After months of anticipation (and some booking mishaps that cost us a night!), we finally made it to Bruce Peninsula National Park and the charming town of Tobermory. Was the six-hour drive from Michigan worth it? Absolutely – though we’re already planning our return trip to tackle everything we missed.
Here’s your first reality check: Campground reservations for Bruce Peninsula National Park open for the whole season at once in February. By the time we planned this trip, the popular weekend dates were no longer available. We ended up shortening the trip by a day and leaving us with less time than we had hoped to spend in the park.
The drive from Michigan takes twice as long as you’d expect – about six hours versus the four it takes to reach Mackinac. Why? No expressways. But trust us, the scenic route through Ontario’s countryside sets the mood perfectly for what awaits.
We stayed at Cypress Lake Campground, where the sites are tight but manageable for our compact 11-foot camper. The backing-in process was honestly a challenge due to the angle and surrounding trees – thank goodness our setup is small enough that we can unhitch and push it by hand if needed!
Pro tip: if you can swing it, book a site in the northern loops (Poplars or Birches) – you’ll save yourself an extra kilometer walk to the main trails. The southern Tamarack loop where we stayed meant adding quite a bit of distance to our hikes, which adds up over multiple trips.
The real surprise? Unlimited firewood included! Every campground should follow this lead. We loaded up our truck and had cozy campfires every night without worrying about the cost. It was hilarious watching other campers abandon their hand-carried bags to fetch their cars once they saw our setup.
The campground has an interesting mix of facilities – most loops have these unique “running water outhouses” with sinks for washing hands and brushing teeth, but without traditional plumbing. Don’t let the rustic designation fool you though – there’s one modern bathhouse that’s honestly the most luxurious campground shower experience we’ve ever had. Trust us, make the walk down there on your first day.
The highlight was definitely hiking to the famous Grotto (above) with its stunning limestone formations. Hit it early morning for a peaceful, almost mystical experience, or join the crowds later for a more social vibe – both have their charm. The approximately 1.5-kilometer trail is well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels.
The crystal-clear waters of Cypress Lake itself are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding if you have more time than we did. We watched enviously as other visitors glided across the pristine waters while we packed up for our next destination.
Tobermory (above) stole our hearts with its picturesque harbor and small-town feel. We’re already plotting our return to catch the ferry to Flower Pot Island and explore Manitoulin Island – there’s so much more to discover in this scenic corner of Ontario. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that leave you with an immediate desire to return.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about this trip check out the Chasing Summer Road Trip page. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.