do In Tobermory
If you’re planning a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory that involves hiking and exploring the trails at Bruce Peninsula National Park, I have one recommendation for you.
Head straight into the town first. Why?
It’s the furthest point in this area. You can work your way back through to Bruce Peninsula National Park after you’ve had a chance to see the town.
In Tobermory itself, there are a few things to do – the key ones being exploring and indulging in good food!
The Sweet Shop In Tobermory
Load up on sweets at the Sweet Shop! This is always my first stop when we do a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory.
Enjoy an ice cream cone and take in the sights from the store which is on top of a hill with a great view below.
Situated in Little Tub Harbour, it is THE candy store in the region. After a long drive up, it’s a must-visit.
If you have a sweet tooth like me, you can load up on a few goodies to enjoy as you explore Tobermory.
The shop sells maple fudge, peanut brittle, handmade chocolates and ice cream. We opted to buy the Little Tub Crunch, caramel popcorn brittle (addictive) and ice cream.
The Sweet Shop has a spot where you can sit down and enjoy your ice cream while taking in the view below. It’s the ideal spot to take a break.
Take A Walk Around Little Tub Harbour In Tobermory
While enjoying our quickly melting cones, we wandered outside to enjoy the sunny weather and explored the Little Tub Harbour.
My first day trip to Tobermory was in 2006. Since then there have been a number of changes to the town.
Kitschy souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and marine tour operators dominate the harbour area.
The boardwalk along the marina shows that the little town is really geared toward tourists and those awaiting the next Chi-Cheemaun Ferry.
During this summer day trip to Tobermory, we weren’t very hungry. So we didn’t check out the local cuisine, but we may have to do another trip just to try out the “Eye Poppin Jaw-Dropping Whitefish & Fries” advertised at Craigie’s Harbourview Restaurant (since 1932!).
| Related: Exploring The Grotto, Cyprus Lake In Bruce Peninsula National Park
Family Activities In Tobermory
Doing a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory can be fun for families too!
There are things to do and see in Tobermory. Watching the loading of cars onto the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry and seeing it sail off is cool if you are seeing it for the first time.
Blue Heron Boat Tours and Bruce Anchor Cruises take you around the area to explore the unique coastline, including Flowerpot Island.
After Exploring Tobermory: Bruce Peninsula National Park
After visiting Tobermory, your next stop is to hit the hiking trails at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
At this point, it should be about 11:00 a.m. depending on if you’ve done any tours or not. If you did, it’s approximately 1:30 p.m. in your one-day trip from Toronto to Tobermory experience.
Aim to do a short hiking excursion if you want to get home to Toronto by the evening.
There are short trails around the Bruce Peninsula National Park visitor’s centre.
The famous Grotto by Cyprus Lake is a longer hike. However, be aware that you’ll have to reserve your spot in advance. This is an extremely popular destination.
Another consideration is to skip Bruce Peninsula National Park and to do some diving.
For adults, it’s also an ideal spot for diving at Fathom Five National Marine Park with 20 shipwrecks in clear, clean water.
Read about our visit, exploring Bruce Peninsula National Park for a few hours during our day trip to Tobermory.
Day Trip From Toronto To Tobermory Tips
Since it’s a long drive from Toronto to Tobermory, here are a few key things to consider to bring with you and to do to make it a wonderful experience:
- Bring a couple of pillows if you’re travelling early in the morning with little kids. They will probably want to nap along the way.
- Pack snacks and water to keep yourself from going “hangry” along the way.
- Wear or pack your comfortable hiking boots or shoes with you. If you head into Bruce Peninsula National Park, there are some very rocky and rooted sections of trail that require something more appropriate than flip-flops.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat with you if you’re hanging around the harbour. There are some shady areas but for the most part, you’re in the full glorious sun on sunny days.
- Grab a pillow if you’re the passenger. You’ll want to snooze on the way home.
- Since it’s going to be a marathon day trip to Tobermory, remember your comfort as well. You may want to bring a change of clothes if the day is super hot.
Remember to take photos and use these travel hashtags for Instagram.
| Related: The LARQ Water Bottle – Self-Cleaning Water Bottle For Long Road Trips
QUESTION: What’s your favourite spot in Tobermory? Have you ever done a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory – what did you do?
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Originally published July 10, 2019 with recent updates.
