One Week in Tobermory 2020 Ontario Cottage Country Georgian Bay Vacation Family Vlog

In August 2020, with out-of-province travel nearly impossible, we stayed close to home and booked a week-long cottage stay on Georgian Bay in Tobermory. On our trip we visited the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump at Bruce Peninsula National Park, the shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour, and the sea stacks on Flowerpot Island. Ontario is home to some beautiful cottage country with a lot to offer - it was a great week.

[@CarrieCook]

2022 update: “Jake’s Place” has changed names under new ownership, and it’s now called “Captains Reach” - available to rent on www.rent cottage.com.

[@micheal124557899]

Thanks for this video! We are going on a 3 week road trip this September, we stay in Tobermory for 2 nights. This video helped us planning our stay in Tobermory. ✌️ from the Netherlands!

[@CarrieCook]

Have a great time - glad you found it useful!

[@estherbergeron7341]

And that's how us Canadians do Lockdown......thank you for sharing this glorious part of our Canada with the world. Canadian Proud....Proud...Proud!

[@CarrieCook]

Let's hope there are no more lockdowns in front of us, but you're right - it was a pretty great way to make the most of the situation!

[@temperhollow7716]

Was just there and it's a gorgeous place.

[@TheCYBERTRON9855]

This was the most amazing video one could watch from being home quarantined. Thanks for the amazing video. Love from India 🇮🇳.

[@wetcanoedogs]

our family had a lakeside cottage in southampton in the 50's and the drive up to tobermory was an adventure.

[@CarrieCook]

I'm sure it was much more peaceful back then - seems like the secret is out now!

[@mikepech1648]

Awesome video and thanks for sharing. I was a Georgian Bay boater for 30 years. Got old and now get to watch others have fun. No matter where you go, it's beautiful. The 30,000 Islands and the north channel is where I spent of my boating.

[@CarrieCook]

I haven't spent much time in that area but it looks beautiful! I'm sure you've seen some amazing sights.

[@mikepech1648]

@@CarrieCook You can go anywhere on that bay, to the same place 100 times, and see something new every time. In 30 years, I never ran out of surprises lol.

[@PJBubbles]

My first trip there was to do my scuba certification dives in Big Tub Harbour in December(!) in 1983. A great Canadian gem! 🇨🇦

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

This video brought a huge smile to my face. I've been wanting to visit Tobermory since moving to Canada 12 years ago. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@yuenyeewai4907]

Nice video, thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing !

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@maureenjackson7081]

I stayed in Tobermoray several years ago and then taking the Che CheMon to Manitoulan island. The whole area is beautiful. Would love to spend some time there. Thank you for giving me great ideas of things to do while there.

[@CarrieCook]

Next time we will have to make it over to the island, too!

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Really wonderful place, thanks for your useful information 👌👌👌

[@CanadianMooseHead]

I've seen many Tobermory/Bruce Peninsula videos. This is by far the best one I've seen. You have a beautiful family and easily observable that you all had a fantastic time. Great narrating, and the video quality is exceptional too. Well Done! :)

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you, kind sir!

[@mandyng8752]

Great video, and such a beautiful family...

[@kamalsoan7222]

Amazing Narration and beautifully captured Tobemory, thank you all the info shared.

[@r.michaels.9970]

I second that 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RockwoodJoe]

Nice vid and editing. I have not been to Tobermory since the mid 90s. Still on the fence about visiting. Thumbs up!

[@CarrieCook]

It's a beautiful spot. I wonder how much it's changed since then? We still recognized a few places from our last trip there in 2000.

[@100daysmic9]

I spent my honeymoon there 49 years ago -- now HAPPILY divorced 32 years. Nice to see the water is still so pristine. I live in Vancouver, our waters aren't that clear. It is scary seeing all the jumping into water from rocks and cliffs. Lots of people live to regret that one moment of fun.

[@CarrieCook]

The water here is pretty clear, but I agree, I wouldn't be jumping anyplace that hasn't been vetted first!

