Bruce Peninsula Lighthouse Tour - 2 Nights/3 days
Day One:
You’ll begin your weekend by traveling up the Bruce Peninsula to Lion’s Head, where you will be staying with Bill and Nancy Strang at “The Bluffs” a comfortable B&B overlooking Georgian Bay.
Day Two – Lion’s Head Lighthouse:
After breakfast, drive a short distance to the harbour where you can view the Lion’s Head lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1903 and was located at the end of the harbour dock. A square frame tower was added in 1911 and less than a year later was replaced after being destroyed by a storm. In 1913 a November storm pushed the lighthouse on to the beach south of the harbour. Once again, it was recovered, repaired and restored to the original location. In 1969 the Canadian Coast Guard dismantled the Lion’s Head lighthouse and left a metal pole with a red light in its place. In 1983 the local High School students undertook a project to build a replica that stands on the site of the original lighthouse.
After your visit to the Lighthouse, there will be time to check out the shops and galleries in Lion’s Head before going to Marydales for lunch. After lunch, as you travel up the east road, be sure to stop at St. Margarets chapel, a small church with interesting architecture as you make your way towards Cabot Head.
Cabot Head Lighthouse:
The Cabot Head Lighthouse is named after explorer John Cabot and has guided ships for over 100 years from its perch on the Niagara Escarpment 80 ft. above Georgian Bay. Cabot Head Lighthouse was built later than other s in the area. It’s a wooden building with a light that could be seen for 16 miles. The original tower was demolished in 1968 and replaced with an automated light. In 1983 Friends of Cabot Head completely restored the light station and now visitors can visit the Lighthouse Museum and walk the interpretive trails.
By late afternoon, you’re off to Tobermory where you will be spending the night at the Blue Bay Motel. Dinner will be at the Crowsnest. After dinner, check the schedule for the Glass Bottom Boat if you are planning to go to visit the Lighthouse at Flower Pot Island.
For those going to Flower Pot Island, you may want to drive over to-night to see the Big Tub Lighthouse.
Day Three:
Breakfast this morning will be at Leeside Restaurant and Patio Bar. Today you have the option of going by Glass Bottom Boat to Flower Pot Island or driving around to Big Tub Harbour to view the Big Tub Light.
Flower Pot Island Lighthouse:
The Flower Pot Island Lighthouse was built on Castle Bluff in 1897 and has been guiding ships through this busy shipping channel for over a century. In 1901 a light keeper’s home was built down on the shore. In 1969, the lighthouse was replaced with an automated steel tower that is still functioning. Flower Pot Island is only accessible by boat. Bring a lunch and plan to spend a day. You can visit the Museum in the Light keepers home, hike the trails, explore the caves, climb to the observation deck or swim in the cool, clear waters of Georgian Bay.
Big Tub Lighthouse:
The original Big Tub Lighthouse was built in 1885 and played an important role in guiding ships into the harbour from the sometimes treacherous waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The original structure was replaced by a six sided 43 ft. lighthouse that we see today. An automated red light acts as a beacon for boaters. It is one of the more accessible lighthouse sites. In 1985 a pathway was cleared, making it accessible for both wheelchairs and the walking public. Tobermory’s light still guides boats through the powerful currents, fog, and numerous shoals to the safety of Big Tub Harbour. The numbers of shipwrecks off shore testify to the dangers of these waters. This area has become a mecca for divers from all over the world.
If you chose to stay on land rather than going to Flower Pot Island, after you visit Big Tub Lighthouse, drop into for lunch at the Bootleggers Cove Pub at Big Tub Harbour Resort. Here you will have the option of having lunch indoors, or on the patio overlooking the harbour. You can watch the Tour Boats as they come in to allow passengers to view the shipwreck in the harbour. There will also be time to check out the shops and galleries in the village before leaving for home.
$ 405.00 + tax (based on double)
(price reflects May - Jun 24 and Sept. to Oct. - call for prices for July to August)
Price incl. 2 nights accommodations, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Due to optional tours and activities the following are not included in price:
Glass Bottom Boat, lunch at Big Tub Harbour Resort, donation to Cabot Head Lighthouse Museum. These can be added to your booking upon request.
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