Bruce Peninsula National Park
Exploring Tobermory and its surroundings was an unforgettable experience, offering some of the most stunning natural landscapes I've ever encountered. Here's our experience of Bruce Peninsula National Park and beyond.
Halfway Log Dump in Bruce Peninsula National Park
Our adventure began with a visit to Halfway Log Dump, a secluded gem within Bruce Peninsula National Park. To manage the high volume of visitors, the park requires parking reservations during peak seasons. These reservations are available in six-hour time slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
After securing a 7 AM to 1 PM slot, but getting there at 9 AM, we arrived at the parking area and embarked on a 15-minute hike through a short and quiet forest trail. The path led us to a beach composed entirely of smooth stones, with crystal-clear waters gently lapping the shore. The absence of sand made this spot particularly distinctive and photogenic, especially to me, growing up in Florida and all we have is sand everywhere. We decided to continue our hike before taking a dip, excited to see more of the park's beauty.
After around 30 minutes of hiking later, we reached a breathtaking lookout point perched atop a cliff. From here, we gazed out over the azure waters of Georgian Bay, framed by distant mountains and lush forests on the sides. The panoramic views were absolutely mesmerizing. Continuing along the trail, we encountered several more lookouts, each offering its own unique perspective of the bay's rugged coastline. The trail itself was marked with colored lines on trees, guiding our way through the forest. If you’re like me, you’ll definitely want to be with a group that pays attention to these, because I would have been lost within 5 minutes of walking.
As we got close to the end of our time, we returned to the stone beach for a refreshing swim. The water was insanely cold, and the rocky bottom was very slippery as well. Honestly, the only reason I was able to get in because I was pushed in- it was wayyy too cold for me. But, look at this water! It was crystal clear and was so amazing to swim in, after I got pushed in of course.
Also, I would definitely recommend wearing water shoes to prevent yourself from slipping. Despite the chill, swimming in such pristine waters was an exhilarating experience that I will always remember.
Big Tub Lighthouse
After our time in the national park, we headed to the historic Big Tub Lighthouse, located at the entrance of Big Tub Harbour in Tobermory. Fun fact: Big Tub Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1885 for $675! This 43-foot, six-sided wooden lighthouse used to play a crucial role in guiding ships safely into the harbor from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Today, you can visit it and even go inside of it, and get a stunning view of the Bay. There’s also places to swim around here as well, although we didn’t go in here. I had had enough of the freezing cold water at this point!
Singing Sands Beach
Next, we visited Singing Sands Beach, which is on the Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula. This beach is renowned for its shallow waters, where you can get so far from shore while still being in ankle-deep water. Singing Sands Beach is a popular spot, but theres a lot of space to accomodate people. Plus, you can still be sitting in the water and only your feet will get wet!
Isthmus Bay and Lion's Head Marina
Our final stop was Isthmus Bay, near the Lion's Head Marina. This tranquil port village is nestled beneath stunning limestone cliffs that, when viewed from Georgian Bay, resemble the head of a lion—hence the name. The marina is very pretty and offers a peaceful spot to watch boats and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Swimming in the bay's clear, albeit chilly, waters was a refreshing end to our day's adventures. The smooth, rounded rocks lining the shore added to the area's natural charm. Bruce Peninsula definitely has a large place in my heart, and is somewhere I will want to continuously find my way back to.
Tips for Future Visitors
Reservations: For sites like Halfway Log Dump, make sure you book parking in advance during peak seasons.
Footwear: I would definitely recommend water shoes for the rocky beaches to prevent slipping and protect your feet.
Timing: Arrive early at some of these spots to make sure you get parking and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Navigation: Pay close attention to trail markers in Bruce Peninsula National Park to stay on course and fully enjoy the hiking experience.
Tobermory and its surrounding areas offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and historical significance. From the unique stone beaches and clear blue waters to the rich maritime heritage, every moment spent here is a treasure trove of memories waiting to be made. I can’t wait for the next time I go back!
