Tobermory From Windsor — A Perfect Car Trip Itinerary + Photography Guide

Tobermory is one of Ontario’s crown jewels—where turquoise water mirrors Caribbean blues, rugged cliffs cut through Georgian Bay winds, and every corner feels designed for photographers. From Windsor, it becomes the perfect weekend escape: long highways, small towns, sunrise on Lake Huron, and the iconic Grotto waiting at the end.

This blog walks through a complete 2-day car-trip itinerary, the best photo locations, and tips to capture Tobermory in all its wild beauty.

Day 1: Windsor → Tobermory (5.5 Hours). Stop 1: London – Coffee & Quick Stretch. A great midpoint break. Grab a coffee, stretch, and prep your cameras—light hits perfectly around early afternoon. Stop 2: Sauble Beach – First Shoot. A soft-sand shoreline with shallow water makes this stop ideal for long-exposure shots during golden hour, silhouettes, and drone shots if the wind is calm. Arrive in Tobermory – Check-in + Sunset at Big Tub Lighthouse. The sunset paints the water with teal, orange, and violet layers. Great for ultra-wide landscapes at 14–24mm or 70–200mm compression shots of the lighthouse.

Day 2: The Grotto, Flowerpot Island & Nature Trails. The Grotto is the highlight. Crystal clarity, underwater caves, and giant rock formations make it a paradise for photographers. Best captures: Mid-day sunlight for underwater details and portraits on cliff edges (safely!). Flowerpot Island is rugged and otherworldly. Take the morning ferry. Must-shoot spots include the Flowerpot rock pillars, Cave Point formations, and wooden trails surrounded by deep emerald water.

Photography Tips for the Tobermory Trip: Use ND filters for smooth water shots. Bring extra batteries, especially around cliffs where wind drains power faster. For astrophotography, stop near Dunks Bay—some of the clearest skies in Ontario.

From Windsor to Tobermory, the roads are relaxing, the locations are cinematic, and the photography opportunities are endless. This trip blends adventure with moments of stillness, and the images you take home will stay with you for years.