Big Tub Beach Retreat: Waterfront Luxury for Families & Friends

Whether you're planning a multi-generational family gathering, a two-family escape, or a group getaway with friends, Big Tub Beach Retreat (BTBR) offers luxury, style, and thoughtful amenities in one of Tobermory’s most spectacular settings.

Waterfront Living at Its Best
★ Prime Waterfront Lot: Private access to Big Tub Harbour’s world-famous aqua-blue waters—perfect for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring shipwrecks just steps away. Enjoy the perfect swimming hole.
★ Peninsula Room: A rare, screened-in gem—soak in panoramic beach views while staying fully protected from bugs.
★ Golden Hour Magic: Watch unforgettable sunsets over Big Tub Harbour from the deck, beach, or cozy indoor lounge.
★ Bonfire Evenings: End your day stargazing and roasting marshmallows around the spacious outdoor firepit, surrounded by nature.

Spacious, Stylish & Group-Friendly
★ 4 Large Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths: Comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests, with a layout perfect for families, couples, and friends. Two queen, two double, and one single bed. Pack and play available upon request.
★ Gather & Relax: Multiple indoor and outdoor living
★ Gather & Relax: Multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces to spread out—ideal for games, movies, meals, or simply unwinding by the fireplace.
★ Chef’s Dream Kitchen: Cook and entertain with ease in the fully equipped kitchen featuring high-end appliances, stone countertops, and forested views.
★ Extendable custom harvest table accommodates up to 6 adults. Additional adults will require Owner approval.
★ Open-Concept Design: Seamlessly flowing living, dining, and kitchen spaces designed for connection and comfort.

Ready for a Worry-Free Stay
★ Treated, Drinkable Water throughout—no bottled water needed.
★ Luxury Linens, Plush Towels & Premium Toiletries provided for your comfort.
★ Welcome Package on arrival featuring local wine, gourmet treats, and artisan coffee to start your stay right.
★ Self-Check-In: Easy, secure keypad entry.
★ Fast Wi-Fi: Stay connected with reliable high-speed internet, perfect for streaming, remote work, and sharing your adventures.

Year-Round Comfort
★ Cozy Winters: heated bathroom floors and a wood-burning fireplace make BTBR the perfect four-season escape.
★ Cool Summers: Central air conditioning and refreshing lake breezes ensure maximum summer comfort.
★ Hardwired backup generator means an uninterrupted getaway, even if the hydro goes out.

Explore the Magic of Tobermory — Your Adventure Starts Here!

Nestled at the very tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is where crystal-clear waters meet dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and shipwreck-filled harbours. Known as the "Scuba Diving Capital of Canada" and the gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory’s rich maritime history, breathtaking natural wonders, and laid-back charm create an unforgettable experience for families, couples, and adventure seekers.

Top Things to See & Do

Big Tub Harbour (Right Outside Your Door!)
Swim, kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel straight from your private sandy-bottom beach into one of Ontario’s clearest, most famous harbours—home to historic shipwrecks visible from the surface.

Big Tub Lighthouse (3 min drive)
Visit the historic 1885 lighthouse for stunning sunset views and easy shoreline access for rock scrambling and picnics.

Fathom Five National Marine Park Visitor Centre (5 min drive)
Learn about shipwrecks and geology, and climb the lookout tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the islands and lakeshore.

Flowerpot Island Tours (5 min drive to Little Tub Harbour)
Take a glass-bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island—hike trails, explore caves, and admire the famous limestone sea stacks.

Bruce Peninsula National Park - The Grotto (15 min drive)
Hike to the famous Grotto, a stunning cave with bright turquoise waters. Parking reservations are required during peak seasons (May–October) and can be booked online through Parks Canada.

Bruce Trail Adventures
Tobermory marks the northern terminus of the legendary Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath stretching nearly 900 km to Niagara.

Bruce Trail Terminus Cairn (5 min drive)
Located at Little Cove just off Highway 6 — the official end (or start!) of the trail, with a beautiful stone cairn monument. Easy parking nearby.

Little Cove Access (10 min drive)
Park at Little Cove Provincial Park to access rugged coastal sections of the Bruce Trail, leading to dramatic cliff views and secluded shoreline spots.
Tip: Little Cove parking is limited — arrive early, especially on weekends!

Head of Trails - Cypress Lake Parking (15 min drive)
This is the main parking area for longer hikes through Bruce Peninsula National Park, including trails to the Grotto, Indian Head Cove, and Marr Lake. Reservation required during peak season.

Where to Eat
Tobermory Brewing Company & Grill (5 min drive)
Craft beer, local fish dishes, and cozy lakeview vibes.

Shipwreck Lee’s Pirate Bistro (5 min drive)
Famous for its all-you-can-eat fish and chips—fun and casual.

Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant (5 min drive)
Relax on the rooftop patio overlooking the harbour with hearty eats and local brews.

