It’s no wonder that Canada’s longest marked footpath — the 560-mile-long Bruce Trail — starts in Niagara and lures hikers to its wondrous grand finale in Tobermory, Ontario. Tobermory sits at the end of the Bruce Peninsula, where the serenity of its clear freshwater setting merges with dramatic stone formations and lush forests, providing all the necessities for a nature retreat rich with native wildlife. The small lakeside village is filled with shops, galleries, cottages, and restaurants (don’t miss the famous Georgian Bay whitefish, most deliciously served up in fish and chips) surrounding Little Tub Harbour. But with two national parks and striking vistas, the true star of a Tobermory getaway is the great outdoors.

From the closest major airport, Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), 170 miles southeast, the fastest way to get to the end of the Bruce Peninsula is by driving. Starting on ON-10 and then merging onto ON-6 North around Owen Sound will shave a few minutes off the four-hour drive directly up ON-6 North. Coach bus service is also available from Toronto, usually taking about five hours. While the village of Tobermory itself is compact enough to walk around, you’ll likely want a car to be able to reach the various destinations in and around the peninsula. Ferry service is available to Manitoulin Island.

Tobermory’s warm season, from June to mid-September, is pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and low 70s Fahrenheit, thanks to its proximity to Lake Huron to the southwest and the Georgian Bay to the northeast. But definitely pack a sweater or jacket, as the evenings can get quite cool, dropping into the 50s. Tobermory winters tend to be chilly with rain and snow, with highs only hitting the upper 20s to mid-30s from December through early March, so bundle up in weather-wicking gear. Spring and fall remain fairly cool, with averages in the 40s and 50s, and rainy days are especially common in late September and October.

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Formed by 420-million-year-old dolomite, the underwater marvels make for some of the world’s best freshwater scuba diving, especially with more than 20 shipwreck sites to explore. From mid-May to mid-October, take a glass-bottom boat to Flowerpot Island — where rock pillars resembling flowerpots jut out of the water — and gaze at the wrecks below en route.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Majestic limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters adorn forests filled with diverse wildlife, including black bears, snapping turtles, and northern flying squirrels, as well as 34 species of orchids. The 0.6-mile hike to the Grotto and adjacent Indian Head Cove are among the most popular activities for good reason, as well as seasonal camping, cross-country skiing, fishing — and simply relaxing in nature.

Bruce Peninsula Beaches

Every side of the peninsula is filled with beaches, including Little Cove and Boulder Beaches on the bayside and Singing Sands on the lakeside. But perhaps one of the most popular is Sauble Beach, about an hour south of Tobermory.