Hiking Trails In Tobermory, Ontario, Canada

Hiking in Tobermory

1. Mermaid Cove
2. Bruce Peninsula National Park Lookout Tower
3. Little Dunks Bay
4. Dunks Point
5. Dunks Bay
6. Little Cove
7. The Grotto

1. Mermaid Cove

A 25-minute hike (or 5-minute drive) North on Bay Street and East on Elgin street to the parking area. From here it is an easy 7-minute walk. I have seen families swim here but you have to keep an eye on kids and non-swimmers. There is no beach just a rocky bottom. Superb for snorkeling.

2. Bruce Peninsula National Park Lookout Tower

At the end of Head street (parallel to Bay street) begins Bruce Peninsula National Park. A minute’s walk in and you will come upon the 20-metre high (112 steps) Lookout Tower. Although the surrounding trees have grown tall, the view from the Tower is phenomenal as you can see way out into the North Channel and Georgian Bay.

3. Little Dunks Bay

From the Tower, it is an 8-minute easy hike. The view is awesome and swimming can be fun for the experienced swimmer. Snorkeling is nice here, the water is so clear.

4. Dunks Point

At Little Dunks Bay the trail going left will get you to Dunks Point, it is a 12-minute hike. A very pleasant view and fun to swim and snorkel in too.

5. Dunks Bay

At Little Dunks Bay the trail going right will get you to Dunks Bay. It is an easy 10-minute hike or (1.5 miles/2.5 km by car from Tobermory south on Hwy 6 and east on Dunks Bay road). There is a small public beach here with very fine powdery white sand and a gentle slope. I have seen families swim here but then again, safety is everyones responsibility.

On windy days, the water gets really choppy and the waves are quite big.

6. Little Cove

A medium level 30-minute hike from Dunks Bay, has a very rugged, rocky shoreline. Good for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

7. The Grotto

A 2-hour (medium/hard) hike (5.6 miles/9.1 kms) from Little Cove. Driving there from Tobermory, it is 10.5 miles/17 kms, south on HWY 6 and east on Cyprus Lake Rd. + a 30-minute easy hike from the parking lot. If driving, you have to reserve a parking spot in advance (on-line suggested or call 1-877-737-3782) and are allocated only 4 hour periods. I recommend you take early morning spots as the place gets very crowded later in the day. $11.70 per spot + $6.00 (online), $8.50 (telephone) booking charges. Parking is FREE for holders of a Parks Canada Annual DISCOVERY Pass but you still have to register online or call and reserve the spot and time.

To view map of trails and locations, click here.