At the windy crossroads of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, the Bruce Peninsula has seen its share of bad weather. As such, the surrounding waters are a gravesite filled with sunken ships. Paired with Caribbean-like turquoise, clear water, Tobermory is a fantastic kicking off point for freshwater scuba diving. In fact, the surrounding area and shorelines are included in the Fathom Five National Marine Park. Set to preserve the 20 historic shipwrecks in the water, the conservation area also includes several lighthouses.
Flower Pot Island, which gets its name from the two flower-pot-like rock pillars jutting out of the water, is an example of the surprising scenery Tobermory has to offer. Like its beautiful water, these flower pots seem more at home off the coast of Australia's Great Ocean Road and not in a Great Lake in Northern Ontario.
What Time of Year Should I Visit Tobermory, Ontario?
Thanks to its outlying location on the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory typically sees temperatures a few degrees lower than Toronto. The average temperature in the summer months of June to September is 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). Winter averages between December and March dip down to 36 F (2 C) with the coldest month being January where it sees an average of 15 F (minus 9 C). January also sees its share of snow in Tobermory with an average snowfall of 44 inches (112 cm).
Bottom line, bundle up and dress accordingly if you are heading to Tobermory in January.
The one commonality between seasons in Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula is the wind. As the many shipwrecks offshore can attest to, Tobermory sees strong gusts on average of 14.6 miles per hour (23.5 km per hour). The windiest month is January, which can make the coldest time of year in Tobermory that much more frigid and blustery.
Since the clear blue waters of Lake Huron and the Fathom Five National Marine Park are the biggest draws to the area, Tobermory's tourism season runs from May to October. Many shops and hotels shut down for the winter season after the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.
That said, visiting Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula in the winter is not without its charm. For those looking to escape the city for a winter weekend getaway, Tobermory is a quiet and cosy option. If you dress appropriately and can bear the cold, the mix of Lake Huron's crystal blue waters partially frozen over and a shoreline blanketed in fresh white snow is about as pure and refreshing as it gets.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Tobermory, ON:
Tobermory by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Tobermory, ON. You can use these line graphs to calculate the best months to book a room in Tobermory for your upcoming travels.
Are There Luxury Hotel Options in Tobermory, Ontario?
4 Star Average Prices: $189.00
There are no luxury hotel or accommodation options in or around Tobermory. The town and area is a popular destination for divers and those waiting for the next Chi-Cheemaun ferry crossing. As such, the accommodation options are mainly motels, B&Bs, and lakefront cottages.
The only hotel option in town is the Tobermory Princess Hotel. What it lacks in five-star features it makes up for in Little Tub Harbor views and downtown location.
Are There Affordable Hotel Options in Tobermory, Ontario?
With several motels and cottages to choose from, there is no shortage of affordable accommodation options in and around Tobermory. Those looking for an affordable rustic stay should consider Buddha Bing Cottage and Cabins. Rooms are minimal in features but extremely well kept, clean, and comfortable all at a great rate.
If you are traveling without children and looking for an affordable option with plenty of perks, consider Mermaid's Boutique Adult Guest House. This kitschy Art Deco cabin has plenty to offer those traveling on a budget. Located near the Big Tub Lighthouse, rooms are well furnished and comfortable for less than what you will pay in town. Enjoy on-site bike rentals as well as a fire pit for relaxing after a day of exploring the Bruce Peninsula. Pets are allowed. However, they require a deposit and a small fee.
Which Hotels Offer the Best Discounts in Tobermory, Ontario?
Those looking to save through their AAA, CAA, and AARP/Senior discounts will need to head to nearby Owen Sound. The Best Western Inn on the Bay offers discounted rates for various groups and business travelers and it's only 10.8 miles (17.4 km) from the Bruce Peninsula, making it easily accessible on a day trip.
On top of offering excellent value, the Best Western Inn on the Bay is an eco-friendly hotel that offers on-site dining, a large conference room, and free parking. It is also located in the closest city to Tobermory, which means more dining and entertainment options, especially for those considering visiting the Bruce Peninsula in the winter season.
What Are the Best Hotels in Tobermory, Ontario?
With so many motels and cottages to choose from, which ones stand out above the rest? The Forest House B&B is one of the highest-rated accommodation options in Tobermory, Ontario. Guests rave about its location, which is both conveniently located steps from downtown and isolated in that it is surrounded by tall trees in a forest. This makes for a peaceful stay that feels secluded but is also close to the shops and restaurants.
Guests also enjoy the recently renovated rooms that are well taken care of and tastefully decorated. No room is the same at the Forest House B&B. One thing the rooms do have in common is the inclusion of private balconies. Staff at the family-run establishment also garner praise for there hospitality and recommendations on things to see and do in and around the Bruce Peninsula.
Another highly-rated accommodation option in Tobermory is The Belrose Inn which also offers excellent value. Not only does it win points for its harbor side location and views of the Georgian Bay, but it's also one of the most affordable stays in town.
Guests enjoy its close proximity to local coffee shops, restaurants, and stores, as well as the helpful staff who live on site. Rooms are modest but highly revered for their comfort and cleanliness. Be sure to book this one in advance though — this historical inn only has four rooms, and it fills up early.
What Is There to Do in Tobermory, Ontario Besides Diving?
Tobermory's tourism is heavily concentrated around the freshwater diving in the nearby Fathom Five National Marine Park. If you are not a diver, don't fret. There is still much to see and do in and around Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula.
At 559 miles (900 km), the Bruce Trail is not only Canada's longest marked footpath but also its oldest. It runs from Queenston on the Niagara River and makes its way north, ending in Tobermory. You certainly don't have to walk the whole trail. Just keep in mind that the 19 mile (30 km) stretch along the Bruce Peninsula is arguably the most scenic portion. Enjoy beautiful green vegetation contracted by white cliffs and the incredibly blue waters below.
While hiking the Bruce Trail or the shoreline around Tobermory, keep an eye out for various types of birds. The diverse habitat and mix of wetlands, meadows, and forests make Tobermory and the surrounding area a birder's paradise.
Golf is another option for those who are looking for activities off the water. There are several courses to choose from along the Bruce Peninsula with varying difficulties. Head to the 12-hole golf course Club at Westlinks if you are a beginner. Pros should definitely check out the highly acclaimed Black Horse Golf Course in nearby Kincardine.
Lastly, if you are not into diving but still want to see the shipwrecks and marine life, snorkeling is an option. Thanks to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay's clean and incredibly clear water, visibility is excellent. This means you can see some of the shipwrecks and underwater life from the surface, making snorkeling a popular activity for those that are not certified divers.
With its beautiful and seemingly out-of-place turquoise waters, lighthouses, and head-scratching rock formations, Tobermory is definitely best visited in the summer months. Besides the water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing,
Tobermory is a diving destination that draws people in for its clear water and historic shipwrecks. Even if you are not a diver, there are plenty of things to see and do on the Bruce Peninsula. Visitors who can brave the cold are rewarded with a crisp and beautiful contrast of white snow along with some of the bluest water you will ever see.