Visitor Centre

Coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts
  • The Visitor Centre is open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with a maximum of 12 visitors inside at any one time
  • The Gallery, Theatre and Viewing Tower will remain closed.
  • Day use trails
    • A 3-km section of the Burnt Point Loop trail runs to the shoreline observation deck, then returns inland. The balance of the trail remains closed due to high water levels.
  • Washrooms are open with enhanced cleaning

Visit the Bruce Peninsula National Park COVID-19 page for updates on park facilities and services

Front view of the visitor Centre building

Located in the town of Tobermory, this dynamic visitor centre is the hub for Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. This Visitor Centre a great place to start your adventure and plan your visit. Whether you're exploring the park or travelling to other destinations in the region, the Visitor Centre staff can help provide timely and important information.


Explore the visitor centre
A girl approaches the view tower a the visitor centre

The centre features:

  • Exciting exhibits for all ages including the new "Fathom Five 3D" exhibit.
  • An accessible 100 seat theatre with hourly presentations of the parks feature film, "Life on the Edge".
  • A 65 foot lookout tower and nearby trails providing water access and views of Georgian Bay
  • Park staff to help you have a great visit.
  • Interpretive programs for all ages including the famous snake talk and special events throughout the summer season.  

Come for a visit during our hours of operation.

Trails

Trails from the Visitor Centre

Map of Visitor Centre, tower and trails in Tobermory

  1. Bruce Trail to Little Dunks Bay Lookout
    This short section of the Bruce Trail meanders through lush cedar forest, along mossy covered ridges, and reaches a viewing platform that overlooks Little Dunks Bay, a secluded and scenic cove of Georgian Bay.
    Length: 0.8km (one way)
    Hiking Time: 10-15 minutes (one way)
    Difficulty: Easy.
    Trail Surface: Flat and hard packed. Wheelchair accessible.
  2. Bruce Trail Burnt Point Loop
    The Burnt Point Loop side trail is accessed across from Dunks Bay Lookout.  This trail is is suited for hikers with a bit more experience.  The trail passes through cedar forest before opening up to views of Georgian Bay at the half way point.  
    Length: 4.8km (round-trip from Visitor Centre)
    Hiking Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
    Difficulty: Moderate
    Trail Surface: Rough, rocky sections. Sturdy footwear recommended.
  3. Visitor Centre to Tobermory Harbour
    The Bruce Trail connects the Visitor Centre to the harbour and nearby shops, restaurants and services in downtown Tobermory.
    Length: 0.25km (one way)
    Hiking Time: 5 - 8 minutes (one way)
    Difficulty: Easy
    Trail Surface: Flat, hard-packed stone and paved sidewalk. Wheelchair accessible.
Group tours

Group tours

Our world-class visitor centre and adjacent trails are an ideal national park experience for adult group tours and school groups!

The centre has parking for buses, ample washrooms, a picnic area, wheelchair accessible facilities and bilingual service. The visitor centre is self-guided.

For more information, contact the Visitor Centre
Email: pc.bruce-fathomfive.pc@canada.ca 
Phone: (519) 596-2233

FAQs

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What other services are offered at the Visitor Centre?
  2. How tall is the tower?
  3. How much time do I need to experience the Visitor Centre?
  4. Is the Visitor Centre for kids or adults?
  5. Are the exhibits bilingual?
  6. What elements of the Visitor Centre accessible?
  7. How close is the Visitor Centre to Tobermory?
  8. Can we re-enter the Visitor Centre on the same day?
  9. What does the entry permit include?
  1. What other services are offered at the Visitor Centre?
    • Park administration, information and reception.
    • Diver registration
    • Camp registration for Flowerpot Island
    • Boating permits for Fathom Five
    • Permit Sales (seasonal and national)
    • Wildlife Sightings

  2. How tall is the tower?
    • 20m (65ft) tall or 112 steps!

  3. How much time do I need to experience the Visitor Centre?
    • Video: 16 minutes
    • Exhibits: 45-60 minutes
    • Tower: 15 minutes
    • Trails: 30 minutes to 2.5 hours

  4. Is the Visitor Centre for kids or adults?
    • Both! There are exhibits and experiences that cater to young and old, alike. Kids will enjoy the special interactive and fun area located in the lobby.

  5. Are the exhibits bilingual?
    • Yes, all exhibits are in both English and French.

  6. What elements of the Visitor Centre accessible?
    • The centre and trail to Little Dunks Bay are wheelchair accessible. The theatre show is available with subtitles for the hearing impaired.

  7. How close is the Visitor Centre to Tobermory?
    • From downtown Tobermory (Little Tub Harbour), you can walk to the visitor centre in 5 - 8 minutes, or drive there in slightly less time.

  8. Can we re-enter the Visitor Centre on the same day?
    • Yes, entry permits are valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase.

  9. What does the entry permit include?
    • The entry permit is for Fathom Five National Marine Park, which includes the Visitor Centre, tower and new trails, as well as Flowerpot Island. Diver registration, camping permits and parking fees for Bruce Peninsula National Park (ie. Cyprus Lake, the Grotto, or Halfway Log Dump) are sold separately.