Northern Bruce Peninsula recos from Birch Breeze folks
City/town information
Lots of essentials in Lion’s Head: there's a Foodland, an LCBO, and a great beach for little kids (sand). Great farmer's market through the summer, too, and its local creators too (not just food creators).
There's also some eating options, Taste Kitchen is good, and for quick eats/ice cream there are two places right beside each other - Rachel’s and the one beside it. Do Rachel’s if you can. 79 Main Street.
Garden In Thyme Country Market, in on a farm, right before you get to town, about a minute before the LCBO. They are recovering from a fire at time of this note but they are generally good for fresh veg, preserves, some baked goods, & they have very good pies.
Ice cream/eating (like burgers and fries): there are two places right beside each other - Rachel’s and the one beside it. Do Rachel’s if you can. 79 Main Street.
Lion’s Head lookout: on the Bruce Trail, high cliffs, amazing views. Go early. There is a small parking lot but it fills up and if it is, you have to walk from town (which might not be terrible). https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lion%E2%80%99s+Head+Lookout+Trail/@44.9896687,-81.2418231,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9fbbd8bb3f3435d5!8m2!3d44.9896687!4d-81.2418231
89 helybéli ajánlásával
Lion's Head
Lots of essentials in Lion’s Head: there's a Foodland, an LCBO, and a great beach for little kids (sand). Great farmer's market through the summer, too, and its local creators too (not just food creators).
There's also some eating options, Taste Kitchen is good, and for quick eats/ice cream there are two places right beside each other - Rachel’s and the one beside it. Do Rachel’s if you can. 79 Main Street.
Garden In Thyme Country Market, in on a farm, right before you get to town, about a minute before the LCBO. They are recovering from a fire at time of this note but they are generally good for fresh veg, preserves, some baked goods, & they have very good pies.
Ice cream/eating (like burgers and fries): there are two places right beside each other - Rachel’s and the one beside it. Do Rachel’s if you can. 79 Main Street.
Lion’s Head lookout: on the Bruce Trail, high cliffs, amazing views. Go early. There is a small parking lot but it fills up and if it is, you have to walk from town (which might not be terrible). https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lion%E2%80%99s+Head+Lookout+Trail/@44.9896687,-81.2418231,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9fbbd8bb3f3435d5!8m2!3d44.9896687!4d-81.2418231
A little farther but with its own share of attractions. Kids will like just boat watching at Little Tub Harbour, even if the Chee Cheemaun isn't in (& loading/unloading). Bear in mind that in high summer, Tobermory is going to be busier than Lions Head (also if it's a grocery run the parking situation in Tobermory isn’t good, until the new Foodland goes in at least).
For essentials there is Foodland Tobermory and an LCBO, The Sweet Shop is guaranteed to please kids, and the Tobermory Brewing Co brewpub is decent. You can eat fish and chips at at least 3 places. There’s a taco truck called Tacomory but I can’t vouch for it yet (I am skeptical).
And there is a new food truck on the way into town: Dudebro Potato Co. Terrible name? Yes. Are the poutines excellent? Yes. Google it or look on your left, right before you get into town.
Blue Heron Cruises: Glass bottom boat tour where you can see sunken ships, and a boat to Flowerpot Island for the day or for a cruiseby. Worth it. Book in advance (a couple weeks should be fine). Season starts early June and they have a sunset cruise too (if weather is bad, they cancel).
Burnt Point Loop hiking trail is right there: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/bruce-trail-burnt-point-loop - Directions: google maps link
218 helybéli ajánlásával
Tobermory
A little farther but with its own share of attractions. Kids will like just boat watching at Little Tub Harbour, even if the Chee Cheemaun isn't in (& loading/unloading). Bear in mind that in high summer, Tobermory is going to be busier than Lions Head (also if it's a grocery run the parking situation in Tobermory isn’t good, until the new Foodland goes in at least).
For essentials there is Foodland Tobermory and an LCBO, The Sweet Shop is guaranteed to please kids, and the Tobermory Brewing Co brewpub is decent. You can eat fish and chips at at least 3 places. There’s a taco truck called Tacomory but I can’t vouch for it yet (I am skeptical).