[@sandhyapapineau4008]

I am a new subscriber and just saw this video. I remember all too clearly how disappointing that year (and the next!) were for travel plans. Thanks for showing your beautiful experiences, fun family time AND disappointments. I feel a little better knowing others had to roll with it too, and honestly, watching you guys adapt with those curveballs gives me support for handling my own travel disappointments far more gracefully in the future.

[@CarrieCook]

It didn’t feel very graceful at the time. 😂 It was a big disappointment, but I know others were dealing with much worse than that. Still - glad those days are behind us now.

[@qualityman1965]

Just spent 4 days at a large cottage overlooking the lake there. Beautiful, relaxing, clean, and quiet. My wife and woke up early to watch the sun rise every day. Amazing. Just amazing.

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

Was it a rental? if it was where do you book it from? Thanks

[@qualityman1965]

@@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m go to the net and search. Don't remember what it was exactly.

[@laffilmfest3759]

Beautiful video...excellent tour guide!!

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@irissepulveda962]

Beautiful video. I haven't been there in years. It is a nice place to visit.

[@carolbulmer8253]

Thank you for sharing your vacation to Tobermory! It’s one of my favourite parts of Ontario❤️

[@CarrieCook]

Mine too!

[@unclebuck0015]

Great video. We've been vacationing out there since the 1980's. We start at Grand Bend. Then take a beautiful scenic route north along Lake Huron (Hwy 21). To Sauble Beach, then up to Tobermory. It's safe to say the secret of the area is out. But that's okay it truly is a beautiful part of Ontario and should be enjoyed by all. Thanks for posting/sharing your vacation there.

[@CarrieCook]

You're right, it's a lovely drive through that whole area. We come from south of Grand Bend and follow the same route you do from that point on.

[@thinkchivalryblog4772]

Beautiful video. Beautiful family. Thanks for reminding us that we can 'vacation' in Ontario too!

[@CarrieCook]

It wasn’t our first choice, but we had a great time and are so glad we were able to make the trip.

[@phattannguyen2276]

A very relaxing video to watch and escape… thanks a lot for posting it. Much appreciated among these stressful C19 time.

[@CarrieCook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amanycw52]

Hi We've been to almost all these places in july summer 2017. It was a day trip with group of people for over 14 hours. We did not have the chance to swim and have fun as you did guys but it was a very nice experience

[@santiagoparra115]

Nice video it portrays what it's like to have a nice vacation at Tobermory during these times I went last year as well and I could relate a lot with this video!!

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay ;one of the nicest areas of Canada ...very distinctive and way underrated !

[@finkumar2465]

Love this video! I feel as if I’m there with you all too!! We’re not swimmers but love that area and cottage! Just sitting by the lake is good enough for me to relax! 😀….I’ve always wanted to visit Tobermory and especially Flowerpot Island !

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! There’s some beautiful scenery there, for sure.

[@cathiesindall6721]

We have been travelling to the Bruce Peninsula since 1987. We love it. Heading there on Saturday. We stay in the mid Peninsula.

[@CarrieCook]

Hope you have good weather!

[@tnt8092]

Looks like a perfect vacation to me 😀

[@curtislondon4642]

Amazing video of this location. Will be booking time in the area this summer for sure. Thank for the great content

[@sue9252]

Thank so much for this awesome video.So well presented!

[@CarrieCook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobunkal1623]

Great production. Lively, detail & informative. Thoroughly enjoyable! Big Thanks.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@deborahswings]

Nothing better then popping jiffy pop over a fire in Ontario’s beautiful forests. Lots of memories where just made.

[@CarrieCook]

Love Jiffy Pop!

[@ChantelStays]

Wow this looks really beautiful 🌞

[@TheTruthfulOnes]

I’m planning a trip to Tobermory very soon. Love the video. I gotta see tho, excellent narration skill, I love it. Thanks for the great and very informative video.

[@CarrieCook]

Glad you enjoyed it and hope you have an amazing trip - it's a beautiful spot.

