Tobermory with Friends

MBG Places Ontario Series - June 7, 2025

Friends can become like family when you find the right ones — the ones who join you on long drives, chase the sunrise after cold nights, and sit with you by the campfire. They’ll have their own families, and you’ll have yours, but together you’ll author stories of those summer nights that will turn into a beautiful book of life. Moments like this are treasures, rare and real, felt and held and forever etched to our heart of hearts.

The Canadian summer is a rare gem, a rarity among seasons marked by elusive springs, brutal winters, and undecided autumns. Regardless of the weather's whim, Canada is a land of breathtaking places: from the serene lakes and towering Rockies to its enigmatic tundras and endless plains - Canada is a destination. 

Early in June, summer begins to claim its throne. The sun dominates the sky, the wind carries a gentle breeze, and together they set the perfect stage for long drives and campfire nights with marshmallows under open skies. Not wanting to waste the sun’s glorious reign, my friends and I bombard our WhatsApp chats with plans, pack the car with camping essentials, and set off toward one of Ontario’s treasures — Tobermory, the land of sunken ships and stunning grottos.

Tobermory is situated at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. It is famously nicknamed as the "freshwater scuba diving capital of the world" due to the 22 shipwrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park and is also a popular destination for kayaking, camping, and hiking. Other natural attractions worth visiting are: Fathom Five National Park, Flowerpot Island, Big Tub Lighthouse, and the Grotto. 

Our group camped near the base of the Grotto, renting two separate sites to fit all three families. We were with Apple, Kenneth, and Zeki. At the other campsite were Cherry, Jojo, CJ, Grandma and Grandpa. We set up a cozy area with BBQ pits, a dining canopy, a bonfire, and warm tents. The site was unserviced, adding to the authentic camper vibe. Under a canopy of fairy lights and starlit skies, we chatted and laughed until the crackling fire echoed our joy. The night was so lively that nearby campers eventually had to hush us down.

We woke to a dewy morning touched by a cool, sweet summer breeze. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon and fried eggs, filling the air with quiet morning joy. We had been eagerly awaiting our second day—set aside for exploration, endless selfies, and soaking in the essence of summer. After breakfast, we headed straight to the Grotto. Words can hardly capture its beauty; our only regret was not having more time to discover the rest of Tobermory. With a concert to attend that evening, we had to head home before the moon climbed into the sky.

One night in Tobermory is far too short — there’s simply so much to see and experience. The place has that magnetic beauty that makes you want to linger a little longer. We’ll definitely be back next summer, but this time, we’ll plan for a longer stay. And of course, we’ll bring friends along again — who knows, maybe by next summer, there’ll be a whole village of us enjoying Tobermory together.

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