Vacation rentals in Northern Bruce Peninsula

The North Bruce Peninsula is around a three-hour drive north-west of Toronto in Ontario. Located on a peninsula of land that is surrounded by water, with dramatic cliffs rising from the shores of Georgian Bay on one side, and the gentle shorelines and clear waters of Lake Huron on the other. At the top of the Bruce Peninsula is Tobermory, a popular lakeside town that features the imposing cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment — part of the World Biosphere Reserve.

Tobermory is also home to two national parks which offer spectacular natural beauty and is also the gateway to the Fathom Five National Marine Park — a protected area which covers several islands including Flowerpot Island, which you can visit by boat, as well as 22 shipwrecks. The Peninsula also has the largest remaining area of forest in Ontario and some of the oldest trees in North America. This provides an important flyway for migrating birds and a haven for a large variety of local wildlife.

Summer is a great time to be on the Peninsula with warm sunny days perfect for enjoying all the outdoor and water activities on offer. There are also many events in the summer months, including Sandfest on Sauble Beach in August, which is a fun weekend of live music, children’s activities, sandcastle building, a classic car show, and more. If you are on the Peninsula in winter, make sure to visit Winterfest at Sauble Beach in January, celebrating all that is great about winter in the region — including a bonfire, parade, live music, and more. Make sure to pack the layers though, as it can get rather cold. Whenever you decide to visit you will find a great range of cabins and cottage rentals on the Bruce Peninsula to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Grotto

Take a short hike down to the Grotto on the shores of Georgian Bay. Millions of years of erosion has caused intricate caves of limestone to develop, and the blue waters of the Bay against the backdrop of carved rocks and rock formations, creates a breathtaking view. You will need to climb 12 meters down the rocky cliffs to reach the Grotto though, so be prepared and make sure to bring a pair of hiking boots along.

Flowerpot Island

Take the short boat ride from Tobermory to Flowerpot Island, part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park. The island got its name from the natural rock pillars that are said to look like “flower pots.” Spend the day on the hiking trails and explore caves, the historic light station, and in summer make sure to pack your swimwear for a dip in the island's many pristine locations, including Beachy Cove.

The Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail is Ontario’s most popular hiking trail. Stretching from Niagara to Tobermory, the Bruce Trail is 840 kilometers long and follows the Niagara Escarpment. The section of the Bruce Trail on the Bruce Peninsula offers an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife to spot along the way, with part day, full day or multi day hikes you can do.