[@doraaguilar5089]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼😊

[@LNMF1]

Great video! Thanks for sharing the details of activities too!

[@CarrieCook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cherylhawkins8360]

Lovely holiday in a beautiful place! Well documented. Been many times as I live close. You captured it essence. My son worked Shipwreck Lee's and had time time of his life.

[@CarrieCook]

My son came home with a souvenir Shipwreck Lee’s shirt - I imagine yours must have a few of those kicking around!

[@cherylhawkins8360]

@@CarrieCook Yes and an eye patch and a grrr... Best of all, great friends still today.

[@gwenibales]

You did such a great showcase of Tobermory! Lovely shots! One of our favourite places in Ontario. Knocking myself in the head as I am watching this. We are in Tobermory camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park every year since 2012. We love the place! And I book every year once the booking system opens usually on the 1st of each year, to guarantee us a spot at Cyprus lake campground. This year we are anticipating something with my hubby’s health so I did not book anything. Now, I could not find anything that would suit our schedule. We might just do a day trip to continue our love affair with Tobermory. Every year we find something that would make us love this place more. And we did our very first back country camping at High Dump! Can’t wait to go back❣️ Gorgeous place!

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! I think Tobermory's popularity has really exploded over the last few years, and I can believe that availability would be scarce. I hope you're able to visit again.

[@MAHINSTRAVELLINGDIARY]

Nice vlog. I have enjoyed every moment

[@michellegrant6476]

18:00 love it!

[@chlokni]

This vlog was amazing!! You have a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing :)

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@brent6518]

Great video..looks like a great trip.. you have a beautiful family...thank you for sharing your trip!

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks so much!

[@nanmca7501]

Thanks for sharing 😊.

[@isharas3101]

Its a very beautiful video

[@fleuger99]

Great VLOG! When I lived in Canada we used to go to Tobermory to SCUBA almost every weekend in the summer months. I'm planning a 3 day trip with my mother in Sep 2021. Thanks for your vid.

[@CarrieCook]

I can only guess how amazing the diving is there!

[@foxyandlucy6392]

Good luck. I hope our borders are open for travel by then.

[@jilldezsenyi7361]

If walk the cliffs about fifteen feet in being careful of course for Rattlers and underground cave holes lol..you can find some cool caves to dive into...so make belief inside..a six foot swim under Rick from water to enter...!! Love it there!!!

[@CarrieCook]

I’m not sure I’d have the nerve to swim through that cave! We didn’t see any rattlers on this trip, but did spot a couple of northern water snakes (one on Flowerpot Island and the other by Little Tub Harbour).

[@SadiaM1960]

Nice video and beautiful family. Thank you for sharing.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@andyspears3409]

Enjoyed the video. Missed out last year because of the border being closed. Opened today and will be going to our cottage in Pike Bay by the end of this month. Can't wait

[@CarrieCook]

I can only imagine how great that feels - I hope it opens in the other direction soon, too.

[@alexkoeslag5699]

Enjoyed the video very much.... almost felt like I was there...lol....thank you

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@rawanalhadeethi5311]

Perfect vacation

[@CarrieCook]

We loved it!

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

Great video, great narration voice, great family and beautiful location. As a non-swimmer myself I was quite shocked to see that jumping and diving off cliff rocks is even permitted given that the water bottom can be quite rocky in Georgian Bay/Lake Huron. Anyway, I'm glad you and your family had so much fun. Stay safe and God Bless.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! We made sure to only jump where others were jumping first. ;)

[@virgeeagpalasinvlog5214]

Amazing place

[@surajdharmoje9488]

Great vlog! nicely editied..

[@Journalism_Rebecca]

Nice family Vlog with awesome editing!!! It's such a beautiful place!

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you so much! It really is lovely.

[@chandyskariah8284]

Thanks for the video!

