When you hear the name Tobermory, what do you think of? Likely summer days filled with pristine turquoise waters, pebble beaches, glass-bottom boats, and endless hiking trails.
But what about in the fall, when summer is coming to a close? The crowds have quieted down, yet the weather is still beautiful, and most businesses stay open until the Thanksgiving long weekend. For many, this is the best time to visit Tobermory and explore all it offers!
Why Fall is the Best Time to Visit Tobermory
With its spectacular waters and stunning hiking trails, tourists often assume the best time to visit Tobermory is the peak of summer in July and August. September and later months shouldn’t be counted out, as it’s actually hailed as the best time to visit for many travellers:
- Avoid the crowds. Tobermory is a prime Ontario vacation destination these days, with hundreds of thousands of tourists venturing out to the town each year. September is typically past the busiest season, with far fewer crowds. Spend your time enjoying Tobermory instead of waiting in endless lines.
- Enjoy comfortable temperatures. Summers in Tobermory can feel quite warm, especially when the sun is out. September brings fall weather, with slightly cooler temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities.
- Visit the town in a relaxed atmosphere. Crowds can make the town feel congested and stressful. With many people back at school and work, September is a quieter time that lets you enjoy things at your own pace.
- Save on a tour. As the busy season winds down, some tourist attractions offer discounted trips during September and October. Save on your trip and see everything you want for less. At Bruce Anchor, we offer up to 55% off discounted tours all fall long.
What to Expect: Fall Weather and Conditions
Fall means sweater weather in Tobermory. A slight chill in the air, but with plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect place to be in the fall.
Tobermory is known to be mildly cool and slightly windy during autumn. Daily highs range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and overnight temperatures can drop as low as 10 degrees towards the end of the month.
The fall is a shoulder between seasons, with the start of the month being warmer as summer comes to a close and the end being cooler as autumn rolls in.
Expect lots of sunshine with small chances of rain when packing. September travel involves planning for both summer and fall weather by including:
- T-shirts
- Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- Shorts
- Pants
- Hoodie
- Rainjacket
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
Fall Cruises and Island Tours Available in Tobermory
Fall is a great time to take a fall cruise or island tour in Tobermory. Bruce Anchor’s autumn tours take place on two boats that are part of their fleet—the Tobermory Eclipse and the Tobermory Evolution.
A trailblazer in environmental efforts, the Tobermory Eclipse features expansive glass-bottom panels in the front cabin, a stunning view area at the bow, and spacious open-air sections on both the upper and lower decks.
The Tobermory Evolution prioritizes open sightlines and minimizes obstructions with a spacious upper viewing deck and an enclosed lower deck featuring a UV-resistant glass canopy. The Evolution also has two expansive glass-bottom panels that showcase Tobermory’s underwater wonders.
We also offer the following two types of boat tours during autumn:
- Drop Off Tour
- Perfect for visitors who want to step off the boat and explore Flowerpot Island on a self-guided tour.
- Includes shipwreck viewing, lighthouse viewing, Flowerpot Island viewing, Fathom Five National Marine Park tour, and drop-off on Flowerpot Island for a self-guided tour. Keep in mind that a park pass from Parks Canada is required to step foot on Flowerpot Island.
- Drop-off tours run at various times throughout the day, and weekend tours include multiple return times, offering more flexibility for those who want to explore Flowerpot Island further.
- This tour costs $31.69-$53.87, depending on your party size.
- Prices subject to change.
- Enjoy 30-55% off during the week or 25% off on weekends!
- Scenic Stay-Aboard Cruise
- A 90-minute cruise designed for travellers who want to experience Tobermory from the water without ever leaving the boat.
- Includes shipwreck viewing, lighthouse viewing, Fathom Five National Marine Park scenic cruise, and Flowerpot Island viewing.
- The scenic stay-aboard cruise runs once in the morning and once in the afternoon throughout the week.
- Costs range from $27.18-$62.71.
- Prices subject to change.
- Receive 30-50% off peak season prices during the week and 25% off on weekends!
Top Autumn Activities and Scenic Highlights
Tobermory offers visitors many different activities and highlights to enjoy during autumn.
-
- Embark on a fall cruise to Flowerpot Island – Join a fall cruise to Flowerpot Island and explore one of Ontario’s most iconic spots. Featuring impressive sea stacks and beautiful hiking trails, Flowerpot Island is a great afternoon spot. You may also want to consider camping overnight in one of six spots near Beachy Cove on the island.
- You will need a park pass from Parks Canada to visit Flowerpot Island. If camping overnight, you will also need to pay a campsite fee and reservation fee.
- Uncover the Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids shipwrecks – Part of Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory features 22 shipwrecks within the protected lines of the park. The Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids shipwrecks are part of Bruce Anchor’s boat tours to Flowerpot Island, offering visitors expansive underwater views of historic ships.
- Hike The Grotto, Indian Head Cove, and Halfway Log Dump – Part of Bruce Peninsula National Park, The Grotto, Indian Head Cove, and Halfway Log Dump offer visitors diverse hiking trails and unique natural phenomena. The Grotto, a shoreline sea cave next to Indian Head Cove, is one of Ontario’s most scenic spots and a natural wonder that draws many tourists each year. Halfway Log Dump features a gorgeous hike along the rugged coastline of Georgian Bay.
- Cycle along scenic trails – Aside from hiking, the Tobermory region boasts several bike-friendly trails and roads. You can rent a bike locally or bring your own to explore the local communities and the rugged coastline.
- Watch for wildlife – For wildlife lovers, Tobermory is home to a variety of species, including the elusive Mississauga rattlesnake. Fall is a perfect time for bird watchers during migration. You may also spot black bears, deer, and other wildlife along the way.
- Embrace the fall foliage with a colour walk – A colour walk means selecting a colour on your walk and scouting for it wherever you go. Select a colour, like red, orange, or yellow, and look for it on a walk or drive through Tobermory. You’re sure to find lots of examples in the fall foliage.
- Spend an afternoon shopping – Tobermory features many local businesses, from food and drink to gifts and souvenirs, with everything in between. Visit the local shops and pick up a souvenir to commemorate your trip.
- Check out Big Tub Lighthouse – Originally built in 1885, Big Tub Lighthouse still guides boats into the safety of Big Tub Harbour today. A popular tourist attraction, this lighthouse sits just off the pristine turquoise waters and offers a beautiful lookout onto the waters of Georgian Bay.
- Learn the local history – Filled with a rich history, the local museum in Tobermory gives visitors a look into its past with Indigenous heritage, early settlers, and maritime culture. Learn about the importance of Tobermory as a shipping hub.
Ready to Visit Tobermory this Fall?
Stunning vistas and fewer crowds make Tobermory the place to be in the fall. September to October offers Tobermory visitors all kinds of activities to enjoy with family and friends.
If you’re planning a fall visit to Tobermory, consider adding a cruise with Bruce Anchor to your trip. Experience majestic views of the coastline from the boat and explore Flowerpot Island when it’s less crowded.
Book your cruise with Bruce Anchor today and enjoy all that the fall in Tobermory has to offer!
