Grey-Bruce Adventours: Tobermory
By Sandra J. Howe for
MOSAIC, May/13
Tobermory wakes up from its sleepy, off-season state to a
lively, harbour town in May. The ChiCheemaun, and other boat tours resume their
excursions, and are a great way to explore the islands, and shipwrecks of these
crystal, clear waters. Since childhood
camping trips to Cypress Lake, Tobermory has been a favourite destination of
mine. Be sure to drive all the way to
road’s end at Big Tub Lighthouse.
Built in 1885, it is looking fine in a new coat of paint, thanks to the
Spruce the Bruce program.
The
Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival (
www.orchidfest.ca)
runs May 31 to
June 2, highlighting the abundance, and beauty of our native orchids.
Talks, walks, and workshops for the whole
family invite active participation, and learning.
Some activities take place at the
Parks Canada Visitors’
Centre.
Did you climb the Lookout
Tower for spectacular island views?
The
Bruce Trail also passes through, offering a light stroll into Tobermory, or a
rigorous workout along the Niagara Escarpment.
Tobermory, named for a seaside village in Scotland, has a
fascinating mix of tourist, beach, and wilderness outfitter shops. Plus eateries ranging from fresh, local
whitefish to wood-fired oven pizza to tasty, fruit smoothies. Walking the compact downtown is a sensory
adventure- children feeding ducks in Little Tub Harbour, boats from kayaks to
yachts, art galleries, fish frying, fresh fudge in the making-its all here!
My favourite stops include the
Reader’s Haven Book Store (
www.readershaven.ca) for what’s new to
read, gourmet popcorn, and a chat with Susan.
A Mermaid’s Secret Boutique (
www.amermaidssecret.com) offers fun,
and funky handcrafted clothing, and accessories, and is expanding their local
Native clothing, and craft selection this year; Janet is an adventurer with a
deep commitment to supporting fair-trade initiatives. The
KukuHut (
www.kukuhut.com) imports hand-crafted,
ecologically-sourced gifts from Africa; Amanda shares powerful stories of the
people who craft these goods. I always finish with ice cream at
The Sweet
Shop (
www.sweetshop.ca ).
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| Big Tub Lighthouse |
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| Janet English at A Mermaid's Secret |
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| Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchids |
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| Beauty of Rocks and Water! |
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| Little Tub Harbour in downtown Tobermory |
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| Don't miss lunch- Delicious!!! |
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| Bruce Trail North Terminus |
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| Yummy fudge at Sweet Shop |
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| My Dad after Ice Cream |
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| The Big Canoe. Try a round-trip to Manitoulin Island for Scenic Touring |
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