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks for watching!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Oh my goodness this place looks amazing. Never heard of it before. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. So sorry we haven't been able to visit you for a while we were in Bulgaria then Malta were we got stuck due to Covid and flights we're cancelled. But great to catch up with you again. Simply stunning scenery. Stay safe and catch up again real soon God bless.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! Hope you are doing well.

[@TravelTourTaste]

@@CarrieCook we are doing great thank you may we take this time to wish you a very Happy New year . I did just look to see if you had any new content . I guess i will just keep looking :) Love and Light Sarah and Glenn

[@ZubairAlam-hy6oz]

Really organized one! Thanks for making it! Hope this lockdown ends before 2030

[@MrJoefoefrombuffalo]

Excellent video. Thank you for making/posting/sharing your vacation adventure. Such an awesome area. Me being in USA looking forward to the day when I can go back and visit. I've been several times and to Manitoulin Island. 👍👍 If ever want to consider taking the ferry.

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you - it is for sure a beautiful area. I'd love to see Manitoulin sometime. I hear it has some great hiking.

[@MrJoefoefrombuffalo]

@@CarrieCook tons of out of the way places to explore on the island. Make sure you go all the way to the West end visit the quarry. Possibly stay at the campground or the inn near by... Or very least get something eat at the inn

[@crystalwong9839]

This is wonderful! Thanks for bringing us to there!🥰

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannychan1063]

Great info thanks for sharing

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrJx4000]

Toby, the best scuba diving in Ontario; been there many times; can't wait to go back just before Labour Day weekend. Great video, thanks for the reminder.

[@FranEJ]

Is the water warm in summer?

[@MrJx4000]

@@FranEJ, it warms up nicely by Labour Day usually; i.e., 20°C, plus or minus. However, call the dive shop up there and they'll tell you over the phone.

[@CarrieCook]

I've heard great things about the diving - there's a lot of history in that area.

[@MrJx4000]

@@CarrieCook, absolutely. There's a nice deck built by the gov't on Bay St., opposite the Grandview hotel for scuba divers. You can see it from Google streetview. It's where the locals go to watch the sunset every night. That deck gives you free access to two small shipwrecks in about 15 feet of water. Absolutely the most relaxing place I can think of anywhere.

[@travel.nomadic]

Really well done! Great job describing/vlogging your trip. There are many Tobermory videos out there but not many that are well filmed and edited! 📽 🌅

[@michaelpang-oden2244]

great vlog!

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Very nice

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks

[@r.michaels.9970]

Great video - beautifully done 👍👍👍

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you!

[@r.michaels.9970]

@@CarrieCook my pleasure - credit where credit is due - fun to watch, very informative, nicely presented, great narration, skillfully filmed and editing - chapeau 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@narsisharantumharilaterivi1391]

Indiyan 💖💖💖 very nace your chenal

[@thewanderingtravellers61]

Hopefully we will visit Tobermory this summer.

[@CarrieCook]

I hope you get to go!

[@tmcgrenere]

We camped many times over many years in! Beware the water is deep and very cold even in summer!

[@CarrieCook]

You're right - the water there never really gets very warm!

[@AdonisContreras]

Great video, thank you for sharing love the drone too. Btw did you guy went to Manitoulin Island as well?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you but no, we didn't make it over to Manitoulin, so we never did get a first-person perspective of the Chi Cheemaun. Maybe next time!

[@richardvalitalo3670]

That was amazing! Well done, what a nice vacation.

[@CarrieCook]

Thanks a lot!

[@CarrieCook]

2021 update: Jake’s Place is under new ownership (and nicely renovated), but is not renting this year. They expect to be back on the market next summer.

[@rebeccaburdeos7877]

How much it will costs for one week stay in that cottage?

[@CarrieCook]

@@rebeccaburdeos7877 the RentByOwner website lists the price as starting from $253 per night. However, that was under old ownership and pre-renovation, so I would expect it to be higher now, especially in high season.

[@ThePaneerman]

Can you recommend any good rental spots closer to cove and town?

[@CarrieCook]

@@ThePaneerman sorry, I don't know the area that well.

