Peninsula Favourites
The Bruce Peninsula offers so much for lovers and locals to do, see, and enjoy. As travel enthusiasts and road-trip experts, we would say that we’ve done it all. Each destination on the Peninsula has it’s own little gems of love and beauty, but here is a narrowed down list of our Peninsula faves.
Things to do
Lions Head Market
It goes without saying that most things in Lion’s Head will be on our faves list. We currently live in Lion’s Head and get to enjoy every bit of it every day. On Saturdays throughout the summer, the Lion’s Head Farmer’s Market happens at the beach from 9am-12pm. The selection of vendors varies, including hand-crafted art,, farm-fresh produce, and made-to-order breakfast. We have made it a Saturday morning ritual to walk down to the beach and grab a green crepe from Crepetown, a fresh scone and lemonade, and try our best not to buy pottery and jewelry every week (unsuccessfully).
Sauble Beach Market ;)
We definitely have a strong bias for this one, but we LOVE the Sauble Beach Vendor’s Market every Monday throughout the summer from 9am-5pm. This year, we have our very own booth where we have gotten to meet other local business owners and travellers from all around. With a view of the beach and all-day sunshine, the market makes a wonderful day trip. Stay in Sauble for the other shopping and a swim, and you’ve got yourself an entire beach day.
Bayside Astronomy (after covid)
At the Lion’s Head Marina on Saturday nights after dark, Bayside Astronomy sets up their telescopes for a night of learning and star-gazing. A group of local astronomy entheusiasts set up telescopes to scope out the night sky. Walk around and see each one with a space-expert next to you helping explain the different planets, colourful stars, and constellations. This is a beautiful way to truly appreciate the UNESCO Initiative Dark Skies Community in Lion’s Head that protects our view of the starry skies.
Places to see
Lions Head Lookout
An 8 km hike (in and out) to the best view on the Peninsula, the Lion’s Head Lookout. We hike this trail multiple times a year to enjoy the beauty of the Bruce Trail and the epic view of the Lion’s Head harbour. We like to pack a lunch and hike in to enjoy an afternoon sitting atop the ‘Lion’s Head’ rock formation and enjoy the breeze. Alternatively, we TRY to go for a sunrise hike to the lookout at least once a year. It sounds worse than it is. Bring a bright flashlight and don’t do it alone, but if you hike to the lookout in just the right time, the escarpment turns a bright orangey pink, and the view is extraordinary.
The Grotto (in the morning)
The “In the morning” is the most important part of this fave. The Grotto is a Bruce Peninsula classic, but depending on what time you go, your experience will be very different. It is important to book a time slot for parking no matter what time you visit the grotto, but we feel like we have cracked the code. Pick the first time slot in the morning and get up super early to get there – you will be the only one there. The grotto is much more enjoyable when you are not surrounded by other people, and you can truly enjoy the views and a peaceful morning swim.
Whiskey Harbour
We feel like maybe we shouldn’t share this hidden gem because it is so special to us. However, we love it so much that we want other people to love it, too. Guaranteed at least 3 nights a week we are swimming at Whiskey Harbour at Sunset. With a unique rock beach letting into deep, wavey water and the best sunset view on Lake Huron, Whiskey harbour is hands down a family fave.
Good eats
Casero
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – Casero Kitchen Table in Owen Sound and Casero Taco Bus in Sauble Beach is the best. We can’t say enough good things about this place, you’re just going to have to try it yourself. The Hot Cheese Dip and the Sneaky Wings are our go-to order, do with that information what you wish. Maybe add a margarita to the order, too.
Las Chulas
We are aware that our first 2 food faves are both Mexican food. That is a choice we stand by. Las Chulas recently opened in 2021 in Tobermory and we rushed to give it a try. This authentic Mexican street food joint is the real deal. They have a small but perfectly refined menu of tacos, quesadillas, and chips & dip. Order it all. The prices are incredibly reasonable, the service is friendly and quick, and the food is packed with flavour.
Nut & Fudge in Sauble Beach
We had been into this store hundreds of times before we truly fell in love with it. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, we were looking to shop and support local as best we could. We settled on Nut & Fudge caramel and chocolate candy apples and got them shipped to our apartment in Toronto and we haven’t stopped thinking about them ever since. Their candy and chocolate is made in house and can be packaged and shipped to your door. We recommend this to all of our sweet tooth pals.
If you try any of these, share it with us! Tag us on Instagram @brucepeninsulaapparelco
Do you have any Peninsula favourites that we have missed? Let us know! We are always looking for new and fun things to do in our favourite place on earth.
With love from Lion's Head,
Bridget & Quinn