From turquoise waters to quiet lighthouses on the Bruce Peninsula
We were up early, catching the cool morning air with a 7:00 a.m. departure after a quick complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Our target: The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park, aiming to reach Indian Head Cove around 8:00 a.m.
If you’ve never been, the Grotto is a natural sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs by centuries of wave action from Georgian Bay. In the morning light, the water shifts from deep sapphire to startling turquoise, so clear you can see every stone on the bottom. Indian Head Cove sits just east of the Grotto which is a sheltered, rocky bay with the same crystal-clear water, framed by dramatic cliff walls. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Ontario and in summer, one of the busiest.
Because parking at the Grotto is limited to timed slots, we had secured our reservation over a month in advance, which allowed us to park at the closest lot and hike about 2 km to the site. On the way there, we took the Horseshoe Trail which is a forested path with roots and limestone outcrops underfoot, gradually leading toward the lake. The air smelled of pine and occasional clearings gave us teasing glimpses of blue water beyond the trees.
When we arrived, the cove was calm and irresistible, so we swam for about an hour in the brisk, invigorating water. For the hike back, we chose the Georgian Bay Trail which runs closer to the shoreline, giving us uninterrupted views of the open bay and its endless horizon.
Tobermory Parking Hack
Next stop: Tobermory. We quickly discovered that finding a parking spot in the height of summer is no small feat. Our workaround came in the form of the Fathom Five National Marine Park lot because our Grotto parking pass was valid for other Parks Canada–maintained sites the same day, so we left the car there and walked the short 0.5 km into town. It’s a tip worth remembering if you want to avoid circling endlessly for a space.
We rewarded ourselves (and the kids) with ice cream from a local shop which is a non-negotiable treat after the morning’s hikes and swimming. The town was buzzing with tourists, so after about an hour, we headed back toward the car.
Lookouts and Quiet Bays
Before leaving the area, we stopped at the Visitor Centre Lookout Tower, climbing the steel structure for panoramic views of the harbour, islands and surrounding forests. A short drive later brought us to Little Dunks Bay Lookout, a small but beautiful pebble beach with calmer water than Indian Head Cove. It’s a great swimming spot, though we didn’t get in this time.
We then tried our luck at Singing Sands Beach, but parking was full. Rather than wait, we made a snap decision to drive 30 minutes south to Lion’s Head.
Lunch and Lighthouse in Lion’s Head
By the time we reached Lion’s Head around 3:00 p.m., we were ready for a meal. Rachel’s, a local restaurant which served up fantastic ribs and notably quick service. If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would.
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll along Lion’s Head Beach, following the shoreline to the Lion’s Head Lighthouse. The area felt calmer and less crowded than Tobermory, and the water looked inviting for a swim. I’m still not entirely sure how the town got its name which supposedly from a rock formation resembling a lion’s head, but from the map and the shoreline, the likeness escapes me.
By early evening, the light was softening over the bay, and we began the one-hour drive back to Owen Sound, arriving around 7:00 p.m. Tired but content, we called it a day.