[@margaretporkolab7166]

Havent seen popcorn made that way for years

[@CarrieCook]

Ha ha, it’s old school for sure!

[@nanmca7501]

Your boy and girl grew up.👍

[@CarrieCook]

They sure did!

[@mrdave22]

team honda! nice car

[@CarrieCook]

Love our Pilot!

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Sign her up !

[@realtruth716]

2 years later at 18:42 dad says perfect...I'm crying laughing..

[@infamous88]

good video but you just made Tobermory the hardest place to camp at.

[@CarrieCook]

Well, my apologies - but I take that as a compliment!

[@infamous88]

@@CarrieCook :(

[@maureenquinn791]

Loved the mouse/chipmunk comparison....but really not cool to feed any wildlife...though it is very tempting, cute is an advantage

[@CarrieCook]

Good point!

[@soulflower181]

Ahh, to be rich Canadians.... Next life, without a doubt😂

[@Soupy_porridge09]

It’s more so about managing your money correctly and not about being “rich”. Don’t loose hope!! You can save up and rent a cabin or hotel there for pretty cheap up there. Just make sure not to go in the summertime- usually packed as heck and price gougers. September is usually the nicest time to go.

[@soulflower181]

@@Soupy_porridge09 Sweet of you to take the trouble to give me some kind, sensible advice.💛💛💛

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

Do you live in Canada? Not all of us are wealthy or rich in terms of money, but we are rich in strength and diversity and the beautiful sceneries in this country is free for all to enjoy.

[@tin2xdeegee661]

Does the cottage provide the kayak and life vest? You did a good job capturing your family’s vacation!

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! No, the cottage didn't provide the water sports equipment - we brought our own with us.

[@suemccullough6482]

It’s Little Tub Bakery, not Little Cove Bakery. I live here that’s how I know.

[@CarrieCook]

Colloquially, people refer to it by either name, but you're right - the signage does say Little Tub Bakery.

[@jazcor]

I’ve said this before but it I’ll say it again... I just love ALL of your videos! Your family is so adventurous. You provide a great mix of fun and interesting information in each upload. Is there a an Instagram account associated with your travels?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you for your very kind words! No, I don't have an Instagram account specific to our travels - maybe that's something I should consider. We hope to start traveling again later this year, and be back with more content to share.

[@rebeccaanderson7993]

Love your videos!! My favorite one was the South African one. Why did you take it down ?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you so much! Southern Africa should be up again now.

[@gars1074]

Nice video. A wholesome looking family vacation. Millionaires family too. Was the water very cold?

[@CarrieCook]

Georgian Bay is indeed pretty cold! I would guess the water was between 20-22 degrees C. Refreshing on a hot day... but better to jump in and get the shock over with all at once, than to try to ease yourself in inch by inch. :D

[@hanumantarangappa696]

1st view.

[@glenncurley680]

I live near by and have never been.

[@xiangren7943]

Hi, I’m wondering what camera equipment was used to shoot this video? Thx!

[@CarrieCook]

Sure thing - it was mostly shot on a Sony RXVII - the water footage was with a GoPro Hero 7 - and drone shots with a DJI Mavic Mini. Hope that helps.

[@xiangren7943]

@@CarrieCook Thanks! the image quality looks superb! Do you recommend any stabilization or hand holding is good enough?

[@CarrieCook]

@@xiangren7943 Thank you! This was all shot hand-held. The GoPro has excellent built-in stabilization, but I do find the Sony action shots to be a bit more wobbly than I'd like. I recently picked up a Zhiyun Crane M2 to use with it, and will see how that combination works out.

[@Ambient_Scenes]

Just out of curiosity there seems to be a specific genre of "travel vlog music" nanananana dididi" etc... what is that genre called?

[@CarrieCook]

This made me laugh when I read it... I know exactly what you mean. I went back and looked up the tracks I used (all from Epidemic Sound) and they're all categorized as House, Soft House or Deep House. Hope that helps!