And there is a new food truck on the way into town: Dudebro Potato Co. Terrible name? Yes. Are the poutines excellent? Yes. Google it or look on your left, right before you get into town.
Blue Heron Cruises: Glass bottom boat tour where you can see sunken ships, and a boat to Flowerpot Island for the day or for a cruiseby. Worth it. Book in advance (a couple weeks should be fine). Season starts early June and they have a sunset cruise too (if weather is bad, they cancel).
Burnt Point Loop hiking trail is right there: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/bruce-trail-burnt-point-loop - Directions: google maps link
Not nearby exactly but possibly worth stopping at on your way up - best grocery option for miles around, and your kids will appreciate a visit to Frosty Freeze (cash only!). Also, the LCBO here has a better selection than Lion's Head/Tobermory.
62 helybéli ajánlásával
WIARTON
Not nearby exactly but possibly worth stopping at on your way up - best grocery option for miles around, and your kids will appreciate a visit to Frosty Freeze (cash only!). Also, the LCBO here has a better selection than Lion's Head/Tobermory.
Sightseeing
Great spot on the Huron side, not far (on the way to Tobermory) that has sandy beaches & takes miles before it gets deep, so its super safe for little ones. Good little hiking trails too, with pretty marshlands/forests.
93 helybéli ajánlásával
Singing Sands
Dorcas Bay RoadGreat spot on the Huron side, not far (on the way to Tobermory) that has sandy beaches & takes miles before it gets deep, so its super safe for little ones. Good little hiking trails too, with pretty marshlands/forests.
Great spot if you are a hiker: short trip from the cottage by car, and I suppose kayaking there is possible if you are up for it/hardcore. Look here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/12+Birch+Road,+Miller+Lake,+ON/Devil's+Monument,+Northern+Bruce+Peninsula,+ON/@45.1350312,-81.4230011,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4d2cfdcff5e282a1:0xb5a801982e23abe3!2m2!1d-81.330624!2d45.185712!1m5!1m1!1s0x4d2cfd1f1200c279:0xb29f52de5a619200!2m2!1d-81.3334658!2d45.1382426!3e0
27 helybéli ajánlásával
Devil's Monument
Great spot if you are a hiker: short trip from the cottage by car, and I suppose kayaking there is possible if you are up for it/hardcore. Look here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/12+Birch+Road,+Miller+Lake,+ON/Devil's+Monument,+Northern+Bruce+Peninsula,+ON/@45.1350312,-81.4230011,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4d2cfdcff5e282a1:0xb5a801982e23abe3!2m2!1d-81.330624!2d45.185712!1m5!1m1!1s0x4d2cfd1f1200c279:0xb29f52de5a619200!2m2!1d-81.3334658!2d45.1382426!3e0
The neighbourhood itself is solidly cottages/residential, but a visit to the dock to jump off into the water is worthwhile ... and the Flat Rocks is unmissable, even if you don't swim. Easier to get in here for some folks than it is at our place, arguably. And if you have a boat, this is one of the only places you can put it in.
9 helybéli ajánlásával
Dyer's Bay
The neighbourhood itself is solidly cottages/residential, but a visit to the dock to jump off into the water is worthwhile ... and the Flat Rocks is unmissable, even if you don't swim. Easier to get in here for some folks than it is at our place, arguably. And if you have a boat, this is one of the only places you can put it in.
Simply some of the most amazing views ... on earth? Great hiking, amazing shoreline - but book early!
122 helybéli ajánlásával
The Grotto
Simply some of the most amazing views ... on earth? Great hiking, amazing shoreline - but book early!
If the Grotto is busy/booked, this is a solid second option, and nowhere near as busy (at least at this point). Also, doesn't hurt to book early.
7 helybéli ajánlásával
Halfway Log Beach
Bruce TrailIf the Grotto is busy/booked, this is a solid second option, and nowhere near as busy (at least at this point). Also, doesn't hurt to book early.
