Big Tub Lighthouse — Attraction in Tobermory

Tobermory (Big Tub) Lighthouse Charles Earl and Abraham Davis were the first permanent settlers of Tobermory, the town situated at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. As shipping into the natural harbour at Tobermory developed due to fishing and logging, Charles Earl hung a lantern on a tree branch at night to guide vessels through the dangerous passageways that lead to the harbour. According to a “Departmental Letter” dated January 28, 1881, Earl was allowed $100 each year for “keeping a light at Tobermoray Harbour.” The Commissioners of Public Works made the following recommendation for a formal light at Tobermory in 1857, but the harbour remained dark until Charles Earl started displaying his light in 1881:

But a third or fourth rate light at Tobermoray would be of considerable use. At this place, which is situated at the extreme north end of the Indian Peninsula, there is a small harbour frequently used as an asylum in bad weather by the steamers and other vessels on the Georgian Bay route. The entrance to it is difficult for a stranger to discover, owing to the sameness of the shore. When in, vessels lie in a basin about half a mile long by three hundred feet wide, the sides nearly perpendicular with from 20 to 25 feet of water alongside.

In 1885, three lots on the west side of the entrance to Tobermory Harbour, also known as Big Tub Harbour, were purchased by the Department of Marine at a cost of eighteen dollars for the erection of a lighthouse. That same year, John George and David Currie of Port Elgin constructed a wooden tower for $675 on the point where Charles Earl had previously tended his lantern. The Annual Report of the Department of Marine for 1885 provides the following description of the lighthouse: “A light on the west side of the entrance to Tobermory Harbour, Georgian Bay, in the North Riding of Bruce. From the opening of navigation next season a fixed red dioptric light will be shown, elevated 40 feet above the level of the lake, and visible 8 miles from all points of approach. The tower is a hexagonal wooden building, surrounded by an iron lantern, having a height of 43 feet from ground to...

Big Tub Lighthouse Paddling Suggestions – Tobermory, Ontario

Paddling around Big Tub Lighthouse in Tobermory is one of the most scenic and enjoyable experiences on the Bruce Peninsula. Here's a quick guide and suggestion for making the most of your paddling trip:

🚣‍♂️ Paddling Overview Location: Big Tub Harbour, Tobermory – just a short distance from downtown

Activity: Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding

Duration: 1 to 2 hours for a relaxed round trip

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate (calm waters inside the harbour)

🌊 What to See Big Tub Lighthouse: Paddle right up to the historic 1885 lighthouse perched at the tip of the harbour.

Shipwrecks: The shallow, crystal-clear waters of Big Tub Harbour reveal shipwrecks like the Sweepstakes (close to the lighthouse) and the City of Grand Rapids.

Cliffs and Caves: Paddle along the rocky shoreline for amazing views of limestone cliffs and underwater rock formations.

🅿️ Launch Points Big Tub Road Launch: Small public access spot near the lighthouse.

Little Tub Harbour Dock: Downtown Tobermory (longer paddle, but better parking).

Canoe/Kayak Rentals: Available at the harbour if you don’t have your own gear (ask for dry bags and life jackets).

🧭 Tips for Paddlers 🌤️ Go Early Morning or Late Afternoon – Avoid boat traffic and enjoy calm waters.

🛟 Wear a PFD – Always paddle with a life jacket and safety gear.

📷 Bring a Dry Bag – For your phone/camera to capture amazing photos.

🌊 Stay Near Shore – Especially if you're a beginner; weather can change quickly.

🚤 Watch for Boats – Big Tub is a popular spot for tour boats and divers.

💰 Cost Parking: ~$20/day in peak season (reserve online if possible)

Rental Rates: ~$30–50 for 2 hours (kayak or...

2022 July 5★ This is certainly a spot to visit while you are in Tobermory. Water here is beautiful and it's a great point to go into the bay via canoe/kayak/SUP to check out the shipwrecks.

During the 1870's, Charles Earl, one of the area's first settlers, hung a lantern on a tree branch to guide ships through the dangerous passageways to the harbour's refuge. The tree's location later became the site of the lighthouse itself. Earl was allowed $100. per annum "by Departmental Letter" of January 28, 1881, for "keeping a light at Tobermory Harbour".

In 1885, the Department of Marine purchased three lots on the west side of the entrance to Big Tub Harbour for a lighthouse at a cost of $18.00. The light was constructed later the same year under contract by John George and David Currie of Port Elgin for $675.00.

A hand foghorn "which answers vessel's signals" was established in 1910. By 1952 the light had been electrified and automated, appearing just as it does today.

The dioptric red light, elevated 40 feet above the level of the lake is visible for many kilometres away. The tower is a hexagonal wooden building.

If your here just to visit the lighthouse and walk around, expect to spend about 30 minutes. If your playing in the water (it is fairly cold) about 1.5 - 2 hours. If you intend to also canoe/kayak/SUP, then 3 hours (which is the max)

There is limited Paid one sided parking for about 15 cars. During the peak season, expect a bylaw officer to be patrolling.

Parking is $5 / hour and...