The Sweet Shop (5 min drive)
Perfect for post-adventure treats—homemade fudge, ice cream, and nostalgic goodies.

Other Must-Experience Highlights
Stargazing & Northern Lights
Tobermory is part of a Dark Sky Preserve, making it one of the best places in Ontario for night skies. Relax by the firepit or beach and marvel at thousands of stars — and maybe even catch the Northern Lights on the right night!

Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rentals (5 min drive)
Rentals available downtown to explore hidden coves and quiet inlets.

Downtown Tobermory Shops (5 min drive)
Browse artisan boutiques, outdoor outfitters, and gift shops for unique keepsakes.

Drive Times from Big Tub Beach Retreat:
Big Tub Lighthouse: 3 min

Downtown Tobermory (Little Tub Harbour): 5 min

Fathom Five Visitor Centre: 5 min

Flowerpot Island Boat Tours: 5 min

Bruce Trail Terminus: 5 min

Little Cove Trail Access: 10 min

Bruce Peninsula National Park - Grotto Access (Cypress Lake): 15 min

Grocery / LCBO / Rentals: 5 min

Parking Tips
Big Tub Lighthouse: Limited free parking near the site — go early for best spots.

Downtown Tobermory: Paid parking in designated municipal lots. Highly recommended in summer weekends.

Bruce Trail / Grotto Access: Parking reservations at Cypress Lake are required May–October. Book online through Parks Canada to avoid disappointment.

Little Cove: Very limited parking — no reservations. Arrive early or plan for quieter times (weekday mornings best).

Occupancy: 9 (6 adults and 3 children, aged 12 and under)
Licence: STA-2025-18
*Families preferred.

Notes for Your Stay at Big Tub Beach Retreat
We’ve thoughtfully prepared Big Tub Beach Retreat to make your stay as seamless, comfortable, and memorable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

★ Full Linens & Towels Included
All beds are made with fresh, high-quality linens and we provide plush bath towels, hand towels, and kitchen linens for your convenience.

★Treated, Drinkable Water Throughout
No need to bring bottled water! The home is equipped with a modern water treatment system, ensuring safe, fresh water from every tap.

★ Welcome Package
To start your getaway in style, you’ll be greeted with a local wine, artisan chocolates, gourmet kettle chips, and premium coffee upon arrival.

★ Self-Check-In
Enjoy easy, flexible arrival with secure keypad access.

★ Starlink High-Speed Wi-Fi
Stay connected with fast, reliable internet — perfect for remote work, streaming, or keeping up with friends and family.

★ Four-Season Comfort
Enjoy radiant in-floor heating in the bathrooms and fireplaces for cozy winter retreats, and central air conditioning plus refreshing lake breezes in summer.

Important Notes

Quiet Community:
Big Tub Harbour is a peaceful, nature-focused community. Out of respect for our neighbours (and to protect the beautiful, serene environment), we kindly ask all guests to observe quiet hours, especially in the evenings.

Owner House Rules:
Guests are expected to follow the Owner’s House Rules, which will be provided upon booking confirmation. These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for everyone.

Maximum Occupancy & Visitors:
The property is licensed and insured based on a maximum number of registered guests. Unregistered visitors are not permitted unless approved in advance. Families welcome.

Parking:
Private parking is available on-site for up to 3 vehicles. Please no street or roadside parking to maintain local access for emergency vehicles.

Natural Setting:
While BTBR offers a rare sandy-bottom waterfront (perfect for swimming!), please note that natural conditions like weather, water levels, and wildlife can vary.

Backup Generator: Stay worry-free with a backup generator that keeps the essentials running during any power outages.

Amazon Firesticks: Enjoy streaming your favorite shows and movies with Amazon Firesticks on our TVs.

Security Cameras
Exterior Surveillance: For your safety and the security of the property, exterior security cameras are installed and actively recording. There are no cameras inside the living areas of the home. One camera is a video doorbell, one at the rear of cottage showing driveway and generator and one video doorbell at the back screened in porch.

Restricted Access Areas
Private Fridge in Utility Room: Please do not access or store any food or beverages in this fridge.

Firewood and Ash Disposal
Firewood Supply: Guests must supply firewood if they plan to have multiple outdoor fires. Please use only seasoned, untreated wood.

Ash Disposal: Once completely cold, ashes from the outdoor fire pit should be carefully disposed of in the designated metal ash bin located to the west side of the fire pit.

Security Deposit
Security Deposit Range: A security deposit may be required for each booking to cover any potential damages or policy violations depending on the platform the Guest books from. The standard deposit is $1,000. This will be clearly outlined during the booking process.

Our goal is to make your stay unforgettable — full of comfort, adventure, and relaxation — while also preserving the special character of Big Tub Harbour for future guests.

We can't wait to host you at Big Tub Beach Retreat!