We haven't been yet, but another sandy beach option, apparently beautiful (though small).
19 helybéli ajánlásával
Dunks Bay
Dunks Bay RoadWe haven't been yet, but another sandy beach option, apparently beautiful (though small).
Hiking trail that I believe takes you through Fathom Five National Park and Little Dunks Bay. Amazing views in both forest and on shoreline.
Burnt Point Loop
Burnt Point LoopHiking trail that I believe takes you through Fathom Five National Park and Little Dunks Bay. Amazing views in both forest and on shoreline.
HIking, scenic views, swimming, scuba, natural beauty
44 helybéli ajánlásával
Fathom Five Nemzeti Tengeri Park
121 Chi sin tib dek RoadHIking, scenic views, swimming, scuba, natural beauty
Food scene
Even in covid times, unmissable for kids (or anyone who likes sugar). Even if you don't want to watch things get made, great selection of ice creams, homemade things, old school treats.
28 helybéli ajánlásával
The Sweet Shop
18 Bay StEven in covid times, unmissable for kids (or anyone who likes sugar). Even if you don't want to watch things get made, great selection of ice creams, homemade things, old school treats.
Solid brewpub where you can eat in or just get beer, with a nice patio.
65 helybéli ajánlásával
Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill
28 Bay StSolid brewpub where you can eat in or just get beer, with a nice patio.
Cheesy name? Yes. Are the poutines excellent? Yes. And they also offer most of their poutines on hot dogs ... but don't worry, you might be doing lots of walking to walk it off!
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Dudebro Potato Co.
Cheesy name? Yes. Are the poutines excellent? Yes. And they also offer most of their poutines on hot dogs ... but don't worry, you might be doing lots of walking to walk it off!
Take your kids, on the way up or on the way back, they will thank you. Or take yourself, treat yourself! Cash only. Mostly ice cream but also hot dog/hamburger type things. Probably not a lot for vegetarians/vegans.
10 helybéli ajánlásával
Frosty Freeze
498 Berford StTake your kids, on the way up or on the way back, they will thank you. Or take yourself, treat yourself! Cash only. Mostly ice cream but also hot dog/hamburger type things. Probably not a lot for vegetarians/vegans.
(I can't speak to it but Elizabeth has had some luck here with takeout I think!)
13 helybéli ajánlásával
The Taste Kitchen
76 Main St(I can't speak to it but Elizabeth has had some luck here with takeout I think!)
been a long while since we have been to be honest, but solid pub as far as I recall ...
35 helybéli ajánlásával
Lions Head Inn
8 Helen Stbeen a long while since we have been to be honest, but solid pub as far as I recall ...
There are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
21 helybéli ajánlásával
Shipwreck Lee's
2 Bay StThere are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
There are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
39 helybéli ajánlásával
Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant
5 Bay StThere are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
There are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
16 helybéli ajánlásával
The Fish & Chip Place
24 Bay StThere are a few options in Tobermory for fish and chips. This is one; pretty sure there is little variation between them, so the crowds might be how you make your decision.
Don't ask me why airbnb is calling it 'Moms pizzia' - but depending on your stay, might be worth it to head to Ferndale to grab pizza, wings, burgers (or grab it on your way in), & I think they do a lot of baking, too. Traditional pizza, not fancy but good, cash only.
Moms pizzia
2845 Highway 6Don't ask me why airbnb is calling it 'Moms pizzia' - but depending on your stay, might be worth it to head to Ferndale to grab pizza, wings, burgers (or grab it on your way in), & I think they do a lot of baking, too. Traditional pizza, not fancy but good, cash only.
First off, we recommend it for the pizza - 20 minutes away, wood fired. You can eat in or take out. Also useful for the bakery, and if you are dying for an espresso, they have an espresso maker.
7 helybéli ajánlásával
Summer House Park
197 Miller Lake Shore RdFirst off, we recommend it for the pizza - 20 minutes away, wood fired. You can eat in or take out. Also useful for the bakery, and if you are dying for an espresso, they have an espresso maker.