[@Ambient_Scenes]

@@CarrieCook Ah! Cheers!

[@LazerExile]

Im not sure if I missed it in the video.. But what Cottage did you stay at? What is it called?

[@CarrieCook]

It's called Jake's Place. Unfortunately, I can't find any current booking information for it, but if it comes back on the market I will post a link.

[@CarrieCook]

See the update above - they’re not available to rent this summer, but expect to be available again in 2022.

[@marcusfernandes1789]

Great video! What camera did you use to film this?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! This was shot on a Sony RX100 vii, Gopro Hero 7 and DJI Mavic Mini.

[@friendsforever5012]

How much would a cabin food all expenses cost for a week there in September.. 4 people?

[@billboyle2909]

Also curious to what editing software you used? Great video!

[@NextManu]

great video. how long did it take you to edit this video ?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! Probably about 3-4 weeks, working on it during spare time.

[@NextManu]

@@CarrieCook its very well done

[@maricheyap5831]

Hi may i know if there are places there were we can have pcnic?

[@CarrieCook]

There are many places inside Bruce Peninsula NP that are official picnic spots - check visitbrucepeninsula.ca/things-to-do/parks-picnic-areas/. Lots of people also brought food to random places along the waterfront to eat where the view is.

[@trishnagy6379]

How much is a week there'?? What is the name of your cottage please

[@CarrieCook]

The old name was Jake's Place, and the old rates started at $253/night per the listing site. However, ownership has changed, and the property has been renovated, so I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit the market with a new name and higher price next year.

[@marcs9453]

I have been told there are a lot of water snakes in this area of Ontario could someone please comment is this true are they dangerous do they attack swimmers in the water

[@CarrieCook]

We saw a couple of water snakes on our trip - one in the downtown harbour, the other on Flowerpot Island. I don't think they're dangerous, nor do they attack; they get out of the way if you get too close. There are also rattlesnakes in the area though, and those are definitely dangerous if provoked.

[@kimtrinh1524]

I enjoyed your video, can you tell me where to make reservation to visit the grotto, would I need to make reservation for entry and reservation for parking?

[@CarrieCook]

Thank you! You can reserve parking for the Grotto (and Halfway Log Dump) on the Parks Canada Reservation Service. You only need one reservation, for the parking, to be able to access the site. reservation.pc.gc.ca/BrucePeninsula?Type=6&language=en&_ga=2.149475378.507258811.1628170936-133647679.1628170936&gccf=true

[@kimtrinh1524]

@@CarrieCook Thank you so much! You video helped me plan my trip for Sept. I just booked online, I'm assuming this booking is good for both Grotto and Halfway parkinglot

[@CarrieCook]

@@kimtrinh1524 actually I think you do need a separate reservation in order to access Halfway Log Dump now. When we visited last year, you didn't need to reserve HLD - I think that is new. That web link will allow you to pick which location you want to reserve.

[@kimtrinh1524]

@@CarrieCook Thank you so much!!!!

[@emmaochoa7639]

Hi! Can i know the cottage you rent?

[@CarrieCook]

Yes! It's called Jake's Place, but it's no longer listed on the page of the rental agency we used. It looks like it's shifted to Rent By Owner which links to VRBO, though I don't see it listed on VRBO itself.

[@jwad297]

Oh thanks so much more tour asses for us to trip over. Please keep it a secret.

[@arusuvaicanada5113]

Wow how to buy property in here

[@MrSamarsingh]

Which cottage is this

[@CarrieCook]

It’s called Jake’s Place - hope that helps.

[@MrSamarsingh]

@@CarrieCook which application/website do u usually use to book? Jake's place is not available anywhere

[@CarrieCook]

@@MrSamarsingh try this link: www.rentbyowner.com/property/jake-s-place-1220-tobermory/HA-7164195. It's not the same link we used last year though; that one seems to have disappeared.

[@MrSamarsingh]

@@CarrieCook yes this one is also not working, thanku though