Wiarton to Tobermory: A Journey Up the Bruce Peninsula

The Wiarton to Tobermory leg of the journey up the Bruce Peninsula begins when you climb the hill northbound out of Wiarton. At the top of the hill a westbound road joins the highway at a T-intersection. A left turn on to this road, will take you to Oliphant and Sauble Beach, two of Lake Huron’s great resort areas.

A short distance further up the highway, on the right-hand side of the road you will note the entrance to Spirit Rock Conservation area. This is a great place to take time out from your journey. Here you can simply rest or stretch your legs with a little nature hike.

A few minutes north of Wiarton, turn right on Bruce County Road #9

As the road descends into the village of Colpoys, once again you will be struck by the awesome view of the shining blue water of Colpoys Bay.

Following Bruce County Road #9 on your way from Wiarton to Tobermory, the route turns northward away from the panorama of Colpoys Bay, but there are more stunning water views awaiting you!

Now the scenery varies from farmland, to dense forests, to meadows with large rocky outcroppings

Cape Croker

Along the way the road splits. Following the right fork will take you to Indigenous community of Cape Croker. This is an interesting place to visit. In the summer one of great weekend events is the annual Pow Wow celebrating Indigenous culture. The food and entertainment will keep you coming back year after year.

Wiarton to Tobermory: History on Bruce County Road #9

But if you remain on Bruce County Road #9, soon, a road sign announces the community of Adair. This was one of the first communities to be surveyed on the Bruce Peninsula. But, what happened when the lots went on the auction block will surprise you

NOTE: The last time I passed this way, the only reference to Adair was on a sign for the quarry.

In 1880, the provincial government held an auction to sell the plots of land in the town site that would be known as Adair. Ironically, in a time when settlement lands were at a premium, no one purchased a single plot of land! Seven years later, in 1887, only 191 acres had been cleared, so the government ordered the town site to be resurveyed into agricultural plots.

Hope Bay and Barrow Bay

A few minutes later, a sign points right to Hope Bay.

Descending into Hope Bay, one is struck by the amphitheatre affect created by high cliffs that loom along the shoreline.

Almost immediately, you are at the water’s edge. Once again, the dazzling blue of Georgian Bay takes your mind away from any stresses of the moment.

Returning to Bruce County Road #9, turn right (north) to continue your journey up the Bruce Peninsula from Wiarton to Tobermory.

The right turn will take you to Hopeness and Jacksons Cove. Once again, the stunning waters of Georgian Bay and the cliffs of the shoreline are breathtaking.

Further up Bruce County Road #9 a right turn will take you to Greig’s Caves or further along the road to a secluded part of the Georgian Bay shoreline known as Rush Cove. Here, we have often stopped for a picnic on the rocky shoreline. There are many different species of wild birds that frequent this location.

Shortly, you cross a small stream, known as Judge’s Creek. Turn right, on McKeague Road and you will be surprised by what you find. That quiet stream becomes a waterfall and nestled around it along the Georgian Bay shoreline is the community of Barrow Bay. (Note there are two roads before McKeague Road, which will also take you to the shore of Georgian Bay.)

Lion's Head

A short distance after leaving Barrow Bay, you will arrive at Point Hangcliff.

“Point Hangcliff?” You ask.

“It’s not on the map.”

Yes, it is. But it is now known as Lion’s Head.

Make your way into town and turn right towards the water. Look along the southern shoreline. The steep cliffs hold the answer to why the community is called Lion’s Head.

This community has numerous eateries, shops, and galleries to provide a break from driving. A picnic or just a few relaxing moments along the dock will provide a breathtaking natural vista or a look inward to protected docking facility will afford a glimpse of a wide range of vessels to perk your interest and your imagination

Returning to the main road and turning north to continue making your way from Wiarton to Tobermory, a short distance from town you will find an interesting cairn. This marker announces that you are on the 45^th parallel. It is at this point that you are exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. (This is a significant marker for children who are interested in taking a trip to visit Santa Claus!)

Shortly, you will come to an intersection. Turn right and you will soon find yourself in Dyers Bay. Turn left, and once again you will be on Highway #6. At the highway a right turn will take you to Tobermory.

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It may not be the fastest route to get from Wiarton to Tobermory, but is certainly scenic!

Discover More About the Bruce Peninsula

Getting to the Bruce Peninsula is a relatively easy driving trip. Here are driving directions from three regions to the peninsula.

Bruce Peninsula Lumber History details the impact of the forest products industry on the development of the region.

Bruce Peninsula Lumbering provided the stimulus to develop and grow the pioneer economy on the newly settled Bruce Peninsula.

Bruce Peninsula Municipal Politics: No matter what the venue, or the issue, seldom is a popular decision made that suits everyone.

Bruce Peninsula Travel Routes were often a matter of debate because in the early years, land travel was virtually unattainable for settlers and lumbermen alike.

Bruce Peninsula winters could be difficult, especially in pioneer times when transportation connections were limited to only a few months each year.

Colpoys Bay Vista - Awesome! A short drive from either Wiarton or Owen Sound is one of the most magnificent views to be found in the province of Ontario!

Forest Products on the Bruce Peninsula contributed greatly to the growth and development of that region of the province of Ontario.

Gillies Lake: aka Ghost Lake has a mysterious past as its original name, Ghost Lake, implies.

Great Grey Owls on the Bruce Peninsula was a surprise discovery for ornithologists and others. Sadly, the story of their visit had an unfortunate conclusion.

Pioneer Campers: Hope Bay mostly considered the peninsula untamed wilderness and some of the locals were not about to disappoint them!

Pioneer Missionary James Atkey arrived on Colpoys Bay to minister to the native community near Oxenden until a treaty uprooted his parishioners.

Pioneer tourists first visited the Bruce Peninsula in the 1800s and the region continues as a great recreational and tourism destination today!

Pioneer Vacations on the Bruce Peninsula got an eerie start in the Hope Bay region of the peninsula.

Lighthouses Lighthouses were vital to Georgian Bay Sailing.

A Flowerpot Island cruise is not only entertaining, but it is also very educational as you will see things that you have never viewed before!

Travel the Bruce: Owen Sound to Wiarton A wonderful journey from Owen Sound to Wiarton.

Travel the Bruce: Wiarton to Tobermory Relaxing and historic journey.

Bruce Peninsula The Bruce Peninsula is a compelling place, with a rich history, to visit. Once you have traveled there, we guarantee that you will return, again and again!